Effects of Seasonal Precipitation on the Amount of Seepage-A Case Study of Tunnel 3 of Bazai Irrigation Project Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Infiltration of water into tunnel within a harsh geological formation is a vital issue in tunnelling. The consequence impacts due to seepage include tunnel rock instability, pore-water pressure imposition and diminution of operational capacity. The spatial variation in rainfall due to climate change intensifies the threat to tunnel stability. Likewise, to understand the impacts of climate change scenarios on the seepage of tunnel 3 of the Bazai irrigation project was numerically simulated in SEEP/W software by manipulating the rainfall data. The net annual precipitation is followed by two sets of rainfall data i.e., dry and wet season precipitation depending upon the magnitude of rainfall. The analysis revealed that most of the seepage occurred in the unlined portion. In order to determine the future impacts of precipitation on seepage quantity, the wet season precipitation was further increased by 10% and 50% for A1B and B2 conditions respectively. The seepage quantity into the tunnel increases with variation in precipitation patterns. To reduce the risk to tunnel stability, the model was also treated with cement-bentonite grout and bentonite slurry containing 6% solids. The performance of both grouting techniques leads to noticeable seepage deduction. The study further suggests that cement-bentonite is more effective in seepage remediation

Effects of Seasonal Precipitation on the Amount of Seepage-A Case Study of Tunnel 3 of Bazai Irrigation Project Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Infiltration of water into tunnel within a harsh geological formation is a vital issue in tunnelling. The consequence impacts due to seepage include tunnel rock instability, pore-water pressure imposition and diminution of operational capacity. The spatial variation in rainfall due to climate change intensifies the threat to tunnel stability. Likewise, to understand the impacts of climate change scenarios on the seepage of tunnel 3 of the Bazai irrigation project was numerically simulated in SEEP/W software by manipulating the rainfall data. The net annual precipitation is followed by two sets of rainfall data i.e., dry and wet season precipitation depending upon the magnitude of rainfall. The analysis revealed that most of the seepage occurred in the unlined portion. In order to determine the future impacts of precipitation on seepage quantity, the wet season precipitation was further increased by 10% and 50% for A1B and B2 conditions respectively. The seepage quantity into the tunnel increases with variation in precipitation patterns. To reduce the risk to tunnel stability, the model was also treated with cement-bentonite grout and bentonite slurry containing 6% solids. The performance of both grouting techniques leads to noticeable seepage deduction. The study further suggests that cement-bentonite is more effective in seepage remediation

Improving the bearing capacity of marine clay using polyurethane columns

Problematic soil such as marine clay causes structures or pavement to crack and collapse as marine clay possesses low bearing capacity. Therefore, ground improvement is usually conducted to improve the bearing capacity. Since the use of cement for strengthening weak soil is not environmental-friendly, the aim of this study is to improve the bearing capacity of marine clay using polyurethane (PU) columns. The properties of the marine clay collected from Batu Pahat determined were particle size distribution, Atterberg's limits, specific gravity, and compressibility were determined. A series of small-scale physical modelling was conducted with a tank's size of 500 mm x 500 mm x 200 mm. The 1:1 ratio of poly and isocyanate was injected into the cored hole for the column formation with the area improvement ratio was set as 12.6%. The loading process was conducted 1 day after column installation. Double tangent method from the stress-displacement curve was employed to determine the ultimate bearing capacity of the marine clay. The ultimate bearing capacity of the untreated marine clay was 50 kPa. In addition, the results showed that the ultimate bearing capacity of the marine clay increased with the length of the PU columns. A maximum improvement ratio of 220% was achieved for the end bearing PU columns. Comparing the improvement ratio with the published data showed that PU columns had a better performance than soil cement or deep mixing cement columns due to its lightweight and high strength. Therefore, the replacement of cement with PU is workable and sustainable in ground improvement method

Tunnel progression effects to the ground surface and the adjacent pile

Tunnelling close to existing structure in urban area has become unavoidable. The progression tunneling activities induced ground movement and might affect the integrity of existing structure especially the one lies within the tunneling influence zone. It may cause catastrophic failures of structures and can cause losses of human lives. Therefore, considering its risk, this study focuses on the tunnel-soil-pile interaction by performing a physical model testing. By conducting a series of laboratory tests, the ground subsidence and pile behavior is presented herein. For a twice diameter distance of tunnel and pile, the pile axial settlement is 0.04% of the tunnel diameter respectively, while the maximum pile bending moment is 4928. 93kN.m. Maximum ground settlement is 0.56% respectively to tunnel diameter. To sum up, the axial displacement of pile decreases when the pile located further away from the tunneling zone. Similarly, the ground surface subsidence decreases when the pile location is more in distance during the tunneling advancement

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake

The Deep Mixing Method: Bearing Capacity Studies

Nowadays, several techniques are employed to improve the problem of carrying out construction in soft soils by increasing the strength of the soil foundation and reducing the settlement of the soil. Among these stabilizing techniques, the deep mixing method is regarded as the most popular. The deep mixing method is a soil modification method where the soil is mixed in situ with stabilizing agents, commonly soil–cement columns. It increases the strength of the soil, providing bearing resistance and improved settlement performance. Deep mixing is carried out in situ using a machine equipped with mixing blades mounted at the end of a tube that has a nozzle at the lower end. The stabilizer agent is injected into the soil via the nozzle using a pumping system so that it mixes with the soil as the blades are rotated. Throughout this paper, previous works by numerous researchers on deep mixing including laboratory work, full-scale field tests, analytical and numerical analyses related to bearing capacity are reviewed. The techniques and results used are discussed with the help of figures depicting charts, failure modes, and the model configuration setup. It was found that the deep mixing method is suitable for use with any type of soil and provides a better alternative to the existing method of improving soft clay ground, especially with regard to the soil bearing capacity. In addition, future research is needed to improve the use of the method for soil improvement in the construction industry

Polylactic acid(pla)/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS) nanocomposites with hybrid graphene/ montmorillonite (MMT)

Poly(lactic acid) is widely used as an environmental friendly polymer that benign to the environment. However, PLA is too brittle to be processed industrially and toughness modification is generally required. In this work, PLA was blended with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and graphene nanoplatelet (GnP) / MMT nanofillers were incorporated in PLA/ABS blends sytem. Melt compounding was carried out in a twin screw extruder with 50 rpm for 15 minutes at temperatures between 160-200 oC. The PLA/ABS and PLA/ABS/GnP/MMT blend systems were characterized for mechanical, thermal, chemical and morphological properties. It was found that the mechanical properties of PLA/ABS/GnP/MMT has improved as compared to PLA/ABS blend. Morphology analysis showed that the mechanical properties improvement could be attributed due to the presence of smaller voids in PLA/ABS/GnP/MMT blend. There were no significant chemical changes on the PLA/ABS and PLA/ABS/GnP/MMT blend systems as revealed by the FTIR spectra