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The pronounced discrepancies in triggering intensities and failure modes observed in downhill progressive landslides pose significant challenges to their risk prediction and mitigation. Instead of focusing on an individual triggering event and/or failure mode as done in previous studies, this study systematically explores the instability issues of downhill progressive failure in long slopes. A unified analytical model is proposed to understand these observed discrepancies, in which criteria for the initiation of slope failure corresponding to all possible failure modes are formulated. Accordingly, a simple framework is established that is capable of predicting possible triggering thresholds and failure modes in advance. This would improve the accuracy of landslide hazard assessment, which is often reduced by the unknowns of the failure mechanisms and inaccurate assumptions of stress distribution along the failure surface. Furthermore, three practical cases are analyzed based on the established framework, and the findings are compared with field observations and existing studies, showing good consistency. This work gives an insight into a systematic understanding of the various failure phenomena in downhill progressive landslides and provides a reference for their risk assessment and subsequent decision- making. Key words: landslides, downhill progressive failure, triggering thresholds, failure modes, 1. Introduction Downhill progressive landslides in long slopes are a type of commonly observed geohazard in eastern Canada, southwestern China, and Scandinavia, posing a significant threat to local life and [...]

We aimed to develop an item bank of computerized adaptive testing for eating disorders (CAT-ED) in Chinese university students to increase measurement precision and improve test efficiency. A total of 1,025 Chinese undergraduate respondents answered a series of questions about eating disorders in a paper-pencil test. A total of 133 items from four well-validated Chinese-version scales of eating disorders were used to construct the item bank of CAT-ED with the following analysis. First, unidimensionality, model fit, local independence, item fit, discrimination and differential item functioning (DIF) were tested. Then, two simulation studies were applied to test the CAT-ED's effectivity and rationality by calculating concurrent criterion-related validity, sensitivity and specificity. The final item bank comprised 77 items, which met the requirements of local independence, item fit, high discrimination and no differential item functioning in CAT. The mean number of administered items in CAT with the stopping rule fixed at SE [less than or equal to] 0.3 was 11 items. The obtained results showed that CAT-ED had acceptable reliability, validity, sensitivity and specificity.

In order to effectively prevent the spontaneous combustion of coal and make up for the shortcomings of existing fire-extinguishing materials, a new type of high water-resistant capsule material was developed by adding gluconolactone based on sodium alginate and light calcium carbonate. First, by analyzing the influence of different material content on the molding time and water retention performance of high-water capsules, it is concluded that high-water capsule with a ratio of 2%SA+0.5%PCC+1%GDL has better fluidity and slow molding speed, 2.5%SA+1%PCC+1%GDL high-water capsule has stronger water retention and faster forming speed. Then, the temperature programmed experiment was used to analyze the change of the concentration of the iconic gas during the heating process of the coal sample. The results showed that the CO production of the coal sample with the high water capsule was reduced, and the temperature of the C2H4 gas increased, indicating that the high water capsule has a certain inhibition effect on coal oxidation.

Er3+‐doped fluoride glass and fiber have been widely used in multiple fields such as mid‐infrared laser, visible laser, and amplifier. However, there is no unified conclusion on the thermal and optical properties with respect to varying concentrations of Er3+ doping. Furthermore, this is a paucity of systematic guidance on the preparation of Er3+‐doped fluoride glass and fiber. In this study, fluorozirconate fiberglass with Er3+ doping is systematically examined. Additionally, a preliminary explanation of the evolutionary behavior of glass devitrification, thermal properties, and fluorescence properties is provided. Energy transition models were built for 1.5 and 2.7 µm emissions in Er3+‐doped fluorozirconate at room temperature. Moreover, a suitable doping concentration is proposed based on the evolutionary behavior of thermal and optical properties. In this study, guidance on appropriate Er3+ doping concentration levels in fluorozirconate glass is provided and potential applications are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The colonization ability of Limosilactobacillus fermentum DALI02 and the promoting effect of fermented prebiotics have been studied. This study aims to evaluate the systemic immunomodulatory effects of DALI02 and DALI02 + Prebiotics on cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppressed rats. We found that DALI02 and DALI02 + Prebiotics, especially DALI02 + Prebiotics, exhibited significant restorative effects on the immunocompromised state in rats (p <.05). Specifically, both of them promoted the recovery of body weight and immune organ function, enhanced the proliferative capacity of immune cells, and effectively reduced the levels of interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Furthermore, both of them significantly reduced the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D‐lactic acid in the blood (p <.05). Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), principal component analysis (PCA), and unsupervised cluster analysis revealed that DALI02 and DALI02 + Prebiotics group were more similar to the blank group at the genus level of the gut microbiota. At the level of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), DALI02 + Prebiotics and blank group belonged to Cluster 3. These results suggested that the intervention with DALI02 and DALI02 + Prebiotics effectively modulated the structure of the gut microbiota, and DALI02 + Prebiotics restored the dysregulation of SCFAs. In summary, DALI02 and DALI02 + Prebiotics possess immunomodulatory functions, with the latter showing superior effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 73-year-old male presented with erythema and papules all over the body with itching for 2 months, aggravated for 1 week. Eight months ago, he received immunotherapy with programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) inhibitor for colorectal cancer, and 2 months ago, erythema and papules all over the body appeared, accompanied by severe itching. Dermatologic examination showed flaky erythema on the trunk and extremities, partially fused into a large area with scattered erythematous papules, scratches, and hyperpigmentation. Histopathology showed epidermal parakeratosis, hypertrophy of the stratum spinosum, and mild localized interspinous cell edema; capillary dilatation in the superficial dermis, predominantly peritubular lymphocytes, and occasional eosinophils. Diagnosis: immune checkpoint inhibitor-related skin toxicity (maculopapular rash with pruritus). After multidisciplinary discussion and informed consent, the patient was initiated on dupilumab therapy, administered as a 600 mg subcutaneous injection, followed by 300 mg doses every two weeks for a total of three treatments. The skin lesions and itching improved, and the patient was still under follow-up. % [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study was undertaken to investigate the problem of the substantial variability in water content in unrotted sheep dung, which leads to a lack of universality and practicality in calibrating its discrete element simulation parameters. The stacking angle was used as the response value in these experiments. The objective of this study was to establish precise simulation parameters for the composting process. A model for water content-stacking angle was established using the cylinder-lifting technique, resulting in a correlation value of 0.997. Utilizing the Hertz–Mindlin with JKR bonding model, three EDEM particle models were developed, each with distinct particle sizes, based on the particle size distribution of sheep dung. The JKR surface energy was determined using the Plackett–Burman test, the steepest-climbing test, and the Box–Behnken test using a set of 10 parameters. A subsequent study was conducted on the JKR surface energy, rolling friction factor, and static friction factor utilizing the Plackett–Burman test and Box–Behnken test. A parameter model for stacking angle–discrete elements was developed that achieved a p-value below 0.0001 and a relative inaccuracy of 3.46% or less. The regression model for the water content–discrete element parameter was derived by combining the water content–stacking angle model with the stacking angle–discrete element parameter model. Validation of this model was conducted using both the pumping plate technique and the hopper approach, resulting in a relative error of 4.89% or less. The findings demonstrate that the specific characteristics of sheep manure may be accurately anticipated by considering its water content. This approach offers a valid and universally applicable way of predicting the specific characteristics of sheep dung in the simulation of composting equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, known for its famous Mongolian horses, faces significant environmental challenges due to the large-scale rearing of these animals, which produces a substantial amount of manure. If not managed effectively, this manure can lead to severe environmental pollution. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a small-scale intelligent aeration and heating composting system is effective in treating Mongolian horse manure, with the objective of enhancing composting efficiency and resource utilization to support sustainable agricultural development in the region. The equipment was utilized to treat a compost mixture of Mongolian horse manure and corn stover, allowing for an analysis of the changes in key indicators throughout the composting process. The results demonstrated that the equipment maintained high temperatures for up to eight days during the composting process, effectively inactivating pathogens and promoting the efficient decomposition of organic matter. The system also successfully controlled humidity to 12.7% and maintained oxygen concentration within the optimal range. Post-composting analysis revealed that the final compost contained 2.3% nitrogen, 1.3% phosphorus, and 1.2% potassium, with a pH of 6.4 and conductivity of approximately 5.2 mS/cm. Additionally, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio decreased significantly from 27.3 to 15.9, indicating substantial organic matter degradation. Seed germination tests showed germination rates of 80%, 86%, and 75% for corn, mung bean, and wheat, respectively, with a final seed germination index of 104%. This study concluded that the small aeration and heating composting equipment is highly effective in treating Mongolian horse manure, producing high-quality organic fertilizers that significantly enhance soil fertility and demonstrate considerable potential for supporting sustainable agricultural practices and improving environmental management in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]