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Due to the typical instability characteristics of the slope, slope coal mining will further aggravate the deformation and instability of the slope. Therefore, we use FLAC3D slope structure model to analyze and predict the deformation, failure and stability of the slope coal under different mining conditions. The result shows that the expansion form and range of the plastic zone of the rock mass inside the slope are different different mining conditions, and the disturbance and damage to the slope flat plate are also different; compared with the downhill stoping, the uphill stoping is worse than the downhill stoping in terms of length and slope stability; the downhill stoping can ensure the stability of the slope to a certain extent; although there is a local slip phenomenon, the overall stability is better, and the instability phenomenon exists in the reverse slope mining slope; the upper coal seam mining slope has local instability, and the overall stability is good. The lower coal seam plastic zone is far away from the slope flat plate, and its stability is better than that of the upper coal seam. It can be concluded that the slope stability is related to the mining depth. The greater the mining depth, the better the slope stability.

In the process of side-wall coal mining, the rock mass of slope undergoes complex mechanical evolution, which involves the change of original rock stress, the extension of deformation failure zone, the stability of slope and so on. Therefore, it is very important to choose proper mining direction and effective control measures for the stability of side slope. In view of the above problems, we propose two schemes to control the stability of side slope, which is backfill pressure foot and partial backfill in reverse slope. The results show that the deformation, failure and stability of side-slope coal are related to the direction of mining, and the strength and depth of rock mass failure area are weaker than that of reverse-slope coal mining, and the overall stability is better, the stability of the mining slope in reverse slope will attenuate, resulting in the shear instability of the flat plate, and the length of the working face is smaller than that of the mining along slope, so the mining along slope is better than that in reverse slope according to the development and stability of the slope deformation and failure area of the two stoping schemes, the backfilling foot and the local backfilling scheme are proposed to control the slope stability, the backfilling foot can change the original structure shape of the slope, so that the movement of the rock mass inside the slope can be alleviated, and the development of the failure area can be controlled, it can effectively support the deformed rock mass inside the slope, restrain the extension of the failure area, slow down the failure caused by the working face, and finally control the stability of the slope.

In order to find out the influence of water immersion and air drying process on the macroscopic characteristics and microstructure changes of coal spontaneous combustion, the low-temperature oxidation characteristics of non-caking raw coal and long-term soaked and air-dried coal were experimentally studied, and the effects of soaking time and particle size on the gas generation and activation energy of coal during the oxidation heating process were analyzed. As an explanation in support of the influence of water immersion on the spontaneous combustion and oxidation characteristics of coal, the variation of relative content of oxygen-containing functional groups and the mechanism of gas generation were analyzed. The results indicated that CO and CO2 are the main components of the gas generated by coal oxidation reaction. Compared with raw coal, the gas production of coal samples after 90 days and 180 days soaking and air-drying is higher in the process of oxidation heating. In the accelerated oxidation stage, the activation energy decreased by 2.72 kJ/mol and 35.74 kJ/mol, respectively, which indicates that the coal sample after long-term soaking has a higher spontaneous combustion tendency than that after short-term soaking. Water plays a promoting role in the formation of oxygen-containing complexes, resulting in the relative content of oxygen-containing functional groups in soaked coal being higher than that of raw coal. Meanwhile, -COOH and C=O are the main sources of CO2 and CO respectively, which could explain the phenomenon of higher concentration of CO2 and CO produced by soaked coal than that by raw coal.

Background: The association among coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, and hydrocephalus remains ambiguous. Objectives: There is a need for a Mendelian randomization study to evaluate the underlying causality between coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, and hydrocephalus. Methods: The data source utilized genome‐wide association studies, employing a threshold of p < 5 × 10−8 to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms strongly linked to ischemic stroke and coronary heart disease as instrumental variables (IVs). Five methods—inverse variance weighted (IVW), Mendelian randomization (MR) Egger, Weighted Median, Weighted mode, and Simple mode—utilized the selected IVs to estimate the causality between ischemic stroke, coronary heart disease, and hydrocephalus. Results: The IVW demonstrated that ischemic stroke and coronary heart disease serve as risk factors for hydrocephalus (odds ratio [OR] = 1.650, 95% CI: 1.066–2.554, p = 0.025; OR = 1.307, 95% CI: 1.023–1.668, p = 0.032). Both the MR‐Egger intercept test and Cochran's Q test affirmed the relative reliability of the IVW analysis results. However, no evidence of a reverse causation was observed between hydrocephalus and coronary heart disease or ischemic stroke. Conclusions: Coronary heart disease and Ischemic stroke may increase the risk of hydrocephalus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighty-eight free-field strong ground motion observation datasets obtained by the National Strong Motion Observation Network System of China for the Jiuzhaigou Ms7.0 earthquake were used to study the characteristics of the strong ground motion and the site response. In this study, we calculated the VS30 of the near field station and compared the observed values of the horizontal peak acceleration and peak velocity with the CB2014 ground motion prediction models developed by Campbell et al. (2014). The results indicate that the observed values of the horizontal peak acceleration and peak velocity of the Jiuzhaigou earthquake are both smaller than the predicted values obtained from the ground motion prediction equations. By regressing the spatial variation curves of the D SR (5–95%) and D SR (5–75%) ground motion durations, and comparing them with Bommer’s (2009) ground motion duration prediction curve, it was found that the duration of the Jiuzhaigou earthquake was greater than that obtained from the global empirical prediction equation. The scope of the source duration corresponding to the D SR (5–75%) duration is 2.76–4.28 s, and the scope of the source duration corresponding to the D SR (5–95%) duration is 8.88–10.36 s, which are close to the peak time and completion time of the seismic moment release during the source rupture process. The linear elastic acceleration response spectra of 11 stations within 100 km of the fault were calculated for comparison with the design spectrum. It was concluded that the range of the predominant period of the response spectrum was 0.05–0.26 s, which is less than the natural vibration period of the local multistory building. However, the response spectrum value recorded by station 51JZZ is greater than the design spectrum of the 8° rare earthquake and the observation values of the nearby strong ground motion stations. Through analysis of the H/V spectrum ratio and the case of station 51JZZ, which is closest to the epicenter, this phenomenon was concluded to be related to the magnification effect of the near-surface soil layer and the nonlinear response of the site under the action of strong earthquakes.

To investigate the combustion characteristics of multiple fire sources in the tunnel caused by 'jumping' discontinuous fire spread, we utilized scaled model experiments, numerical simulation software, and theoretical research. Our study focused on analyzing the influence of different fire source powers on the temperature characteristics of double fire sources in the tunnel. We examined the temperature characteristics, critical wind speed, and change rule under various wind speeds, fire source spacing, and fire source powers. Additionally, we explored the temperature characteristics, critical wind speed, and change rule of different fire source powers under varying wind speed conditions. The mathematical model for roof temperature decay and the temperature decay coefficients of dual source fires were established through the analysis of scale-down model experiments and numerical simulations. In comparison to single-source fires, the temperature variations in the tunnel of dual source fires exhibit a more intricate pattern, with higher average temperature and temperature peak values. These values are influenced by factors such as fire source spacing and power. Numerical simulation software was utilized to investigate the impact of fire source spacing at 10 m, 15 m, and 20 m, as well as the effect of varying fire source power on the temperature distribution within a tunnel under consistent fire source position and growth coefficient. The study revealed that, with consistent double fire source position and ventilation conditions in the tunnel, the upstream fire source exhibited greater power than the downstream fire source, resulting in the lowest average and peak temperatures in the tunnel. This observation could potentially enhance escape and rescue operations within the tunnel. Similarly, the lowest average and peak temperatures in the tunnel were also identified, offering potential benefits for optimizing escape and rescue strategies in tunnel scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fog processing has a significant impact on sulfur chemistry in the atmosphere. This study analyzed three winter fog events in Hong Kong using single‐particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SPAMS) and a Monitor for AeRosols and GAses in ambient air (MARGA). Black carbon (BC)‐related carbonaceous particles with substantial sulfate amounts comprised the largest particle number fraction (56.7%). Sulfate mass concentration decreased during fog due to the cloud's effective scavenging, but fog processing notably promoted sulfate formation at the single‐particle level (average peak area increases of 31.2%). Hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS), an important S(IV) compound and fog tracer, was identified accounting for up to 12% by particle number fraction. Although pH showed a positive correlation (r = 0.53–0.69) with HMS particles in each fog scenario, a negative overall correlation (r = −0.51) was observed. Further analysis revealed that the higher aerosol acidity (pH 0.65–3.11), promoted Fe dissolution, leading to 49% of HMS particles being mixed with Fe, which potentially facilitated sulfate formation via the Fenton reaction. Additionally, around 40% of HMS‐Fe particles are mixed with oxalate, thereby warranting further attention for their potential to cause more intricate sulfur oxidation processes. This study reveals the initial identification of a high mixed‐state of HMS‐Fe, which could potentially serve as a crucial avenue for the formation of sulfate on individual particulate matter. Considering the persistent augmentation of aerosol acidity in the Asian region, this phenomenon necessitates further investigation and attention. Plain Language Summary: Cloud and fog processes are crucial for atmospheric chemistry and important pathways in sulfate formation. However, current models often underestimate sulfate production in the atmosphere. While several potential pathways have been proposed, the influence of organic compounds on hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) formation and its subsequent sulfate generation is yet to be fully explored. This study, utilizing a single‐particle perspective, reveals that higher aerosol acidity in coastal areas can lead to the dissolution of iron (Fe) in coastal aerosols, thereby promoting the formation of HMS‐Fe. Additionally, as a transition metal, Fe has the potential to catalyze the conversion of HMS to sulfates. This finding challenges the prevailing notion that HMS hinders sulfate production by being less susceptible to oxidation by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and other radicals. The significance of this process is particularly pronounced in coastal or remote marine atmospheres, where cloud and fog processes exhibit higher aerosol acidity and limited ammonia sources. Furthermore, considering the current global scenario of increased aerosol acidity, the impact of transition metals on sulfate formation in HMS is likely to be more prominent. Consequently, this phenomenon necessitates further investigation and attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic reactions during the daytime, alongside aqueous-phase reactions occurring during both daytime and nighttime, are identified as the two primary processes facilitating the conversion of aerosol iron (Fe) from the insoluble state to the soluble state within the atmospheric environment. This study investigated the levels of total Fe (Fe T) and soluble Fe (Fe S) in PM 2.5 samples collected during daytime and nighttime in Qingdao, a coastal city in eastern China, evaluating the distinctive roles of these two pathways in enhancing aerosol Fe solubility (%Fe S , defined as the ratio of Fe S to Fe T). Under clean and humid conditions, characterized by prevailing sea breezes and a relative humidity (RH) typically above 80 %, an average daytime %Fe S of 8.7 % was observed, which systematically exceeded the nighttime %Fe S (6.3 %). Photochemical conversions involving oxalate contributed to the higher %Fe S observed during daytime. Conversely, in scenarios where air masses originated from inland areas and exhibited slightly polluted, daytime %Fe S (3.7 %) was noted to be lower than the nighttime %Fe S (5.8 %). This discrepancy was attributable to the variations in RH, with nighttime RH averaging around 77 %, conducive to the more efficient generation of acidic compounds, thereby accelerating Fe S production compared to the daytime, when RH was only about 62 %. Furthermore, the oxidation rates of sulfur (SOR) displayed a strong correlation with RH, particularly when RH fell below 75 %. A 10 % increase in RH corresponded to a 7.6 % rise in SOR, which served as the primary driver of the higher aerosol acidity and %Fe S at night. These findings highlight the RH-dependent activation of aqueous-phase reactions and the augmentation of daytime photocatalysis in the formation of Fe S in the coastal moist atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate resistance change in the fire area of a roadway caused by roadway fires, a mathematical calculation model for thermal resistance is developed. Theoretical research is conducted to analyze the factors influencing resistance change through theoretical derivation, revealing that temperature is a key factor contributing to the change in thermal resistance. By leveraging the correlation between changes in CO concentration and temperature on the downwind side of the roadway within the fire zone, researchers developed mathematical models to predict temperature increases at various points downwind of the fire source. These models were then used to determine the mathematical relationship governing the change in thermal resistance. The accuracy of the numerical simulation software was validated using Fluent numerical simulation software and scaled-down model experiments. Full-scale numerical simulation experiments were conducted to investigate the fire characteristics of roadway fires and validate the thermal resistance mathematical model. The results indicate that the thermal resistance in the numerical simulation is 7.55 Pa at 20m from the fire source and 5.54 Pa at the end of the roadway. The decrease in resistance is linear. The minimum error between the thermal resistance calculated by the mathematical model and the gradient of the pressure drop in the numerical simulation is 0.03 Pa, approximately 2.3%. Furthermore, the fitting degree of the pressure drop in each section is as high as 97.7%. The calculation model demonstrates high accuracy and offers a theoretical foundation for investigating fire resistance in tunnel fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smoke aerosols from wildfires play a vital role in marine ecosystems and the ocean carbon cycle. This study analyzed a severe wildfires incident occurred in the Indo‐China Peninsula on 26 March 2019, and assessed its impact on ocean carbon sink. The satellite observations showed that the wildfires covered an area of about 56% of the entire peninsula, burning an area of 1.17 × 106 km2. Consequently, the wildfires discharged about 0.43 × 109 kg carbon. Moreover, a substantial amount of smoke released by severe wildfires was carried downstream by the wind and reached the western Pacific Ocean within 2 days. These smoke aerosols contribute to the ocean carbon sink through the mechanisms of the biological pump and their own carbon deposition. Model simulation results showed smoke aerosols contribute 6.44 × 104 kg black carbon to surface ocean by their own carbon deposition. Moreover, during the period of smoke aerosol's deposition, the flourishing growth of phytoplankton resulted in an increased carbon export of 0.25 ± 0.09 × 109 kg carbon (the biological pump mechanism), which represented approximately 57.97% ± 20.30% of the carbon emissions originating from the wildfire‐affected source region. Our research showed a positive impact of large wildfires on the ocean carbon sink, indicating the potential of smoke aerosols to alleviate the climate pressures resulting from carbon dioxide released by wildfires through improving the capacity of ocean carbon sink. Plain Language Summary: Wildfires emit substantial amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere within a short timeframe. The ocean can mitigate the environmental impact of these wildfire events by fixing carbon. As one of the world's fire hotspot and the most significant burning area in the whole of Asia, it is necessary to understand the contribution of smoke aerosols emitted from the Indo‐China Peninsula to the Pacific Ocean carbon sink. We found that the source area of wildfires emitted 0.43 × 109 kg of carbon on 26 March 2019, and the smoke aerosols emitted by wildfires were carried by winds to the western Pacific Ocean within two days, and inputted 6.44 × 104 kg of black carbon. The increased ocean carbon export during the deposition of the smoke aerosol was 0.25 ± 0.09 × 109 kg, which is about half of the carbon emissions caused by wildfires. The results of this study suggest that smoke aerosols can contribute to the oceanic carbon sink, thereby alleviating the pressure on carbon emissions caused by wildfires. Key Points: A severe fire incident which account for 56% of the land area of the Indo‐China Peninsula has been researchedContribution of smoke aerosols to surface ocean carbon sink is primarily attributed by biological pump rather than carbon self‐depositionThe ocean assimilates around 57.97% ± 20.30% of the carbon emissions released by wildfires [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalysis reactions occurring during daytime and aqueous-phase reactions during both daytime and nighttime constitute the two primary processes responsible for converting aerosol iron (Fe) from insoluble to soluble forms within the atmosphere. This study investigated the composition of total Fe (FeT) and soluble Fe (FeS) in daytime and nighttime PM2.5 in Qingdao, a coastal city in eastern China, and evaluated the distinctive roles of the two pathways in enhancing the solubility of aerosol Fe (%FeS, the ratio of FeS to FeT). In clean and humid conditions characterized by sea breezes, with relative humidity (RH) prevalently exceeding 80 %, an average daytime %FeS of 8.7 % was observed, which systematically surpassed its nighttime %FeS (6.3 %). In contrast, when the air originated from land regions and was slightly polluted, the daytime %FeS (3.7 %) was noted to be lower than the nighttime %FeS (5.8 %). This discrepancy was attributable to the variations in RH, as the nighttime RH approximated to be 77 %, facilitating the more efficient formation of acidic substances and resulting in faster FeS production than during daytime, when RH was about 62 %. Furthermore, the oxidation rates of sulfur (SOR) and nitrogen (NOR) displayed strong correlations with RH, particularly when RH was below 75 %. A 10 % increase in RH resulted in a 7.6 % increase in SOR and a 7.2 % elevation in NOR, which served as the primary reason for the differences in aerosol acidity and %FeS between daytime and nighttime. These findings highlight the RH-dependent activation of aqueous-phase reactions and the augmentation of daytime photocatalysis in the formation of FeS in the coastal moisture atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the effect of water contents on the oxidation spontaneous combustion of coal gangue, the properties and combustion characteristics of coal gangue were studied using industrial and elemental analyses and Thermo Gravimetry-Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TG-DSC). The molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) and giant regular Monte Carlo simulation (GCMC)were used to investigate the adsorption isotherms of oxygen and coal gangue (kaolinite) under different water molecules (400, 500, 600, 700). The results of thermogravimetric showed that with increasing moisture content, the characteristic temperature points T3-T5 of CG4 were much lower than those of the other samples, the combustion conversion rate is the highest and the spontaneous combustion effect is the best at the same temperature. The molecular simulation results show that under 700 water-oxygen system, the adsorption of oxygen molecules and kaolinite (001) surface is the strongest. The interface has the fewest water molecules and the largest diffusion coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]