Main Scenarios Research Articles

New insights at the interface between leprosy and immune-mediated rheumatic diseases.

Leprosy is an infectious and contagious disease of slow evolution, triggered by Mycobacterium leprae. Arthritis is its third most common manifestation, after cutaneous and peripheral nerve involvement. Since musculoskeletal symptoms may be the initial presentation of the disease, it is important for health professionals to recognize its rheumatic manifestations for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, especially in endemic areas. In addition, cases of leprosy have increased globally, notably in patients undergoing treatment with TNF-α blockers and due to the increase in migration and travel of people from developing countries to developed countries. This review proposes to discuss the main scenarios of mimicry of different rheumatic diseases by leprosy, as well as the role of immunosuppressive drugs used in rheumatology practice in the treatment of reactional states and in the risk of developing the infection.

Qualitative welfare risks of cows offered to a Dutch mobile slaughter unit

In the Netherlands, a pilot was initiated of a mobile slaughter unit (MSU) for the killing of cull dairy cattle not fit for transport but suitable for slaughter, in order to save valuable meat. The Office for Risk Assessment & Research (BuRO) was asked to assess the risks for animal welfare. As a thorough risk assessment would have been very time consuming, a qualitative framework was used instead. The goal of the current study was to qualitatively describe the relevant risks for cow welfare involved in the use of an MSU compared with current practice by carrying out a rapid comparative risk assessment of animal welfare. The assessment framework consisted of the following steps: identification and description of scenarios, followed by assessment and comparison of the most relevant animal welfare risks in these scenarios, including hazard identification, hazard characterization, exposure, and characterization of the risk to animal welfare. Two main scenarios were identified, one with and one without an MSU. The second scenario was split into three sub-scenarios: killing on the farm/in a housing unit, emergency slaughter, and conventional transport to the slaughterhouse. The most relevant risks associated with operating an MSU were as follows: leaving the cow alive on the farm when it was not fit for slaughter; forcing the cow to walk to and into the MSU (however, this risk is likely higher under conventional transport of unfit cows); and insufficient stunning and bleeding, leading to questionable unconsciousness (however, this risk is likely higher in an emergency slaughter scenario). The MSU is a means of preventing the exacerbation of welfare deterioration in cows that are unfit for transport but fit for slaughter, and it reduces exposure to stressors (hazards) that are conventionally present during transport and at a stationary slaughterhouse. This rapid comparative risk assessment of animal welfare supported swift decision-making: the national competent authority (i.e., the NVWA in the Netherlands) and policymakers were able to improve and develop risk-mitigating actions and to decide on allowing the use of an MSU. When appropriately designed and used, and with sufficient supervision, mobile slaughter facilities can reduce welfare risks in cull dairy cows that are unfit for transport but fit for slaughter.

METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS IN NATIONAL PATRIOTIC EDUCATION IN THE CONDITIONS OF ACCELERATION OF EDUCATIONAL MOBILITY

The article is devoted to the phenomenon of educational mobility, which takes place in the options of an extreme situation and deep socio-cultural transformations of the 21st century. It is noted that modern mobility researchers agree on the possible two-fold impact of educational mobility on the life of society and a person: it can have both positive results and create many dangers and challenges. The actual problem of the non-return of a part of Ukrainian refugees who, through various international educational programs, became participants in external educational mobility, was considered. In the author’s opinion, when studying educational mobility, its nature, problems, risks of possible transformation into migration, it is worth taking into account the motivational component, mentality, and axiological factors. Attention is focused on the main models and scenarios of possible human behavior in a foreign cultural environment. It is highlighted that «real» mobility is not driven by selfish desires or mercantile interests, but by an understanding of the need to acquire new knowledge and experience for its actualization in one’s country. Therefore, the higher the level of national-patriotic education, the smaller the outflow of highly qualified specialists. Issues related to the formation of national consciousness, patriotism based on the latest theoretical and practical achievements of the democratic countries of the world are classified as acute problems that require prompt resolution. It was emphasized that an extreme situation does not automatically solve the problems of national-patriotic education. It should be carried out at all levels of national education, become the core of the humanitarian policy of the state and ensure harmonious and integral development of the individual. It is important that the content and form correspond to each other. It is emphasized that the content of national-patriotic education should include national ideas that can be manifested through culture, customs, language, history, religion, rituals, etc. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find new effective forms and methods aimed at combating formalism in education, which will contribute to the formation of a patriotic person who, as a participant in educational mobility, will be able to integrate into a new socio-cultural space for him and will not become a seeker of happiness in a foreign land.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and its Interventional Treatments

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a global menace, demanding effective treatment. Medication, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments are initial measures. When CAD progresses, interventional coronary artery revascularization, specifically Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), stands out as the superior choice. Genetic and lifestyle factors contribute to CAD, often rendering medication and lifestyle changes ineffective. CABG consistently outperforms Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) for CAD patients, ensuring better long-term outcomes, even in multivessel and diabetic cases. In the left main CAD scenarios, CABG offers more tremendous success in complete revascularization, emphasizing its superiority. While PCI is less invasive, CABG’s long-term benefits make it the preferred method, aligning with guidelines and patient preferences.

Analysis of transparent building envelope renovations for indoor thermal comfort in an educational building

PurposeThe buildings should be designed by respecting the environmental and climatic conditions they are in and their orientation. Then, the characteristics of the building envelope (BE) play an important role in building energy consumption and user comfort. In fact, the type and material of glazing is one of the crucial parameters for BE. The transparency ratio of BE also determines the façade performance. The aim of this study is to analyze the different renovation scenarios for BE with high transparency of an educational building (EB) in hot summer weather to obtain indoor thermal comfort (ITC) for users.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology includes thorough measurement of existing ITC using TESTO-440 and simulation of each retrofit scenario using DesignBuilder building energy modeling (BEM) simulation software with Energyplus to determine optimal thermal comfort. Since the study focuses on the impact of the transparent BE on summer ITC, four main scenarios, naturally ventilated (NV) façade, film-coated glass façade, replacement of glazing with opaque units, sun-controlled façade with overhang and solar shading, were simulated. The results were analyzed comparatively on both performance and cost to find the best renovation solutions.FindingsA total of 7 different renovation scenarios were tested. Simulation results show that passive systems such as NV have limited contribution to indoor air temperature (IAT) improvement, achieving only a 4 °C reduction while offering the lowest cost. A film coating resulted in a reduction of 3–6 °C, but these applications have the highest cost and least impact on ITC. It was found that exterior coating leads to better results in film coating. Preventing and limiting the increase in IAT was achieved by reducing the transparency ratio of BE. The best results were obtained in these scenarios, and it was possible to reduce IAT by more than 10 °C. The best performance/cost value were also obtained by decreasing transparency ratio of roof and sun control.Research limitations/implicationsSince the high transparency ratio has a negative impact on summer comfort, especially in hot climate zones, summer ITC was prioritized in the renovation solutions for the case building.Originality/valueThe study’s findings present a range of solutions for improving the ITC of highly transparent buildings. The solutions can help building managers see the differences in renovation costs and their impacts on ITC to decrease the cooling load of the existing buildings.

Standard-Cell-Based Comparators for Ultra-Low Voltage Applications: Analysis and Comparisons

This work is focused on the performance of three different standard-cell-based comparator topologies, considering ultra-low-voltage (ULV) operation. The main application scenarios in which standard-cell-based comparators can be exploited are considered, and a set of figures of merit (FoM) to allow an in-depth comparison among the different topologies is introduced. Then, a set of simulation testbenches are defined in order to simulate and compare the considered topologies implemented in both a 130 nm technology and a 28 nm FDSOI CMOS process. Propagation delay, power consumption and power–delay product are evaluated for different values of the input common mode voltage, as a function of input differential amplitude, and in different supply voltage and temperature conditions. Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the input offset voltage under mismatch variations are also provided. Simulation results show that the performances of the different comparator topologies are strongly dependent on the input common mode voltage, and that the best values for all the performance figures of merit are achieved by the comparator based on three-input NAND gates, with the only limitation being its non-rail-to-rail input common mode range (ICMR). The performances of the considered comparator topologies have also been simulated for different values of the supply voltage, ranging from 0.3 V to 1.2 V, showing that, even if standard-cell-based comparators can be operated at higher supply voltages by scaling their performances accordingly, the best values of the FoMs are achieved for VDD = 0.3 V.

Survey on IoT based Cyber Security Issues and Autonomous Solutions for Implantable Medical Devices

In today’s world the technology has got boomed up to the peak. So as a measure of this technology peak we could see that the enhancement of this has raised very large. This technology booming has also impacted health care sector. In our paper we are going to discuss much on implantable medical devices and its uses which plays a major role in patient’s life. This IMD’s are going to be the life changing aspect of each and every patient. These devices are highly controlled IoT devices (i.e.) those devices are connected through internet which will help doctors to track the details of the patients remotely. On the other hand since all these devices are connected to internet, these are easily hacked by the hackers. The factors of how those devices are much vulnerable and what are all the threats that will make these devices to malfunction and lead a problem to the patients is discussed. And also this will lead the health sector to fall in their reputation. IMD’s are of many types which are in existing in the Medical industry. But we are going to consider some IMD’s as example and we have planned to make a detailed study on the problems on those devices. All these devices are vulnerable since it is connected to internet. So our aim is to completely or partially reduce the risks on those devices via communication network. We have also showcased the possible threats and vulnerabilities chances on those devices. The main scenarios of device control issues and possible solutions have been discussed in this article.

Consolidation and crisis: The evolution of the European Union’s legal framework in pursuing peace, stability, and unity amidst global challenges

In light of recent events like the coronavirus pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian war, which pose serious obstacles to the European Union’s ability to operate normally, research into the unique characteristics of the EU and future prospects for its growth and survival is especially pertinent. The purpose of the article was to learn about and examine the founding history of the European Union, the difficulties it has experienced throughout its existence, and the opportunities for it to continue to exist and develop as a special alliance of European nations. The main methods that were used in the work are the following: systematic, historical research method, forecasting method. The findings allowed for the construction of an understanding of the EU’s past, its subsequent formation, and the peculiarities associated with its institutional structure. The article also highlighted a number of challenges that accompanied the development of the European Union and how the EU struggled with their solutions, in particular, attention was mostly paid to three main ones: the withdrawal of Great Britain from the EU, the pandemic that was caused by the coronavirus infection, and also the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, expected and forthcoming energy and inflation crises, as well. A special place in the results of the article is the highlighting of the prospects for the further development against the background of modern problems that the European Union is facing. In particular, given a historical analysis of the functioning of the European Union, the main scenarios regarding the forms of further existence of the Union of European countries are proposed. The results of the work can be used in further research on relevant topics by historians, sociologists and lawyers as reference material for researching the peculiarities of the European Union.

Site effect influence on the seismic vulnerability of unreinforced masonry buildings in low to moderate seismic urban areas in Algeria

PurposeThis paper aims to develop preliminary damage scenarios for unreinforced masonry buildings located in low to moderate seismic hazard areas in Algeria, taking into account the specific site effects.Design/methodology/approachThree soil types were considered in this analysis according to the definition of the Algerian seismic code (RPA99/2003). Peak ground acceleration values were assigned to each soil type issued from a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA). To highlight the effect of soil conditions on the seismic vulnerability analysis of masonry buildings, a site vulnerability increment is carried out, and the macroseismic Risk-UE method has been adopted and applied by developing two main seismic scenarios according to both return periods of the PSHA, 100 and 475 years, respectively.FindingsBased on the preliminary results of rock site condition, it can be outlined that the significant damage obtained for different earthquake scenarios discovered a substantial worldwide seismic risk to the building stock of the study area. Once the site effect is integrated into the analysis, more high values of vulnerability indexes and expected damages are obtained. Moreover, it can be concluded that soft soil (S3) is a little bit more influential than stiff soil (S2) on the final vulnerability index compared to (S1). However, the difference between the soil effect S2 and S3 on the vulnerability index can be neglected.Research limitations/implicationsResearchers are encouraged to test the mechanical approaches for more detailed outcomes of a specific building analysis.Practical implicationsThis research proves to the Algerian decision-makers that due to the site effects and the vulnerability of the masonry buildings, an urgent intervention program is required even for existing buildings located in low to moderate seismic hazard areas.Originality/valueSeveral seismic vulnerability types of research have been conducted in Algeria for the unreinforced masonry buildings in moderate to high seismic areas in which generally the soil effect is neglected. In this context, this research paper proves that due to the site effects and the vulnerability of the masonry buildings, special attention is required even for existing buildings located in low to moderate seismic hazard areas. With this conclusion, the requirement of taking into account the soli effect in the high seismic areas is even more pronounced and should be conducted.

Long-run analysis of a perturbed HIV/AIDS model with antiretroviral therapy and heavy-tailed increments performed by tempered stable Lévy jumps

The novelty of this article lies in providing a new framework for modeling the dynamics of HIV/AIDS infection under antiretroviral therapy (ART) which aims to reduce a person's viral load to an undetectable level. Since HIV/AIDS transmission can exhibit very tailed behavior (unpredictable jumps) due to the fact that the risk of spreading can vary greatly depending on the behavior and characteristics of individuals, we probe the effect of α-stable jumps on its asymptotic dynamics. Our proposed model is a compartmental step-wise formulation that takes the form of a system of Itô-Lévy differential equations with α-stable process. First, we check its well-posedness and we give the necessary assumptions needed for the analysis. Then, and based on a new approach, we prove two main asymptotic scenarios: extinction and stationary persistence of HIV/AIDS infection. The theoretical outcomes show that the kinetic behavior of our HIV/AIDS system is principally induced by certain underlying parameters, which are accurately correlated to the Lévy noise amplitudes. Finally, we reinforce our study with two numerical experiments to test the impact of the innovative mathematical techniques adopted to obtain the main results. Moreover, we numerically highlight the influence of α-stable jumps in epidemic state transition and dynamic behavior change.

Safe mobility: Analysis of drivers' behavior at the stop bar of signalized intersections using mixed-effects modeling

Transportation safety continues to be a daily challenge as it results in enormous losses to human life and to the economy. This research targets safe mobility at intersections in an urban setting by analyzing drivers' behavior at the stop bar during red-light phases with an unprecedented focus on drivers' psychological and demographic attributes. To do so, three main scenarios are utilized to test drivers' responses using a state-of-the-art driving simulator, which include pedestrians crossing the crosswalk, police enforcement personnel and adjacent driver encroaching on the stop bar promoting the imitation behavior. A survey assessing demographics, including standardized questionnaires for individual psychological traits and driving rituals is used to complement the simulator experience for a total of 178 participants. Real life observations and monitoring at intersections are conducted to confirm drivers' behaviors with respect to stopping at the stop bar in the presence of various triggers. Our results show that younger males with a history of at least one severe accident are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior such as speeding and committing violations. Participants scoring high on the Attitudes Towards Traffic Safety and Driving Behavior Survey scales are safer drivers who show more concern about traffic laws. High scores on mindfulness and agreeableness (Big Five Personality Inventory) are associated with less violations whereas extraversion and neuroticism linked with impulsivity and frustration are associated with higher acceleration rates and overall speed. Taken together, driving scenarios and psychological variables better profile differential safe driving behaviors. Thus, it could be highly effective to include trainings for mindfulness and emotional management in addition to driving risk-awareness to enhance safe driving behavior and focus on improving the existing driving education system by focusing on young drivers' attitudes towards safety as it has shown to impact their actual driving behavior.

Data-driven multi-period modeling and optimization for the industrial steam system of large-scale refineries

Steam system modeling and optimization contributes toward low energy consumption for large-scale industrial refineries. However, formidable challenges have been generated by steam demand variation, the optimization of CO2 emissions and outsourced steam, the uncertainty of sudden equipment failures, and the introduction of new equipment. To address this issue, this work presents a novel steam system model with periodic process steam demand. The multiple cost factors of CO2 emission treatment and outsourced steam are considered and formulated as a mixed integer nonlinear programming optimization problem. A strategy to discretize the uncertainty of equipment failure into three main scenarios is proposed. The proposed model, strategy, and introduction of new equipment are demonstrated on three cases of industrial refinery steam systems. In case 1, the optimized operating costs have reduced by 1.5%. In case 2, the optimized average operating cost is 1,135,402 CNY/h. In case 3, with the introduction of the aromatics turbocharged turbine (ATT) and the letdown valve, the optimized operating costs are 1,292,182 CNY/h and 1,316,227 CNY/h respectively, confirming the feasibility of introducing ATTs.

Modelling UX Ori star eclipses based on spectral observations with the Nordic Optical Telescope − I. RR Tau

ABSTRACT Based on observations obtained with the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT) we investigate the spectral variability of the Herbig Ae star RR Tau. This star belongs to the UX Ori family, characterized by very deep fadings caused by the screening of the star with opaque fragments (clouds) of the protoplanetary discs. At the moments of such minima one observes strong spectral variability due to the fact that the dust cloud occults, for an observer, not only the star but also a part of the region where the emission spectrum originates. We calculated a series of obscuration models to interpret the observed variability of the H α line parameters. We consider two main obscuration scenarios: (1) the dust screen rises vertically above the circumstellar disc, and (2) the screen intersects the line-of-sight moving azimuthally with the disc. In both cases, the model of the emission region consists of a compact magnetosphere and a magnetocentrifugal disc wind. Comparison with observations shows that the first scenario explains well the variability of the radiation flux, the equivalent width, as well as the asymmetry of the H α line during eclipses, while the second scenario explains them only partly. This permits us to suggest that in the case of RR Tau, the main causes of the eclipses are either a structured disc wind, or the charged dust lifted along the field lines of the poloidal component of the magnetic field of the circumstellar disc.

Evaluation of intersection crashes using naturalistic driving data through the lens of future I-ADAS

Objective Intersection advanced driver assistance systems (I-ADAS) with the capability to detect possible collisions and perform evasive braking have the potential to reduce the number of intersection crashes. However, these systems will encounter many challenges caused by the complexity of real-world driving conditions. The purpose of this study is to use real-world naturalistic driving data to conduct an initial exploration of the potential challenges for future I-ADAS in straight crossing path (SCP), left turn across path/lateral direction (LTAP/LD), and left turn across path/opposite direction (LTAP/OD) crash configurations. Methods Intersection crashes were selected from the Second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) Naturalistic Driving Study. The SHRP 2 dataset includes front-facing, driver-facing, rear-facing, and a hands/feet-facing video and vehicle speed, steering, accelerator, and brake time-series data. This data was reviewed to understand driver sightline obstructions, driver distractions, and initiation of driver responses. The estimated time to collision (TTC) from the precipitating event, defined as when either vehicle entered the intersection without the right-of-way, was computed based on the distance to the impact point divided by the current velocity of the subject vehicle. Results The median impact speed was 18.0 km/h for SCP and LTAP/LD crashes and 16.1 km/h for LTAP/OD crashes. The median TTC from the precipitating event was 1.35 s for SCP and LTAP/LD crashes and 1.44 s for LTAP/OD crashes. For SCP crashes, the three main sightline obstruction scenarios were slower vehicles traveling in the same direction waiting to turn right, vehicles in the closer crossing lane, and a parked truck. For LTAP/OD crashes, the sightline obstruction was often oncoming vehicles in a closer lane blocking the view of another vehicle. Conclusion Sightline obstructions could present a challenge for future I-ADAS to activate in SCP, LTAP/LD, and LTAP/OD crashes. This study utilized naturalistic driving data to complete a comprehensive analysis of intersection crashes, including driver distractions, evasive maneuvers, and sightline obstructions that can assist in the development of I-ADAS. This analysis is not possible with police-reported crash data only, which does not contain necessary details on the driver and surrounding environment.

Cation-π mechanism promotes the adsorption of humic acid on polystyrene nanoplastics to differently affect their aggregation: Evidence from experimental characterization and DFT calculation

Multiple water-chemistry factors determine nanoplastics aggregation and thus change their bioavailability and ecological risks in natural aquatic environments. However, the dominant factors and their interactive mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) showed greater colloidal stability in Li Lake water compared to ultrapure water. The RDA and PARAFAC results suggested that dissolved organic carbon, humic acid (HA) in particular, Ca2+, and pH are critical factors influencing PSNPs aggregation. Batch experiments showed that the critical coagulation concentration (CCC) of PSNPs was increased with pH increase; HA increased the CCC of PSNPs in NaCl by 2.6-fold but decreased that in CaCl2 by 1.8-fold. Moreover, cations increased the adsorption of HA on PSNPs. The DFT results suggested that HA-cations complexes (EAE = −1.10 eV and −0.51 eV for HA-Ca2+ and HA-Na+, respectively) but not HA alone (EAE = −0.33 eV) are the main scenarios for their adsorption on PSNPs, and a cation-π mechanism between PSNPs and HA-cations complexes dominates PSNPs aggregation in this scenario. The findings are significant for better understanding the environmental process and fate of nanoplastics in aquatic environments. Environmental implicationNanoplastics are kinds of emerging contaminants. Nanoplastic aggregation determines their bioavailability and toxic risks to ecological health. Herein, the hydrodynamic sizes of PSNPs in local Li Lake water was tested and a redundancy analysis was performed to examine the key water-chemistry factors driving PSNPs aggregation. Moreover, the mechanisms in PSNPs aggregation driven by multiple dominant water-chemistry factors including cations, pH, and DOC were firstly unveiled by combining experimental characterization and theoretical computations. This work improves our understanding of the environmental fate of nanoplastics and provides a theoretical basis for the risk assessment and control of nanoplastics in real aquatic environments.

Treatment as prevention for hepatitis C virus in the Middle East and North Africa: a modeling study.

Direct-acting antivirals opened an opportunity for eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the region most affected by HCV infection. Impact of HCV treatment as prevention (HCV-TasP) was investigated in 19 MENA countries. An age-structured mathematical model was used to assess program impact using epidemiologic and programming measures. The model was fitted to a database of systematically gathered HCV antibody prevalence data. Two main scenarios were investigated for the treatment roll-out to achieve (i) 80% reduction in HCV incidence by 2030, and (ii) incidence rate < 1 per 100,000 person-years by 2030. In the target-80%-incidence-reduction scenario, number of treatments administrated by 2030 ranged from 2,610 in Lebanon to 180,416 in Sudan with a median of 53,079, and treatment coverage ranged between 40.2 and 78.4% with a median of 60.4%. By 2030, prevalence of chronic infection ranged between 0.0 and 0.3% with a median of 0.1%, and incidence rate, per 100,000 person-years, ranged between 0.9 and 16.3 with a median of 3.2. Program-attributed reduction in incidence rate ranged between 47.8 and 81.9% with a median of 68.5%, and number of averted infections ranged between 401 and 68,499 with a median of 8,703. Number of treatments needed to prevent one new infection ranged from 1.7 in Oman to 25.9 in Tunisia with a median of 6.5. In the target incidence rate < 1 per 100,000 person-years scenario, number of treatments administrated by 2030 ranged from 3,470 in Lebanon to 211,912 in Sudan with a median of 54,479, and treatment coverage ranged between 55.5 and 95.9% with a median of 87.5%. By 2030, prevalence of chronic infection was less than 0.1%, and incidence rate, per 100,000 person-years, reached less than 1. Program-attributed reduction in incidence rate ranged between 61.0 and 97.5% with a median of 90.7%, and number of averted infections ranged between 559 and 104,315 with a median of 12,158. Number of treatments needed to prevent one new infection ranged from 1.3 in Oman to 25.9 in Tunisia with a median of 5.5. HCV-TasP is an effective and indispensable prevention intervention to control MENA's HCV epidemic and to achieve elimination by 2030.

Estimation of Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda) stock status in the Senegalese Exclusive Economic Zone (SEEZ) from the catch-based model (CMSY) and length-based bayesian estimation (LBB) method

Among the seven major small tuna species defined in the ICCAT priority list for future studies, Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda) is the most heavily targeted by artisanal and industrial fisheries in many coastal areas. Considering this high pressure and the limits of previous studies on its status in some areas of the Atlantic Ocean, this study focused on assessing the Atlantic bonito stock mainly harvested by the artisanal fisheries in the Senegalese Exclusive Economic Zone (SEEZ) using two data-limited approaches (LBB and CMSY). These models used the recorded length composition, catch, and CPUE data for Atlantic bonito caught by various fishing gears to provide significant fisheries reference points to evaluate the stock status of this species. The LBB model indicated an Atlantic bonito healthy stock status with B/BMSY values ranging from 1.3 to 1.6 and B/B0 values varying from 0.47 to 0.61 of the main scenarios performed (BON_AFG_CL, BON_GN_Length, and BON_PS_Length). The results estimated by LBB are consistent with those obtained by CMSY. The CMSY model results demonstrate that the SEEZ Atlantic bonito stock is in a sound condition in the final year of the main scenarios analyzed (BON, BON-bt, BON-GN-bt, and BON-PS-bt) with sustainable relative stock biomass (B2018/BMSY= 1.13 to 1.3) and fishing pressure levels (F2018/FMSY= 0.52 to 1.43). However, the results of the two models show that longlines and sleeping nets negatively affect this species’ stock in this area, showing a slightly overfished and overfished stock status, respectively. The results of the scenarios formulated by these two fishing gears (BON_LL_Length, BON_SN_Length for LBB and BON-LL-bt, BON-SN-bt for CMSY) are below the reference values. LBB shows Lc/Lc_opt values ranging from 0.61 to 1, B/BMSY from 0.49 to 1, and B/B0 from 0.18 to 0.39. For CMSY, these two scenarios show a B/BMSY varying between 0.33 and 0.8.

Toward a discrimination between reworked and in situ microfossil during the last phase of the Messinian Salinity Crisis: taphonomic insights from Maccarone section (Central Italy)

The paleoenvironmental change characterizing the final stage of the Messinian Salinity Crisis, referred to as Lago-Mare (LM) event is the core of a vibrant scientific debate. Two main scenarios have been proposed: an almost desiccated Mediterranean Basin filled by brackish water, or a rather deep basin characterized by normal marine conditions. The discrepancies between the two scenarios arose from the interpretation of the fossil record, represented simultaneously by brackish and marine taxa. Therefore, discriminating between reworked and in situ fossils represents a crucial step to disentangle the environmental conditions characterizing the LM interval. We present a micropaleontological approach to reconstruct the taphonomy involving micro/ nannofossils by analyzing samples from the Maccarone section (Italy), which records the Messinian-Zanclean transition. We show that during LM, the brackish ostracod assemblage is poorly preserved and associated with a high amount of terrigenous grains, suggesting reworking/displacing from marginal areas. The planktic foraminifer abundance is fluctuating and negatively correlated with terrigenous grains, likely suggesting intermittent conditions with normal salinity.

From rubbles to digital material bank. A digital methodology for construction and demolition waste management in post-disaster areas

In 2020, European countries generated 807 mln tons of construction and demolition waste (CDW), accounting for 37.5% of total waste production. The UE Waste Framework Directive of 2008 established as a priority goal to increase the percentage of reuse, recycling and recovery of nonhazardous construction waste to a minimum of 70% by 2020. Pending the report that will define compliance with this goal, the average percentage currently stands at around 50%, of which only 3% involves upcycling operations. This doctoral research defines an operational methodology aimed at implementing digital processes for circularity in the AEC sector, with a focus on post-earthquake emergency Italian contexts. The treatment of CDW in earthquake-affected areas for the purpose of recovery/reuse, in a perspective of circularity, represents an underexplored field and limited, as in the rest of UE, to downcycling operations. By defining planning strategies and digital tools and procedures, the research aims to facilitate the reuse of building elements from post-earthquake demolition and reconstruction operations. The final output of the research consists of a cloud database, a Digital Material Bank (DMB), of informed building elements from post-earthquake selective demolition operations that can be reused in the construction market as a secondary raw material. The CDW management of the 2016 Central Italy earthquake is identified as the scope of application, with a focus on the situation in the Marche region. Finally, the main limitations and possible future scenarios of the research are reported.

The Guiding Role of Industry in the Development of Scenarios for the Socio-Economic Development of the Region: Information and Monitoring Support

The article attempts to substantiate at the theoretical, conceptual and empirical level the determining and guiding role of the industrial sector of the region in the formation of short- and long–term scenarios of socio-economic development of the territory within the concepts of informatization, digitalization and circularity. The importance of objective and up-to-date information and monitoring support of the process of scenario modeling of short- and medium-term indicators of socio-economic development of territories with positioning in these scenarios of the key role of industry as a driver of import substitution and growth of the regional economy is substantiated. From these methodological positions, formed as a result of the joint use of system-synergistic, resource-efficient and targeted approaches, the main target indicators and scenarios for the development of industry in the Russian Federation and the Rostov Region for 2023–2025 are calculated.. The scenarios were developed in accordance with the concept of cenological nesting of regional and federal policy documents. In the course of the research, a methodologically and practically significant conclusion was obtained that goal-setting within the framework of industrial development management at the federal and regional levels meets the needs of sustainable development of both the industrial sector itself and the economy of the Rostov region as a whole. In scenario models, goals are described by a set of indicators, the values of which are set by the corresponding program documents.