The paper presents a modeling framework to analyze the effect of episodic rainfall supply on groundwater dynamics in the Ionian coastal plain multilayered aquifer. The focus is essentially on the short-term behavior of the shallowest layer, with a specific analysis on episodic rainfall events. In the studied aquifer, groundwater level responds sensitively to rainfall events, highlighting the presence of preferential recharge zones. The hydraulic head peak is a function of groundwater level antecedent to the rainfall event. A kinematic dispersion wave model was used to model infiltration processes via preferential pathways. A one-dimensional and non-linear particle based numerical model was developed. Particles with constant water volume travel according to celerity and hydraulic dispersion to simulate the infiltration rate wave through the vadose zone. The flow rate that reaches the water table represents the input function to determine groundwater level fluctuations along groundwater flow direction and according to the lithological features of the surficial levels of the multilayered aquifer, its storage capacity changes passing from unconfined to confined conditions. The model was validated with high time resolution time series of precipitation and groundwater level coming from Terra Montonata meteo-climatic and groundwater level monitoring station. The developed model represents a basis for evaluating and predicting groundwater discharge of the shallowest layers of the Ionian coastal multilayered aquifer under natural conditions including episodic rainfall.

Titica vine fibers (TVFs) extracted from aerial roots of Heteropsis flexuosa, from the Amazon region, were 10, 20, 30 and 40 vol% incorporated into an epoxy matrix for applications in ballistic multilayered armor systems (MASs) and stand-alone tests for personal protection against high-velocity 7.62 mm ammunition. The back-face signature (BFS) depth measured for composites with 20 and 40 vol% TVFs used as an intermediate layer in MASs was 25.6 and 32.5 mm, respectively, below the maximum limit set by the international standard. Fracture mechanisms found by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) attested the relevance of increasing the fiber fraction for applications in MASs. The results of stand-alone tests showed that the control (0 vol%) and samples with 20 vol% TVFs absorbed the highest impact energy (Eabs) (212 – 176 J), and consequently limit velocity (VL) values (213 – 194 m/s), when compared with 40 vol% fiber fractions. However, the macroscopic evaluation found that the plain epoxy, referring to control samples, shattered completely. In addition, for 10 and 20 vol% TVFs, the composites were fragmented or exhibited delamination fracture, which contributed to their physical integrity. On the other hand, the composite with 30 and 40 vol% TVFs, whose Eabs and VL varied between 166 – 130 J and 189 – 167 m/s, respectively, showed the best dimensional stability. The SEM images indicated that for composites with 10 and 20 vol% TVFs the fracture mode was predominantly brittle, due to the greater performance of the epoxy resin and the discrete action of the fibers. While for composites with 30 and 40 vol% TVFs, there was the activation of more complex mechanisms such as pullout, shearing and fiber rupture.

Propagation of electromagnetic (EM) waves inside and on the surface of the human body is the subject of active research in area of biomedical applications. This research area is the basis for wireless monitoring of biological object parameters and characteristics. Much attention has been paid to radio-frequency identification systems, which are intended for biomedical applications. Solutions to the following problems are crucial to achieve the stated goals in the area of wireless monitoring: EM wave propagation inside regular and multilayer biological media, through the interface between different media, and on-body surface wave propagation. The biological object monitoring is based on a consideration of the followingprocesses: a) propagation of the EM wave in a biological medium considered as the dielectric with a high dielectric permittivity and substantial conductivity; b) penetration of the EM wave through the biological medium–air interface (wave reflection and refraction); c) propagation of the EM wave in a multi-layer biological medium; d) propagation of the EM wave along the plane or curved surface of biological objects.