Resilience‐based assessment of seismic risk by investigating the socioeconomic and structural earthquake engineering factors

Various impacts of earthquakes in different countries with distinct social and economic conditions (SEC) indicate that seismic risk is affected by SEC. It is also well accepted that seismic risk depends, through the quality of structures in built environments, on structural earthquake engineering (SEE) actions. The consequences of earthquakes correspondingly affect SEC and the status of SEE, at least by attracting attention to engineering solutions that aim to overcome the continuing challenge of safety against earthquakes. SEC and SEE are therefore two fundamental dimensions of sustainable seismic resilience, which is the key earthquake disaster risk reduction strategy. This paper explores resilience-related interactions between SEC and SEE to help humanity more effectively cope with the earthquake challenge. Ten earthquake-prone countries are selected as case studies. SEC are statistically evaluated based on some related criteria, including migration rate and monetary flow. The status of SEE is thoroughly investigated by considering both direct and indirect factors. The application of seismic isolation, the well-known SEE solution, and completeness of open street map projects are the studied direct factors. Death tolls and economic losses are considered as the indirect factors relating to inappropriate and inadequate preparedness against earthquakes. Interactions between SEC and SEE are discussed through detailed comparisons of the studied measures, and seismic risk is assessed based on resilience. It is shown that disaster risk reduction essentially requires economic support by the government and this can occur if the society is aware of the need for implementing effective SEE techniques in civil engineering practice

Remote handling validation of the OPM-FDS connecting system for the IFMIF-DONES target assembly

The qualification process of the materials for future DEMO fusion reactors plays a pivotal role towards its realization. In this light, the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility-DEMO Oriented Neutron Source (IFMIF-DONES) has achieved the final design stage and is currently under construction in Granada (Spain). IFMIF-DONES aims to reproduce the irradiation conditions foreseen on the first wall of DEMO by using deuteron-lithium stripping reactions induced by a D+ beam accelerated through a superconducting LINAC. These reactions occur in a Target Assembly (TA) within a closed cavity (Test Cell) housing the test modules. Due to the strong neutron activation, a Remote Handling System (RHS) is required to perform the maintenance operations in the Test Cell. Therefore, suitably custom-designed components necessary due to the conditions of IFMIF-DONES, must be validated from the RH point of view. In particular, the system responsible for connecting the TA with the accelerator beamline plays a key role. This system includes a compression element made of an extensible bellow actuated by a One-Point-Mechanism (OPM) and a circular chain acting as a Fast Detachment System (FDS), which secures the connection by applying the required tightening force on the sealing gasket. The main objective of this work is then to test and validate the OPM-FDS design with focus on the RH suitability. Therefore, to demonstrate the concept validity and qualify the system, the University of Granada made a prototype of the OPM-FDS connection in collaboration with ARQUIMEA® and delivered it to the ENEA Brasimone Center for experimental validation. The outcomes of the validation activity conducted in this work confirmed that the OPM-FDS design is suitable for Remote Handling and can perform several connections and disconnections. The rescue system, which detaches the FDS in case of failure, has also been tested successfully. The experimental campaign also showed some potential improvements in the design of the connecting system for further implementation

Imino and Thioureidic Derivatives as New Tools for Alzheimer's Disease: Preliminary Studies

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative chronic disease with a severe social and economic impact in the societies, which still lacks an efficient therapy. Several pathophysiological events (β-amyloid [Aβ] deposits, τ-protein aggregation, loss of cholinergic activity, and oxidative stress) occurs in the progression of the disease. Therefore, the search for efficient multi-targeted agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease becomes indispensable. In this paper we evaluated the AChE inhibition by Ellman's method and antioxidant activity by DPPH assay of nine synthetic compounds: two hydroxy-benzene derivatives (1 and 2), three bis-thioureidic derivatives (3–5), two imidazole derivatives (6 and 7), and two phenylacetamide derivatives (8 and 9). The compound 2, (3s,5s,7s)-adamantan-1-yl4-(((E)-2,5-dihydroxybenzylidene)amino)benzoate, exhibited the best antioxidant activity (30.00 ± 1.05 μM eq Trolox) and compound 4 showed the highest AChE inhibition value (IC50 [μM] 8.40 ± 0.32). In the search for a compound showing combined activities (antioxidant and AChE inhibition), the compound 4, octane-1,8-diyl-bis-S-amidinothiourea dihydrobromide, (19.02 ± 1.52 μM eq Trolox; IC50 [μM] 8.40 ± 0.32) was chosen to carry out a molecular docking study. The results showed that compound 4 has the ability to bind the active site of acetylcholinesterase with considerable affinity (estimated binding energies of −8.5 kcal/mol). All data indicate that compound 4 has the potential to be further investigated as a possible candidate in the Alzheimer's disease treatment

Diet, fruit and vegetables and One Health: benefits for health, environment, society and the consumer—proceedings of the 9th edition of EGEA conference

Purpose: To present the outcomes of the EGEA Conference on the state of knowledge regarding the contribution of diets rich in fruit and vegetables (FV) to human and planetary health, commonly included in the One Health concept. Methods: The 9th edition of EGEA Conference (20–22 September 2023, Barcelona) provided a transversal and multidisciplinary perspective on the contribution of FV to One Health, in particular to the health of individuals, society and the planet. Nearly 150 international scientists and stakeholders discussed the current state of knowledge. These proceedings are based both on a literature review and the scientific studies presented by the speakers. Results: Scientific evidence confirms the role of FV in preventing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes; more evidence is needed on the effects and mechanisms of FV in cancer prevention. FV production and consumption helps ensure territorial cohesion and provides a denser, nutrient-rich diet with less environmental impact (except water use) than other food groups, but use of synthetic pesticides in FV production remains a challenge that could be addressed with agro-ecological solutions. Various factors influence consumer choice and behaviour towards FV consumption across the lifespan, with specific periods being more conducive to change. New research is emerging on the role of FV consumption in regulating gut microbiota and on both mental and brain health; the potential role of FV production and supply in tackling biodiversity loss and climate change; and better monitoring of FV consumption. Conclusion: Sufficient evidence confirms the contribution of diet rich in FV to One Health, with some emerging research on this topic. Concerted actions are required towards an increased consumption of FV and a more diversified and environmentally neutral FV production

ReclaiMEDlanD(scapes). Ecologie climatiche tra adattamento, progetto e partecipazione

Il progetto ReclaiMEDlanD, finanziatoda U.S. Department of State e da U.S. Mission to Italy, Public Diplomacy Section attraverso il bando competitivo Annual Program Statement 2023, ha promosso la cooperazione Stati Uniti-Italia sull’adattamento climatico nei paesaggi di bonifica costieri del XX secolo. Questi paesaggi, espressione della relazione tra uomo e ambiente in una determinata fase della storia umana, hanno profondamente trasformato il territorio per produrre e abitare. Le loro condizioni intrinseche, come l’elevata infrastrutturazione, insieme alle trasformazioni recenti — urbanizzazione, intensificazione agricola e gestione frammentaria — li rendono oggi ed in futuro più vulnerabili agli effetti del cambiamento climatico come innalzamento del livello del mare, alluvioni e siccità. Nato dalla collaborazione tra FEEM e FIBER, il progetto ha coinvolto stakeholder locali di due territori emblematici — Piana di Metaponto e Bassa Romagna — per sviluppare traiettorie condivise di rigenerazione design- based che coniughino protezione del valore culturale di questi paesaggi e adattamento al cambiamento climatico

“Definizione di un modello SSD per l’ottimizzazione e gestione sostenibile delle Zone Economiche Speciali (ECO-ZES)”

Il progetto di ricerca "Eco ZES" nasce con l’obiettivo di sviluppare un Sistema di Supporto Decisionale (DSS) innovativo, mirato a promuovere interventi ecosostenibili nelle aree industriali. L’idea nasce nel contesto della Zona Economica Speciale (ZES) Interregionale Jonica Puglia-Basilicata, istituita per favorire lo sviluppo economico del Mezzogiorno tramite agevolazioni fiscali e semplificazioni burocratiche. Tuttavia, l’iniziativa "Eco ZES" punta a integrare i benefici economici delle ZES tradizionali con modelli di sostenibilità ambientale, promuovendo energie rinnovabili, economia circolare e infrastrutture verdi. La ricerca ha adottato un approccio multidisciplinare, basato su tecniche avanzate di modellizzazione e simulazione, per analizzare scenari decisionali complessi e valutare gli impatti economici, sociali e ambientali a lungo termine. Il DSS sviluppato è stato testato nelle 15 aree ZES della Basilicata, identificando soluzioni innovative come l’efficienza energetica, il trattamento avanzato delle acque reflue, la riduzione dei rifiuti e la promozione della mobilità sostenibile. Il modello decisionale impiega metodi multicriterio (MCDA) per ponderare i criteri di sostenibilità e confrontare scenari alternativi. I risultati confermano la validità del DSS, che si distingue per la flessibilità di adattarsi a diversi contesti geografici e settoriali, fornendo raccomandazioni trasparenti e orientate alla sostenibilità. L’integrazione di principi di economia circolare e tecnologie emergenti, come intelligenza artificiale e big data, rappresenta una prospettiva futura per migliorare ulteriormente l’efficacia del sistema. La ricerca contribuisce significativamente alla promozione di politiche industriali ecosostenibili, offrendo uno strumento per bilanciare sviluppo economico e tutela ambientale, incoraggiando investimenti consapevoli e responsabili nelle aree produttive del Mezzogiorno e oltre.The research project "Eco ZES" aims to develop an innovative Decision Support System (DSS) designed to promote eco-sustainable interventions in industrial areas. The initiative stems from the context of the Interregional Special Economic Zone (ZES) Jonica Puglia-Basilicata, established to foster the economic development of Southern Italy through tax incentives and bureaucratic simplifications. However, the "Eco ZES" initiative seeks to integrate the economic benefits of traditional ZES with models of environmental sustainability, promoting renewable energy, circular economy practices, and green infrastructures. The research adopted a multidisciplinary approach, leveraging advanced modeling and simulation techniques to analyze complex decision-making scenarios and assess the long-term economic, social, and environmental impacts. The developed DSS was tested in 15 ZES areas in Basilicata, identifying innovative solutions such as energy efficiency, advanced wastewater treatment, waste reduction, and the promotion of sustainable mobility. The decision model employs multi-criteria methods (MCDA) to weigh sustainability criteria and compare alternative scenarios. The results confirm the validity of the DSS, which stands out for its flexibility to adapt to different geographic and sectoral contexts, providing transparent and sustainability-oriented recommendations. The integration of circular economy principles and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data, represents a future prospect to further enhance the system's effectiveness. The research significantly contributes to the promotion of eco-sustainable industrial policies, offering a tool to balance economic development and environmental protection, encouraging conscious and responsible investments in the productive areas of Southern Italy and beyo

Front-Tracking Technique for Computing Inflatable Structures in Hypersonic Flows

In recent years, both NASA and ESA have run Technology Demonstration Missions employing Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators (HIADs), an inflatable structure covered by a flexible heat shield, which is used to decelerate and protect space vehicles entering the atmosphere at hypersonic speed. This paper describes a recently developed numerical technique to simulate the fluid/structure interaction between the hypersonic stream and the flexible structure of the HIAD. The authors do so by using a front-tracking/shock-fitting technique that models both the bow shock and the thin membrane of the HIAD as double-sided surfaces of negligible thickness. Shock motion is governed by the Rankine–Hugoniot jump relations, whereas a nonlinear membrane model is used to simulate the deformation of the HIAD under the combined effect of the inflation and aerodynamic pressure. Local remeshing is used to ensure that the surface triangulations used to geometrically describe both the material interfaces and the bow shock are conforming with the background tetrahedral grid that fills the fluid domain. The computational examples cover three different HIADs of increasing geometrical complexity. We also show that fitting the bow shock allows to preserve the design order of the spatial discretization scheme in the entire shockdownstream region