European Centre for Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering

This paper introduces a procedure to estimate moment magnitude ( M W ) in earthquake‐induced soil liquefaction probabilistic risk assessment. The method is based on using the historical seismicity modelled with a truncated Gutenberg‐Richter (G‐R) relation, jointly with an empirical model linking the M W to the maximum source‐to‐site distance at which soil liquefaction was observed in past earthquakes. The proposed method predicts M W as a function of the recurrence intervals, which are assimilated to return periods (RPs), and it may be used in probabilistic or semi‐probabilistic seismic design as prescribed by modern building codes worldwide. Moreover, it is independent from any intensity measure (IM) of ground motion, and this is a desirable feature since the selection of the optimal IM for liquefaction risk assessment does not meet a general agreement among specialists. The novel procedure to estimate M W has been applied at five Italian sites with different levels of seismicity. The results obtained with the proposed method to define M W have been compared with other approaches from the current Italian engineering practice. Then, the application was extended to the whole Italian territory to compute maps of the expected M W for liquefaction risk assessment for the RPs of 475, 975, and 2,475 years. Such maps represent useful tools for practitioners in Italy when performing liquefaction‐triggering analyses. Although the proposed method to compute the expected M W in soil liquefaction triggering studies has been developed with a specific focus on the Italian territory, the procedure may be applied elsewhere.

Pediatric randomized controlled trials (RCTs) inform decisions concerning the choice of interventions in children and adolescents. To enable the implementation of effective interventions, RCT reports need to provide adequate details on the elements, infrastructure, and delivery of these interventions. Using the 12-item Template for the Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) framework, an international team developed guidance for comprehensive reporting of trial interventions in pediatric RCT protocols and reports. We (1) identified initial pediatric considerations (PCs) and examples of good reporting using 50 recent pediatric RCT reports, (2) held an expert panel meeting, (3) conducted a Family Caregiver Workshop to discuss and get input on PCs, (4) compiled PCs and examples of good reporting, and (5) achieved consensus on final PCs and examples. Thirteen PCs reached consensus; they address how trial intervention materials were appropriate for the age and developmental stage of trial participants, which adjustments to enhance palatability of medications and acceptability of interventions were implemented, and how pediatric-specific dosing was determined. Consensus was also reached on accompanying good reporting exemplars. Presenting a minimum set of considerations pertinent to pediatric trial interventions, the TIDieR-Child & Adolescent Health (TIDieR-C) checklist can help trial authors and evidence end users comprehensively report and appraise tested interventions. It can be used with the pediatric-specific extensions of the Standard Protocol Items for Randomized Trials (SPIRIT) and Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT): SPIRIT-Children & Adolescents and CONSORT-Children & Adolescents. Uptake of this guidance may lead to improved understanding, replicability, and implementation fidelity of effective trial interventions.

ABSTRACTThe seismic vulnerability modelling of different categories of buildings analytically requires methodologies capable of capturing the wide range of building standards, construction practices, architectural layouts, earthquake design scenarios and available knowledge. Current vulnerability models employ varying assessment approaches, building taxonomies, representations of seismic loading and, in some cases, rely on a limited number of archetype structural models to represent an entire building class. Consequently, these structural models are likely to oversimplify the seismic behaviour of an individual building, fail to adequately capture the reality of building‐to‐building variability and inadequately account for multiple sources of uncertainty, particularly when applied to regional contexts. Addressing these issues requires a probabilistic approach where seismic vulnerability is assessed using models of building portfolios that can reflect features related to engineering design practice, as well as construction variability and quality. To achieve this objective, this article introduces a collaborative framework for the simulated design of buildings, along with the open‐source software package developed for its integration into the Built Environment Data initiative, a planned service within the European Plate Observing System. The simulated design framework accommodates the design of buildings using both historical and modern seismic design procedures and regulations, while capturing building‐to‐building variability. Following the design process, the framework generates OpenSees computational models for nonlinear analysis, facilitating the development of probabilistic seismic demand models, fragility functions and vulnerability models. The framework's capabilities are demonstrated through examples that highlight notable distinctions among the building classes under consideration and emphasise the importance of the attributes involved in the design process. The collaborative nature of the framework presented here enables the earthquake engineering community to contribute to a growing database of seismic design practices, encompassing a wide range of design codes.

Background/Objectives: This work aimed to analyze pediatric Post-Authorization Studies (PASs) registered in the European Union electronic Register of Post-Authorization Studies (EU PAS Register) from September 2010 to April 2023 to identify trends in terms of timing, age groups, and therapeutic areas and to discuss pediatric specificities and sources of funding for the PASs. Methods: A screening process identified PASs conducted exclusively on the pediatric population, and instructions were provided to ensure standardized data collection from the EU PAS Register. A univariate linear regression descriptive analysis was performed to assess trends over time, while a multivariate linear regression analysis helped explore additional characteristics of these studies. Results: Of the 2574 PASs extracted from the EU PAS Registry, 165 were included in this analysis. The majority of pediatric PASs were observational studies (86%), and most of them utilized secondary data (53%). The annual number of PASs increased significantly between 2010 and 2023. As envisaged, the largest part was funded by pharmaceutical companies (62%). Anti-infectives for systemic uses (25%), medicines for the nervous system (18%), and antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents (15%) resulted in the most studied drugs. Conclusions: Our findings show that post-marketing observational research in pediatric populations has increased over time. Nevertheless, industry–academia collaboration should be encouraged, and regulatory guidance is needed to prioritize research in areas of unmet therapeutic need.

BackgroundPaediatric-onset Multiple Sclerosis (POMS) is a rare, highly active disease requiring timely disease-modifying therapy.ObjectivesThis trial compared the efficacy and safety of intramuscular (i.m.) Interferon beta-1a (IFN-beta 1a) and subcutaneous (s.c.) Glatiramer Acetate (GA).MethodsA 96-week, Phase IIIb, multicenter, open-label randomized trial enrolled 30 participants (ages 12–17). Patients were randomized into two groups: 15 received i.m. IFN-beta 1a, and 15 received s.c. GA. The primary endpoint was MRI disease activity-free status; secondary outcomes included annualized relapse rate (ARR), time to first relapse, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), cognitive and fatigue scores, and quality of life.ResultsThe groups differed by age but not sex. MRI disease activity-free status did not differ (p = 0.09). ARR was significantly lower in the GA group (0.20; 95% CI 0.08–0.42) than in the IFN-beta 1a group (0.57; 95% CI 0.31–0.95, p = 0.02). EDSS, cognitive, fatigue, and quality-of-life scores were comparable. Notably, 50% of GA patients and 30% of IFN-beta 1a patients switched to higher efficacy treatments.ConclusionsBoth treatments showed similar efficacy and safety, but early high-efficacy therapy may be preferable for POMS management.Trial RegistrationEudraCT Number: 2017–005129-18. https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2017-005129-18/IT

The Global Earthquake Model (GEM) is an initiative that originally emerged from discussions and proposals made by the Global Science Forum of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in the early 2000’s. In 2009, GEM established itself as a non-profit legal entity, the GEM Foundation, and 15 years later, it continues to operate globally with a mission to provide transparent resources for seismic hazard and risk assessment, as well as to support disaster risk reduction for a wide range of natural hazards. This paper highlights the main milestones from the past 15 years and the vision of the foundation to 2030. An overview is also provided of the status of GEM products and services, all of which are made available for the benefit of society, under a strategy that aims to assure the continued financial sustainability of the organization.