Geographical and temporal distribution of SARS-CoV-2 clades in the WHO European Region, January to June 2020

We show the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 genetic clades over time and between countries and outline potential genomic surveillance objectives. We applied three available genomic nomenclature systems for SARS-CoV-2 to all sequence data from the WHO European Region available during the COVID-19 pandemic until 10 July 2020. We highlight the importance of real-time sequencing and data dissemination in a pandemic situation. We provide a comparison of the nomenclatures and lay a foundation for future European genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2.Peer reviewe

Verification of raker shores using New Zealand timber

This paper investigates the capacity of full triangle (fixed) raker shores using New Zealand Timber, through analytical analyses and experimental tests. Full triangle (fixed) raker shores, or simply raker shores, are a temporary structure used to support collapsed or damaged buildings. They are used extensively by Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams around the world to allow the safe location and rescue of victims of collapsed or damaged buildings following an earthquake event. The shores used by New Zealand USAR are similar to those used in the United States; however they are made from Radiata Pine which has different mechanical properties than the timber used in the U.S. Hence, the need to verify the shores constructed in New Zealand still provide the required design strength. The analytical verification suggests that raker shores are unsafe, according to the New Zealand Timber Structures Standard NZS 3603:1993. However, the experimental results on full-scale specimens indicate that the performance of the raker shores satisfies the required demands, with a safety factor of 2 with regard to the design load, and a ductile type of failure. Suggestions to increase the capacity of the shores are also included