Structural design optimization usually aims to extract more function from less material. This can result in more failure modes designed against their limits, thus reducing safety. The compromise between cost reduction and safety is particularly relevant for geotechnical structures, as they are subject to significant scatter and uncertainties in their properties. In this context, this paper presents an application of Reliability-Based Design Optimization (RBDO) for the problem of geosynthetic-reinforced soil retaining walls. Design variables include the mean strength of the geosynthetic, spacing between reinforcements, and the length of the geosynthetic. Random variables include soil angle of friction, soil unit weight, the strength of the geosynthetic and the friction angle between the reinforcement and soil mass. The solution procedure proposed herein combines the ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm with the First Order Reliability Method (FORM) algorithm, which results in nested optimization loops. Results show that significant savings can be achieved in structural design without hindering structural safety.
Arboviruses have caused several epidemics worldwide, resulting in significant global health problems. Dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are endemic arboviruses throughout Brazil and have a significant impact on public health. Major gaps in protection against the most significant emerging arboviruses remain, as no antivirals are currently available, and vaccines are only available in a few countries. A potential source of antiviral compounds can be found in natural products, of which several compounds have been documented to have antiviral activities and are expected to have good efficacy and low side effects. Polyphenols and plant extracts have been studied for their antiviral properties against arboviruses and have shown promising results. Natural products continue to play an essential role in drug production and development. This study evaluated the antiviral potential of natural substances and extracts against DENV, ZIKV, and CHIKV. Original articles published between 2018 and 2022 in Portuguese and English on the antiviral activity of natural substances against arboviruses were reviewed. A total of 70 natural substances were evaluated against DENV, ZIKV, and CHIKV, and the potential antiviral activity against these viruses was analyzed. Some of these substances have shown promise in developing new antiviral compounds. With abundant natural products to screen for new antiviral compounds, they play an important role in developing new antiviral drugs and reducing arbovirus cases.
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