The Boundary Element Method (BEM) is very rarely used for the simulation of problems in geomechanics even though it can mean a considerable improvement in user-friendliness, efficiency and accuracy compared to currently used domain based methods because only surfaces have to be discretized. The main reason why the BEM is not applied is because currently there are missing efficient and user-frie...

This study investigated the influence of a papain-based gel (Papacárie) for chemo-mechanical caries removal on bond strength to dentin. Human molars were assigned to the following groups: Group 1: sound teeth were flattened to expose dentin; Group 2: after flattening of surfaces, the papain-based gel was applied on the sound dentin; Group 3: overlying enamel from carious teeth was removed and m...

In this study, the effect of deep excavation on the seismic response of RC moment resisting building systems has been studied. Deep excavation can cause significant changes in the stress and strain levels of soil environment and also changes in the propagation of seismic waves. This leads to permanent displacements in the foundation system. In this study, three RC building systems, i.e. 5, 10, ...

Nest excavation in social insects is an integral part of a colony’s life cycle. Soil-dwelling colonies build complex systems of narrow underground chambers and tunnels spanning thousands of insect body lengths below the ground. The nest excavation is performed by multiple animals simultaneously and is governed by local interactions of the workers with environment and other workers. The challeng...

This paper introduces a Cartesian impedance control framework in which reaction forces exceeding control authority directly reshape bucket motion during successive excavation passes. This novel approach to excavation results in an iterative process that does not require explicit prediction of terrain forces. This is in contrast to most excavation control approaches that are based on the generat...

BACKGROUND To describe the clinical and optical coherence tomography (OCT) features of focal choroidal excavation in Chinese patients. METHODS Retrospectively, thirty-seven eyes (in 31 patients) that demonstrated focal choroidal excavation on spectral-domain OCT were collected. Their clinical characteristics and other features were also collected and analyzed. RESULTS In total, 42 focal cho...

Bioretention cells are incorporated as part of low impact development LID because of their ability to release influent runoff as exfiltration to the soil or evapotranspiration to the atmosphere. However, little care is taken as to the techniques used to excavate bioretention cells, and there is little concern as to the soil-moisture condition during excavation. Certain excavation techniques and...

Underground utility lines being struck by mechanize d excavators during construction or maintenance operations is a long standing problem. Besides the disruptions to public services, daily life, and commerce, utility strike accidents lead to injuries, fatalities, and property damages that cause significant financial loss. Utility strikes by excavation occur mainly because of the lack of an effe...

Background: Retinal vein pulsation is often absent in glaucoma, but can be induced by applying a graded ophthalmodynamometric force (ODF) to the eye, which is elevated in glaucoma. Aim: To assess whether ODF has a predictive value in determining glaucoma progression. Methods: 75 patients with glaucoma and suspected glaucoma were examined prospectively in 1996, and then re-examined at a mean of ...