Learning from the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy to advance multi-hazard disaster risk management.

COVID-19 challenged all national emergency management systems worldwide overlapping with other natural hazards. We framed a 'parallel phases' Disaster Risk Management (DRM) model to overcome the limitations of the existing models when dealing with complex multi-hazard risk conditions. We supported the limitations analysing Italian Red Cross data on past and ongoing emergencies including COVID-19 and we outlined three guidelines for advancing multi-hazard DRM: (i) exploiting the low emergency intensity of slow-onset hazards for preparedness actions; (ii) increasing the internal resources and making them available for international support; (iii) implementing multi-hazard seasonal impact-based forecasts to foster the planning of anticipatory actions.

A torch in the rain forest: thermogenesis of the Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum).

An outstanding flagship species in the plant kingdom is the Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum), which produces a fountain-like bloom up to 3 m high. The unique appearance of three simultaneous inflorescences in May 2006 was a chance to analyse the flowering behaviour and thermogenesis of this giant. For the first time, the heating of the central column (spadix) could be documented using a high-performance thermographic camera.

A study of climate change and anthropogenic impacts in West Africa.

Background, Aim And Scope: During the last decades ecological conditions in West Africa have dramatically changed. Very evident is the climate change, which has resulted in a southward shift of the climate zones, e.g.

Pediatric craniofacial remodeling instrument.

Craniofacial reconstruction in children is technically exacting and requires instruments specifically designed for these procedures. A new pediatric craniofacial remodeling instrument is described here and its applications are discussed. A case study is presented in which the instrument was used when an infant with craniosynostosis of the metopic suture line underwent a bicoronal craniectomy and supraorbital bar advancement and remodeling.