Building Retrofit with Reduced Web (RWS) and Beam (RBS) Section Limited-Ductility Connections

Softening of beams near the moment connection can be regarded as one of the most convenient methods for retrofitting non-seismically designed buildings. This can be done by drilling the beam web near the connection (aka RWS–Reduced Web Section) or cutting the beam flanges (aka RBS–Reduced Beam Section). Thus, becoming a cost-effective option for retrofitting and erection of new buildings, while optimising use of steel; making the most of this high environmental impactful material. This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the effects of using extended end-plate bolted RWS and RBS connections in building behaviour when subjected to strong ground motion. For that purpose, incremental dynamic analyses (IDA) were performed in a low height building fitted with RWS and RBS connections capable of limited ductility. This was done with the aim of characterising the seismic behaviour of buildings with deficient earthquake design after being subjected to seismic upgrade. It is observed that empirical fragility curves show that probabilities of exceeding 1%, 2% and 4% inter-story drifts are significantly lower (more than 25%) for the building that is designed with RWS connections instead of RBS connections; while the probability of collapse is reduced by at least one third. This indicates that deployment or RWS connections can reduce the risk of both; severe structural damage and, large economical loss due to damage of non-structural elements when seismic demands are moderate

Assessment of short-term changes induced by a Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract on asthmatic patients. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

1581520,599Q1SCI

Allergy immunotherapy across the life cycle to promote active and healthy ageing : from research to policies: An AIRWAYS Integrated Care Pathways (ICPs) programme item (Action Plan B3 of the European Innovation Partnership on active and healthy ageing) and the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD), a World Health Organization GARD research demonstration project

Allergic diseases often occur early in life and persist throughout life. This life-course perspective should be considered in allergen immunotherapy. In particular it is essential to understand whether this al treatment may be used in old age adults. The current paper was developed by a working group of AIRWAYS integrated care pathways for airways diseases, the model of chronic respiratory diseases of the European Innovation Partnership on active and healthy ageing (DG CONNECT and DG Santé). It considered (1) the political background, (2) the rationale for allergen immunotherapy across the life cycle, (3) the unmet needs for the treatment, in particular in preschool children and old age adults, (4) the strategic framework and the practical approach to synergize current initiatives in allergen immunotherapy, its mechanisms and the concept of active and healthy ageing