European Code Research Articles

The European Code Against Cancer – new evidence and recommendations

The European Code Against Cancer – new evidence and recommendations

Regulatory challenges and implications of the European electronic communications code (EECC) for local mobile communication network business

Regulatory provisions pose legal constraints on deploying mobile communication networks and related services. Local 5G and upcoming 6G networks, particularly those that are independent of the big mobile network operators (MNOs), face new challenges due to the incoherent harmonization and implementation of the regulatory provisions and the standby approach undertaken by many EU member countries. This paper analyses the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) Directive from the perspective of local mobile communication networks by combining business model innovation and legitimacy approaches in an ecosystemic context. Based on the analysis, we recommend regulators focus on terminology, spectrum management, access and interconnection, security and privacy, and competition when enabling local mobile communications business.

Perceptions towards the adoption of tobacco-related recommendations of the European Code Against Cancer (4th ed.) among the European Union population: a qualitative study

Perceptions towards the adoption of tobacco-related recommendations of the European Code Against Cancer (4th ed.) among the European Union population: a qualitative study

Latin America and the Caribbean Code Against cancer 1st edition: Environment, occupation, and cancer

Within the framework of the Latin America and Caribbean region (LAC) Code Against Cancer 1st edition, the current work presents recommendations to reduce exposure to environmental and occupational carcinogenic agents relevant for LAC. Using the methodology established by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in the World Code Against Cancer Framework and experience from developing the European Code Against Cancer 4th edition, a working group of LAC cancer-prevention experts reviewed the list of Group I IARC carcinogenic agents, identified prevalent environmental and occupational exposures in the region, and proposed evidence-based cancer prevention recommendations suited to the epidemiological, socioeconomic, and cultural conditions of LAC countries. Two sets of recommendations were drafted: those targeting the general public and a second set for policymakers. Outdoor and indoor air pollution, ultra-violet radiation and occupational exposures to silica dust, asbestos, benzene, diesel, and welding fumes were identified as prevalent carcinogens in LAC and as agents that could be reduced or eliminated to prevent cancers. Recommendations for additional risk factors were not included due to insufficient data of their attributable burden in LAC (sunbeds, radon, aflatoxin), or lack of a clear preventive action to be taken by the individual (arsenic in drinking water, medical radiation), or lack of evidence of carcinogenicity effect (bisphenol A, phthalates, and pesticides). A broad consensus was reached on environmental and occupational carcinogenic exposures present throughout the LAC region and on individual-level and public policy-level recommendations to reduce or eliminate these exposures. Key educational content for the dissemination of these recommendations was also developed as part of LAC Code Against Cancer 1st Edition.

RESOLVING IRREMOVABLE DOUBTS IN FAVOR OF THE PARTY IN THE LIGHT OF ART. 7A AND ART. 81A OF THE CODE OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE

Introduced by the Act of April 7, 2017 („Act amending the Act - Code of Administrative Procedure and certain other acts”), the amendment to the Administrative Procedure Code introduced the rules for settling irremovable doubts as to the legal and factual status in favor of the party (Article 7a of the Code of Administrative Procedure; Article 81a 1 of the Code of Administrative Procedure). The author presents the position of the legislator, expressed in the justification of the draft amendment, which indicates, among others, on the need for less restrictive and formalistic use of authority, adjustment of regulations to the European Code of Good Administrative Behavior, partnership approach of the administration to citizens, deepening citizens’ trust in public authority, friendly administration and attempts to explain the original reasons for establishing the above principles. The author points to unjust restrictions in the application of the principles expressed in art. 7a k.p.a. and Art. 81a 1 k.p.a. to the situation of imposing obligations on a party or limiting or withdrawing rights, justifying that the correct interpretation of the introduced rules should not exclude situations in which the subject of the proceedings is the granting or extension of rights. In addition, the author proposes a new wording of the norm, combining doubts as to the legal and factual status, supplementing the catalog of administrative law principles, or possibly transferring the principle concerning resolving doubts related to establishing the facts to the part of the Code of Administrative Procedure concerning issuing decisions.

Tests, numerical simulations and design of G550 high strength cold-formed steel lipped channel section columns failing by interactive buckling

This paper presents the experimental and numerical investigations into the structural performance and strengths of G550 high strength cold-formed steel (CFS) lipped channel section columns failing by interactive buckling. A testing program was first conducted, comprising material testing, measurements of initial local, distortional and global geometric imperfections and ten pin-ended column tests. The interaction between different buckling modes was observed and discussed for all the examined specimens upon testing. A numerical modeling program was subsequently performed, where numerical models were created and verified with reference to the test results and afterwards utilized to conduct parametric analysis to produce more numerical data over an extensive spectrum of cross-section geometries and effective member lengths. The effective width method (EWM) codified in the European code and direct strength method (DSM) specified in American and Australian standards were evaluated, based on the combined set of numerical and test data, for their suitability to G550 high strength CFS lipped channel section columns susceptible to interactive buckling. The evaluation results indicated that (i) the EWM yielded scattered and conservative ultimate strengths for columns with small and intermediate slenderness ratios, but relatively accurate results for those of large slenderness ratios and (ii) the DSM led to more consistent and accurate strength predictions for G550 high strength CFS lipped channel section columns failing by interactive buckling, though a number of strength predictions were on the unsafe side.

Performance and strength analysis of shear walls with vertical steel encased profiles under tensile-shear load

This study investigates the behavior of composite steel reinforced concrete (SRC) walls under tension-shear (TS) coupled stress state during earthquakes. Quasi-static tests on five SRC shear walls with a shear span ratio of 1.42 were conducted. The experimental results demonstrated that the SRC shear wall retained its high shear capacity and good ductility in shear failure mode. The stiffness analysis revealed that the concrete provided most axial stiffness before cracking but gradually withdrew from the work as the cracks developed and extended rapidly in the tension loading phase. And the effective lateral stiffness was approximately 10%–15% of the elastic lateral stiffness. Parametric analysis was conducted on the shear capacity, including the axial tensile ratio, steel profiles content, concrete strength grade, and horizontal distributed bar diameter. Additionally, the predictive formulas for the shear capacity in the codes of various countries were compared. It was found that the European and American code inadequately predict the shear capacity of specimens, and the Chinese code has higher safety. These findings can provide references for the practical engineering applications of SRC shear walls in earthquake-prone regions.

Axial compressive behavior of the middle-supported irregular-shaped columns in modular aluminum houses

Modular folding aluminum houses (MFAHs) are new modular structures that can be folded, transported, and built directly on-site. In this study, the axial compressive behavior and design method of the middle-supported irregular-shaped columns (MICWs) with a single-cavity open section in an MFAH were investigated. Tests were conducted on 12 MICWs and obtained the indexes of bearing capacity and ductility under different slenderness ratios from 27 to 93. Within this range, the bearing capacity of the specimens decreased by approximately 7% for every slenderness ratio 7.32 increase. A refined finite element model (FEM) was established and verified against the corresponding experimental results, which were in good agreement. Furthermore, FEM was used for an extensive parametric study that consisted of specimens with different initial bending values, initial eccentric values, cavity thickness values, and column lengths. The ultimate strengths were employed to evaluate the current design methods. It is demonstrated that the European code (Eurocode 9) and Chinese code (GB 50429) underestimate the bearing capacity by approximately 20%–30%, whereas the American code (AA-2015), Australian code (AS/NZS-1997) and the Direct Strength Method (DSM) overestimate the bearing capacity, which is unconservative. Based on Perry's formula, an equation for calculating the axial compressive bearing capacity of MICWs was proposed. The theoretical design method was verified by comparing the theoretical results with the experimental and numerical results, and the proposed method was found to be accurate and conservative to some extent.

Cold-formed stainless steel elliptical hollow sections under combined biaxial bending and axial compression - Numerical modeling and design

This paper aims to investigate the cross-section response of cold-formed stainless steel (CFSS) elliptical hollow sections (EHS) under combined biaxial bending and axial compression. In the present study, an advanced finite element (FE) model was adopted to perform a comprehensive parametric study for CFSS EHS under combined biaxial bending and axial compression, with different stainless steel alloys, as well as a broad range of cross-section sizes, aspect ratios, loading eccentricities and angles. Numerical results obtained from the parametric study were compared with the design strengths calculated by the current design rules in European code EN 1993-1-4, American specification SEI/ASCE 8-02 and Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 4673. In addition, the Continuous Strength Method (CSM) for CFSS circular hollow sections (CHS) under combined actions, was also evaluated for the design of CFSS EHS under combined actions. The comparisons revealed that the current design codes EN 1993-1-4, SEI/ASCE 8-02 and AS/NZS 4673 provided conservative and very scattered predictions for CFSS EHS under combined actions. The existing CSM can provide more accurate predictions than the current design codes (i.e., AS/NZS 4673, EN 1993-1-4 and SEI/ASCE 8-02), but a further improvement is needed. In the present study, a modified CSM is proposed for CFSS EHS under combined actions, which can achieve reliable and accurate design predictions.

Behavior factor estimation for seismic design of unreinforced masonry buildings

The use of new geo-sourced construction materials in seismic areas requires the assessment of the structure ductility in order to properly design the building. This research aims to propose a procedure for behavior factor estimation in case of using a new construction material. In particular, in this paper, the proposed methodology is applied to an unreinforced masonry building in an average-risk seismic zone. Before application for seismic design, the reliability of the selected equivalent frame modeling approach is validated by comparison of dynamic features obtained from both numerical and operational modal analysis. An existing stone masonry building is selected as case study to validate the modeling approach. A measurement campaign provides the structural response to ambient vibrations and structural damping. After validating the model in elastic conditions, the building ductility capacity is estimated using a numerical pushover analysis, for different load combinations and distributions, according to the European design code, under the assumption of perfect plasticity. The proposed procedure provides a behavior factor obtained specifically for the analyzed building, using a relationship between ductility demand and behavior factor deduced from dynamic analysis. The average ductility demand is estimated numerically, for a set of synthetic acceleration signals compatible with the Eurocode elastic response spectrum and a given behavior factor. Finally, it is suggested to verify the near collapse limit state of the building structure not only in terms of target to capacity displacement ratio but also in terms of load ratio, since it can be more restrictive in some instances.

Testing, numerical modelling and design of S890 and S960 ultra-high strength steel circular hollow sections under combined loading

The present paper reports the experimental and numerical investigations into the structural behavior and resistances of S890 and S960 ultra-high strength steel circular hollow sections (CHS) under combined loading. The experimental investigation was performed firstly, comprising the tensile coupon tests on S890 and S960 ultra-high strength steel materials, precise measurements of initial local geometric imperfections and eccentrically loaded tests on 12 stub columns, with each 6 respectively conducted on S890 and S960 ultra-high strength steel CHS. The numerical investigation was subsequently conducted, where numerical models were created and verified against the experimental responses and adopted to conduct parametric studies to produce more numerical data over an extensive variety of loading combinations and cross-section geometries. The design interaction curves, as codified in the European, Australian and American standards, were assessed for their applicability, based on the numerical and test data, to S890 and S960 ultra-high strength steel CHS under combined loading. The evaluation findings demonstrated that (i) the European code leads to the slightly conservative failure load predictions for Class 1 (and 2) S890 and S960 ultra-high strength steel CHS under combined loading, but overly conservative predictions for Class 3 and 4 counterparts, (ii) the predicted failure loads by American specification for non-compact (i.e. Class 3 and 4) are more accurate due to the more precise compression and bending end points and (iii) the resistance predictions by Australian standard for compact (i.e. Class 1 and 2) sections are rather conservative due mainly to its inaccurate design interaction curve.

Transformation of Female Archetypes in Chinese Traditional National Opera of the Twentieth Century

The purpose of the article is to identify transformative changes in female archetypes in twentieth-century Chinese national opera in the context of the gender factor and the ideologisation of Chinese society. The research methodology is to apply the methods of analysis and synthesis, systematisation of facts, comparison and generalisation of the research results. The system-historical method allowed us to consider the formation of female archetypes in Chinese national opera. The comparative and analytical methods were used to structure the stages of transformation of female archetypes in Chinese national opera of the twentieth century. The novelty of the research lies in an attempt to periodise the stages of transformation of female archetypes in twentieth-century Chinese national opera, to identify the reasons for these changes, and to contrast the traditional European masculinisation of artistic archetypes with the Chinese operatic tradition. Conclusions. The Chinese patriarchal system has consistently adapted to a series of revolutionary reforms in society in twentieth-century society. The key meanings of modernity emerged in public debates and transformed the social and political life of the Chinese. However, even in the twentieth century, Chinese culture demonstrated a specific context in relation to European culture. For example, the main characters in many classical tragedies, from monumental ancient Greek works to works of the Renaissance, were men. This tradition is opposed to Chinese culture, in which female archetypes were particularly prominent in the context of strong female heroines and female warriors. The cultural code of the female archetype in Chinese opera contrasted with the traditional European cultural code, where "softness won over strength". Women in twentieth-century Chinese society challenged gender norms, which contributed to their empowerment, increased social status, and strengthened their positions in the opera genre. Key words: Chinese national opera, female archetype, gender factor, image of a female warrior, transformation, decline of the opera genre.

SAFOTEB project: towards new approaches for the reliability assessment of existing prestressed bridge

AbstractThis paper presents the structure of new collaborative research project entitled SAFOTEB “A reviewed SAfety FOrmat for structural reliability assessment of post‐TEnsioned concrete Bridges”. The research aims at assessing the reliability of the current safety format and developing specific suggestions for existing concrete bridges with post‐tensioned cables. To date, no European code provides specific guidance for such a purpose. Indeed, the status of conservation and possible defects of the cables may be hidden, enlarging the uncertainties in the structural assessment of such constructions. The basic steps of the research are: (i) definition of the probabilistic models for the main variables concerning the assessment of existing post‐tensioned prestressed concrete bridges; (ii) reliability assessment and calibration of updated safety coefficients for the partial factors method; (iii) evaluation of the residual life and model updating through real‐time continuous monitoring systems. The full procedure will be applied on existing case study structures used as benchmarks. The project is funded by FABRE, an Italian research consortium composed by universities and research institutions aimed at the evaluation and monitoring of bridges, viaducts, tunnels and other structures.

Moment Resisting Frames under the light of Japanese and European Codes

AbstractThe aim of the work is to make a comparison between the European and Japanese approaches to design Seismic‐Resistant Steel Frames (MRFs) in high seismicity areas. Therefore, the design rules for both the seismic codes are analyzed and compared. These design rules are applied to design a benchmark structure in DC3 ductility class (according to the new prEN1998) and following the Route 3 procedure (according to the Building Standard Law in Japan, BSL). The examined structural typology is a Spatial Moment Resisting Frames with regularity in plan and elevation configuration. The Japanese approach is divided in two stages. The first one regards the Allowable Stress Design (Elastic analysis) in which all the parts of the structure must be kept elastic; service and damage limitation requirements are in demand. The second stage regards the Ultimate Strength Design (Plastic Analysis) in which no‐collapse requirement and the protection of the human life are in demand. The seismic performance of the designed structures is evaluated by means of pushover analyses.

Wyrok Izby Europejskiego Trybunału Praw Człowieka z dnia 14 marca 2023 r. w sprawie Georgiou przeciwko Grecji, skarga nr 57378/18

In March 2023, the European Court of Human Rights issued a judgment concerning the former President of the Greek Statistical Office. The case was described as a test of the Greek justice system, and the issue at stake was the reliability of published statistics relating to the functioning of both the national and the Community economy. Andreas Georgiou was President of ELSTAT, the Greek equivalent of the Polish Central Statistical Office, from 2010 to 2015. In its first year of office, it provided the European Statistical Office with statistics relating to the budget deficit in Greece for 2009. According to Greek law, the competence to make statistics public rested with the Executive Board of ELSTAT, not with the President himself. The Greek authorities accused him of having committed the offence of abuse of power. Georgiou, on the other hand, claimed that he had acted in accordance with the principles of the European Statistical Code of Practice. It provides that the heads of statistical offices are solely responsible for decisions on the content and timing of the publication of statistical information. The defendant faced up to 10 years in prison. The Court of First Instance found Georgiou not guilty. However, the court of second instance sentenced him to two years imprisonment. The Court of Cassation rejected the appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal without, however, referring to the defendant’s objections relating to the need to refer a question to the Court of Justice of the EU for a preliminary ruling. Before the sentence came into force, Georgiou left for the United States. In the present judgment, the ECtHR found a violation of the Convention. The judgment is expected to restore confidence in Greek statistics and demonstrate the independence of the statistical office from pressure from the authorities.

Comparative study regarding the seismic design of diagonal concentrically braced frames

AbstractThe present paper analyses some possibilities to improve the provisions concerning the seismic design of diagonal braced frames according to the in charge European and Romanian seismic design code (EN 1998‐1:2004 [1], respectively P100‐1/2013 [2]). Three design variants were used for the dimensioning under seismic actions of two ten story concentrically braced frames, taking into consideration different contributions of the tensioned and compressed braces in carrying horizontal seismic forces. The considered braced frames had two spans of 6.0m and ten storey of 3.5m. One of the frames had ascendant diagonal braces (from the lateral columns to the central column) and the other had descendant diagonal bracings (from the lateral columns to the central column). Static nonlinear analyses were performed with all the designed variants of the frames. The loading and deformation states at different steps during the analyses were compared. The distribution of plastic hinges in the structure was analysed. A more favourable behaviour of the frame during static nonlinear analysis was ensured by providing reduced cross‐sections along all frame girders ends (resembling the dog‐bone detail).

Prediction of the cyclic rotation capacity of steel members with cold‐formed hollow cross‐section

AbstractCold formed Hollow Structural Sections (HSS) are widely used in structural applications, especially in multi‐storey buildings located in seismic areas because of their high strength‐to‐weight ratio and torsional stiffness. However, the current version of the European seismic code provides limited rules and guidance to evaluate the ductility and the plastic rotation capacity of HSS members. The research activity carried out in this study aims to develop formulations to predict both the deformation capacity and the overstrength of cold formed HSS beams and columns at significant damage and near collapse limit states. Therefore, parametric finite element simulations have been carried out on a large set of members with different cross section (i.e., both square and rectangular HSSs), local and global slenderness, shear span and axial load ratio (from 0 to 0.5). The adopted finite element models have been calibrated against results of cyclic experimental tests available from the literature. The accuracy of the proposed equations has been statistically verified and discussion of practical applications is also provided.

Ultimate behaviour of bolted beam‐to‐column connections in large rotations

AbstractThe capacity of steel Moment Resisting Frames (MRFs) to survive to extreme load is strictly linked to the moment‐rotation capacity of the beam‐to‐column connections. In those conditions, i.e., in extreme loading conditions, catenary actions develop in the connected beam leading in large joint rotations. The current European code, the Eurocode 3 Part 1‐8, neglects the regime of large joints rotations in the modelling leading to gross under‐ (or over‐) prediction of its response. In fact, recent works have shown that geometrical nonlinearity strongly influence the overall behaviour of connections when in large rotations range. To fill this knowledge gap, a mechanical model of a Double‐Split Tee Joint (DSTJ) that only considers material non‐linearity, is extended here to include geometric non‐linearity. To preliminary validate the mechanical model presented in the paper, an experimental test on a DSTJ has been performed and the result, both in terms of experimental data and mechanical prevision, has been compared. As a results, the updated mechanical model will be shown to be highly accurate in predicting the ultimate joint rotation (φ) and the maximum bending moment capacity (M) of the joint.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Alternative PV Orientations in Poland by Rescaling Real PV Profiles

This paper presents factors affecting the effectiveness of photovoltaic (PV) plants and issues occurring in the distribution system network due to the high penetration of conventionally designed PV plants. Factors analyzed in this paper are shading, distance between panels, location of PV plants, European grid code requirements, and network constraints. Their impacts on the effectiveness of the PV power plant are presented one by one. Furthermore, the 1-year power profile of a real PV plant is rescaled to different orientations, and the energy effectiveness of different variants is compared. Finally, the economic aspects are considered by multiplying the energy produced by the energy prices. At the end, final conclusions are given and further research is outlined.

Flexural buckling of laser-welded stainless steel T-section columns

The present paper reports experimental and numerical studies on the flexural buckling behaviour and resistances of laser-welded stainless steel T-section columns. An experimental programme, including initial global and local geometric imperfection measurements and ten fixed-ended column tests, was firstly performed. The test results, including failure loads, load–mid-height lateral deflection curves and two types of failure modes (‘C’-shaped and ‘reverse C’-shaped flexural buckling), were reported in detail. Following the experimental programme, a numerical modelling programme was carried out, where finite element models were developed and validated against the test results and then used to perform parametric studies to generate further numerical data over a wide range of cross-section dimensions and member lengths. On the basis of the test and numerical results, the relevant design buckling curves, as given in the European code and American specification, were evaluated. The evaluation results revealed that both codified design buckling curves generally resulted in accurate and consistent flexural buckling resistance predictions for laser-welded stainless steel T-section columns.