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Deformation process and strength of rock environment is significantly influenced by a presence of discontinuity planes. The paper deals with experimental modeling of underground structures in such a rock environment. Parametric analysis presents results from twin circular tunnels simulated in a scale model. The cases with and without zone of dislocations in between the tunnels were observed. Another variable factor studied was the distance between tunnels. The relation between model surface displacement and excavated length of the tunnel, which was monitored during the simulations, was used for mutual comparison of individual cases.

Although Francisella(F.) tularensisis a well-described and understood zoonotic pathogen, its importance in Central Europe is relatively minor and, as such, tularaemia may be missed in the differential diagnosis. The annual incidence of tularaemia in the Czech Republic is relatively stable with up to 100 reported cases per year, except in the epidemic years 1998 and 1999 with 225 and 222 reported cases, respectively. It is, however, higher in comparison with the neighbouring countries. The common route of transmission in Central Europe is handling infected animals. Tularaemia is not commonly recognized as a tick-borne disease. Here we report two rare cases of a tick bite-associated ulceroglandular form of tularaemia in 2.5-year-old and 6.5-year-old children presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy. The unusual and interesting features of those cases are the young age and relatively uncommon route of transmission suggesting possible changes in the epidemiology of tularaemia in the Czech Republic. Therefore, the infection with F. tularensisshould be considered in the differential diagnosis after a tick bite even in infants.