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To conduct a comparative cost analysis between single-use and reusable cystoscopes from a national healthcare system perspective and assess the environmental footprint. Single-center micro-cost analysis of reusable vs single-use cystoscopes used institutional data. The cost breakdown included capital, reprocessing, repair, procedure, and environmental impact expenses. Data collection occurred in 2022, utilizing registered data, observations, and expert opinions. Depreciation was applied over 5 years for reusable cystoscopes and 8 years for the automated endoscope reprocessor. Deterministic sensitivity analyses gauged result robustness to input variations. Lastly, an assessment of the environmental footprint, focusing on water consumption and waste generation, was conducted. Per-procedure cost associated with reusable cystoscopes was €332.46 vs €220.19 associated with single-use, resulting in savings of €112.27. When projecting these costs per procedure with the number of procedures performed in 2022 (1186), comparing the costs of procedures performed in 1 year with reusable endoscopes (€394,295.86) to the costs of the exact number of procedures performed with disposable endoscopes (€261,149.37), a saving of €133,146.49 could be achieved. Additionally, after continuous use of single-use endoscopes, procedures were scheduled every 20 minutes instead of every 30 minutes. This adjustment allowed for 15 daily procedures instead of 10 while maintaining the same shift. This suggests potential advantages in terms of improved organizational impact and reduced waiting lists. Ultimately, the decreased environmental impact favored the adoption of single-use cystoscopes. Our study presents an opportunity for organizational development in response to the evolving external environment, considering user needs, market dynamics, and competition with other facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite oxides of the R 2 CuTiO 6 type with a trivalent rare earth element (R) at the A-cation site and co-occupancy of the B-cation site with the Jahn-Teller d 9 Cu2+ and d 0 Ti4+ transition metals, provides an interesting playground for various chemical and physical phenomena. However, conventional solid-state synthesis under ambient-pressure (AP) yields the perovskite structure only for the largest R constituents from La to Gd; with the smaller rare earth elements (Y, Tb–Lu) a non-perovskite (hexagonal BaTiO 3 -type) structure is formed. Here we demonstrate that through high-pressure (HP) high-temperature treatment, the hexagonal AP structure can be converted into a distorted (orthorhombic) perovskite structure for all the smaller R constituents. The critical pressure needed for the conversion increases with decreasing R 3+ ion size, up to ca. 6 GPa for R = Lu. Moreover, a novel intermediate phase is found to form for most of the R constituents when pressures lower than the critical pressure are applied. We have employed both X-ray diffraction and UV–vis spectroscopy analyses to systematically follow the phase formation schemes for the different R constituents. [Display omitted] • Hexagonal R 2 CuTiO 6 phases with smallest R s are converted to perovskites via high pressure treatment. • This extends the R 2 CuTiO 6 perovskite series to cover all R s from La to Lu. • Turning point is found around R = Tb–Gd for lattice parameters versus R size behaviour. • Critical pressure required for the conversion increases with decreasing R size. • New intermediate phases are found to form in the lower-pressure range before the perovskites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A tool for the sustainability evaluation of waste management was defined. • Specific indicators for the integrated evaluation were identified. • Waste management scenarios in two different developing settings were evaluated. Solid waste management assessment methods that simultaneously analyze the economic, social and environmental dimensions are limited. Tools are rarely applied in developing countries because of several constraints encountered during their implementation (e.g. lack of data availability and difficulties concerning data interpretation), consequently hampering the development of sustainable solid waste management practices. In addition, the incorporation of stakeholders in most decision-making tools and processes, as well as the availability of credible data in developing countries is often limited. To address these issues, this paper presents one of the first large scale studies, utilizing a tool, named Integrated Assessment Scheme (IAS). Use of IAS provides a holistic, integrated approach evaluating the economic, environmental and social dimensions in order to support the decision making process and to facilitate more sustainable waste management in low and middle-income countries. The use of IAS in the two case studies from Bosnia-Herzegovina and Mozambique suggests its suitability to communities in similar contexts. However, its limitations are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Honey bee health is influenced by multiple drivers/stressors. • The Health Status Index (HSI) summarizes the components of honey bee colony health. • HSI might support decision-making processes for the beekeeping sector. Abstract Honey bees play an important role in the maintenance of both, biodiversity and food security through pollination services and also represent an important source of income for rural areas. Despite several studies and monitoring projects gathering a large amount of data on the main factors/stressors influencing honey bee colonies, there is a lack of holistic and multidimensional statistical tools integrating different aspects which define honey bee colony health. Such tools are important to support the sustainable management of honey bees. In this study, we designed and tested a methodological framework based on Structural Equation Models for the development of a honey bee Health Status Index. The index accounts for the main abiotic (e.g. pesticide contamination, landscape characteristics) and biotic (e.g. parasitosis, virosis) factors influencing honey bee health, including the beekeepers role in managing the colony. The proposed methodology was validated against a dataset representing seven scenarios generated through Expert Knowledge Elicitation. The validation procedure showed that the Health Status Index integrates different sources of data and it can quantify the health status of a honey bee colony based on the characteristics of each scenario. Furthermore, it allows the investigation of the influence of different drivers/stressors on the health of the honey bee colony. The Health Status Index provides flexibility in the selection of variables, making it a valuable tool for holistic and harmonised assessment of honey bee health. Once validated, the index can support the evaluation at different spatial (from local- to area-wide management) and temporal (medium- to long-term management) scales to support stakeholders' (e.g. beekeepers, risk assessors, risk managers) decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the light of an increment of the safety of CFRP components and systems subjected to low-velocity impacts, the identification of a damage onset threshold is desired. Hence the suitability of an analytical model for the estimation of the critical load of delamination onset, as well as, an approximation of the load-displacement curve, has been investigated. Starting from the Olsson's analytical model, available in the literature, a new model has been developed for the prediction of the mechanical behaviour of composite laminates subjected to low-velocity impacts, following a dynamic approach and taking into account stiffness degradation. The performances of the new model have been compared with results of an experimental impact testing program, showing good agreement with the data and significant improvements when compared with the Olsson's model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of the risk posed by invasive alien species (IAS) to the environment is a component of increasing importance for Pest Risk Analysis. Standardized and comprehensive procedures to assess their impacts on ecosystem services have been developed only recently. The invasive apple snails ( Pomacea canaliculata and P. maculata ) are used as a case study to demonstrate the application of an innovative procedure assessing the potential impact of these species on shallow freshwater ecosystems with aquatic macrophytes in Europe. The apple snail, Pomacea maculata , recently established in the Ebro delta in Spain resulting in a serious threat to rice production and wetlands, having also a high risk to spread to other European wetlands. Here, the population abundance of apple snails is regarded as the main driver of ecosystem change. The effects of ecosystem resistance, resilience and pest management on snail population abundance are estimated for the short (5 years) and the long (30 years) term. Expert judgment was used to evaluate the impacts on selected ecosystem services in a worst-case scenario. Our study shows that the combined effects of apple snails are estimated to have profound effects on the ecosystem services provided by shallow, macrophyte-dominated ecosystems in Europe. This case study illustrates that quantitative estimates of environmental impacts from different IAS are feasible and useful for decision-makers and invasive species managers that have to balance costs of control efforts against environmental and economic impacts of invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the light of an increment of the safety of CFRP components subjected to low-velocity impacts, the identification of a damage onset threshold is desired. Hence the suitability of an analytical model for the estimation of the critical load of delamination onset and the resulting delaminated area, as well as for the approximation of the load-displacement curve, has been investigated. The Olsson's analytical model, available in the literature, is considered and applied in this study for the prediction of the mechanical behaviour of composite specimens subject to low-velocity impacts. Comparisons with experimental results have been carried out to demonstrate the accuracy of the presented model. Impact tests were performed in accordance with ASTM D7136 standard and damage was assessed by means of ultrasonic testing and computed tomography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physiologically based demographic models are important tools for the development of sustainable pest management as they can realistically describe the spatio-temporal dynamics of population abundance as function of environmental forcing variables, e.g. temperature and resource availability. The physiological based model presented here is based on a stochastic demographic model for a stage-structured population that has application to a wide range of species across different taxa. The species life-history strategies are described in terms of a set of biodemographic rate functions dependent from the biological characteristics of the species and their environmental driver variables. Model application required parameter estimation of the biodemographic rate functions at two levels: assessing physiological responses at the per capita level and/or using population time series data for rate functions estimation. To explore the usefulness of the modelling framework in pest management, we consider the case study of the grape berry moth Lobesia botrana , a major pest in European vineyard. Most of the model parameters were estimated from data in the literature. An unpublished dataset of population dynamics collected in a vineyard in the Veneto region (Italy) over three years was used to estimate the mortality function. Model validation was performed with a set of independent data. Model simulations provided realistic trajectories of population dynamics obtained with a limited dataset of initial conditions. The suitability of the model as a tool for decision support for grape berry moth management is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of establishment of an invasive species in an area of new introduction is influenced by several factors, including weather conditions, soil characteristics, and species spread dynamics. Disentangling the role of multiple variables on habitat preference can provide important elements supporting the management of invasive species. In this work, we present a modelling framework that allows i) the identification of the main drivers influencing the probability of the presence of the invasive pest Japanese beetle Popillia japonica , in an area of recent introduction in Northern Italy, and ii) the evaluation of bi-dimensional niches to investigate the non-linear combined effects of couples of variables on the potential distribution of this species. Occurrence records of larval populations sampled between 2017 and 2019 in 8488 sites in Northern Italy were used in the present study. The sample sites were characterised based on a set of explanatory variables related to land use, soil characteristics, meteorological conditions, and infestation history. We performed a stepwise logistic regression analysis for testing the statistical significance of explanatory variables on the occurrence of local larval populations. Then, we implemented a Generalized Additive Model to investigate the bi-dimensional ecological niche determined by the interaction of two variables on the probability of the presence of P. japonica. The results highlight the prominent role of soil and weather variables and the infestation history of the species in driving the presence of P. japonica larvae. Less acidic soils, especially with sandy-skeletal particles, are preferred. A high density of P. japonica larvae is associated with medium content of soil organic carbon in the soil. Long drought periods or high precipitation levels reduce the probability of the presence of the species. Non-linear effects are observed between soil temperature variables and habitat preferences of P. japonica. The probability of the presence of P. japonica is also related to the number of years since the first occurrence of the species at the site. The results of the present work provide fundamental elements for guiding the assessment of the risk and the management of P. japonica. [Display omitted] • P. japonica spread in Northern Italy occupying above 14,000 km2 in 2021. • The influence of factors on the presence of pest requires non-linear analysis approaches. • The abundance of P. japonica larvae is higher in cool soils. • P. japonica larvae are less likely to occur in soils with extreme humidity conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, modified Mohr Coulomb (MMC) and Lemaitre׳s damage model have been calibrated for a Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy. A large uniaxial and multiaxial experimental program has been carried out on round, flat, smooth and notched, specimens. All experimental tests have been numerically reproduced adopting finite element models: most of the tests have been used to define the material parameters for the investigated damage models, exploiting an inverse method; some selected tests have been used to validate the calibrated damage criteria. Specifically, after the calibration stage, the capability of the material models to be transferred to a different and more critical scenario (high triaxiality and strain gradient) has been investigated by means of a three point bending test on a notched specimen. Moreover, in the paper, the advantages and drawbacks of Lemaitre׳s continuum damage mechanics (CDM) and MMC approaches have been addressed and discussed. Furthermore, a metallographic analysis using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) has been carried out and images of the specimen׳s fracture surface have been acquired in order to investigate the potential different fracture mechanisms, depending on the stress state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandwich panels are used in industrial fields where lightness and energy absorption capabilities are required. In order to increase their exploitation, a wide knowledge of their mechanical behavior also in severe loading conditions is crucial. Light structures such as the one studied in the present work, sandwich panels with aluminum skins and Nomex ™ honeycomb core, are exposed to a possible decrease of their structural integrity, resulting from a low velocity impact. In order to quantitatively describe the decrease of the sandwich mechanical performance after an impact, an experimental program of compression after impact tests (CAI) has been performed. Sandwich panel specimens have been damaged during a low velocity impact test phase, using an experimental apparatus based on a free fall mass tower. Different experimental impact energies have been tested. Damaged and undamaged specimens have been consequently tested adopting a compression after impact procedure. The relation between the residual strength of the panel and the possible relevant parameters has been statistically investigated. The results show a clear reduction of the residual strength of the damaged panels compared with undamaged ones. Nevertheless, a reduced dependency between the impact energy and the residual strength is found above a certain impact energy threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Numerical simulation of fracture toughness test on Al6061-T6 specimen. [•] Geometry transferability of a ductile damage criterion in a high stress–strain gradient scenario. [•] Microstructure and fracture surface analysis. [•] Relation between optimum mesh size and microstructure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The current methods to assess the environmental impacts of plant pests differ in their approaches and there is a lack of the standardized procedures necessary to provide accurate and consistent results, demonstrating the complexity of developing a commonly accepted scheme for this purpose. By including both the structural and functional components of the environment threatened by invasive alien species (IAS), in particular plant pests, we propose an environmental risk assessment scheme that addresses this complexity. Structural components are investigated by evaluating the impacts of the plant pest on genetic, species and landscape diversity. Functional components are evaluated by estimating how plant pests modify ecosystem services in order to determine the extent to which an IAS changes the functional traits that influence ecosystem services. A scenario study at a defined spatial and temporal resolution is then used to explore how an IAS, as an exogenous driving force, may trigger modifications in the target environment. The method presented here provides a standardized approach to generate comparable and reproducible results for environmental risk assessment as a component of Pest Risk Analysis. The method enables the assessment of overall environmental risk which integrates the impacts on different components of the environment and their probabilities of occurrence. The application of the proposed scheme is illustrated by evaluating the environmental impacts of the invasive citrus long-horn beetle, Anoplophora chinensis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Innovative sustainable food systems should be defined to meet the future food demand (both in terms of quality and quantity) and to overcome the threats that current food systems are posing to the natural capital. To achieve this ambitious goal, the transition to sustainable food habits should be supported by methodological frameworks and modelling tools promoting human and environmental health. The proposed framework provided a standardized system-based approach for the analysis of environmental impacts of food systems, assessed in terms of use of natural resources (water and ecological footprint) and GHG emissions (carbon footprint). The framework is applied to the assessment of water footprint of cradle-to-gate European food consumption, resulting in an average water footprint consumption of 3291 (±557) litre (per day per person). The case study showed the potentiality of our framework as a support tool for policy making in designing specific incentives for the reduction of environmental impacts related to the agri-food sector, as well as in the evaluation of agronomic strategies in the light of pursuing the environmental sustainability of food commodities production. The main novelty presented in the case study is to use food consumption data coming from surveys harmonized across European countries to assess the real food demand. [Display omitted] • Transition towards sustainable food system requires system-based standardized assessment tool. • Sustainability assessment of food systems should follow a multidimensional approach. • Large-scale assessment at country, consumer or food category level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A stratified dispersal model for the chestnut gall wasp invasion in Europe was developed. [•] The model component of the local or short distance dispersal and long distance dispersal were estimated. [•] The model accurately reproduced the observed spatio-temporal dynamics of the chestnut gall wasp in Europe. [•] The model has applicability to the management strategies evaluation to control the chestnut gall wasp invasion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] A method to rank area-wide pest management strategies is proposed. [•] A spatially explicit metapopulation model is used to predict pest dynamics. [•] The distance of predictions from a reference state is measured. [•] Strategies are ranked according to this distance. [•] Sensitivity analysis allows robust decision making. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sandwich panels with honeycomb cores are used for aerospace frames where mass efficient structures are needed; however the structural integrity of these panels is reduced by low velocity impacts. Their behaviour on impact is investigated in this paper by means of refined numerical Finite Elements simulations. The sandwich panels considered are made of a Nomex™ honeycomb core and thin Al 2024-T3 aluminium alloy skins. A highly detailed FE model (micro mechanical level) has been built by using data obtained from flatwise compressive tests of honeycomb cores and a calibration of the constitutive law and ductile failure of aluminium skins. Numerical results are compared in terms of damage shapes and failure onset with an experimental campaign, carried out using a free-fall apparatus and a spherical steel impactor. The impact phenomena, including the failure of the skin, have been reproduced by means of numerical models with an elevated grade of similarity to a real impact scenario. Discussion and perspective are reported. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sandwich panels are structural elements widely used, especially in aerospace field, because their high stiffness with a low weight. However the assessment of a detailed and reliable mechanical behaviour especially in compression is, at present, a key task for a large exploitation in primary structures. Due to the large amount and variance in manufacturing processes, the fitting of precise material model behaviour is in fact not a straightforward process. Geometry, material and technological characteristics furnished by the manufacturers are often not sufficient to build a comprehensive model that is representative of the real product. Therefore, starting from an experimental-numerical experience, based on “virtual test” approach of a flatwise compressive test on a Nomextm Honeycomb core, a parametrical analysis of the most significant parameters is carried on by means of Finite Element models. The variation influence of several parameters (wall thickness, dipping thickness, Nomex mechanical characteristic, etc) is investigated around a reference and optimal solution. The influence of the variation of these parameters on the numerical virtual model of the Honeycomb is reported and finally discussed with the aim to help the tailor process of a material behaviour model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The mechanical properties of CeO2 layers that are undoped or doped with other elements (e.g. Zr and Ta) are a topic of special interest specially in the manufacturing of superconductor buffer layers by pulsed electron deposition. Nowadays, the trend is to produce small devices (i.e. coated conductors), and the correct mechanical characterization is critical. In this sense, nanoindentation is a powerful technique widely employed to determine the mechanical properties of small volumes. In this study, the nanoindentation technique allow us determine the hardness (H) and Young''s modulus (E) by sharp indentation of different buffer layers to explore the deposition process of CeO2 that is undoped or doped with Zr and Ta, and deposited on Ni–5%W at room temperature. This study was carried out on various samples at different ranges of applied loads (from 0.5 to 500mN). Scanning electron microscopy images show no cracking for CeO2 doped with Zr, as the doping agent increases the toughness fracture of the CeO2 layer. This system, presents better mechanical stability than the other studied systems. Thus, the H for Zr–CeO2 is around 2.75·106 Pa, and the elastic modulus calculated using the Bec et al. and Rar et al. models equals 249·106 Pa and 235·106 Pa respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An epidemiological model of the dynamics of East Coast Fever (ECF) in East Africa caused by the protozoan parasite Theileria parva and transmitted by the brown-ear tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus was developed. In the model, ticks are assigned to either on-host or off-host categories both of which differ in their capacity to receive and transmit the disease. Cattle are assigned to categories of susceptible, infected and infectious as well as recovered animals having immunity to the disease. The parameters of the model were estimated from data reported in the literature. A mathematical analysis of the ECF/tick/cattle model with and without disease was conducted. Depending on the ratio between fecundity and mortality rates in cattle and in the absence of disease, different scenarios emerge including extinction of ticks, coexistence of ticks and cattle and total extinction of ticks and cattle. Furthermore, the analysis of the model with the disease yielded threshold conditions for the existence and the persistence of stable coexistence equilibria for the epidemiological system that may lead to enzootic stability. The model was used to identify critical aspects of the dynamics required to develop management strategies: (i) tick control in areas where the disease is absent, (ii) threshold-based tick and disease control, and (iii) conditions permitting the establishment of enzootic stability of the ECF/tick/cattle system. The analysis also identifies critical areas requiring further field investigation, sets the basis for developing a realistic model for field implementation, and provides a tool for project development and evaluation in the context of international research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The introduction of the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica Newman) in Italy raised concerns for its control in herbaceous and perennial crops, nurseries and landscape plants. During the early stages of spread of an invasive pest, the availability of effective insecticides is essential to sustain the immediate needs of plant protection. Here, we screened the effects of 20 active ingredients representative of chemical and organic insecticides registered in Europe for adult beetle management on high-value crops (grapevine, peach and corn) and landscape plants (willow and Virginia creeper) by field trials carried out in 2019 and 2020. Plant parts suitable for spraying were sleeved and beetles were caged before the application (contact effect), after the application but on the same day (residual, short-term effect), and 7–8 days after the application (residual, long-term effect). Among the 20 active ingredients tested, only four broad-spectrum (acetamiprid, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin and phosmet) were effective in killing beetles under all the experimental conditions, while other broad-spectrum and selective ingredients were mainly effective only on contact and as short-term residual. The organic active ingredients were much less effective under any condition. The data provide a valid support to update the European guidelines aimed at controlling P. japonica for growers, landscape managers and homeowners. The low selectivity of the most effective insecticides requires the integration into management strategies that envisage their use only whether strictly necessary, and in combination with other containment measures. [Display omitted] • Contact and residual effects of chemical and organic insecticides were tested on Popillia japonica adults. • Broad-spectum chemical insecticides were effective in killing beetles on contact and residual application. • Selective and organic insecticides did not always result in a significant beetle mortality under all conditions tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel process for the coated conductors (CC) deposition, characterized by a single CeO2 buffer layer architecture, and a new oxygenation device for the YBCO layer has been developed. In CC technology, usually the ceria layer thickness must be less than 100nm to avoid the formation of cracks; in order to ensure an efficient barrier effect, complex and costly multi-buffer layers architectures must be grown. In this work, we describe the way to increase the thickness of crack-free single buffer layer. Single CeO2 buffer layer is grown on biaxially textured Ni–5at.%W substrates (RABiTS) by e-beam evaporation technique, introducing different doping elements at various percentages in pure Ceria targets. Since the crack formation in cerium oxide layers mainly depends on the stresses introduced by the lattice mismatch with Ni alloy substrate and on the arrangement of the oxygen vacancies in the lattice, it is possible to reduce these stresses by optimizing the doping in the Ceria layer, thus obtaining very thick and crack-free CeO2 buffer layers. The texture quality of our samples is tested by XRD, giving a strong in-plane and out-of-plane orientation (FWHM values of about 5°). Optical and electron microscopy shows dense and crack-free thick layers (up to 450nm) and confirms excellent insulating properties. A novel technique has been developed to enhance the oxygen pressure on the YBCO film during the deposition as the oxygen content is known to be critical for the growth of YBCO films with high T c. A supersonic oxygen nozzle (SNEO) incorporated into the vacuum chamber enables a ×103 increasing of the local oxygen pressure close to the YBCO layer keeping a 10−4 mbar background pressure. The work demonstrates that the single thick doped-Ceria buffer layer could be a viable way to reduce CC complexity and production costs and that SNEO apparatus can be used to make the oxygenation process of the YBCO films easier and more reliable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]