University of Nottingham

Urban tunnelling projects pose significant risks to the integrity of nearby structures due to ground movements induced by the excavation process. Embedded walls are commonly employed as a protective measure to mitigate these adverse effects. This paper presents a comprehensive numerical investigation into the effects of embedded walls on tunnelling-induced ground displacements, aiming to provide insights and recommendations for optimal embedded wall design. The study assesses the impact of varying embedded wall length and horizontal distance from the tunnel on soil settlement and horizontal displacements. Results demonstrate the complex interplay between embedded wall length, horizontal distance, and ground movement patterns, and the highly non-linear influence of key parameters on embedded wall efficiency (i.e. its ability to reduce settlements). A preliminary design chart is proposed to guide engineers in determining the appropriate horizontal location and depth of embedded walls to effectively reduce tunnelling-induced ground displacements. The findings contribute to a better understanding of embedded wall performance in the context of tunnelling and provide valuable guidance for the practical design and implementation of protective measures in urban areas.

To meet the urgent demand for high efficiency and high power density inductive power transfer (IPT) system in key applications such as electric vehicles, deep-sea intelligent equipment and consumer electronics, this article proposes a novel IPT system with full range soft-switching operation and magnetic integrated structure based on the dual-decoupling concept. With the help of the novel active auxiliary network, the switching tubes in the high-frequency inverter can achieve zero-voltage switching (ZVS)-ON and ZVS-OFF within the full power range. Meanwhile, the proposed magnetic integrated structure based on the dual-decoupling concept integrates the resonant inductor in the auxiliary circuit and compensation network into the transmitter coil, sharing a set of magnetic core. It can achieve the decoupling between the auxiliary resonant inductor and the compensation resonant inductor, as well as the decoupling between the two resonant inductors and the power transfer coils, with the effect of suppressing leakage flux and reducing the proximity effect of high-frequency currents. The proposed dual-decoupling concept can be extended to other high-order compensation IPT topologies with multiple resonant inductors. The above schemes can effectively reduce the system’s switching losses and the overall core losses of the system, improve the transfer efficiency of the system across the entire power range, and possess many advantages such as high power density, efficiency, and magnetic flux balance. Eventually, the advantages of the proposed scheme are validated through the construction of a 1kW experimental prototype.

In model predictive control, ensuring the accuracy and robustness of the prediction model is crucial. A Kalman filter is a self-correction method commonly used as an observer for state estimation in uncertain applications. Model-free predictive control utilizes an ultra-local model for prediction purposes. Precise measurements and feedback gains are required for accuracy. This study proposes a new ultra-local prediction model based on the Kalman filter, replacing the extended state observer with the proposed model for disturbance observation. The Kalman filter-based prediction model is applied to the model-free predictive control of the induction motor. The method is validated with experimental results, comparing it to the extended state observer-based prediction model, using a 4kW induction motor setup.

One of the main advantages of Dual three-phase permanent magnet synchronous machines (DTP-PMSMs) is their fault-tolerant capability. However, the complex fault-tolerant controller structure, high copper loss and unneglectable torque ripple under postfault operation limit their further development. The inaccurate transmission of control signals under the open-phase fault (OPF) is considered in this paper. Undesirable 2nd order torque ripple and 3rd order current harmonics are induced by the transmission error between the controller output voltage and the actual stator voltage according to theoretical analysis. To cope with this issue, a fault tolerant control (FTC) strategy based on voltage compensation is developed for DTP-PMSMs under OPF without introducing extra complex control schemes. The current references are derived in sinusoidal forms with minimum copper loss. Only three current loops are utilized in the proposed fault-tolerant strategy, compared to four current loops under normal operation, without changing the control strategy and controller parameters. In terms of compensation performance, since the leakage inductance affects the voltage compensation, a parameter acquisition method based on sine wave current injection is proposed. The proposed strategy does not induce heavy computation burden and has a good steady-state and dynamic response. Simulation and experiment results prove the theoretical analysis and the superiority of the proposed strategy.

The rules of a rule-based system provide explanations for its behaviour by revealing the relationships between the variables captured. However, ideally, we have AI systems which go beyond explainable AI (XAI), that is, systems which not only explain their behaviour, but also communicate their ‘insights’ in respect to the real world. This requires rules to capture causal relationships between variables. In this paper, we argue that those systems where the rules reflect causal relationships between variables represent an important class of fuzzy rulebased systems with unique benefits. Specifically, such systems benefit from improved performance and robustness; facilitate global explainability and thus cater to a core ambition for AI: the ability to communicate important relationships amongst a system's real-world variables to the human users of AI. We establish two causal-rule focused approaches to designing fuzzy systems, and show the distinctions in their respective application scenarios for the explanations of the rules obtained by these two methods. The results show that rules which reflect causal relationships are more suitable for XAI than rules which ‘only’ reflect correlations, while also confirming that they offer robustness to over-fitting, in turn supporting strong performance.

Graph data modeling is non-trivial due to the challenges to ensure model interpretability and handle data uncertainty. While methods derived from deep learning models, such as graph neural networks (GNNs), are able to handle graph data, the interpretability is limited. Graph fuzzy systems (GFSs) based on the fuzzy rules and fuzzy inference have been proposed to improve interpretability, but the existing methods are developed for whole graph prediction only and cannot deal with node prediction which is a more common task in graph data modeling. To tackle the challenges, a novel GFS for node prediction (GFS-node) is investigated in this study. For this purpose, the concepts, framework, and algorithms of GFS-node are systematically developed. First, several related concepts are defined, including the node fuzzy rule base, node fuzzy set, and node consequent processing module (NCPM). A general framework for GFS-node is then presented, where the construction of antecedents and consequents of fuzzy rules are analyzed. Furthermore, a concrete implementation method of GFS-node is designed. Specially, the kernel K virtual central nodes clustering (KVCN) algorithm is proposed to develop the algorithm for antecedent generation, and the linear message passing network (LMPN) is adopted to develop the algorithm for consequent generation and learning. Experiments are carried out on multiple benchmark datasets, and the results show that GFS-node combine the advantages of both traditional FSs and classical GNNs for node prediction

Every early-career instructor (ECI) is likely to feel off-kilter in their first job post-PhD as they adjust to a new teaching environment. In this chapter, I ask why support for learning new systems is lacking, what the deprioritization of teaching can tell us about higher education, and how we might imagine our systems differently. I argue that the over-bureaucratization and credentialism that characterize the contemporary work of teaching cannot be addressed via systematic solutions because they are systemic features of the neoliberal university. As a consequence, only systemic transformation can center on collective, horizontal, emancipatory pedagogy in higher education. I offer short- and long-term recommendations for ECIs who prioritize teaching as they attempt to navigate and reimagine their institutions.

Nonconventional luminescent polymers have gained significant interest due to their outstanding water solubility, biocompatibility, solution‐processability, and scalability. Unlike traditional aromatic luminogens with extended π‐conjugation, their distinctive photophysical properties arise from a mechanism known as clustering‐triggered emission (CTE). CTE involves the clustering of electron‐rich subunits, leading to enhanced electron delocalization and conformational rigidification, ultimately boosting photoluminescence (PL). Despite substantial advancements, challenges remain in optimizing the emission efficiency and PL tunability of these polymers. This review delves into the CTE mechanism, examining recent advances in regulating the photophysical properties of nonconventional luminescent polymers. The aim is to uncover universal principles and underlying mechanisms across diverse systems, providing a theoretical foundation for further development and potential applications of these materials in fields such as bioimaging, sensing, and optoelectronics.

Tic disorders (TDs) have a prevalence of approximately 1%, and while various therapies have demonstrated effectiveness, people with tics and their families report a lack of understanding by healthcare professionals (HCPs). This systematic review included 13 papers featuring HCPs, people with tics, and their families about their experiences of either delivering or accessing care for tics, which were then divided into three themes. The first theme, Need for Education and Effective Implementation, suggested that while HCPs demonstrated good knowledge of tics, patient experiences indicated that this did not always translate to the care they received, potentially due to low confidence and a lack of formal training. The second theme, Misinterpretation, Misdiagnosis and Stigma, suggested that HCPs held incorrect beliefs about tics and would misinterpret tic symptoms, while caregiver responsibility for their child’s tics would both positively and negatively impact care-seeking behaviour, partly depending on their cultural belief system. Finally, the Communication between Healthcare Professionals and Families revealed that poor communication of a tic disorder diagnosis can exacerbate anxiety within the family. The themes of this review were demonstrated universally, demonstrating that HCPs around the world should be encouraged to understand tics and tic disorders confidently to improve the healthcare outcomes and experiences of those living with tics.

Background Previous research has shown that genetics and maternal medical, sociodemographic, lifestyle and psychosocial factors affect maternal and perinatal outcomes. Substantial research has been done on ethnic differences and maternal and perinatal outcomes in hospital settings. To our knowledge there are no studies about the associations between ethnicity and maternal and perinatal outcomes in a midwife-led care setting among low-risk women. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate possible ethnic associations between non-Western and Dutch women, and maternal and perinatal outcomes in a midwife-led care setting. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed of low-risk pregnant women (n = 977) in midwife-led care. Data was collected from a medium-sized midwifery practice in an urban region near Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Regression analyses were performed to examine the effect of ethnicity on maternal and perinatal outcomes. Outcomes of interest were gestational age, mode of birth, perineal status, postpartum hemorrhage, birthweight, perinatal death and low Apgar score. Associations were corrected for deprived areas, body mass index (BMI), parity and maternal educational level. Potential effect modification for prenatal referral to obstetrician and parity were assessed. Results The study included 977 women, of whom 483 were non-Western, and 494 were Dutch. Regarding characteristics, compared to Dutch women, non-Western women were more likely to be multiparous (respectively 58.6% versus 49.2%; p = 0.003), live in a deprived area (34.0% versus 8.1%; p < 0.001), have limited formal education (medium: 46.0% versus 49.2%; low: 15.6% versus 7.4%; p < 0.001), have a higher BMI (overweight: 28.6% versus 22.9%; obese: 14.9% versus 12.0%; p = 0.045), make inadequate/intermediate use of prenatal care (7.2% versus 2.4%, p < 0.001) and suffer from gestational diabetes (17.2% versus 9.9%, p < 0.001). Whereas Dutch women were more likely to suffer from psychosocial problems during and/or before pregnancy (34.8% versus 23.0%, p < 0.001) and drink alcohol during pregnancy (5.9% versus 1.9%, p = 0.001). Regarding maternal and perinatal outcomes, non-Western women had increased odds of perineal laceration (OR 1.59, 95%CI 1.14–2.21) and decreased odds of high birthweight (0.50, 95%CI 0.29–0.84). The mode of birth differed by ethnicity. The interaction of prenatal referral and ethnicity was significant for the mode of birth. Therefore, for mode of birth the groups were stratified by prenatal referral (yes/no). In the prenatally referred group (n = 474), non-Western ethnicity was significantly associated with decreased odds of cesarean Sect. (0.63, 0.40–0.98). No other associations were significantly associated with ethnicity. Conclusions Maternal and perinatal outcomes differed between low-risk non-Western and Dutch women in a midwife-led care setting. Among non-Western women, perineal laceration occurred more often, and fewer children with high birthweight were born. In the prenatally referred group, women of non-Western ethnicity had decreased odds of cesarean section. Gestational age and postpartum hemorrhage were not significantly associated with ethnicity.

Laser powder bed fusion of high-strength aluminium alloys remains challenging due to the formation of hot cracks during the printing process. Hot cracking is a complex phenomenon involving a complex thermo-mechanical and metallurgical interplay. Such relationship needs to be fully understood to reap the benefits of advanced laser modulation (temporal and spatial) capabilities, now becoming available in PBF-LB. To this end, we explore the formation of hot cracks in single tracks produced using a simple spatial–temporal laser modulation characterised by laser pulses of various distance. The formation of cracks is then rationalised by physical and numerical modelling using multi-physics CFD simulation. We demonstrate that the area of the mushy zone at the back of the moving melt pool, dynamically contracts and expands according to the laser temporal regimes and find maxima in correspondence to the largest laser pulse distance and the time steps between exposures. By then analysing in detail in the crack observed in the printed parts fabricated with the same laser modulation, it is possible to conclude that the mechanisms leading to hot cracks in these specimens is analogous. In turn, the insights on single tracks can be extended, for the most part, to the case of bulk specimens. Nevertheless, printed specimens appear to be more sensitive to the erratic movement of the melt pool, due to the presence of a larger number of highly energetical grain boundaries and unintended microstructural defects (voids and inclusions), from which cracks can nucleate. Graphical Abstract

The Triple Dominance Measure (choosing between prosocial, individualistic, and competitive options) and the Slider Measure (“sliding” between various orientations, for example, from individualistic to prosocial) are two widely used techniques to measure social value orientation, that is, the weight individuals assign to own and others’ outcomes in interdependent situations. Surprisingly, there is only moderate correspondence between these measures, but it is unclear why and what the implications are for identifying individual differences in social value orientation. Using a dataset of 8021 participants from 31 countries and regions, this study revealed that the Slider Measure identified fewer competitors than the Triple Dominance Measure, accounting for approximately one-third of the non-correspondence between the two measures. This is (partially) because many of the Slider items do not afford a competitive option. In items where competition is combined with individualism, competitors tended to make the same choices as individualists. Futhermore, we demonstrated the uniqueness of competitors. Compared to prosocials and individualists, competitors exhibited lower levels of both social mindfulness and trust. Overall, the present work highlights the importance of situational affordances in measuring personality, the benefits of distinguishing between individualists and competitors, and the importance of utilizing a measure that distinguishes between these two proself orientations.

Cell death is a fundamental mechanism of life that is directly associated with organismal growth, development, aging, and diseases and is highly studied life science topic from 1960s to the present day. Cell death can be classified as accidental cell death (ACD) and programmed cell death (PCD). ACD is a form of passive, sudden, and uncontrollable cell death induced by extreme physical, chemical, or mechanical changes in pressure, temperature, and/or osmatic pressure. In contrast to ACD, PCD is an active kind of cell death happening under physiological conditions regulated by genes to maintain hemostasis in healthy as well as pathological cells. There are unique biochemical and molecular processes enabling the pharmacological or genetic intervention of PCD. Advanced research in this field paved the way for the discovery of novel mechanisms in different types of PCD pathways. This chapter summarizes and compares biological and morphological characteristics, molecular mechanisms, and biochemical markers of various PCD pathways including apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis. Additionally, it also tries to explain the involvement of distinct PCD mechanisms in the diagnosis, pathological progression, and treatment of multiple organismal disorders, particularly in malignancies.