High Hazard Research Articles

Estimation of site-specific amplification function from quarter-wavelength velocity profile and its application to obtain local amplification maps

Quarter-wavelength (QWL) velocity refers to the S-wave velocity at a depth equal to one-fourth of the wavelength of the seismic waves. It provides valuable information about the characteristics of the subsurface material properties affecting seismic waves propagation. The Swiss Seismological Service (SED) network, with over 200 stations across different lithologies, offers a rich dataset to implement correlation between site properties and site amplification factors. The current study is based on a subset of 113 selected SED seismic stations for which shear-wave velocity (Vs) profiles from geophysical measurements are available. We first meticulously analyzed and adjusted them to accurately determine the bedrock depth of the sites they are located on. Using empirical spectral modelling (ESM), we computed amplification functions from recorded earthquakes, referenced to the Swiss standard rock profile with a VS30 of 1100 m/s. Then we performed a bivariate analysis between empirical amplification functions, QWL velocity and QWL velocity contrast. The resulting coefficients are used to predict elastic amplification at frequencies between 0.5 and 10 Hz, with predictions generally being within 20–28% of observed values. We also developed an empirical equation relating VS30 (time-averaged Vs to 30 m depth) and κ0 (high-frequency attenuation parameter), to incorporate the anelastic term in the amplification. Applying our method to a 3D geophysical model of Visp, a high seismic hazard zone in Switzerland, we found it effective in predicting 1D site amplification, but noted caution in areas susceptible of 2D/3D resonance effects. A calibration function based on observed vs. predicted amplification and the frequencies of estimation normalized by the expected 2D resonance frequency improved predictions for Visp. Our study demonstrates that QWL velocity profiles offer a straightforward approach for characterizing site effects, which can be used in seismic hazard assessment to evaluate the potential amplification of ground motions.

Risk reduction through managed retreat? Investigating enabling conditions and assessing resettlement effects on community resilience in Metro Manila

Abstract. Managed retreat, a key strategy in climate change adaptation for areas with high hazard exposure, raises concerns due to its disruptive nature, vulnerability issues and overall risk in the new location. On-site upgrading or near-site resettlement is seen as more appropriate and effective compared to a relocation far from the former place of living. However, these conclusions often refer to only a very limited set of empirical case studies or do not sufficiently consider different context conditions and phases in resettlement. Against this background, this paper examines the conditions and factors contributing to community resilience of different resettlement projects in Metro Manila. In this urban agglomeration reside an estimated 500 000 informal households, with more than 100 000 occupying high-risk areas. In light of the already realized and anticipated climate change effects, this precarious living situation exposes families, already socio-economically vulnerable, to an increased risk of flooding. The response of the Philippine government to the vexing problem of informal dwellers has been large-scale resettlement from coasts, rivers and creeks to state-owned sites at urban fringes. However, only very few resettlement projects could be realized as in-city projects close to the original living space. The study employs a sequential mixed-method approach, integrating a large-scale quantitative household survey and focus group discussions (FGDs) for a robust comparison of resettlement types. Further, it reveals community-defined enabling factors for managed retreat as climate change adaptation strategy. Results indicate minor variations in well-being conditions between in-city and off-city resettlement, challenging the expected impact of a more urban setting on resilience. Instead, essential prerequisites for resettlement involve reduced hazard exposure, secure tenure and safety from crime. Beyond these essential conditions, social cohesion and institutional support systems emerge as significant influencers for the successful establishment of well-functioning new settlements. With this findings, the study contributes to the expanding body of literature on managed retreat, offering a comprehensive evaluation based on extensive datasets and providing entry points for the improvement of retreat as a climate change adaptation strategy.

Characterization and utilization potential of typical molybdenum tailings in Shaanxi Province, China.

Shaanxi Province is located in the most important molybdenum ore district in the world, but a lot of molybdenum tailings have been released, polluting the environment and wasting resources seriously. Taking eleven tailing samples collected at the main molybdenum tailings ponds in Shaanxi Province as the research object, the physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics were studied through scanning electron microscope, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, and others. The ecological risk and utilization potential of molybdenum tailings were investigated through leaching test, geo-accumulation index, potential ecological risk assessment, and other methods. The results demonstrated that the main chemical and mineralogical composition of various molybdenum tailings in Shaanxi Province is similar, and the predominant mineral composition is muscovite, quartz, microcline, and calcite. The potential ecological risk of heavy metals in six molybdenum tailings is high, while Pb and Cd are the main pollution risk elements. Molybdenum tailings contain considerable amounts of critical minerals with huge potential economic value, and molybdenum tailings with high environmental hazards could be converted into a possible source for critical minerals by recovering the critical minerals and repurposing the secondary tailings as an additive or cement substitute. This study provides an innovative idea for the pollution treatment of molybdenum tailings and indicates the prospect of molybdenum tailings as a secondary source for critical minerals.

Pesticide residues in vegetables from Gansu province, China and risk assessment by Monte Carlo simulation

ABSTRACT To assess the dietary exposure risks of pesticide residues in vegetables for the general population, the presence of 39 pesticides was determined in 70 samples, of which 13 were detected. The most frequently detected pesticide was bifenthrin, with a detection rate of 35.7%, mainly found in gingers, followed by isoprocarb and acephate (11.4%) and dimethoate (8.6%). In 17.1% of the samples two or more pesticide residues were found. Acute, chronic and chronic cumulative dietary exposure risk was assessed. Chronic exposure risks were determined by Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS). Estimated chronic exposure to carbofuran, omethoate, disulfoton and dimethoate of approximately 49%, 52%, 40% and 3%, respectively, were at non-carcinogenic human risk. Acute exposure risk to acephate was considered to be of concern due to the high acute hazard quotient (aHQ).

Integrated flood hazard assessment using multi-criteria analysis and geospatial modeling

Floods are one of the most prevalent disasters worldwide, including in the capital city of Indonesia. Multi-criteria decision analysis is combined with Geographic Information Systems to produce a mapping of flood hazard areas. The weighting for each parameter is based on six criteria: rainfall, slope gradient, topography, soil type, land cover, and distance from rivers. The flood hazard map is validated using inundation data from the Regional Disaster Management Agency for the years 2015 and 2020. From the general analysis, it can be determined that the parameter most influencing floods is rainfall with a weight of 0.270, followed by slope gradient at 0.164, topography at 0.124, soil type at 0.096, land cover at 0.190, and distance from rivers at 0.155. Therefore, through mapping using QGIS, it is revealed that in 2002, highly flood hazard areas comprised 20.99% of the total Ciliwung Watershed area, which increased to 24.31% in 2020. The validation of the flood hazard map was conducted by recording the coordinate points of flood incidents in 2015 and 2020, revealing that the affected areas within the Ciliwung Watershed occurred in high to very high vulnerability zones. This research demonstrates that flood events in the study area occurred in high to very high flood hazard zones. The results of this study are considered valuable and important for providing accurate information to local governments to develop cost-effective and efficient strategies in dealing with potential flood hazards.

Seismic response and ambient vibrations of a Mediaeval Tower in the Mugello area (Italy)

AbstractThis paper describes the experimental campaigns on the Tower of the Palazzo dei Vicari in Scarperia, a village in the Mugello area (Tuscany) exposed to high seismic hazards. The first campaign was carried out from December 2019 to January 2020, and the Tower underwent the so-called Mugello seismic sequence, which featured an M 4.5 earthquake. Other ambient vibration tests were repeated in June 2021 and September 2023 when another seismic sequence struck the area near Scarperia. These tests aimed to characterise the Tower’s dynamic behaviour under ambient and seismic excitations and check the response of the Tower over time. The experimental results were then used to calibrate a finite-element model of the Tower and estimate its seismic vulnerability. Several numerical simulations were conducted on the calibrated model using the NOSA-ITACA code for nonlinear structural analysis of masonry buildings. The dynamic behaviour of the Tower subjected to a seismic sequence recorded in 2023 by a seismic station at the base was investigated by comparing the velocities recorded along the Tower’s height with their numerical counterparts. Furthermore, several pushover analyses were conducted to investigate the collapse of the Tower as the load’s distribution and direction varied.

Enhancing safety in hydrogen refuelling stations: Computational analysis of hydrogen explosion hazards

AbstractThis paper aims to enhance the understanding of hydrogen explosions in hydrogen refuelling stations and evaluate associated risk factors using computational fluid dynamics simulations. The model is first validated against the measured data for hydrogen dispersion and explosion. Different scenarios are then modelled to understand the ignition timing and location. The study estimates acceptable distances to minimize asset damage and human injury from explosion incidents. It has been found that higher wind speeds lead to faster and more extensive dispersion of the hydrogen gas released during a leak. In addition, since strong wind can act as a powerful driving force for the shock wave, the impact of the explosion is found to be less. Interestingly, moving the source of ignition to regions with higher hydrogen concentration has a marginal impact on overpressure and temperature; however, the blockage ratio can significantly amplify the overpressure. It is found that cases with high blockage, including storage room, and cases with large volumes of flammable cloud, including leakage from compressor towards the ground, have the highest hazards. The findings will provide valuable insights into fire and explosion prevention in various areas of hydrogen refuelling stations and contribute to safer hydrogen infrastructure construction.

The progression trajectory of Bipolar Disorder: results from the application of a staging model over a ten-year observation

BackgroundTrying to better define Bipolar Disorder (BD) progression, different staging models have been conceptualized, each one emphasizing different aspects of illness. In a previous article we retrospectively applied the main staging models to a sample of 100 bipolar patients at four time points over a ten-year observation. In the present study, focusing on Kupka & Hillegers's model, we aimed to assess the transition of the same sample through the different stages of illness and to explore the potential role of clinical variables on the risk of progression. MethodsMultistate Model using the mstate package in R and Markov model with stratified hazards were used for statistical analysis. ResultsA high hazard of transition from stage 2 to 3 emerged, with a probability of staying in stage 2 decreasing to 14 % after 3 years. BD II was significantly associated with transition from stage 1 to 2, whereas the number of lifetime episodes >3 and the elevated predominant polarity with transition from stage 3 to 4. ConclusionOur results corroborated the evidence on BD progression and contributed to outline its trajectory over time. Further effort may help to define a standardized staging approach towards ever increasing tailored interventions.

GIS-based MCDM approach for landslide hazard zonation mapping in east Gojjam zone, central Ethiopia

Landslides are prevalent in the Ethiopian highlands, particularly in the east Gojjam zone, which is highly affected by landslide problems. This research was carried out in the east Gojjam zone, northwestern Ethiopia. The study area is part of an economically important area in the country, and it is the main source of water for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The main objective of this work was to undertake a detailed inventory of past landslide locations and prediction of present and future landslide hazards, as well as the preparation of a landslide zonation map in the East Gojjam zone by using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) with the GIS technique. The parameters used for this study were slope degree, slope aspect, land use and land cover, road proximity, rainfall, lithology, altitude, and river proximity. The various causative parameters were collected from the field, and suitable modifications were made to the thematic maps. Finally, the ratings for various parameters were used as the basis to prepare the LHZ map in GIS windows. The landslide susceptibility and inventory mapping were produced in the GIS environment. The results of the study show that the main driving factors for the landslide hazards in the area were river proximity, rainfall, and manmade activities. Validation of this LHZ map revealed that more than 80% of past landslides match within the "high hazard zone" and reasonably accepted the rationality of the adopted methodology. The considered parameters, as well as their evaluation of the production of LHZ-Map, were confirmed. The produced landslide inventory map is very important for urban planners, agricultural studies, environmentalists, and future landslide hazardous prevention and mitigation strategies.

The Influence of Using Steel Tapes and Composite Materials on Reinforcing Hot-Rolled Steel Profiles.

Steel structure designers frequently encounter the need to reinforce hot-rolled compressed steel elements. This is particularly common in the case of compressed truss bars in steel truss girders. Typically, reinforcement is designed using bars or flat bars welded to the compressed element. However, welding technology is not always feasible in existing and operational steel halls due to fire safety concerns. To address this challenge, researchers investigated alternative reinforcement methods using bonded steel and CFRPs (carbon fiber-reinforced polymers/plastics) tapes. Laboratory tests and numerical analyses were conducted. Eleven 1.5 m long specimens made of 50 × 50 × 4 angle iron from S235 steel were subjected to axial compression testing. The test samples included three unreinforced samples, three samples reinforced with steel tape bonded using SikaDur-30 adhesive, and five samples reinforced with CFRP tape (SikaDur-30 adhesive was used for bonding in three cases, and 3M VHB GPH-160GF tape in two cases). The research conducted indicates that reinforcement using bonded steel tapes is the most effective method for limiting vertical displacements and deformations, as well as increasing the load-bearing capacity of the tested angles by 28.6% compared to the reference elements. Considering the high cost of composite tapes, this is valuable information from an economic analysis perspective. The absence of steel tape delamination suggests that the bonding technique can be successfully employed in this reinforcement method and can replace welding, for example in facilities where there is a high fire hazard.

Flood hazard analysis and risk assessment using remote sensing, GIS, and AHP techniques: a case study of the Gidabo Watershed, main Ethiopian Rift, Ethiopia

This research aimed to evaluate flood hazards and risk areas in the Gidabo Watershed using remote sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Six main factors were considered to identify flooding hazard zones: drainage density (DD), soil, elevation, rainfall, slope, and land use land cover (LULC). Population density, flood hazard zone, and LULC were considered for mapping the flood risk zone in the Gidabo watershed. A weighted overlay analysis tool has been utilized to integrate the thematic layers to identify both flood hazard and flood risk zones. The findings indicated that about 41.6% (337 km2) of the watershed falls within the high and very high flooding hazard zones. Conversely, 31.11% (252 km2) of the watershed is categorized under very-low and low flooding hazards. Moreover, the study identified five flood risk zones in the area viz; very high, high, moderate, low, and very low. The result of the flood risk map revealed that 199.5 km2 (24.5%) of the watershed has a higher and very higher risk of flooding. These zones were validated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, showing a correlation coefficient of 0.943. These results emphasize the need to implement prediction of floods, early warning systems, and effective management practices on a regular and sustainable basis.

Prediction of local site influence on seismic vulnerability using machine learning: A study of the 6 February 2023 Türkiye earthquakes

This study uses machine learning to analyze local seismic features' influence on damage from the 6 February 2023 Türkiye Earthquakes.The input features include Vs30 (the average shear wave velocity to a depth of 30 m), f0 (the predominant frequency of the site), A0 (HVSR ratio for the site), and EBd (engineering bedrock depth), along with the target feature of damage status for 44 locations. Machine learning involves Random Forest (RF), K-nearest Neighbor (KNN), Logistic Regression (LR), Decision Trees (DT), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD), and Multilayer Perceptron (MP) algorithms. Also, five-fold cross-validation is employed to acquire suitable hyperparameters, enhancing its efficacy in modeling small sample sets. RF emerged as the most effective in whole performance metrics, presenting recall scores for damage and no damage conditions respectively by a 94% and 92% ratio and achieving a damage status prediction accuracy of 93%. All remaining algorithms also exhibited remarkable performance, reaching a minimum accuracy of 89% by DT, and recall score for no damage condition with 80% by MP and damage condition with 88% by SVM and SGD. The outcomes definitively designate EBd as the most crucial parameter, attributing 52% importance to its role in building damage occurrence within the study area. In contrast, significance values were determined as 24%, 18%, and 6% for f0, Vs30 and A0 respectively. These findings underscore the importance of demonstrating that initial damage estimation in high seismic hazard zones can be effectively carried out using machine learning approaches through seismic-based local site parameters.

Evaluating the response modification factor (R) for reinforced concrete and steel structures equipped with TADAS devices designed for high seismic hazard in Colombia

Colombia is a country with high seismic activity due to its location at the convergence of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, making structural safety a key priority in the design, construction, and retrofit of buildings. Currently, one of the most used seismic resistance systems are moment-resisting frames, due to their easy construction and good behavior under vertical loads, however, they are susceptible to structural damage when subjected to moderate to high-intensity earthquakes, which makes the use of seismic protection systems an adequate alternative to prevent damage during seismic events. The Colombian seismic design code NSR-10 proposes a design methodology using a linear structure that represents a non-linear behavior of the building when the expected design earthquake occurs through the response modification factor R. However, the NSR-10 seismic design code does not contemplate the response modification factor for structures with seismic protection systems. Therefore, in this research, a design procedure was configured for buildings with moment-resisting frames of reinforced concrete and steel equipped with TADAS (triangular-plate added damping and stiffness) dampers. The procedure evaluated the developed response modification factor of structures located in high seismic hazard areas in Colombia and considered regular buildings with varying numbers of stories and special energy dissipation capacity. The capacity of the structures was evaluated through nonlinear static analysis using the Pushover method in SAP2000 software. Finally, the response modification factors were calculated for regular buildings with moment-resisting frames and different numbers of stories.

Tick hazard in the South Downs National Park (UK): species, distribution, key locations for future interventions, site density, habitats.

South Downs National Park (SDNP) is UK's most visited National Park, and a focus of tick-borne Lyme disease. The first presumed UK autochthonous cases of tick-borne encephalitis and babesiosis were recorded in 2019-20. SDNP aims to conserve wildlife and encourage recreation, so interventions are needed that reduce hazard without negatively affecting ecosystem health. To be successful these require knowledge of site hazards. British Deer Society members submitted ticks removed from deer. Key potential intervention sites were selected and six 50 m2 transects drag-sampled per site (mostly twice yearly for 2 years). Ticks were identified in-lab (sex, life stage, species), hazard measured as tick presence, density of ticks (all life stages, DOT), and density of nymphs (DON). Sites and habitat types were analysed for association with hazard. Distribution was mapped by combining our results with records from five other sources. A total of 87 Ixodes ricinus (all but one adults, 82% F) were removed from 14 deer (10 Dama dama; three Capreolus capreolus; one not recorded; tick burden, 1-35) at 12 locations (commonly woodland). Five key potential intervention sites were identified and drag-sampled 2015-16, collecting 623 ticks (238 on-transects): 53.8% nymphs, 42.5% larvae, 3.7% adults (13 M, 10 F). Ticks were present on-transects at all sites: I. ricinus at three (The Mens (TM); Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP); Cowdray Estate (CE)), Haemaphysalis punctata at two (Seven Sisters Country Park (SSCP); Ditchling Beacon Nature Reserve (DBNR)). TM had the highest DOT at 30/300 m2 (DON = 30/300 m2), followed by QECP 22/300 m2 (12/300 m2), CE 8/300 m2 (6/300 m2), and SSCP 1/300 m2 (1/300 m2). For I. ricinus, nymphs predominated in spring, larvae in the second half of summer and early autumn. The overall ranking of site hazard held for DON and DOT from both seasonal sampling periods. DBNR was sampled 2016 only (one adult H. punctata collected). Woodland had significantly greater hazard than downland, but ticks were present at all downland sites. I. ricinus has been identified in 33/37 of SDNPs 10 km2 grid squares, Ixodes hexagonus 10/37, H. punctata 7/37, Dermacentor reticulatus 1/37. Mapping shows tick hazard broadly distributed across SDNP. I. ricinus was most common, but H. punctata's seeming range expansion is concerning. Recommendations: management of small heavily visited high hazard plots (QECP); post-visit precaution signage (all sites); repellent impregnated clothing for deerstalkers; flock trials to control H. punctata (SSCP, DBNR). Further research at TM may contribute to knowledge on ecological dynamics underlying infection density and predator re-introduction/protection as public health interventions. Ecological research on H. punctata would aid control. SDNP Authority is ideally placed to link and champion policies to reduce hazard, whilst avoiding or reducing conflict between public health and ecosystem health.

Evaluation of highway debris flow hazard based on geomorphic evolution theory coupled with material response rate

Assessments of highway feasibility frequently lack the detailed data and geological information necessary to conduct hazard evaluations of debris flows. This study discusses the processes of debris flow development when regional rainfall meets the critical level required for debris flow initiation. It utilizes geomorphic evolution theory and establishes a regional risk assessment matrix for debris flow by combining information about gullies and source sensitivity. Considering the location relationship between the highway and debris flow gullies, a rapid evaluation method for debris flow risk assessment along the G318 highway in Sichuan Province is proposed by modifying the judgment matrix. The four debris flow gullies constructed during the upgrading project in Yajiang County, stretching from the west of the city to the Shearer Bay section, were analyzed via examples. The results show that, among the four selected debris flow gullies, two had medium hazard levels, and two had high hazard levels. The validation results are consistent with the actual results, implying that the evaluation method used in this study is accurate and feasible. This method is suitable for the rapid evaluation of debris flow disaster hazards in the feasibility assessment stage of a highway because it relies on readily available data sources, and the evaluation results are fast and convenient. The highway passes through four debris flow gullies, which directly impact the alignment of this particular section of the geological route and the engineering layout. Based on current specifications, the maximum impact range of a one-time debris flow under the given frequency conditions was calculated using the "rainfall method." The results showed that the maximum impact ranges of a debris flow, occurring once in 100 years, for four gullies would be 9.08 m, 9.09 m, 10.86 m, and 10.08 m. The safe clearance heights of bridges over the four gullies should be 14.58 m, 14.59 m, 16.36 m, and 16.3 m. Additionally, the safety clearance width for all gullies should be 5.0 m.

Class Mapping of Tsunami's Risk using Global Positioning Geodetic System in Bengkulu University's Environment

Bengkulu University is located in the coastal area precisely in Muara Bangka Hulu sub-district of Bengkulu City, which is one of the sub-districts bordering the coastline. Areas or regions bordering the coastline have a higher level of tsunami hazard compared to areas or regions far from the coastline. The marking of the evacuation point area in the Bengkulu University environment has not adjusted to the disaster mitigation parameters. The purpose of this research is to analyse and map the tsunami hazard class at Bengkulu University in a preventive mitigation effort as well as a consideration for future policies. Primary data measurements used Geodetic GPS devices and were analysed using GAMIT and GLOBK 10.6 software. While secondary data obtained from geospatial information agencies and DEMNAS were analysed using arcgis software. Based on the results of the analysis, it is known that the environment of Bengkulu University as a whole has 3 classes of hazard zones including high hazard class, medium hazard class, and low hazard class.

RISK ASSESSMENT OF BAGGED FERTILIZER UNLOADING ACTIVITY AT TUKS PUSRI BANYUWANGI BRANCH

The port is one of the distribution centers for goods in which there are loading and unloading activities. Loading and unloading activities sometimes involve loading and unloading personnel and heavy equipment which raises the potential for hazards that can cause work accidents and damage to goods. The purpose of this research is to conduct a risk assessment using the HIRARC (Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control) method on bagged fertilizer unloading work in the TUKS PUSRI Banyuwangi Branch Port area. The stages of bagged fertilizer unloading work activities include the unloading activity process, which consists of five work stages: opening the ship's hatch, workers (stevedores) entering the hatch, stevedoring, cargodoring, and delivery. The results stated that from a total of 5 work stages, 26 sources of hazards were identified with 6 sources of low risk level hazards at 23%, 7 sources of moderate risk level hazards at 27%, 6 sources of high risk level hazards at 23%, and 7 sources of very high risk level hazards (extreme) at 27%. Control measures that can be implemented are conducting briefings on OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) before starting work activities, supervision of compliance with the use of complete personal protective equipment and also the need for sanctions for workers who do not comply with the rules for using personal protective equipment.

Screening of Highly Hazardous Pollutants in Groundwater of Beijing

Groundwater contaminants pose a great threat to water safety and human health. Therefore, in this study, the traditional hazard assessment method was improved and a comprehensive system covering hazard assessment, screening, and characterization by combining the toxicological priority index (Tox Pi) framework; absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretory (ADME) analysis; and bipartite network analysis was constructed. Then, the system was applied to hazard assessment and toxic pollutants screening from the 234 hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) identified in the groundwater of Beijing. First, the top 20 pollutants with hazard potential were screened out using the Tox Pi method. Subsequently, 17 high-priority HOCs were further identified based on the ADME property analysis. Then, the molecular targets of these 17 high-priority HOCs were characterized through systematic bipartite network analysis. Finally, ten HOCs with high hazard were screened through correlation and weighted average analysis, and it was revealed that their toxic effects were mainly concentrated in the endocrine-disrupting effect, carcinogenic effect, and genetic toxicity. This study provides technical support for the prevention of regional groundwater contaminants.

Identification of Hotspots and Burnt Areas in Ogan Ilir District, South Sumatera Province

Ogan Ilir District is one of South Sumatra, Indonesia’s regencies, prone to forest and land fires. This study aims to identify hotspot distribution and analyze fire and land hazard levels from 2017 to 2022 in Ogan Ilir District using Landsat 8 imagery with the Normalized Burning Ratio (NBR) method. The study’s results show that from 2017 to 2022, 423 hotspots were recorded. Specifically, in 2017, there were 2 points; in 2018, 121 points; in 2019, 207 points; in 2021, 76 points; and in 2022, 17 points. North Indralaya is the sub-district with the highest level of forest and land fire vulnerability, with the number of events ranging from 80 to 164. West Pamulutan and Pamulutan are at a high hazard level, with incidents ranging from 33 to 79. Meanwhile, Indralaya and South Indralaya sub-districts have a medium level of danger, with events ranging from 19 to 32. The low threat level for forest and land fires is spread across all sub-districts in Ogan Ilir District, with the number of events ranging from 1 to 18.

The Impact of Interpersonal Value Facets on Safety Culture: The Mediating Role of Safety Caring

In today’s organizational landscape, cultivating a robust safety culture is essential, particularly in high-risk sectors such as construction and utilities. The present research explores how several interpersonal value facets, including harmony value, respect and trust, caring and understanding, and safety caring overlap with one another and shaped the MEPCO’s safety culture. Drawing on social exchange theory, this study demonstrates how promoting specific positive organisational practices can encourage reception of these positive safe behaviours and thus, promote a positive safety climate. The research adopts cross-sectional research design where data is gained through questionnaires from the MEPCO employees, and then the data is analyzed by applying Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Consistent with the hypothesized effects, the analysis establishes the harmony value, respect and trust and caring and understanding factors of safety caring as being closely related. The safety caring component’s powerful influence over safety culture demonstrates the significance of emotionally sensitive and friendly work climates. This paper also brings contributions to the safety culture literature addressing relational aspects and offers practical recommendations for sectors characterized by high hazards and severe consequences to them.