A New Methodology to Assess Indirect Losses in Bridges Subjected to Multiple Hazards

Decision making approaches to manage bridge recovering after the impact of multiple hazards are increasing all over the world. In particular, bridges can be considered critical links in highway networks because of their vulnerability and their resilience can be assessed on the basis of evaluation of direct and indirect losses. This paper aims at proposing a new methodology to assess indirect losses for bridges subjected to multiple hazards. The method applied to calculate direct costs is the credited Performance Based Earthquake Engineering (PBEE) methodology by the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) center. Therefore, the main objective of the study consists in the assessment of indirect losses that are generally neglected elsewhere. In particular, the paper proposes to calculate indirect losses from direct costs and to divide them into connectivity losses and prolongation of time. The presented formulation has been applied to a real case study aimed at strengthening a benchmark bridge with several isolated configurations. The results show that the application of the proposed methodology allows to evaluate possible solutions to strengthen the original configuration

Response Site Analyses of 3D Homogeneous Soil Models

The seismic excitation at the surface can be determined through Site Response Analyses (SRA) as to account for the specific soil properties of the site. However, the obtained results are largely affected by the model choice and setting, and by the depth of the considered soil layer. This paper proposes a refined 3D analytical approach, by the application of OPENSEES platform. A preliminary analysis has been performed to check the model adequacy as regards the mesh geometry and the boundary conditions. After the model setting, a SRA has been performed on various soil profiles, differing for the shear velocity and representing the different soil classes as proposed by the Eurocode 8 (EC8). Three levels of seismic hazard have been considered. The seismic input at the bedrock has been represented consequently, through as much ensembles of seven ground motions each, spectrum-compatible to the elastic spectra provided by EC8 for the soil-type A (bedrock). Special attention has been paid to the role of the considered soil depth on the evaluation of the surface seismic input. Different values of depth have been considered for each soil type and seismic intensity, in order to check its effect on the obtained results

Breast Fistula Repair after Autologous Fat Graft: A Case Report

We report the case of a 55-year-old female patient who attended our clinic for the presence of a scar retraction in the upper pole of the left breast as a complication of breast augmentation. In the scar area, we observed an orifice that probing revealed to be a fistula. The patient was referred to surgical intervention under general anesthesia to obtain scar contracture release using autologous fat graft; one month after autologous fat injection, following healing of the fistula, the patient underwent a second surgical procedure to replace the left breast implant. Unexpectedly, two weeks after the surgical procedure, complete healing of the breast fistula within the scar area was observed; this observation was confirmed during the second surgical step for left breast implant repositioning, when we observed the absence of the fistula orifice in the breast implant cavity. Upon clinical examination at 1-year followup, tissue integrity was preserved. The patient's satisfaction was excellent. We have observed a possible additional effect of fat graft

Breast reconstruction: a quality measure for breast cancer care?

Parallel to its life-threatening nature, breast cancer can affect physical integrity, having a psychosocial impact on patients. Determining the optimal proportion of patients who should undergo breast reconstruction after cancer surgery represents a complex task. What seems to be unquestionable is that the ability to offer reconstruction and a wide range of surgical options plays an important role in current breast cancer management. The multidisciplinary approach is a paramount aspect not only for a successful oncologic treatment, but also for improving patient quality of life

Radar detection of pedestrian-induced vibrations on Michelangelo’s David

This paper summarizes the results of a two-day dynamic monitoring of Michelangelo's David subject to environmental loads (city traffic and pedestrian loading induced by tourists visiting the Accademia Gallery). The monitoring was carried out by a no-contact technique using an interferometric radar, whose effectiveness in measuring the resonant frequencies of structures and historic monuments has proved over the last years through numerous monitoring activities. Owing to the dynamic behavior of the measurement system (radar and tripod), an accelerometer has been installed on the radar head to filter out the movement component of the measuring instrument from the measurement of the David's displacement. Measurements were carried out in the presence and absence of visitors, to assess their influence on the dynamic behavior of the statue. A numerical model of the statue was employed to evaluate the experimental results

Key pedagogical and technological factors for effective blended learning design

This is a report by the expert pools of the EMPOWER programme established by EADTU to cover the latest trends and developments in new modes of teaching. New modes of teaching and learning create new opportunities for enhancing the quality of the learning experience in on campus programmes, reaching out to new target groups off campus and offering freely accessible courses nationally or worldwide through the internet. They enhance the quality, visibility and reputation of the institution.Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Unioninfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

ROCCA cohort study: Nationwide results on safety of Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine (Sputnik V) in the Republic of San Marino using active surveillance

Background: Gam-COVID-Vac is the world's first registered vector vaccine against COVID-19 based on a combination of two heterologous adenoviruses. It was chosen by the Republic of San Marino as the main tool in its vaccination campaign, which started on 25 February 2021. Our aim was to build up on the ROCCA study, focused on the older population, by describing adverse effects following immunisation (AEFIs) rates and characteristics in all age groups for the first time in a real-world context. Methods: An active surveillance study on recipients of at least one dose of the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine was conducted. Participants were administered online questionnaires through live/phone interviews with physicians, by e-mail or by scanning a QR code at different points in time after the first dose: one week (Q1) one month (Q2), and three months (Q3) between March and August 2021. Findings: Overall, 6190 vaccine recipients were recruited. Mean age was 52·4 ± 18·2 years. After the first dose, systemic reactions were reported by 57·5% of the participants, while injection site reactions were reported by 46·7%. The most common AEFIs were pain at the injection site, fatigue and headache. Grade 3 or 4 AEFIs were reported by 0·8% and 0·3% of the participants, respectively. After the second dose, systemic reactions were reported by 63·1% of the participants, while injection site reactions by 54·7%. The most common AEFIs were malaise, pain at injection site and myalgia. Grade 3 or 4 AEFIs were reported by 2·7% and 1·1% of the participants, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed younger age, being a woman and food allergies are risk factors for more severe AEFIs. Interpretation: Our results confirm a good tolerability profile for the population aged 18 and over providing useful data for vaccination campaigns ongoing in countries planning to use Gam-COVID-Vac. Funding: None

The Role of Soil Structure Interaction on the Seismic Resilience of Isolated Structures

Resilience has become an interesting parameter to assess the seismic risk connected with functionality of structures. In this regard, losses due to earthquakes may be significantly reduced by applying isolation at the base of the structures. However, design of isolation needs to consider the effects of soil deformability and all the connected effects of Soil Structure Interaction (SSI). In particular, soil deformability may reduce significantly the benefit of base isolation and thus the computation of resilience needs to consider such conditions. This paper aims to consider the issue by considering several isolated configurations on different soil conditions and for each of them, the seismic resilience has been computed. Numerical simulations have been performed in order to calculate the resilience of the various configurations and then this parameter was chosen a reference for comparing the isolation models on different soil conditions

Analytical Fragility Curves of Pile Foundations with Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI)

Pile foundations is a well-studied technique with many applications and its benefits on structures have been widely studied in the literature. In particular, the mutual effects of pile flexibility and soil deformability may significantly modify the seismic behaviour of superstructures. In order to consider the uncertainties that are connected with these issues, the paper applies the probabilistic-based approach of fragility curves by proposing three limit states based on ductility factor. Non-linear dynamic analyses were performed with OpenSees PL to assess the potentialities of three pile configurations founded on three cohesionless soil with different deformability

The Role of the Water Level in the Assessment of Seismic Vulnerability for the 23 November 1980 Irpinia–Basilicata Earthquake

The seismic vulnerability of structures is closely related to changes in the degree of soil saturation that may cause significant changes in volume and shear strength, and consequently, bearing capacity. This paper aims to consider this issue during the strong earthquake that struck Southern Italy on 23 November 1980 (Ms = 6.9) and affected the Campania and Basilicata regions. Several 3D numerical finite element models were performed in order to consider the effects of soil–structure interaction (SSI) on a representative benchmark structure. In particular, the role of the water level depth is herein considered as one of the most significant parameters to control the shear deformations inside the soil, and thus the performance of the superstructure. Results show the importance of considering the water level for buildings on shallow foundations in terms of settlements, base shear forces and floor displacements