Amid the global push for sustainable construction, bamboo has been widely studied as a rapidly renewable, high-performance building material. This paper reviews the published literature on bamboo’s journey from plant to structural component. The review first examines the fundamental botanical characteristics of bamboo, explaining the relationship between its hierarchical structure—from molecular to cellular levels—and its mechanical properties. It then transitions to an analysis of sustainable forestry, harvesting practices, the structural uses of round bamboo, and the manufacturing processes for engineered bamboo products, such as glued laminated bamboo and bamboo scrimber. Critical performance challenges are addressed by evaluating modern treatment methods that enhance durability, dimensional stability, and fire resistance. Structural applications are explored in detail, covering traditional building typologies, innovative connection systems, and the emerging potential for bamboo in mid- and high-rise as well as long-span structures. The life cycle perspective is completed by examining end-of-life scenarios, including reuse, recycling, and energy recovery. Ultimately, the review situates bamboo within the global context by examining resource distribution, trade, and the policy frameworks required to promote its widespread adoption. By consolidating research across multiple disciplines, this paper highlights the significant potential of bamboo to contribute to a low-carbon built environment. It concludes that a holistic, science-based approach is essential for overcoming remaining challenges and fully integrating this versatile material into modern construction practices.
Urbanisation is a major driver of biodiversity change; however, its impact on soil macrodetritivore communities and their functional composition still remains overlooked. Terrestrial isopods, key soil macrodetritivores involved in decomposition processes, are increasingly used as model organisms to assess environmental change. In this study, we investigated the influence of landscape-scale urbanisation and local environmental variables on terrestrial isopod communities in Rome (Italy) to test three hypotheses: (H1) community composition vary along the urbanisation gradient, leading to biotic homogenisation; (H2) local factors contribute more to these changes than landscape-scale urbanisation; and (H3) species show non-random associations with the urban gradient. We examined variations in taxonomic and functional β-diversity, multivariate composition, and species-habitat association from 48 plots across 16 sites sampled in spring and autumn. Each plot was characterised in terms of landscape characteristics and local microhabitat and edaphic chemo-physical conditions. Overall, 42 species were collected in the study area. In accordance with H1, urbanisation affected isopod communities, increasing taxonomic and functional homogenisation. Taxonomic and functional β-diversity decreased with increasing urbanisation, driven by greater contributions of richness differences and loss of the most sensitive species. Local-scale variables accounted for a general larger proportion of community variation than landscape-scale variables, partially supporting H2. Finally, we found non-random associations between species and urbanisation, with habitat specialists thriving only in semi-natural and suburban forests, while urban areas were mostly dominated by tolerant generalist species, confirming H3. In summary, our study revealed that urbanisation filters isopod communities through the combined influence of landscape-scale gradients and local environmental conditions, especially soil properties and habitat structure, highlighting the conservation importance of structurally complex urban green spaces for soil macrodetritivores and related soil ecosystem functions.
This research extends a previous investigation initiated by the authors focusing on the impact of geometric nonlinearity on the propagation of seismic waves in a two-dimensional model of the Aterno Valley, which includes the urban region of L'Aquila. Starting from a Cauchy continuum framework, this study undertakes a comparative analysis between a traditional linearized formulation, based on infinitesimal strain energy, and a nonlinear model that incorporates the Green-Lagrange strain tensor. The computational domain describes a detailed geological cross-section of the valley, comprising three primary stratigraphic layers. In addition, the upper layer incorporates mechanical segmentation. Furthermore, the excitation is represented as a spherical wavefront applied at the basal boundary, emulating a deep, high-energy source equivalent to an earthquake with a magnitude of Mw >= 6. Finite element simulations were performed in COMSOL using a generalized-alpha time integration scheme. An examination was conducted on two distinct configurations of Young's modulus distribution within the upper stratum. The first configuration comprised a homogeneous rigid top layer characterized by a unicum body, while the second configuration incorporated soft inclusions within the upper layer to emulate its fragmentation. A comparative analysis was conducted on nonlinear and linear simulations using normalized energy deviation parameters. This approach facilitated the quantification of the relative discrepancies between the deformation energy densities exhibited by the two models. The results indicate that, while the average deviations between the linear and nonlinear formulations are generally moderate, substantial local discrepancies are observed in regions near interfaces with pronounced stiffness contrasts. Specifically, energy deviations in these areas can exceed 100% in certain regions. The observed localized amplifications and redistributions of energy indicate that geometric nonlinearities might significantly affect the spatial distribution of wave energy propagation. This effect is particularly pronounced in scenarios where the shallow layers are mechanically segmented or incorporate compliant inclusions. The temporal evolution of energy at specific reference points within the urban area exhibits scenario-dependent variations, suggesting that linear assumptions may inaccurately characterize site response under conditions of high-intensity excitation. The results confirm the assumption that geometric nonlinearities are significant factors in strongly heterogeneous basins. This emphasizes the need for precise geometric representation and realistic modeling of stiffness distributions to improve predictive accuracy and reliability.
BACKGROUND:We aimed to conduct an individual patient data meta-analysis on blood neurofilament light chain (NfL) in ischemic stroke (IS) to enhance its clinical applicability. METHODS:We performed a systematic literature search of studies on blood NfL measured in adult patients within 30 days after IS onset and derived age- and BMI-adjusted Z-scores based on a previously published reference population of healthy controls. We collected clinical, radiological and biochemical parameters of IS patients and tested associations of NfL at defined timepoints after IS onset (D1: < 24 h; D2: 24-48 h; D3: 48-72 h; D4-5: 72-120 h; D6-7: 120-168 h; D8-30: > 168 h) with baseline characteristics and 3-month follow-up outcomes (modified Rankin Scale, mRS; survival). RESULTS:We included 4081 blood NfL values from 2872 participants (IS n = 1985, transient ischemic attack n = 88, healthy controls n = 799) of 18 published studies and 3 unpublished cohorts. In patients with IS, NfL Z-score progressively increased from D1 [median: 2.0 (IQR: 0.9-2.9)] to D6-7 [median: 3.5 (IQR: 3.0-3.8)], with discriminative ability being high for IS vs. controls (AUC: 0.79-0.97) and fair for IS vs. TIA (AUC: 0.64-0.80). Higher NfL Z-score at D1 was associated with greater risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (aOR = 1.33, p = 0.014) and, from D2 onwards, with larger infarct lesion volume (highest Spearman's rho: 0.795 at D6-7). NfL independently predicted a mRS > 2 (aOR = 1.31, p < 0.001) and mortality (aOR = 1.67, p < 0.001) at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS:Blood NfL level was progressively elevated after IS, could discriminate IS from healthy controls with high accuracy and had prognostic value for intra-hospital complications and 3-month clinical outcomes in IS.
INTRODUCTION:Migraine is a disabling neurological disorder often mismanaged, with only a minority of individuals receiving a timely correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The aim of this work was to establish consensus-based indications for improving the management of individuals with migraine and optimizing their journey from general practice to specialist care. METHODS:A panel of 17 Italian experts, including neurologists, pharmacologists, and general practitioners (GPs) assessed a total of 36 statements addressing migraine diagnosis and management in primary care, referral pathways, and long-term care through the Delphi methodology. RESULTS:The panel endorsed the role of GPs in the early identification and management of migraine, emphasizing the use of validated screening tools and headache diaries as well as the adoption of structured care pathways, where available, to ensure consistent and effective management. Specialist referral was emphasized for chronic migraine, medication overuse, or for individuals with inadequate response to preventive therapies. The panel advocated for a shared, long-term care model grounded in dynamic, bidirectional collaboration across healthcare levels to reduce the burden on tertiary headache centers. CONCLUSION:This consensus provides practical, context-specific guidance to facilitate care of migraine across primary and specialist care. Proper implementation of this model may streamline the management of individuals with migraine, reduce diagnostic delays, prevent unnecessary costs, and ultimately guide the development of a coordinated migraine care model in Italy.
