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Abstract Microporous organic polymers that have three-dimensional connectivity stemming from monomers with tetrahedral or tetrahedron-like geometry can have high surface areas and strong fluorescence. There are however few examples of such polymers based on hindered biaryls, and their fluorescence has not been studied. Hypothesizing that the contortion in a hindered biphenyl moiety would modulate the optical properties of a polymer built from it, we synthesized a meta-enchained polyphenylene from a 2,2ʹ,6,6ʹ-tetramethylbiphenyl-based monomer, in which the two phenyl rings are nearly mutually perpendicular. The polymer was microporous with S BET = 495 m2 g−1. The polymer absorbed near-UV light and emitted blue fluorescence despite the meta-enchainment that would have been expected to break the conjugation. A related copolymer, synthesized from 2,2ʹ,6,6ʹ-tetramethylbiphenyl-based and unsubstituted biphenyl-based monomers, was microporous but not fluorescent.

Seventeen years after the publication of the last checklist of the damselflies and dragonflies found in Italy, an updated list has been compiled. This list reports 95 species belonging to 10 families and 38 genera and includes 2 national endemic and 1 sub-endemic species. Compared to the previous checklist, three species were removed, two subspecies were granted species status, and 10 species were added as new taxa for Italy. The checklist summarizes the current state of the knowledge on the geographical distribution of the Italian species with a regional detail. After the online publication of this dataset on the LifeWatch Italy website in 2021, some minor updates will be included in future releases. The newly discovered species are the result of increased exploration of the national territory combined with some possible range shifts, especially of Libellulidae species of Afro-Asiatic origin. This increased coverage of the country is the result of the efforts of many contributors. It stems from the rapidly growing interest in this zoological group, also enhanced by the activation of a nationwide citizen science project promoted by the Italian Society for the Study and Conservation of Dragonflies (Odonata.it).

In this perspective paper, we argue that Economics could and should contribute to the development and implementation of the One Health approach currently emerging as a relevant interdisciplinary framework to address present and future infectious diseases. We show how proven tools from Health and Environmental Economics, such as burden evaluation, can be extended to fit the One Health multisectoral perspective. This global health framework could also benefit significantly from Economics to design efficient schemes for prevention and disease control. In return, adapting Economics to the challenges of One Health issues could pave the way for exciting developments in the Economics discipline itself, across many subfields.

In contemporary architectural practice a key role in visual communication is performed by the illustrator. This professional shares the expertise of the architect, master of a strictly technical-engineering language, and the artist in the broadest sense of the term. For an architect drawing is a means, for the illustrator an end in itself. As a mediator between the designer and the general public, he must be able to deeply understand the architect’s thoughts, translate his ideas into images and convey the correct message to the audience. Sometimes visual messages, though obvious to the illustrator, can be unclear for the observer and generate misleading responses. In these cases the type of image has great importance being a sort of language more or less understandable. This paper reports on a survey that was created in order to assess some of the fundamental elements that characterize the visual products. It was carried out at the Department of Architecture and Design, University of Genoa, and its results support the thesis that the architect’s idea and creative spirit can best be conveyed by a hand drawn image, whether traditionally or digitally executed, rather than a computer-generated image such as a photorealistic render.

Iron is a key element in spermatogenesis; its metabolic pathway in the testis is strictly regulated. Alterations in iron metabolism are linked to various diseases, including cancer, and changes in iron metabolism-related proteins have been observed in multiple human, mouse and canine tumors. There is limited knowledge about iron metabolism in canine non-neoplastic and neoplastic testes. This study aimed to explore the immunohistochemical expression of molecules involved in iron uptake and storage [Transferrin Receptor 1 (TfR1), ferritin (FTH1), nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)] and PCNA in canine non-neoplastic and neoplastic testicular samples. Non-neoplastic testes showed moderate TfR1 expression in developing germ cells and Sertoli cells, high NCOA4 cytoplasmic immunostaining in the Sertoli cells and occasional cytoplasmic immunopositivity for FTH1 in the spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. In contrast, Leydig cell tumors (LCTs) and Diffuse Type Seminoma (DSEM) exhibited increased expression of TfR1, along with higher PCNA expression, suggesting a higher iron need for proliferation. Intratubular Type Seminoma (ITSEM) showed a higher FTH1 expression, indicating greater iron storage, while the increased NCOA4 expression in the LCTs and DSEM suggested ferritinophagy to release iron for proliferation. Sertoli cell tumors (SCTs) showed only NCOA4 expression. These preliminary findings highlight potential molecular targets for developing new anti-neoplastic treatments in canine testicular tumors.

Urban areas are increasingly being affected by more frequent and severe disasters. It has been argued in theory and international development policy that the integration of disaster risk reduction (DRR) within existing urban planning (UP) curricula would greatly benefit efforts to build resilient urban environments. However, the current status quo and progress of this crucial transdisciplinary integration in the South African University context remain unclear. Through the application of an exploratory mixed method research design, this article established that UP lecturers at South African universities have a good grasp of the theoretical need for the integration of DRR into existing curriculums and have also tentatively started to integrate DRR into some of their modules. However, because of challenges such as full curricula, financial and human resources constraints and integration predominantly happening on postgraduate level, integration has not occurred in sufficient depth while also missing the opportunity to expose the majority of the student cohort and future urban planners to much-needed DRR knowledge. Transdisciplinary contribution: This article illuminates the current status of integration across and collaboration between DRR and UP at selected South African Universities.

Objective: Vulnerability relates to fragile physical, psychological, and socio-environmental circumstances. Pregnant women's social vulnerability can lead to disruptions in their medical follow-ups, prematurity, and increased infant mortality rates, such that their special needs must be considered. Yet, despite different governments' ‘perinatality’ plans, international literature suggests their care can be improved. Although quantitative studies regularly evaluate these plans, few studies have assessed vulnerable pregnant women's views. This study explores the needs and expectations of vulnerable women regarding their follow-ups during pregnancy and identified strategies to improve their circumstances. Methods: The study was a phenomenological qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with women who gave birth in the past six months (December 2017 to June 2018) and who fulfilled at least one vulnerability criterion. The women were recruited by French midwives and general practitioners (GPs). Findings: Concerning these vulnerable pregnant women, three phenomenological categories emerged: 1) they need to be monitored by a single trusted contact; 2) they seek medical and social support adapted to their situations that addresses their needs; and 3) they expect kind and person-centred communication skills from professionals who provide them appropriate information. Conclusion: We identified various international recommendations to screen and care for vulnerable pregnant women, but still these women often experience numerous challenges. Finally, the implementation of recommendations for healthcare professionals based on women's real-life experiences could help optimise the identification of vulnerable pregnant women as well as their follow-up care.

The automotive industry is currently transforming, primarily due to the rise of electric and hybrid vehicle technologies and the need to reduce vehicle mass and energy losses to decrease consumption, pollution, and raw material usage. Additionally, road surface manufacturers emphasize improving pavement durability and reducing rolling noise. This necessitates precise load condition definitions and drives the need for reliable wheel testing benches. Many current benches use abrasive-coated rollers or synthetic tapes, but devices capable of testing on actual road surfaces are rare. In this work, a novel device for testing tire-pavement interaction is proposed. The system features a cart moving along a closed-track platform, ensuring test repeatability and enabling structural durability tests on uneven surfaces with installed obstacles. The cart is equipped with a cantilever arm capable of supporting either a testing wheel with customizable dimensions and kinematic parameters or a tire integrated with a complete suspension system, moving along a customizable pavement surface. The system includes actuators and sensors for applying vertical loads and adjusting the alignment of the testing wheel (slip angle, camber angle, etc.), allowing the characterization of tire behavior such as wear, fatigue, rolling noise, and rolling resistance. Multibody simulations were performed to evaluate the bench’s feasibility in terms of kinematics, power requirements, and structural loads. Results confirmed how this novel test bench represents a promising advancement in tire testing capabilities, enabling comprehensive studies on tire performance, noise reduction, and the structural dynamics of vehicle subsystems.

Glyphosate, the active ingredient of several broad-spectrum herbicides, is widely used throughout the world, although many adverse effects are known. Among these, it has been recognized as an endocrine disruptor. This work aimed to test the effects and potential endocrine disrupting action of glyphosate on PNT1A human prostate cells, an immortalized non-tumor epithelial cell line, possessing both ERα and ERβ estrogen receptors. The results showed that glyphosate induces cytotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and rapid activation of ERα and ERβ via nuclear translocation. Molecular analysis indicated a possible involvement of apoptosis in glyphosate-induced cytotoxicology. The apoptotic process could be attributed to alterations in mitochondrial metabolism; therefore, the main parameters of mitochondrial functionality were investigated using the Seahorse analyzer. Impaired mitochondrial function was observed in glyphosate-treated cells, with reductions in ATP production, spare respiratory capacity, and proton leakage, along with increased efficiency of mitochondrial coupling. Finally, the results of immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that glyphosate acts as an estrogen disruptor determining the nuclear translocation of both ERs. Nuclear translocation occurred independent of dose, faster than the specific hormone, and persisted throughout treatment. In conclusion, the results collected show that in non-tumor prostate cells glyphosate can cause cell death and acts as a xenoestrogen, activating estrogen receptors. The consequent alteration of hormonal functions can have negative effects on the reproductive health of exposed animals, compromising their fertility.

Abstract In contribution to the pharmaceutical development of cyclic guanosine monophosphorothioate analogue cGMPSA as a potential active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for the treatment of inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs), its neutral form (cGMPSA‐H) and salts of sodium (‐Na), calcium (‐Ca), ammonium (‐NH4), triethylammonium (‐TEA), tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (‐Tris), benethamine (‐Bnet), and benzathine (‐BZ) were prepared. Their solid‐state properties were studied with differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, hot‐stage microscopy, and dynamic vapor sorption, and their solubilities were measured in deionized H2O as well as aqueous HCl and NaOH buffers. A total of 21 crystal modifications of cGMPSA were found and characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction. Despite their crystalline character, no API forms featured any observable melting points during thermal analyses and instead underwent exothermic decomposition at ≥163 °C. Both the vapor sorption behavior and solubility were found to differ significantly across the API forms. cGMPSA‐BZ featured the lowest aqueous solubility and hygroscopicity, with 50 μg/mL and 5 % mass gain at maximum relative humidity. The synthesis and crystallization of some crystal modifications were upscaled to >10 g. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction was performed which resulted in the first crystal structure determination and absolute configuration of a cyclic guanosine monophosphorothioate, confirming the RP‐ conformation at the phosphorus atom.

Tras algunas décadas de entusiasmo por el uso de las herramientas CAD en el diseño arquitectónico, surge ahora la preocupación sobre la pérdida de creatividad en el proceso de creación del proyecto, debido a la estandarización del procesamiento informático y al movimiento repetitivo de las manos. Diferentes teorías defienden que la percepción háptica durante el dibujo a mano alzada favorece la creatividad y así la generación de nuevas ideas. Las investigaciones sobre la función cerebral han demostrado que el movimiento percibido de la mano puede generar actividad en áreas cognitivamente relevantes de la corteza parietal y frontal, posiblemente relacionadas con la creatividad. Sin embargo, hasta el momento no se han realizado estudios experimentales para analizar la actividad cerebral durante el dibujo a mano. El presente artículo describe una investigación llevada a cabo en la que se ha comparado la actividad electroencefalográfica durante el dibujo arquitectónico a mano alzada frente al dibujo CAD con ratón. Los resultados obtenidos revelan que el dibujo a mano está relacionado con una actividad cerebral mayor, lo que respaldaría la tesis de que la creatividad se ve reforzada por los movimientos libres de la mano sobre el papel.

Phenological shifts are among the most obvious biological responses to environmental change, yet documented responses for Southern Ocean marine mammals are extremely rare. Marine mammals can respond to environmental changes through phenological flexibility of their life-history events such as breeding and moulting. Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) undergo an obligatory annual moult which involves the rapid shedding of epidermal skin and hair while seals fast ashore. We quantified the timing (phenology) and duration (the time from arrival ashore to departure) of the moult haulout of 4612 female elephant seals at Marion Island over 32 years. Using linear mixed-effects models, we investigated age, breeding state and environmental drivers of moult timing and haulout duration. We found no clear evidence for a temporal shift in moult phenology or its duration. Annual variation in moult arrival date and haulout duration was small relative to age and breeding effects, which explained more than 90% of the variance in moult arrival date and 25% in moult haulout duration. All environmental covariates we tested explained minimal variation in the data. Female elephant seals moulted progressively later as juveniles, but adults age 4 and older had similar moult start dates that depended on the breeding state of the female. In contrast, moult haulout duration was not constant with age among adults, but instead became shorter with increasing age. Moulting is energetically expensive and differences in the moult haulout duration are possibly due to individual variation in body mass and associated metabolizable energy reserves, although other drivers (e.g. hormones) may also be present. Individual-based data on moult arrival dates and haulout duration can be used as auxiliary data in demographic modelling and may be useful proxies of other important biological parameters such as body condition and breeding history.

Background and Objectives. A relatively small number of studies have investigated the characteristics, comorbidities and laboratory measures associated with prognosis in patients with COVID-19, admitted to Internal Medicine Units (IMU) in Italy. Therefore, we performed a retrospective multicentre study to identify baseline features, predisposing to severe disease and poor outcomes, in adult individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalized in 5 IMUs in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy). Materials and Methods. We included 129 consecutive patients (male 75, median age 68 years) from 1st March 2020 to 31st October 2021. Patients’ baseline characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory measures, and outcomes were collected. Results. At admission, the factors significantly associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality included: age (median 68 vs. 83 years in survived vs. dead patients, P=0.000), diabetes [Odds Ratio (OR) 4.00, P=0.016], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 4.60, P=0.022), cancer (OR 5.81, P=0.021), acute- (OR 9.88, P=0.000) and chronic-renal failure (OR 6.76, P=0.004). During the study period, 16 individuals died (12.4%), all over 70 years old. In deceased vs. non-deceased patients were detected: i) more elevated white blood cells and neutrophils-counts and lower lymphocytes count; ii) higher levels of total/direct bilirubin, creatinine, C-reactive-protein, lactate-dehydrogenase, ferritin, but only a slight Interleukin-6 increase; iii) a trend of lower vitamin D values. Conclusions. We proposed a new I index, a modified form of the Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index, by considering pO2/FiO2 ratio, to better characterize the severity of COVID-19. Furthermore, we critically discuss our results with the current assumption which considers COVID-19 as a pathological condition associated with cytokine storm.

Simple Summary: This study presents data on the immunohistochemical expression of key iron metabolism proteins in non-neoplastic and neoplastic canine testes. Iron is crucial for spermatogenesis, and its regulation in testicular cells is essential for normal function. This study confirms that Sertoli cells and Transferrin Receptor 1 (TfR1) play significant roles in iron uptake in dogs, aligning with findings in humans and mice. However, it highlights a unique expression of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) in canine Sertoli cells, suggesting a specific role in iron recycling through ferritinophagy. Differences in iron metabolism were observed in various canine testicular tumors. Higher TfR1 and NCOA4 expressions were noted in Leydig cell tumors and diffuse seminomas, indicating a reliance on iron for tumor growth. The altered expression of iron-related proteins in tumors underscores their potential as therapeutic targets. Targeting TfR1 and utilizing iron-modulating therapies shows promise. Further research is needed to explore the therapeutic potential of modulating iron metabolism in canine testicular cancers. Iron is a key element in spermatogenesis; its metabolic pathway in the testis is strictly regulated. Alterations in iron metabolism are linked to various diseases, including cancer, and changes in iron metabolism-related proteins have been observed in multiple human, mouse and canine tumors. There is limited knowledge about iron metabolism in canine non-neoplastic and neoplastic testes. This study aimed to explore the immunohistochemical expression of molecules involved in iron uptake and storage [Transferrin Receptor 1 (TfR1), ferritin (FTH1), nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)] and PCNA in canine non-neoplastic and neoplastic testicular samples. Non-neoplastic testes showed moderate TfR1 expression in developing germ cells and Sertoli cells, high NCOA4 cytoplasmic immunostaining in the Sertoli cells and occasional cytoplasmic immunopositivity for FTH1 in the spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. In contrast, Leydig cell tumors (LCTs) and Diffuse Type Seminoma (DSEM) exhibited increased expression of TfR1, along with higher PCNA expression, suggesting a higher iron need for proliferation. Intratubular Type Seminoma (ITSEM) showed a higher FTH1 expression, indicating greater iron storage, while the increased NCOA4 expression in the LCTs and DSEM suggested ferritinophagy to release iron for proliferation. Sertoli cell tumors (SCTs) showed only NCOA4 expression. These preliminary findings highlight potential molecular targets for developing new anti-neoplastic treatments in canine testicular tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The automotive industry is currently transforming, primarily due to the rise of electric and hybrid vehicle technologies and the need to reduce vehicle mass and energy losses to decrease consumption, pollution, and raw material usage. Additionally, road surface manufacturers emphasize improving pavement durability and reducing rolling noise. This necessitates precise load condition definitions and drives the need for reliable wheel testing benches. Many current benches use abrasive-coated rollers or synthetic tapes, but devices capable of testing on actual road surfaces are rare. In this work, a novel device for testing tire-pavement interaction is proposed. The system features a cart moving along a closed-track platform, ensuring test repeatability and enabling structural durability tests on uneven surfaces with installed obstacles. The cart is equipped with a cantilever arm capable of supporting either a testing wheel with customizable dimensions and kinematic parameters or a tire integrated with a complete suspension system, moving along a customizable pavement surface. The system includes actuators and sensors for applying vertical loads and adjusting the alignment of the testing wheel (slip angle, camber angle, etc.), allowing the characterization of tire behavior such as wear, fatigue, rolling noise, and rolling resistance. Multibody simulations were performed to evaluate the bench's feasibility in terms of kinematics, power requirements, and structural loads. Results confirmed how this novel test bench represents a promising advancement in tire testing capabilities, enabling comprehensive studies on tire performance, noise reduction, and the structural dynamics of vehicle subsystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stone pavement structures (SPS), also known as stone roads or stone-paved roads, are road pavements constructed using stones as the primary surface material. Different types of SPS exist; historically, irregular-shaped stones with downward protrusions have been often exploited since regular-shaped stones were difficult to be produced. More recently, regular cuboid stones can be also used. Accordingly, in new construction and renovations of SPS, pavement designers must take an essential decision concerning the adoption of historical or regular stones. Nonetheless, it is often confusing which of the two types of stones should be employed, considering that historical and regular SPS follow the same theory and pavement design methods. Therefore, a comparison between the performance of these two types of SPS is required to support their design and maintenance. Moreover, SPS are limitedly investigated and, to the best of our knowledge, there are no research contributions that address this specific task. Accordingly, in the present study, after conducting a laboratory characterization and in situ structural survey by Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) on a SPS, a comparative analysis based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) was carried out for investigating the structural performance of the historical (H-SPS) and regular SPS (R-SPS) in urban trafficked areas, where SPS must withstand heavy traffic loads. Specifically, considering both typologies of SPS, the paper aims to model and investigate: (a) the mechanical behavior under loading (displacements, stress, and strain distribution), (b) failure criteria (stone warpage and separation between the stones and the mortar joint), (c) the joint efficiency between stones, and (d) to which extent the road subgrade stiffness may influence the performance of SPS. In addition to the pavement design perspective, the research also provides a short glance at the strengths and weaknesses of R-SPS and H-SPS from other sides, such as functionality, ease of maintenance, construction techniques, and cultural and historical values.

Cracks are fractures or breaks that occur in materials such as concrete, metals, rocks, and other solids. Various methods are used to detect and monitor cracks; among many of them, image-based methodologies allow fast identification of the distress and easy quantification of the percentage of cracks in the scene. Two main categories can be identified: classical and deep learning approaches. In the last decade, the tendency has moved towards the use of the latter. Even though they have proven their outstanding predicting performance, they suffer some drawbacks: a “black-box” nature leaves the user blind and without the possibility of modifying any parameters, a huge amount of labeled data is generally needed, a process that requires expert judgment is always required, and, finally, they tend to be time-consuming. Accordingly, the present study details the methodology for a new algorithm for crack segmentation based on the theory of minimal path selection combined with a region-based approach obtained through the segmentation of texture features extracted using Gabor filters. A pre-processing step is described, enabling the equalization of brightness and shadows, which results in better detection of local minima. These local minimal are constrained by a minimum distance between adjacent points, enabling a better coverage of the cracks. Afterward, a region-based segmentation technique is introduced to determine two areas that are used to determine threshold values used for rejection. This step is critical to generalize the algorithm to images presenting close-up scenes or wide cracks. Finally, a geometrical thresholding step is presented, allowing the exclusion of rounded areas and small isolated cracks. The results showed a very competitive F1-score (0.839), close to state-of-the-art values achieved with deep learning techniques. The main advantage of this approach is the transparency of the workflow, contrary to what happens with deep learning frameworks. In the proposed approach, no prior information is required; however, the statistical parameters may have to be adjusted to the particular case and requirements of the situation. The proposed algorithm results in a useful tool for researchers and practitioners needing to validate their results against some reference or needing labeled data for their models. Moreover, the current study could establish the grounds to standardize the procedure for crack segmentation with a lower human bias and faster results. The direct application of the methodology to images obtained with any low-cost sensor makes the proposed algorithm an operational support tool for authorities needing crack detection systems in order to monitor and evaluate the current state of the infrastructures, such as roads, tunnels, or bridges.

Abstract Phenological shifts are among the most obvious biological responses to environmental change, yet documented responses for Southern Ocean marine mammals are extremely rare. Marine mammals can respond to environmental changes through phenological flexibility of their life-history events such as breeding and moulting. Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) undergo an obligatory annual moult which involves the rapid shedding of epidermal skin and hair while seals fast ashore. We quantified the timing (phenology) and duration (the time from arrival ashore to departure) of the moult haulout of 4612 female elephant seals at Marion Island over 32 years. Using linear mixed-effects models, we investigated age, breeding state and environmental drivers of moult timing and haulout duration. We found no clear evidence for a temporal shift in moult phenology or its duration. Annual variation in moult arrival date and haulout duration was small relative to age and breeding effects, which explained more than 90% of the variance in moult arrival date and 25% in moult haulout duration. All environmental covariates we tested explained minimal variation in the data. Female elephant seals moulted progressively later as juveniles, but adults age 4 and older had similar moult start dates that depended on the breeding state of the female. In contrast, moult haulout duration was not constant with age among adults, but instead became shorter with increasing age. Moulting is energetically expensive and differences in the moult haulout duration are possibly due to individual variation in body mass and associated metabolizable energy reserves, although other drivers (e.g. hormones) may also be present. Individual-based data on moult arrival dates and haulout duration can be used as auxiliary data in demographic modelling and may be useful proxies of other important biological parameters such as body condition and breeding history.

The global increase in frequency and intensity of disasters and emergency situations has a major disruptive effect on societies that is especially visible in Africa, where conflict, poverty, diseases and social unrest are some of the biggest factors contributing to societal vulnerability. Developing countries such as South Africa are vulnerable to the impact of disaster situations that strain the society’s ability to deal with these emergencies. First responders play an important function responding to disasters but are exposed to work-related stressors that could impact their performance. Several international studies make a link between wellness, performance and resilience and the use of resilience resources in the development and enhancement of wellness, indicating that resilience resources such as a resilient mindset are an indicator of good mental health and performance amongst first responders, despite being exposed to traumatic situations. However, very little research has been carried out on first responders in South Africa, making this study an important stepping stone towards gaining an understanding of the relationship between mindset as a resilience resource and perceived wellness of first responders in a South African context. Data were collected from 52 first responders using a structured questionnaire. The results indicate a statistically significant relationship between mindset and perceived wellness, with all the wellness factors indicating that the mindset of first responders plays a crucial role in their resilience and perception of wellness, necessitating additional research in this specialised field of disaster response.

BackgroundNabiximols is a cannabis-based drug to treat spasticity-associated symptoms currently approved for patients with multiple sclerosis only. Cannabinoids are useful in an increasing number of medical conditions but may bear an increased risk for cardiovascular events. SativexStroke is a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover monocentric clinical trial investigating the efficacy and safety of nabiximols in patients with spasticity following stroke.MethodsPatients were treated with nabiximols oromucosal spray or placebo and assessed before and after two phases of 1-month duration each. Cardiovascular safety was assessed before and during the trial. Primary endpoints were changes in spasticity numeric rating scale scores and electromyographic recording of the stretch reflex in affected wrist flexors. Secondary outcome measures were numeric rating scale scores for pain, sleep and bladder function, the number of daily spasms and clinical assessment of spasticity with the modified Ashworth scale. The study was registered with the EudraCT number 2016-001034-10.ResultsBetween May 2, 2018, and February 20, 2020, 41 patients entered the study. Seven patients did not complete the study, so 34 were included in the analysis. Two serious adverse events occurred, but none related to cardiovascular function. Primary and secondary efficacy outcome measures did not change from baseline during nabiximols treatment relative to placebo.ConclusionThis study suggests that nabiximols use is probably safe in stroke patients, therefore cannabinoid usefulness may be further investigated. The lack of nabiximols effect could be related to low pain levels in recruited patients or different spasticity mechanisms between post-stroke and multiple sclerosis patients. Similarly, a beneficial effect of nabiximols could have emerged if more patients with a higher level of spasticity at baseline were recruited.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2016-001034-10/IT.

This paper describes a procedure for improving the resilience of roadway networks. A methodology is outlined that develops a time-dependent and performance-based resilience index. This methodology was applied to an Italian road, with the aim of optimizing intersections that are critical due to inadequate baseline capacity. The methodology uses a calibrated microscopic traffic model (using Aimsun™) whereby average delay at intersection approaches are estimated by an analytical model. From the simulation, average speed over time is obtained for each approach. These values in turn are used as inputs for calculating each intersection’s resilience index. The procedure allows the identification of less resilient intersections, and provides design solutions for each of them. Lastly, a safety assessment is tested for one of the intersections.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral disease endemic in Eurasia. The virus is mainly transmitted to humans via ticks and occasionally via the consumption of unpasteurized milk products. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported an increase in TBE incidence over the past years in Europe as well as the emergence of the disease in new areas. To better understand this phenomenon, we investigated the drivers of TBE emergence and increase in incidence in humans through an expert knowledge elicitation. We listed 59 possible drivers grouped in eight domains and elicited forty European experts to: (i) allocate a score per driver, (ii) weight this score within each domain, and (iii) weight the different domains and attribute an uncertainty level per domain. An overall weighted score per driver was calculated, and drivers with comparable scores were grouped into three terminal nodes using a regression tree analysis. The drivers with the highest scores were: (i) changes in human behavior/activities; (ii) changes in eating habits or consumer demand; (iii) changes in the landscape; (iv) influence of humidity on the survival and transmission of the pathogen; (v) difficulty to control reservoir(s) and/or vector(s); (vi) influence of temperature on virus survival and transmission; (vii) number of wildlife compartments/groups acting as reservoirs or amplifying hosts; (viii) increase of autochthonous wild mammals; and (ix) number of tick species vectors and their distribution. Our results support researchers in prioritizing studies targeting the most relevant drivers of emergence and increasing TBE incidence.

Despite considerable improvements in social impact assessment practice, the shortfalls and neglected status of social impact assessment persist. Integrated impact assessments have been suggested to address some of these shortcomings. Due to its transdisciplinary nature, disaster risk assessment has been identified as an emerging area that could assist social impact assessment in managing social changes and risks and improving community resilience. Emerging research from South Africa and abroad have shown that social impact assessment–disaster risk assessment integration offers opportunities for streamlining and improved practice across four areas, that is, theoretical discourses, legislative and statutory provisions, practitioner perspectives and combined methodologies. The resulting streamlined social impact assessment and disaster risk assessment will be more suitable for 21st-century challenges, allowing for enriched social impact assessment practice, contributions to social sustainability and strengthening of the social resilience of at-risk communities. From observations of the South African context, we suggest that streamlined social impact assessment and disaster risk assessment will optimally address the challenges of developing sustainably and enhancing the resilience of at-risk societies in the 21st century in South Africa, the global south and also the rest of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the development of a statistical model that predicts the CPX-Level at 80 km/h of porous and semi-porous mixes as a function of porosity and texture band levels. The model was calibrated using data from six pavement sections laid on Italian motorway corridors, two paved with open-graded mixes and four with semi-open-graded mixes. The parameter representative of porosity is the ratio between the voids in the compacted mix (Va) and the Voids in Mineral Aggregate (VMA). The texture band levels were defined upon a statistical analysis comprising the correlation coefficient, the Mallows coefficient and the analysis of variance. The results show that the main texture band levels involved belong to the range of macrotexture and that the model provides adequate accuracy, which improves when the equation is used with average values along the test sections of 200 metres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]