Structural Resilience Research Articles

Voices From the Frontline: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis Illuminating Perioperative Practice Realities in Southern Ethiopian Teaching Hospitals.

Despite national efforts, gaps persist in Ethiopian perioperative care. This reflexive thematic analysis aimed to investigate the contextual challenges faced in delivering perioperative care. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 healthcare professionals, including anesthetists, nurses, and surgeons, to gain a frontline perspective of perioperative practice realities. The analysis revealed eight interconnected themes: systemic infrastructure vulnerabilities, workforce expansion uncertainties, workforce demoralization, fragile perioperative safety culture, hierarchical structures and communication barriers, financial barriers to care, fragmented information systems, and fragile governance with sociopolitical instability. Local deficiencies in resources and equipment were amplified by global challenges, creating a precarious care environment. While workforce numbers increased, concerns persisted about competency and training quality. Systemic pressures and unmet professional needs contributed to staff demoralization. Inconsistent safety practices and top-down quality improvement initiatives hindered sustainable progress. Rigid hierarchies and departmental silos impeded effective teamwork and resource coordination. Financial constraints created significant barriers to care access and ethical dilemmas for providers. Incomplete digitalization and inconsistent documentation practices compromised continuity of care and data-driven improvements. Overarching sociopolitical instability and weak governance cascaded into healthcare system disruptions. The findings underscore the need for a multifaceted approach to strengthen perioperative care, including improving infrastructure, enhancing workforce development, fostering a culture of safety, breaking down hierarchical barriers, addressing financial accessibility, implementing robust information systems, and building resilient governance structures amidst adversity.

Quiet Quitting: A Millennial Perspective on Workplace Dissatisfaction and Retention Challenges

Quiet quitting is a phenomenon where employees disengage from their work and intentionally underperform as a way of expressing their dissatisfaction with their job or employer. In Malaysia, around 46% of millennial employees are considering quitting their jobs quietly, which can have a significant impact on both the individual and the organisation, especially if key performers or those with critical knowledge and skills depart. However, little is known about the underlying psychological and organisational factors that contribute to this behaviour. Thus, the purpose of this study is to look at the causes, effects, and preventative measures of quiet quitting among Malaysian workers as well as potential solutions for this tendency. To get a better understanding of the psychological and organizational reasons leading to such phenomenon among Malaysian employees, an integrated study of self-determination theory and organisational support theory is proposed. Methods for collecting qualitative data were used in this study. Data was gathered by means of employee interviews. Convenience sampling was used to choose the respondents since participants were chosen based on their availability and desire to participate. The results demonstrate the significant role that psychological (e.g., job dissatisfaction, lack of opportunities for career development) and organizational (e.g., lack of communication, work-life balance, positive culture, lack of leadership) factors play towards quiet quitting among employees. In theory, this research provides a more thorough comprehension of the topic under investigation by putting out a more resilient and all-encompassing structure. This discovery has the potential to boost organizational performance and productivity by fostering more encouraging and fulfilling work conditions for workers.

Optimizing vortex-induced vibration suppression in π-shaped girders using wind tunnel testing and CFD analysis

This investigation meticulously explores the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) characteristics in Π-shaped girders within long-span cable-stayed bridges, presenting novel VIV mitigation techniques. Employing detailed wind tunnel evaluations of a 1:50 scale model alongside computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses to model the two-dimensional flow around the girder, this study reveals the formation and shedding of vortices behind the railings and main steel girder, which significantly contribute to VIV in such structures. The introduction of horizontal splitter plates, one m in width, in conjunction with two-m-wide V-shaped guide vanes, was found to substantially reduce the VIV amplitude of the Π-shaped girder, minimizing vortex generation on the deck’s sides and dramatically reducing the maximum vertical VIV amplitude from 208.75 mm to only 5.56 mm. CFD simulations confirm the effectiveness of these measures in suppressing Karman vortex street formation, thereby significantly improving downstream airflow characteristics. These findings offer pivotal insights for the advancement of bridge design and the proactive management of VIV, showcasing the potential of integrated aerodynamic modifications to enhance structural resilience and performance.

Evaluating the Dynamic Comprehensive Resilience of Urban Road Network: A Case Study of Rainstorm in Xi’an, China

Rainstorms and flooding are among the most common natural disasters, which have a number of impacts on the transport system. This reality highlights the importance of understanding resilience—the ability of a system to resist disruptions and quickly recover to operational status after damage. However, current resilience assessments often overlook transport network functions and lack dynamic spatiotemporal analysis, posing challenges for comprehensive disaster impact evaluations. This study proposes an SR-PR-FR comprehensive resilience evaluation model from three dimensions: structure resilience (SR), performance resilience (PR), and function resilience (FR). Moreover, a simulation model based on Geographic Information System (GIS) and Simulation of Urban MObility (SUMO) is developed to analyze the dynamic spatial–temporal effects of a rainstorm on traffic during Xi’an’s evening rush hour. The results reveal that the southwest part of Xi’an is most prone to being congested and slower to recover, while downtown flooding is the deepest, severely affecting emergency services’ efficiency. In addition, the road network resilience returns to 70% of the normal values only before the morning rush the next day. These research results are presented across both temporal and spatial dimensions, which can help managers propose more targeted recommendations for strengthening urban risk management.

Nearby Real-Time Earthquake Simulation on an Urban Scale Based on Structural Monitoring

The real-time input of ground motions can effectively assess earthquake disasters in building structures. In this study, we proposed a nearby real-time simulation method that can be applied to assess regional earthquake disasters using structural monitoring recordings based on an urban earthquake simulation system. Real-time accelerations recorded during the 5.1 magnitude Tangshan earthquake were used to update and modify the computing models. El Centro waves were calibrated to 400 cm/s2 for structural seismic resilience analyses. The results indicated that approximately 70% of the structural functions were lost during the rare earthquake. Regional numerical models of 216 buildings were constructed and timeously updated using a geographic information system and measured data. The inputting ground motions recorded in the 5.1 magnitude Tangshan earthquake and typical El Centro waves were selected to analyze the structural seismic response, in which the damage indexes were computed, and the damage predictions of the regional 216 buildings were also simulated in different levels of earthquakes by being combined with the simplified principles of structural damage estimation. Finally, the evaluation results were visualized in three dimensions using ParaView software. The simulated results of earthquake disasters at an urban scale will promote the prediction abilities of local earthquake administration agencies and have considerable potential to provide essential information for emergency responses and regional disaster mitigation.

Understanding seismic hazard resilience in Montenegro: A qualitative analysis of community preparedness and response capabilities

Abstract Enhancing resilience against seismic hazards in earthquake-prone regions is essential for reducing the devastating impacts of disasters. Seismic resilience refers to a community’s ability to withstand and recover from earthquake impacts, while preparedness gaps are the areas where current measures are insufficient to effectively respond to or mitigate earthquake damage. This study focuses on Montenegro – a region with frequent seismic activity – aiming to assess resilience levels, identify critical gaps in preparedness, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing response strategies. Using qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, the research gathered insights from residents of Montenegro’s most vulnerable cities: Nikšić, Podgorica, Bar, Kotor, Cetinje, Budva, Herceg Novi, and Berane. Participants, chosen for their first-hand experience with significant earthquake impacts, provided valuable perspectives on various aspects of resilience, from local government response to individual preparedness. This research revealed significant disparities in resilience across communities: for instance, approximately 62.5% of the respondents highlighted inadequate education as a barrier to effective earthquake preparedness, and only 37.5% reported awareness of basic earthquake response procedures. Furthermore, while some communities, such as urban areas with accessible services, reported higher preparedness levels, rural areas showed deficiencies, with 50% of the respondents from these areas identifying a lack of organized drills and limited public awareness initiatives. These findings underscore the urgent need for community-specific preparedness programs and enhancements in both structural resilience and public education to bolster community readiness effectively. Also, findings highlight the need for customized preparedness programs tailored to specific community needs, alongside improvements in structural safety measures and educational outreach. The study underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach involving detailed risk assessments, community-focused preparedness training, and stronger public awareness initiatives. Furthermore, the study calls for enhanced local government capabilities to sustain proactive response measures, including rapid mobilization of emergency resources and regular disaster simulations, to build long-term resilience across communities.

Response and seismic resilience of metro tunnels under normal fault dislocation evaluated based on the quantitative method of concrete damage state

The damage to tunnels crossing active fault zones caused by earthquakes can be of a severe and irreversible nature. The paper defines the quantification of the concrete damage state based on the uniaxial compression equation and the tensile-compression curve equation. Furthermore, the paper refines the concrete damage level in conjunction with the damage factor and crack width formulas, which is one of the most significant factors affecting the durability of concrete. A three-dimensional refinement model, constructed using ABAQUS software, was employed to analyse the mechanical response and seismic resilience of the tunnel structure under normal fault displacement with variable section mitigation measures. The model incorporated a number of key parameters, including fortification length, joint location and thickness. The following conclusions were obtained: the tunnel structure is susceptible to tensile damage and the damage is widely distributed under normal fault d; the use of variable section measures can help improve and reduce the overall damage of the cross-fault metro tunnel structure; the use of tensile damage state classification to assess the damage of the tunnel structure can determine the location and extent of the damage; an appropriate protection length is required, too long/short does not maximise the mitigation effect of setting variable section measures; an appropriate lining length is required; and the lining structure is not suitable for the tunnel structure. An appropriate location and thickness of the lining structure will help to reduce the overall damage to the structure. The application of localised reinforcement to the structure, in conjunction with variable section, serves to minimise the probability of collapse of the tunnel as a whole and to enhance the seismic resilience of the underground structure across the active fault zone.

Comparative analysis of armid fiber reinforced polymer for strengthening reinforced concrete beam‐column joints under cyclic loading

AbstractThis research investigates the structural performance and failure mechanisms of beam‐column joints reinforced with aramid fiber‐reinforced polymer to bolster the durability and seismic resilience of concrete structures. It meticulously selects and proportions materials such as ordinary Portland cement Grade 53 cement, fine and coarse aggregates meeting IS: 383–1970 standards, and water conforming to IS: 456–2000 specifications. Tests confirm the high quality of ordinary Portland cement, crucial for optimal beam‐column joint performance, while carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer enhances structural integrity with its lightweight composition and substantial tensile strength (3800 MPa–4200 MPa). Failure analysis reveals that non‐aramid fiber reinforced polymer wrapped beam‐column joint specimens predominantly failed due to concrete crushing, whereas aramid fiber‐reinforced polymer‐wrapped specimens failed due to fracture in the aramid fiber‐reinforced polymer composite, emphasizing stress concentration areas. This study underscores the pivotal role of stress distribution in failure mechanisms and underscores the significance of robust reinforcement design in bolstering structural resilience. These insights advance retrofitting strategies and reinforce techniques aimed at enhancing the longevity and seismic resistance of concrete structures.

Integrating kinetic dynamics into sculpture and pottery for improved artistic form and structural stability

This study investigates the impact of integrating kinetic dynamics into creating sculptures and pottery to enhance structural stability and artistic form. Traditional methods often prioritize aesthetics over structural resilience, whereas this research aims to assess whether kinetic principles can improve both aspects. Art pieces were divided into two groups: one created using traditional techniques (Control Group) and another using kinetic dynamics (experimental group). Key variables such as stress resistance, load capacity, aesthetic fluidity, and durability under environmental stressors were measured. The experimental group exhibited a significant improvement in stress resistance, with a mean increase of 22.4% compared to the Control Group (p = 0.0001). Aesthetic fluidity scores were also higher in the experimental group, averaging 8.6 compared to 7.0 in the Control Group (p = 0.00001). Additionally, the experimental group demonstrated superior durability, with a 16.7% increase in strength retention under humidity, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical vibrations (p = 0.00001). These key findings suggest that integrating kinetic dynamics enhances the structural integrity of sculptures and pottery and improves their aesthetic appeal and environmental resilience. The results provide a compelling case for applying kinetic principles in art, offering new opportunities for artists to create visually striking and durable works.

Hygrothermal performance of hybrid multi-storey buildings under future climate scenarios

Climate change, energy efficiency, and carbon footprint objectives pose significant challenges to the hygrothermal performance of building structures in climates with extreme temperature variations. To meet long term sustainability targets, buildings designed for a lifespan of up to 100 years must exhibit resilience not only to current climate conditions but also to projected future scenarios. This study evaluated the hygrothermal performance of a hybrid log-concrete multi-storey building, combining the structural strength of concrete with the sustainable, moisture-regulating properties of wood, to address energy efficiency and moisture control challenges in subarctic climates. Onsite measurements were validated using numerical simulations to assess hygrothermal performance of log wall structure under climate change scenarios. Results showed minimal mould growth risk under present conditions, while future climate projections (RCP8.5 for 2080) indicated a maximum mould index of 1.32 near the exterior log surface. These findings highlight the resilience of log-based structures in cold climates and underscore the need for proactive moisture management under warmer, more humid future scenarios. Stable ideal indoor temperatures (averaging 21.56 °C to 22.09 °C) and effective moisture control (with a maximum average moisture excess of 0.89 g/m3) over the measurement period further demonstrate the suitability of hybrid log-concrete buildings for energy-efficient, moisture-regulating construction in cold climates. The study recommends surface treatments that allow vapour diffusion while preserving wood’s hygroscopic qualities to enhance durability in changing climates.

Machine learning-based prediction of seismic response of elevated steel tanks

Seismic response analysis assesses structural safety and integrity during earthquakes and guides design for optimal performance, compliance with regulations, and risk mitigation. This study proposes a novel approach utilizing machine learning (ML) techniques to predict the seismic response of elevated steel tanks accurately. ML is a powerful tool that can handle complexity, improve accuracy, provide data-driven insights, and optimize designs for predicting seismic responses of structures. Moreover, this study evaluates various ML models containing Random Forest, Support Vector Regression, Adaptive Boosting, LightGBM, Histogram-based Gradient Boosting, XGBoost, CatBoost, Bagging Regression, and Decision Trees to identify the most effective predictive model. In general, the developed ML-based predictive models provide a promising tool for engineers involved in the seismic design and retrofitting of elevated steel tanks, aiding in optimizing designs and enhancing structural safety and resilience against seismic hazards. As a result, the HGB model obtained the most suitable performance compared to other developed models with higher R2 and lower RMSE. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was performed based on SHAP values, and it was found that the height of the liquid and the intensity measure were the most influential variables in the seismic response of the tank.

Development of a novel rotational metallic damper as a dissipative connector in rocking steel core systems: Cyclic behavior and seismic demand

Rocking systems with stiff rocking cores have been proposed as a promising solution for mitigating concentrations of story drift and enhancing structural seismic resilience. This study introduces a novel rotational metallic damper, termed the rotational steel rod damper (RSRD), developed for use in rocking steel core systems to improve energy dissipation capacity. The configuration, working mechanism, and application of the RSRD in rocking steel core systems are described. Three critical energy-dissipating elements, low-yield-point steel rods with different edge shapes, were isolated from the RSRD and tested to validate the efficacy of an optimal hourglass shape, defined through cubic equations, in enhancing low-cycle-fatigue performance. Two RSRD specimens were then tested and analyzed, focusing on failure modes, cyclic behavior, rotational strength, and energy dissipation. Both specimens demonstrated positive and stable hysteretic performance and energy dissipation capacity, with maximum equivalent viscous damping ratios of 0.51 and 0.53. Subsequently, structural models of seven steel frames were developed in OpenSees for case studies. Nonlinear response history analyses were performed under 20 ground motion records scaled to DBE and MCE levels. Dynamic behaviors, particularly the seismic demand on RSRDs, were examined. Numerical results confirmed the efficacy of the RSRD in mitigating inter-story drift. The location of the pivoting point of the rocking core significantly influenced the rotational demand on the RSRD. The proposed RSRD presents an innovative energy-dissipating alternative for the development of rocking steel core systems.

How can we build structural resilience? Integration of social-ecological and minority stress models.

As the United States contends with racism and a social justice reckoning, the need to advance our understanding of how to build structural resilience continues to be pressing. This article proposes a culturally and structurally informed model of resilience for individuals with minoritized identities that integrates social-ecological and minority stress models. First, common stressors and traumas experienced by minoritized individuals at multiple levels of proximal/distal influence are reviewed: microsystem (e.g., family rejection), mesosystem (e.g., community-based discrimination), exosystem (e.g., barriers to health care), macrosystem (e.g., harmful legal policies), and chronosystem (e.g., historical legacy). Next, how these exposures have cascading effects on minority stress processes (e.g., discriminatory policies in the macrosystem affect how a child is socialized in the microsystem) are considered. Then, modifiable factors (e.g., community cohesion) that promote resiliency in the face of ongoing exposures are discussed. To conclude, guidelines are offered for advancing the psychological science of resilience in minoritized groups including mixed methods to reflect participants' experiences, ecological approaches to assess resilience, and multilevel modeling to understand the interplay between the social-ecological context and individual factors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Sea sponge-inspired designs enhance mechanical properties of tubular lattices

The sea glass sponge, a marine organism with a distinctive tubular lattice skeleton, offers inspiration for developing resilient structures with exceptional buckling resistance. Previous work on sponge lattices focuses on mimicking the diagonal feature of the sponge unit cell; however, current understanding on the effects of the tubular three-dimensional arrangement seen in glass sponges is incomplete. This study seeks to leverage the benefits of sea glass sponge structures to enhance the performance of three-dimensional tubular lattices with improved compressive strength and elastic energy absorption. Through a combination of experimental and simulation techniques, we systematically examine the influence of varying cross-sectional shape and geometry of three-dimensional tubular lattice structures. Our experimental findings reveal that the sponge-inspired pattern surpasses all unit cell designs under compression loads. Sponge designs with a hexagonal cross-section exhibit the highest buckling strength, with a 74.9% improvement over the non-reinforced design and a 39.0% improvement within sponge designs. Meanwhile, the sponge designs with a circular cross-section show the best energy absorption, achieving a 90.8% improvement over the non-reinforced design and a 54.0% increase within sponge designs. Computational results show this novel design achieves improved stress distribution and stability due to the self-reinforcement of the struts’ orientation and reduction of stress concentration at sharp corners, which helps explain these findings. This study motivates the design of sea glass sponge structures for applications such as aerospace, marine, and infrastructure that requires high strength-to-weight ratio and buckling resistance.

Analysis of Strengthening Beam Structure Case Study on Food Court Building of Ruang Terbuka Hijau (RTH) Project at Alun-Alun Kota Kediri

The Green Open Space (RTH) construction in Kediri City includes a food court building utilizing reinforced concrete structures. During construction, cracking issues occurred in several beam structures due to the inability to bear the design loads effectively, necessitating a strengthening approach. This study aims to develop and evaluate a strengthening method for cracked beam structures by employing concrete jacketing. The specific objective is to improve the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of these beams to ensure the durability and safety of the building. A concrete jacketing technique was used to reinforce the cracked beams, utilizing K-300 ready-mix concrete and additional reinforcing steel. The study involved structural analysis to assess the load-bearing capacity before and after jacketing, and on-site evaluation was conducted to monitor the method's effectiveness. The findings indicate that the jacketing method significantly increased the beams' bending moment capacity and overall structural strength, successfully addressing the cracks and enhancing the beams' ability to bear the intended loads. The reinforced beams showed improved load distribution and structural resilience performance. Concrete jacketing proved to be an effective method for strengthening the cracked beam structures in the Green Open Space project. The study provides valuable insights for similar future construction projects, suggesting that concrete jacketing can be a reliable reinforcement technique to enhance the durability and safety of building structures.

Monitoring a mass timber—BRB braced mass timber frame under cyclic loading via acoustic emission

This article focuses on the acoustic emission (AE) monitoring of a new type of mass timber buckling restrained brace (T-BRB), consisting of a wood casing made of mass plywood panel and a steel core embedded in the casing, for improving seismic resilience of mass timber structures. The casing secures the steel core through a series of bolts. To investigate the failure mechanisms of T-BRBs, two cyclic loading tests are conducted on a mass timber frame braced by T-BRBs with and without carbon fiber-reinforced polymer wraps, and an AE system is deployed for structural health monitoring (SHM). Multiple AE signatures are analyzed to infer the yielding point and failure modes of the T-BRB. AE features, including AE hit rate and cumulative energy, can successfully identify the ultimate structural failures. Results from AE hits and measured area of rectified signal envelope (MARSE) per quarter cycle suggest that the first significant feature values correspond to the cycle when the embedded steel core yielded. The b-value analysis demonstrates a general decreasing trend through the loading process and can characterize the evolution of structural damages. By evaluating both the strain energy and AE energy to reflect damage severity, the sentry function can identify the load cycle of steel core yielding and ultimate structural failure. As the first work applying AE monitoring on structural experiments of T-BRB, this research provides general guidances for SHM of T-BRB braced mass timber structures.

Denison’s Culture Model in the Context of Romanian Prefectures. Is There Room for Improvement?

Organizational culture and its importance have become common knowledge over the years, but do we really understand its influence, especially on the effectiveness of public institutions? We often talk about increasing performance, transparency and involvement in the lives of citizens to improve their quality of life, sometimes without looking at how public entities function. Therefore, this study wants to understand how exactly the organizational culture affects the Romanian Prefectures and what is the perception of their employees regarding their mission, adaptability, involvement and consistency. Since it is the responsibility of the prefectures to ensure the implementation of government policies at the local level, besides their important role in verifying the legitimacy of the administrative acts issued by the local public administration, it is imperative to see what role organizational culture plays and how it influences the group dynamics, their adaptability to change and their responsiveness. Using Denison’s model, we can analyze the perceived level of performance, effectiveness and what types of synergies are formed at the group level. Understanding the main patterns in the prefectures can support our efforts to build more resilient, flexible and adaptable structures, much needed characteristics in essential structures such as these.

Large scale public health system transformation: Germany

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic was a stress test for public health services in Germany. Decision making was complex (party lengthy and inconsistent) due to the divided responsibilities within the federal system. Some improvements on the public health system were already enacted during the pandemic. A “pandemic radar” was established to bundle up relevant infectious disease indicators with indicators of health services use. The national electronic notification and information system for infectious diseases was extended. Digital improvements were made in the public health offices. Laboratory capacity was strengthened, so was inter-science modelling to forecast pathogen spread. A nation-wide collaborative mechanism, the cloverleaf system, was introduced between regions to avoid the overburdening of hospitals. It is now established for times of excess need for inpatient services. In 2020, a 4 billion euros investment program, the “Pact of Public Health Services”, was adopted to strengthen and modernize the German public health service institutions. The pact is implemented until 2026. The human resources component is the largest. Further priorities include digitalization, improvement of the infrastructure (of designated ports and airports) for the implementation of the International Health Regulations, research and the creation of agile and resilient public health structures. Outputs so far include the establishment of more than 4800 new public health positions, the appointment of new professorships for public health services, the initiation of several research projects, and the roll-out of more than 300 digitalization projects. A new federal institute for prevention is planned. It aims to foster networking between public health services, strengthen health communication, data use, and evidence for public health services. In this process, WHO advised the federal ministry e.g. on behavioral insights; heat health action; prevention on noncommunicable diseases and others. Many public health actors have provided opinions. However, consensus building on how Germany can overcome fragmentation in public health is ongoing.

Psychosocial Workloads and Resilience of Heads of Municipal Public Health Authorities in Germany During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perceptions of Operational Organization, Communication, and Measures

Healthcare professionals are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues during epidemics, as evidenced by the COVID-19 crisis. German public health authorities, crucial for disease prevention, faced significant strain from chronic understaffing and resource limitations exacerbated by the pandemic. The study was designed as a cross-sectional, observational online survey. This study conducted an online needs assessment survey among heads of municipal public health authorities in Thuringia, Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Berlin between June and November 2023. Of the 191 contacted authorities, 74 responses (38.7%) were analyzed, focusing on professional demands, recognition, stress resilience, general life satisfaction, operational organization, and communication during the pandemic. Validated scales such as ERI, RS-13, L-1, and the COVID-19 add-on module of the COPSOQ were utilized. Statistical tests included descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, Chi-Square tests, linear regression, T-tests, and ANOVA with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Respondents were mainly from North Rhine-Westphalia (43.3%) and Bavaria (24.3%), predominantly female (54.1%), and had a mean age of 52.7 years. The majority were medical specialists (71.9%). The RS-13 mean score was 72.66 (SD = 12.42), with 58.9% demonstrating high stress resilience. Public health degree holders showed the highest resilience. The ER-ratio indicated high effort versus reward for 96.7% of heads. Larger districts showed lower ER-ratios, suggesting resilient organizational structures. The study highlights high psychosocial workload and resilience among German public health authority heads during COVID-19, suggesting the need for optimized crisis management and scalable staffing for future pandemics and crises.

Fluid Force Reduction and Flow Structure at a Coastal Building with Different Outer Frame Openings Following Primary Defensive Alternatives: An Experiment-Based Review

A well-constructed tsunami evacuation facility can be crucial in a disaster. Understanding a tsunami’s force and the flow structure variation across various building configurations are essential to engineering designs. Hence, this study assessed the steady-state flow structure at building models (BM) incorporating outer frame openings, including piloti-type designs with a different width-to-spacing ratio of piloti-type columns following an embankment model (EM) with a vegetation model (VM). The experiments also demonstrated the outer frame opening percentage’s impact and orientation toward the overtopping tsunami flow at the BM. The results show that the arrangement of an opening on the outer frame and the piloti-type columns are critical in reducing the tsunami force concerning the experimental setup. Moreover, allowing a free surface flow beneath the BM implies that the correct piloti-pillar arrangement is crucial for resilient structure design. In addition, the three-dimensional numerical simulation was utilized to explain the turbulence intensity of the overtopping flow around the critical BM type. The derived resistance coefficient (CR) defined the drag and the hydrostatic characteristics at the BM due to the overtopping tsunami flow. Furthermore, for the impervious BM, the value CR was consistent with the previous studies, while the CR value for the BMs with an outer frame opening was directly coincident with the percentage of porosity.