Topics of Analytical and Computational Methods in Tunnel Engineering

In this chapter, a selection of tunneling topics is presented, following the evolution of methods and tools from analytical to computational era. After an introductory discussion of the importance of elasticity and plasticity in tunneling, some practical topics are presented as paradigms to show the successful application of them in achieving a solution. The circular and horseshoe tunnel sections served as the basis of the elastic analysis of deep tunnels. Practical aspects such as influence zone and elastic convergences in both cases are examined. In the case of circular tunnels, the estimation of plastic zone formation is discussed for a selection of strength criteria. After a detailed discussion of the influence of surface proximity, the elastic and plastic analysis of shallow tunnels is examined in some detail. The presentation is completed by a short presentation of computational methods. An overview of recent developments and a classification of the methods are presented, and then some problems for the case of anisotropic rocks have been presented using finite element method (FEM). The last topic is the application of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in interpreting data and in estimating the relative importance of parameters involved in the problem of tunneling-induced surface settlements. In the conclusions a short discussion of the main topics presented follows

Low-cost, pseudo-Halbach dipole magnets for NMR

We present designs for compact, inexpensive and strong dipole permanent magnets aimed primarily at magnetic resonance applications where prepolarization and detection occur at different locations. Low-homogeneity magnets with a 7.5 mm bore size and field up to nearly 2 T are constructed using low-cost starting materials, standard workshop tools and only few hours of labor – an achievable project for a student or postdoc with spare time. As an application example we show how our magnet was used to polarize the nuclear spins in approximately 1 mL of pure [$^{13}$C]-methanol prior to detection of its high-resolution NMR spectrum at zero field (measurement field below 10$^{-10}$ T), where signals appear at multiples of the carbon-hydrogen spin-spin coupling frequency $^{1}$J$_{CH}$=140.7(1) Hz.This work has received support from the European Research Council (author DS, grant agreement FP7-205119 R-EvolutioN-MR) and from the European Commission’s Seventh Framework Program (author MCDT under the Marie Curie International Outgoing Fellowship Programme, grant agreement FP7-625054 ODMR-CHEM; author DS, 2007–2013)

Granular Flow: From Dilute to Jammed States

Particulate systems and granular matter display dynamic or static, fluid‐ or solid‐like states, respectively, or both at the same time. The mystery of bridging the gap between the particulate, microscopic state and the macroscopic, continuum description is one of the challenges of modern research. This book chapter gives an overview of recent progress and some new insights about the collective mechanical behavior of granular, deformable particles

An x-ray tomography facility for quantitative prediction of mechanical and transport properties in geological, biological and synthetic systems

A fully integrated X-ray tomography facility with the ability to generate tomograms with 20483 voxels at 2 micron spatial resolution was built to satisfy the requirements of a virtual materials testing laboratory. The instrument comprises of a continuously pumped micro-focus X-ray gun, a milli-degree rotation stage and a high resolution and large field X-ray camera, configured in a cone beam geometry with a circular trajectory. The purpose of this facility is to routinely analyse and investigate real world biological, geological and synthetic materials at a scale in which the traditional domains of physics, chemistry, biology and geology merge. During the first 2 years of operation, approximately 4 Terabytes of data have been collected, processed and analysed, both as static and in some cases as composite dynamic data sets. This incorporates over 300 tomograms with 10243 voxels and 50 tomograms with 20483 voxels for a wide range of research fields. Specimens analysed include sedimentary rocks, soils, bone, soft tissue, ceramics, fibre-reinforced composites, foams, wood, paper, fossils, sphere packs, bio-morphs and small animals. In this paper, the flexibility of the facility is highlighted with some prime examples

SNF5/INI1 Deficiency Redefines Chromatin Remodeling Complex Composition during Tumor Development

Malignant Rhabdoid Tumors (MRTs), a pediatric cancer that most frequently appears in the kidney and brain, generally lack SNF5 (SMARCB1/INI1), a subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex. Recent studies have established that multiple SWI/SNF complexes exist due to the presence or absence of different complex members. Therefore, the effect of SNF5 loss upon SWI/SNF complex formation was investigated in human MRT cells. MRT cells and primary human tumors exhibited reduced levels of many complex proteins. Furthermore, re-expression of SNF5 increased SWI/SNF complex protein levels without concomitant increases in mRNA. Proteomic analysis, using mass spectrometry, of MRT cells before and after SNF5 re-expression indicated the recruitment of different components into the complex along with the expulsion of others. IP-Western blotting confirmed these results and demonstrated similar changes in other MRT cell lines. Finally, reduced expression of SNF5 in normal human fibroblasts led to altered levels of these same complex members. These data establish that SNF5 loss during MRT development alters the repertoire of available SWI/SNF complexes, generally disrupting those associated with cellular differentiation. These findings support a model where SNF5 inactivation blocks the conversion of growth promoting SWI/SNF complexes to differentiation inducing ones. Therefore, restoration of these complexes in tumors cells provides an attractive approach for the treatment of malignant rhabdoid tumors

The hospital provision of reasonable adjustments for people with learning disabilities:Findings from Freedom of Information requests

Background:- The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on service providers to make “reasonable adjustments” for disabled people. The aim of this study was to explore key aspects relating to the provision of reasonable adjustments for people with learning disabilities in hospitals. Methods:- The research questions were explored using Freedom of Information (FOI) requests submitted to 206 CCGs and 141 hospital trusts in England. Results:- One hundred and eighty‐six CCGs reported that they included the requirement to provide equal access to services in their contracts with providers. Eight CCGs provided evidence about how they ensured reasonable adjustments were provided. One hundred and twelve of 132 responding hospital trusts provided information about the number of inpatients with learning disabilities; eighty‐three of 132 provided data about outpatients and 88 of 132 provided data about A&E. Sixty‐four of 125 responding trusts explicitly stated that they did not undertake audits of learning disability services or did not make any such reports publicly accessible. Conclusions:- The findings contribute to concern about the gap between legislation and guidance, and its practical application “on the ground.” If CCGs are not assessing contractual compliance to provide equitable access to services for people with learning disabilities, and trusts are not aware of the number of people with learning disabilities using their services, or their access requirements, this raises concerns about their compliance with the Equality Act 2010

Towards specification of a software architecture for cross-sectoral big data applications

The proliferation of Big Data applications puts pressure on improving and optimizing the handling of diverse datasets across different domains. Among several challenges, major difficulties arise in data-sensitive domains like banking, telecommunications, etc., where strict regulations make very difficult to upload and experiment with real data on external cloud resources. In addition, most Big Data research and development efforts aim to address the needs of IT experts, while Big Data analytics tools remain unavailable to non-expert users to a large extent. In this paper, we report on the work-in-progress carried out in the context of the H2020 project I-BiDaaS (Industrial-Driven Big Data as a Self-service Solution) which aims to address the above challenges. The project will design and develop a novel architecture stack that can be easily configured and adjusted to address cross-sectoral needs, helping to resolve data privacy barriers in sensitive domains, and at the same time being usable by non-experts. This paper discusses and motivates the need for Big Data as a self-service, reviews the relevant literature, and identifies gaps with respect to the challenges described above. We then present the I-BiDaaS paradigm for Big Data as a self-service, position it in the context of existing references, and report on initial work towards the conceptual specification of the I-BiDaaS software architecture.This work is supported by the IBiDaaS project, funded by the European Commission under Grant Agreement No. 780787.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Education and practice developments: Addressing the psychosocial concerns and support needs of LGBT+ people

BACKGROUND: There has been recent interest in the unique healthcare needs and concerns of diverse groups from human rights, social inclusion and healthcare access and utilisation perspectives. However, the distinct psychosocial experiences and needs of LGBT+ people remains under-researched. AIMS: The aim of the study was to examine the experiences of people who identify as LGBT+ in relation to their distinct psychosocial support needs. DESIGN: An exploratory qualitative study. SETTINGS: Hospital and community mental health services. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 20 people identifying as LGBT+ who had used mental health services participated in the study. METHODS: Data were collected using individual semi-structured interviews. Participants who consented to take part were recruited to the study and undertook an interview of between 45 and 60 min. RESULTS: Thematic analysis was utilised to systematically highlight the emerging themes within and across the participant interviews. The main themes were: social aspects and help-seeking; concerns around supports; psychological treatment options; and LGBT+ culturally competent services. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings inform the discussion and the implications for nursing practice, education and research are presented