High Vulnerability Index Research Articles

Local site effects evaluation for Aliağa/İzmir using HVSR (Nakamura technique) and MASW methods

The site effect plays very important role for planning design of structures and estimating seismic damage of existing structures, especially in seismicity active regions. Aliaga, located in the northern region of the Izmir City, is high seismically active region in western Turkey. We identified the dynamic properties of shallow soil for Aliaga district (western Turkey) in terms of the average shear-wave velocity for the top 30 m of soil (Vs30), predominant period (T 0) and vulnerability index (Kg). We created the microzonation map that classes the shallow soil according to National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP). Shear-wave velocity (Vs) was evaluated using the 1-D multichannel analysis of surface waves at 34 sites. The microtremor measurements were taken at 58 stations with a grid spacing of 1000 m in Aliaga district. The acquired HVSR results show that the T 0 values change from 0.1 to 1.9 s, while the amplification factor (A 0) values change between 1.5 and 12. Soil classification results illustrate that northern part of the study area, located in alluvial unit, has lower Vs30 values. These values are observed within the range of 100–300 m/s. This part was classified as the D and E types according to NEHRP. In addition, the weak zones of the study area due to the local site effects were indicated by the Kg values which vary from 5 to 55. The northern part of the study area is high vulnerability index zone (Kg > 20). Last of all, we can mention that the northern part of our study area is the weakest zone according to the results of geophysical and geological data.

Shoreline Changes Analysis of West Pasaman Regency, West Sumatera

According to the Hazard Vulnerability Index from BNPB, Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Authority, West Pasaman Regency is one of the area with high vulnerability index located in West Sumatra Province, where all of its coastal areas are adjacent with The Indian Ocean. Coastal erosion and extreme waves have been reported to be the most prominent hazards, beside anthropogenic factors, along West Pasaman coastal area. This research was conducted to estimate the loss of shoreline in the area, and how far it has been shifted over the years. Thus, to achieve the objective, the dynamic of shorelines from different time scales was analyzed using quantitative data (satellite images, Netherland Map of Indonesia, and Indonesia topography map), and the statistical output of DSAS (Digital Shoreline Analysis System). The results were validated by a field survey in 2011 and interviewed local people in 2015. We found the highest erosion, about 8.44 m/y, has been occurring in Sasak Ranah Pasisie District, which separate 14 Km from where the highest accretion, about 23.7 m/y, in Kinali District took place.

Groundwater vulnerability analysis of Tunisian coastal aquifer: An application of DRASTIC index method in GIS environment

The assessment of water resources vulnerability to human pollution has proved to be an effective means for the delineation of areas that are more susceptible to contamination from anthropogenic sources. In the peninsula of Cap-Bon (NE Tunisia), groundwater development and use for various purposes is continually increasing. These critical situation calls for urgent understanding of how the groundwater system is functioning as well as its vulnerability to contamination. In this research, the vulnerability of the groundwater resources in the Korba aquifer is evaluated and assessed with the application of the DRASTIC index method as well as using sensitivity analysis to evaluate the effect of each DRASTIC parameter on the obtained vulnerability map. Geographic Information System (GIS) application is implemented to prepare the seven layers of the DRASTIC model and to calculate the DRASTIC index. The DRASTIC index is in the range of 60–220. The highest DRASTIC index is indicated in the center part of study area due to the high pollution potential of intensive vegetable cultivation. Furthermore, the depth of water, the hydraulic conductivity and the aquifer media are responsible for the high vulnerability index in this part. However, the north and the south part exhibits low, medium to high vulnerability. This is due to the combination of deep water table, less porous vadose and hydraulic conductivity and steep topography. Hydraulic conductivity parameter inflicted the largest impact on the intrinsic vulnerability of the aquifer followed by net recharge, depth to water, soil media, topography, vadose zone media, and aquifer media. The sensitivity analysis applied in this study suggests that net recharge, hydraulic conductivity and depth of groundwater are the key factors determining vulnerability. Moreover, sensitivity analyses indicated that the removal of net recharge and depth of water causes large variation in vulnerability index. The model was validated using the simple linear regression analysis and showed a strong relationships between DRASTIC Vulnerability Index and nitrate concentrations (R2 =0.76). These analyses confirm that the vulnerability map is quite similar that nitrate distribution. This DRASTIC study may serve as a major approach to aid in the protection and prevention of groundwater pollution in the coastal aquifer of Korba for a more effective water resource management.

Sluggish Cognitive Tempo: Sociodemographic, Behavioral, and Clinical Characteristics in a Population of Catalan School Children

Objective: The aims of the present study were to examine the presence of sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) symptoms in children; associations of the symptoms with sociodemographic characteristics of the children; and relationships between SCT symptoms and symptoms of ADHD, dyslexia, academic performance, and behavioral problems. Method: We evaluated Catalan schoolchildren aged 7 to 10 years in Barcelona, 2012-2013. Parents filled out the SCT–Child Behavior Checklist (SCT-CBCL), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and a questionnaire concerning sociodemographic characteristics. Teachers completed the ADHD criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) (ADHD-DSM-IV), a list of dyslexia symptoms, and evaluated the children’s academic performance. SCT symptoms were studied as a continuous and dichotomous variable. Results: In all, 11% of the children in our sample scored above the clinical cut-off on the SCT-CBCL scale. We observed a higher rate of SCT symptoms in boys, children whose father was unemployed, those whose maternal educational level was lower, children with a high socioeconomic vulnerability index at home, those who reported maternal smoking during pregnancy and current second-hand smoke exposure at home, and children with an ADHD diagnosis. More SCT symptoms were associated with inattention symptoms, symptoms of dyslexia, academic problems, and emotional and peer relationship problems. Conclusion: We observed a higher prevalence of SCT symptoms in our sample than expected in the general population. While girls are less prone to SCT symptoms, some socioeconomic indicators, dyslexia, and inattention symptoms as well as exposure to smoking at home increase the risk of SCT and must be taken into account during assessments.

Determining carotid plaque vulnerability using ultrasound center frequency shifts

BackgroundThe leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, most commonly caused by rupture of a high-risk plaque and subsequent thrombosis resulting in stroke, myocardial infarction or sudden death depending on the affected arterial territory. Accurate, non-invasive methods to identify such lesions known as vulnerable or high-risk plaques are currently sub-optimal. Our aim was to validate a new non-invasive ultrasound method to identify high-risk carotid plaques. MethodsWe evaluated a new method based on the center frequency shift (CFS) of the ultrasound radio frequency data obtained from carotid plaques compared to a reference phantom. We evaluated the method both ex vivo, on 157 sections from 18 plaques, and in vivo, in 39 patients 1-day prior to carotid plaque removal, and correlated the data with histology. ResultsThe CFS correlated with a plaque vulnerability index based on histological areas stained for lipids, macrophages, hemorrhage, smooth muscle cells and collagen (r = −0.726, P = 1.7 × 10−8). Plaques with CFS below median had larger cores, more macrophages and were less rich in collagen in agreement with the definition of rupture-prone plaques. The accuracy to detect plaques with high vulnerability index was 78% (confidence interval (CI) 61–89%), with sensitivity 77% (CI 61–89%) and specificity 78% (CI 62–89%). ConclusionsOur method is the first to characterize atherosclerotic plaque components that affect plaque vulnerability using CFS.

Autopercepção das dificuldades de aprendizagem de estudantes do ensino fundamental

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a autopercepção das dificuldades de leitura e escrita de estudantes do ensino fundamental de uma região de alto risco social e elevado índice de vulnerabilidade à saúde, bem como a percepção de seus pais sobre essas dificuldades. Métodos Participaram 65 alunos (ambos os gêneros), do 4º ao ٧º ano do ensino fundamental de uma escola municipal e seus responsáveis. Foram utilizados dois questionários, um para os estudantes e outro para seus responsáveis, com perguntas sobre dificuldades na leitura e na escrita. Utilizou-se também o Teste de Desempenho Escolar (TDE) (provas de leitura e escrita). Resultados Dos estudantes avaliados, 2/3 apresentaram autopercepção positiva do seu desempenho em leitura e escrita e seus pais aparentaram perceber as dificuldades de forma mais acentuada do que seus filhos. Observou-se relação entre autopercepção do estudante e desempenho inferior nos testes de leitura e escrita, o que também foi verificado em relação à percepção dos pais. Conclusão Menos estudantes apresentaram autopercepção negativa do seu desempenho em leitura e escrita, quando comparado à percepção dos pais. Aquelas crianças com melhor desempenho percebem-se melhor e seus pais também. No entanto, os testes de leitura e escrita revelaram um percentual maior de estudantes com desempenho inferior do que a autopercepção indicou. Neste sentido, especialmente em regiões de alto risco social, como a deste estudo, os educadores e profissionais envolvidos no processo de ensino-aprendizagem devem estar atentos aos sinais de dificuldades, antes mesmo das queixas familiares e da criança.

Analysis of the Ability to Pay for Disaster Insurance Program

Indonesia is disaster-prone countries. Then the disaster mitigation and adaptation, with insurance as one available option, need to be considered. Insurance scheme can be applied as an alternative to allocate the burden of disaster cost, not only to government and households but also to insurance companies. This study examines the ability to pay of the households for the insurance program in different provinces using the data of the Survei Sosial Ekonomi Nasional (Susenas] for the year 2010. The result is there are some provinces with high vulnerability index but low ability to pay for insurance expenses; and vice versa. Potential spending on average for catastrophe insurance is at 2.8 percent i.e. the portion of household expenditures that potentially. can be allocated to disaster premium insurance payments.

A method for creating high resolution maps of social vulnerability in the context of environmental hazards

The availability of demographic information from census data has enabled the development of indices that describe the relative social vulnerability of populations at different locations. These indices are often used in conjunction with models of physical exposure to environmental hazards, such as flooding and hazardous waste emission, to identify populations at greatest risk. However, using standard census areal units to calculate social vulnerability can lead to significant underestimation of vulnerable populations as environmental hazards typically occur on a finer spatial scale than census units such as block groups. This paper describes and illustrates a hybrid method for creating a social vulnerability index (SVI) at a tax parcel level by utilizing supplementary information about tax parcels to link cadastral dasymetric mapping techniques and established social vulnerability indexing methods. This high resolution social vulnerability index may be used for planning at the municipal level to address existing or potential environmental justice issues.

Hydrogeophysical Evaluation and Vulnerability Assessment of Shallow Aquifers of the Upper Imo River Basin, Southeastern Nigeria

Detailed hydrogeophysical study of the aquifers of the Upper Imo River Basin, Southeastern Nigeria was carried out to delineate the aquifers, evaluate their geometric characteristics and to assess their vulnerability of pollution from surface contaminants. Forty (40) Schlumberger Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were carried out in various parts of the study area with a maximum electrode separation of 1000 metres. Four parametric soundings were carried out at the exact positions of existing boreholes with available pumping test and electric log data for the purpose of comparison. The VES data were processed using a combination of curve matching techniques and computer iterative modeling. Layer parameters interpreted from the VES data together with the available well data were used to assess the vulnerability of the shallow aquifers using the DRASTIC model. Results of the study revealed the presence of 4-7 geoelectric layers with a multi-aquifer system. The aquifers are variable in thickness with Umuekwule having the thickest aquifer of 108m while Ukomo Ibeku has the least aquifer thickness of 1.7m. Similarly, depth to water table varies from 0.6m at Ajata ibeku to 91.8m at Umukabia. Information from iso-resistivity model and diagnostic factor revealed a distinct hydrogeological divide in line with the geology of the study area. The aquifer vulnerability index assessment revealed that about 55% of the study area falls within the moderate vulnerability zones with DRASTIC index values ranging from 102 to 140. About 30% of the study area have high vulnerability index while the remaining 15% of the study area have low vulnerability index with DRASTIC index values of between 85 and 99.

Effects of extreme inflows on the water quality and phytoplankton of seven reservoirs in subtropical Australia

Differentiating the relative importance of catchments and reservoirs in driving water quality in impounded rivers is challenging because water quality reflects the integration of peak events (e.g., rainfall-driven inflows) and longer-term processes (e.g., sediment remineralization of nutrients). We examined water quality in several subtropical reservoirs following extreme summer rainfall and associated inflows to determine short- and longer-term implications in terms of reservoir vulnerability to poor water quality and blooms of cyanobacteria, as reflected by the Vulnerability Index (VI), a previously described index validated under low-flow conditions. The reservoir with the highest VI, Wivenhoe, had the highest concentrations of total suspended solids, phosphorus (total and dissolved inorganic fractions), and nitrate/nitrite following the event, whereas the reservoir with the lowest VI, Cooloolabin, had the lowest concentrations. This suggests that vulnerability to poor water quality during major inflows is driven by suspended solids and nutrients, with the VI being a robust measure irrespective of inflow conditions. By contrast, phytoplankton-related measures, including cyanobacteria proportions, in Wivenhoe were not higher than in Cooloolabin, possibly due to reduced water residence times and increased light attenuation (shallower Secchi depth) preventing bloom establishment. This finding contrasts with low-flow summers when reservoirs with the highest phytoplankton biomass align with those with the highest VI and suggests that short-term vulnerability to poor water quality associated with peak events is not driven directly by phytoplankton. While inflows increase nutrients and suspended solids, biotic responses appear delayed, highlighting the challenges of linking catchment-derived nutrient loads to phytoplankton responses in event-driven systems.

Individual and environmental factors associated for overweight in urban population of Brazil

BackgroundObesity is a significant global public health problem and the main cause of many chronic diseases in both developed and developing countries. The increase in obesity in different populations worldwide cannot be explained solely by metabolic and genetic factors; environmental and social factors also have a strong association with obesity. Thus, it is believed that the current obesity epidemic is the result of a complex combination of genetic factors and an obesogenic environment .The purpose of this study was to evaluate individual variables and variables within the built and social environment for their potential association with overweight and obesity in an urban Brazilian population.MethodsCross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 3404 adults living in the urban area of the city. Information from the surveillance system for chronic diseases of Brazilian Ministry of Health was used and individual data was collected by telephone interviews. The database was geocoded using the Brazilian System of Postal Codes for participant residences. An updated, existing list based on the current addresses of supermarkets and hypermarkets in the city was used as an indicator variable of the availability and access to food. Georeferenced information on parks, public squares, places for practicing physical activity and the population density were also used to create data on the built environment. To characterize the social environment, we used the health vulnerability index (HVI) and georeferenced data for homicide locations.ResultsThe prevalence was 44% for overweight, poisson regression was used to create the final model. The environment variables that independently associated with overweight were the highest population density, very high health vulnerability index and the homicide rate adjusted for individuals variables. The results of the current study illustrate and confirm some important associations between individual and environmental variables and overweight in a representative sample of adults in the Brazilian urban context.ConclusionsThe social environment variables relating to the socioeconomic deprivation of the neighborhood and the built environment variables relating to higher walkability were significantly associated with overweight and obesity in Belo Horizonte.

기후변화에 따른 보건 분야의 취약성 평가: O3을 중심으로

Adaptation of climate change is necessary to avoid unexpected impacts of climate change caused by human activities. Vulnerability refers to the degree to which system cannot cope with impacts of climate change, encompassing physical, social and economic aspects. Therefore the quantification of climate change impacts and its vulnerability is needed to identify vulnerable regions and to setup the proper strategies for adaptation. In this study, climate change vulnerability is defined as a function of climate exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Also, we identified regions vulnerable to ozone due to climate change in Korea using developed proxy variables of vulnerability of regional level. 18 proxy variables are selected through delphi survey to assess vulnerability over human health sector for ozone concentration change due to climate change. Also, we estimate the weighting score of proxy variables from delphi survey. The results showed that the local regions with higher vulnerability index in the sector of human health are Seoul and Daegu, whereas regions with lower one are Jeollanam-do, Gyeonggi-do, Gwangju, Busan, Daejeon, and Gangwon-do. The regions of high level vulnerability are mainly caused by their high ozone exposure. We also assessed future vulnerability according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) A2, A1FI, A1T, A1B, B2, and B1 scenarios in 2020s, 2050s and 2100s. The results showed that vulnerability increased in all scenarios due to increased ozone concentrations. Especially vulnerability index is increased by approximately 2 times in A1FI scenarios in the 2020s. This study could support regionally adjusted adaptation polices and the quantitative background of policy priority as providing the information on the regional vulnerability of ozone due to climate change in Korea.

Método AVI (Aquifer Vulnerability Index) para a classificação da vulnerabilidade das águas subterrâneas na região de Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro

O presente artigo apresenta estudos para a classificação da vulnerabilidade àcontaminação das águas subterrãneas na região de Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro. O método AVI (Aquifer Vulnerability Index) foi aplicado, utilizando-se o ferramental do Sistema de Informação Geográfica. O método AVI aplica o conceito de resistência hidráulica, dada pela somatória das taxas de espessura da zona não saturada pelas condutividades hidráulicas do meio. Os mapas resultantes mostraram que a região possui sensibilidade àcontaminação das águas subterrâneas, com classificações que variam de "Alta" a "Extremamente alta" (0-10 dias a 10-100 dias, respectivamente). Essa sensibilidade elevada ocorre pela existência de formações de elevada permeabilidade (areias) e níveis de água rasos, típicas ocorrências do delta do rio Paraíba do Sul. O índice vulnerabilidade Alta ocorre: (1) nas margens direita e esquerda do rio Paraíba do Sul, (2) oeste da área (região de confluência do rio Muriaé com o rio Paraíba do Sul), e (3) parte leste da área urbana de Campos dos Goytacazes. Os terrenos com índice de vulnerabilidade Extremamente alta estão localizados: (1) na porção norte (área do Aquífero Barreiras), (2) na área urbana de Campos dos Goytacazes e dos distritos de Saturnino Braga e Mucurepe, (3) porção leste da área, (4) em terreno entre o canal de Cambaíba e o canal de Andreza, e (5) na porção sul da área (Lagoa Feia). Os resultados mostram a caracterização de um importante parãmetro ambiental da região, pretendendo subsidiar políticas públicas para preservação, proteção e uso racional desse importante manancial subterrâneo.

Thrombogenic potential of whole blood is higher in patients with acute coronary syndrome than in patients with stable coronary diseases

Introduction Although thrombogenic potential of blood may play an important role for the onset of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), there is no established way to evaluate it by single parameter. We compared the thrombogenic potential of whole blood between patients with ACS and those with stable coronary diseases using single comprehensive parameter. Materials and Methods Consecutive patients with ACS (n = 146) and those with stable coronary heart diseases (control, n = 92) were prospectively examined. Thrombogenic potential of whole blood was evaluated by blood vulnerability index measured by Micro-Channel Array Flow Analyzer (MC-FAN). Results Blood vulnerability index was higher in ACS than in control patients (5099 ± 2278 vs. 2071 ± 389, p < 0.0001), higher in acute MI than in unstable angina patients (5693 ± 2146 vs. 3524 ± 1841, p < 0.0001), and higher in ACS patients with initial TIMI 0/1 flow grade than in those with TIMI 2/3 flow grade (6061 ± 1936 vs. 2560 ± 1301, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, blood vulnerability index decreased from acute to chronic stage in acute MI patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that high blood vulnerability index, high LDL cholesterol, high CRP, no use of aspirin, and no use of β-blocker were the independent contributors for the onset of ACS. Conclusion High thrombogenic potential of whole blood evaluated by blood vulnerability index was significantly associated with ACS and was reduced from acute to chronic stage in acute MI. Condensed Abstract Thrombogenic potential of whole blood was evaluated by blood vulnerability index measured comprehensively by Micro-Channel Array Flow Analyzer (MC-FAN) in consecutive patients with ACS (n = 146) or stable coronary diseases (control, n = 92) prospectively. Blood vulnerability index was significantly higher in ACS patients, especially in acute MI and poor initial TIMI flow grade patients, compared with control patients; and blood vulnerability index was reduced from acute to chronic stage in acute MI patients.

Tinjauan Kerentanan, Risiko dan Zonasi Rawan Bahaya Rockfall di Kulonprogo, Yogyakarta

This research aims at identification of spatial plan zonation in rock fall prone areas. Research method applies hazard, vulnerability and risk analysis as an input for spatial modeling using Multi Criteria Evaluation (MCE). Research reveals that in Girimulyo is susceptible towards rock fall. In the last decades, there were 16 occurrences of rock fall that impacted to physical damages. Fortunately, such disaster did not cause any harm to human life. Therefore, research argue that physical vulnerability analysis can be analyzed, while social vulnerability cannot be analyzed further, since it had less data support. According to the research, there are more than 48 housing units located in hazard zone. Hence, local government should initiate structural mitigation to avoid further loss. Research also reveals that areas with high susceptibility will not directly consider as high risk zone, unless it has high vulnerability index. Example: areas along escarpment, where it has high susceptibility, but it has no element at risk in the area. Thereby, research tries to present zonation for prone hazard areas, using risk index. The result is quite representative, since possible areas to be developed is anywhere alongside road network. Indication of the area is produced from the multi criteria analysis. Multi criteria analysis is an essential method to combine spatial data and its attribute. Using such method requires more data input and expertise in justifying indicator to be selected.

Mangrove vulnerability modelling in parts of Western Niger Delta, Nigeria using satellite images, GIS techniques and Spatial Multi-Criteria Analysis (SMCA)

Mangroves are known for their global environmental and socioeconomic value. Despite their importance, mangrove like other ecosystems is now being threatened by natural and human-induced processes that damage them at alarming rates, thereby diminishing the limited number of existing mangrove vegetation. The development of a spatial vulnerability assessment model that takes into consideration environmental and socioeconomic criteria, in spatial and non-spatial formats has been attempted in this study. According to the model, 11 different input parameters are required in modelling mangrove vulnerability. These parameters and their effects on mangrove vulnerability were selected and weighted by experts in the related fields. Criteria identification and selection were mainly based on effects of environmental and socioeconomic changes associated with mangrove survival. The results obtained revealed the dominance of socioeconomic criteria such as population pressure and deforestation, with high vulnerability index of 0.75. The environmental criteria was broadly dispersed in the study area and represents vulnerability indices ranging from 0.00-0.75. This category reflects the greater influence of pollutant input from oil wells and pipelines and minimal contribution from climatic factors. This project has integrated spatial management framework for mangrove vulnerability assessment that utilises information technology in conjunction with expert knowledge and multi-criteria analysis to aid planners and policy/ decision makers in the protection of this very fragile ecosystem.

Pathological mechanisms and dose dependency of erythrocyte-induced vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques

To test our hypothesis that erythrocytes may induce plaque vulnerability and investigate the mechanism involved, we established a novel model of intraplaque hemorrhage in 56 New Zealand white rabbits with established plaques. Three distinct abdominal aortic plaques with similar thickness were identified in each rabbit with use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging. Rabbits were equally divided into 4 groups depending on dosage of treatment; with the guidance of IVUS, one of the three plaques from each rabbit was injected from adventitia with autologous erythrocytes (RBC) or cholesterol (CH) for the following groups: RBC, 50 μL or 100 μL, and CH, 50 μL or 100 μL. One of the other two plaques in each rabbit received an equal volume of normal saline (NS) and one received no injection. Plaques in the 100 μL RBC group had a higher plaque rupture rate than its respective NS or blank controls plaques (57.1% vs. 14.3% or 14.3%, P < 0.05). Plaques from the RBC or cholesterol groups showed, dose-dependently, more macrophage infiltration, more superoxide and lipid content, thinner plaque fibrous cap, higher mRNA level of MCP-1, IL-1 or IFN-gamma and higher vulnerability index than controls, especially in the RBC group. Thus, erythrocyte treatment can dose-dependently induce the vulnerability of plaques. Accumulation of lipid content and augmentation of oxidative stress and inflammation in the plaques are the probable pathological mechanisms involved.

Assessment of intrinsic vulnerability to contamination for Gaza coastal aquifer, Palestine

Gaza coastal aquifer (GCA) is the major source of fresh water for the 1.5 million residents of Gaza Strip, Palestine. The aquifer is under deteriorating quality conditions mainly due to the excessive application of fertilizers. The intrinsic vulnerability of GCA to contamination was assessed using the well-known DRASTIC method. Detailed analysis of the intrinsic vulnerability map of GCA was carried out and did consider different relationships between the vulnerability indices and the on-ground nitrogen loadings and land use classes. In addition, correlation between vulnerability values and the nitrate concentrations in GCA was studied. Based on the vulnerability analysis, it was found that 10% and 13% of Gaza Strip area is under low and high vulnerability of groundwater contamination, respectively, while more than 77% of the area of Gaza Strip can be designated as an area of moderate vulnerability of groundwater contamination. It was found that the density of groundwater sampling wells for nitrate concentration is high for the moderate and high vulnerability zones. The highest first quartile, median, mean, and third quartile of nitrate concentrations are reported in the high vulnerability zones. Results of sensitivity analysis show a high sensitivity of the high vulnerability index to the depth to water table.

Structural integrity: hazard, vulnerability and risk

We all have to get better at managing risk. Risk combines vulnerability and chance of hazard. The core idea of hazard is potential for danger. Vulnerability captures the concept of susceptibility to damage but it is more than that. It involves characteristics of the form of the system as well as characteristics of structural response to hazards including material defects, loading actions and accidental damage. A new method of finding failure scenarios as series of damage events is based on a systems approach to clustering the structure into simple sub-structures and searching for failure scenarios with high vulnerability index.

In vivo temperature heterogeneity is associated with plaque regions of increased MMP-9 activity

Plaque rupture has been associated with a high matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. Recently, regional temperature variations have been observed in atherosclerotic plaques in vivo and ascribed to the presence of macrophages. As macrophages are a major source of MMPs, we examined whether regional temperature changes are related to local MMP activity and macrophage accumulation. Plaques were experimentally induced in rabbit (n=11) aortas, and at the day of sacrifice, a pull-back was performed with a thermography catheter. Hot (n=10), cold (n=10), and reference (n=11) regions were dissected and analysed for smooth muscle cell (SMC), lipids (L), collagen (COL), and macrophage (MPhi) cell densities (%); a vulnerability index (VI) was calculated as VI=MPhi+L/(SMC+COL). In addition, accumulation and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were determined with zymography. Ten hot regions were identified with an average temperature of 0.40+/-0.03 degrees C (P<0.05 vs. reference) and 10 cold regions with 0.07+/-0.03 degrees C (P<0.05 vs. hot). In the hot regions, a higher macrophage density (173%), less SMC density (77%), and a higher VI (100%) were identified. In addition, MMP-9 (673%) activity was increased. A detailed regression analysis revealed that MMP-9 predicted hot regions better than macrophage accumulation alone. In vivo temperature measurements enable to detect plaques that contain more macrophages, less SMCs, and a higher MMP-9 activity.