Japanese media say that for more than 30 years the company that owns the tunnel had relied on rudimentary visual inspections, with no reinforcement or repairs since construction.
One of the reasons is the slowdown in demand for Chinese goods from major markets such as the US, the eurozone and Japan. All are struggling with their own sluggish recoveries from the global economic crisis.
It's not just an indicator or two it's really across the board tweaking up slightly, and I think that is good news for pretty much everybody," said David Carbon, chief economist at DBS Bank in Singapore.
The overall global trend does give some hope for optimism as the steep increase in terrorist activity experienced from 2003 to 2007 has halted, however the deteriorating situation in Syria and other future possible conflicts in the Middle-East could reverse the situation," the report said
Among its key findings, the study argues that low income countries are less likely to suffer from terrorism than lower middle-income countries, suggesting that poverty is not a prime motive for attacks.
Among its key findings, the study argues that low income countries are less likely to suffer from terrorism than lower middle-income countries, suggesting that poverty is not a prime motive for attacks.
Tonight there will be a widespread hard frost with ice a hazard. Snow is expected for Scotland and northern England tomorrow morning with potential for disruption."
So asking for that kind of money for only scientific research or exploration, even if it would eventually pay back several times the investment, would not be an easy sell. But there might be another reason to go, one that could swing the argument in its favour. And it involves something of a surprising and indirect stepping stone. Literally.
