The failure analysis of the soil slope is a very important topic in the field of geomechanics. Being a fully Lagrangian particle method, the material point method (MPM) has distinct advantages in solving the extremely large deformation problem. For both cohesive and noncohesive soil slopes, the large deformation failure problems are analyzed using MPM and the Drucker-Prager constitutive model. For verification of the numerical method, the comparison between MPM and analytical solutions of the dam break problem is presented. Moreover, the numerical results by MPM are compared with the experimental results for the collapse of the aluminum-bar assemblage. Simulations reveal the cohesive soil slope under gravity has a shear band failure mode. Computational results show the reposed angle of non-cohesive soil slope is less than the internal friction angle, and the reason for this phenomenon is presented. The purpose of this study is to give a further understanding of the slope failure in different soil types and provide a computational tool for the failure analysis of soil slopes.

We have developed carbon fibre based flexible piezoresistive composites to fabricate a new pneumatic soft finger with an inherent sensing capability, much like a human finger.

The factors that influence the length of human life are complex and longevity remains a controversial topic, particularly in China. This paper demonstrates the spatial patterns and changes of the elderly group (65 years old and over), the oldest old (80 years old and over) and the centenarians in China in the last decade, analyzes the influence of economic development on aging, and in the end, using a case study, explores the characteristics of the centenarians' behavior. The results indicate that high elderly and the oldest old proportions are more common in regions with higher socio-economic development and that have a favorable climate. Centenarian distribution pattern is less influenced by economic but only for few regions. Lifestyle factors, such as sufficient sleep, positive mental state and a light diet are also largely found among the centenarian group.

h i g h l i g h t sRepresenting the first human biomonitoring study carried out in Baiyun Obo deposit. Levels of urinary REE, HMs and U were obtained in a population living in Baiyun Obo. HMs and U in the population increased concomitantly with increasing REE levels. Individual factors such as gender and age contributing to the inter-individual variation. Males and people in the young group were more sensitive to REE, HMs and U exposure. t r a c tThe Baiyun Obo deposit is the world's largest rare earth elements (REE) deposit. We aimed to investigate levels of REE, heavy metals (HMs) and uranium (U) based on morning urine samples in a population in Baiyun Obo and to assess the possible influence of rare earth mining processes on human exposure. In the mining area, elevated levels were found for the sum of the concentrations of light REE (LREE) and heavy REE (HREE) with mean values at 3.453 and 1.151 lg g À1 creatinine, which were significantly higher than those in the control area. Concentrations of HMs and U in the population increased concomitantly with increasing REE levels. The results revealed that besides REE, HMs and U were produced with REE exploitation. Gender, age, educational level, alcohol and smoking habit were major factors contributing to inter-individual variation. Males were more exposed to these metals than females. Concentrations in people in the senior age group and those with only primary education were low. Drinking and smoking were associated with the levels of LREE, Cr, Cu, Cd and Pb in morning urine. Hence this study provides basic and useful information when addressing public and environmental health challenges in the areas where REE are mined and processed.

The quality of food and water in Hainan Province are good and that, compared with water, food is a more important source of trace elements. An appropriate supply of Cu, Se, and Zn is important, whereas excessive intake of Pb should be avoided. The findings also provide basic data to support further studies on regional variations in longevity and their relationship to diet and drinking water.

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