Inherent Risks Research Articles

Balancing risk and reward: exploring women’s transactional sexual relationships with Blessers in South Africa

Transactional sexual relationships (TSRs) take varied forms, with research emphasizing TSRs’ inherent risks, primarily to women. In South Africa, Blessed relationships have emerged as a prominent type of TSR. Blessers have become coveted male partners due to their relative wealth and willingness to ‘bless’ female partners with financial and material gifts, as well as the improved social status that accompanies such partnerships. Given the limited literature on Blesser partnerships, we investigated women’s implicit and explicit negotiated rewards and their perceived risk and ability to employ risk mitigation strategies, utilizing risk as a sociological concept to enhance understanding of risks women assume, and subsequent gendered implications. This qualitative study was conducted in 2017-2018 in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, South Africa, a high HIV prevalence setting, with 22 women, using purposive and snowball sampling methods. We found that women in relationships with a Blesser recognize and navigate a number of risks, including: the threat of HIV acquisition, falling pregnant, experiencing an emotional void following a TSR, and expressed feelings of guilt and shame, as segments of South African society remain judgmental of TSRs. These risks are then weighed against the pursuit of sustained financial and social rewards achieved through such relationships.

Financial Dynamics in Cell and Gene Therapy Development: Navigating Valuation and Fundraising Challenges

Cell and gene therapy, offering unprecedented solutions for complex diseases, have attracted significant attention in both the scientific and financial communities. This article explores the tumultuous financial journey of companies specializing in these advanced thera-peutic modalities. The discussion illuminates the volatility of share prices, challenges in valuation, and complexities in fundraising while delving into the inherent risks of the cell and gene therapy development pathway. Through an examination of various strategies, the article underscores the importance of diverse investment sources, robust collaborations, risk-sharing models, and portfolio diversification in ensuring financial stability. As the field burgeons, un-derstanding these financial dynamics is paramount for stakeholders aiming to harness the transformative potential of cell and gene therapies.

An In-depth Analysis of the Adverse Effects of Ionizing Radiation Exposure on Cardiac Catheterization Staffs.

Diagnostic and interventional angiograms are instrumental in the multidisciplinary approach to CAD management, enabling accurate diagnosis and effective targeted treatments that significantly enhance patient care and cardiovascular outcomes. However, cath lab staff, including interventional cardiologists, is consistently exposed to ionizing radiation, which poses inherent health risks. Radiation exposure in the cath lab primarily results from the use of fluoroscopy and cineangiography during diagnostic and interventional procedures. Understanding these risks and implementing effective radiation protection measurements are imperative to ensure the well-being of healthcare professionals while delivering high-quality cardiac care. Prolonged and repeated exposure can lead to both deterministic and stochastic effects. Deterministic effects, such as skin erythema and tissue damage, are more likely to occur at high radiation doses. Interventional cardiologists and staff may experience these effects when safety measures are not rigorously followed. In fact, while ionizing radiation is essential in the practice of radiation cardiology ward, cath lab staff faces inherent risks from radiation exposure. Stochastic effects, on the other hand, are characterized by a probabilistic relationship between radiation exposure and the likelihood of harm. These effects include the increased risk of cancer, particularly for those with long-term exposure. Interventional cardiologists, due to their frequent presence in the cath lab, face a higher lifetime cumulative radiation dose, potentially elevating their cancer risk. Protective measures, including the use of lead aprons, thyroid shields, and radiation monitoring devices, play a crucial role in reducing radiation exposure for cath lab personnel. Adherence to strict dose optimization protocols, such as minimizing fluoroscopy time and maximizing distance from the radiation source, is also essential in mitigating these risks. Ongoing research and advancements in radiation safety technology are essential in further for minimizing the adverse effects of ionizing radiation in the cath lab.

Risk Assessment of Banks and Financial Institutions in China

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic development has emerged as a paramount concern globally. Governments, including that of China, have implemented various policies to reignite growth. However, this pursuit of rapid expansion brings with it inherent risks. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the risks facing China's domestic banks and financial institutions. It systematically identifies the factors contributing to their vulnerabilities, highlighting the complexities of the economic landscape. The research reveals that external economic conditions, lingering effects of the pandemic, and internal factors such as banks' understanding gaps collectively drive these risks. By illuminating these dynamics, the study aims to enhance understanding of the challenges confronting financial entities. It seeks to provide valuable insights for the comprehensive evaluation of China's domestic financial landscape in the future. Understanding these risks is crucial for policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders in crafting effective strategies to navigate the evolving economic environment. Ultimately, this analysis contributes to a more informed approach towards bolstering the resilience of China's banking and financial sectors amidst ongoing uncertainties.

Integrating Intelligent Sensors for Safe UAV Distribution: Design and Evaluation of Ranging System

In our increasingly electrified society, electricity has become indispensable to both production and daily life. However, high-load electric energy transmission presents inherent safety risks. To ensure the secure transportation of electric energy, live work on distribution networks is essential. However, traditional live work techniques require a high level of dependence on worker experience, which frequently leads to inaccurate safety distances and degrades worker security. This study proposes the integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with intelligent robot sensing technology to enhance safety and efficiency in live work. By accurately measuring safety distances, UAVs offer a promising solution to mitigate risks associated with high-voltage circuits. Comparative analysis between traditional and intelligent live work safety distance measurements reveals the two live works under the high voltage circuit were 92% and 96%, respectively, and the accuracy of the two live work safe distance measurements under the low voltage circuit was 84% and 99%, respectively. Results demonstrate that UAVs equipped with intelligent sensing technology achieve superior accuracy in safe ranging for live work, thereby ensuring stable energy transmission and safeguarding the lives of workers in distribution networks. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2024-05-03-04 Full Text: PDF

Impact of Strengthened Financial Regulation on Commercial Banks' Asset Risk: A Case Study of China CITIC Bank

As an integral part of China's economic system, the financial market plays a crucial role. In recent years, China has attached increasing importance to the financial market and intensified efforts to improve financial regulatory systems, with a particular emphasis on banking supervision. Banks, as vital components of the financial market, have a significant impact on the stability of the entire financial system due to their level of risk exposure. In order to better explore the changes in bank asset risk under the trend of strengthened regulation, this paper conducts a case study on China CITIC Bank. The case of China CITIC Bank being penalized serves to illustrate the inherent risks in the assets of China CITIC Bank. Furthermore, through this penalty, China has sent a signal to financial institutions to strengthen regulation, thereby compelling banking institutions to enhance their risk management capabilities. Under the trend of intensified regulation, it can be inferred that central oversight of banking institutions will gradually strengthen.

Cryptocurrency and its Nexus with Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing within the Framework of FATF Recommendations

Cryptocurrency has emerged as a viable alternative to conventional payment systems, offering its users notable advantages such as cost efficiency and rapid transaction processing. However, cryptocurrencies’ decentralized nature, anonymity, and susceptibility to cyber threats introduce the potential for their exploitation in illicit activities, notably money laundering and terrorism financing (ML/TF). This scholarly investigation seeks to investigate the roles played by international organizations actively combating such criminal activities. In this academic context, a meticulous consideration of the inherent risks associated with the aforementioned criminal endeavors is undertaken, aligning with the guidelines and recommendations set forth by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The study underscores a significant finding that cryptocurrency accounts can be opened anonymously, with no centralized registry to monitor cryptocurrency ownership. This characteristic poses a formidable challenge in confiscating funds linked to terrorist activities. Even in instances where cryptocurrency transactions may be traced, accessing this critical data necessitates the involvement of third-party entities, given that cryptocurrency transactions are recorded in decentralized ledgers spanning multiple jurisdictions. Furthermore, the study underscores the imperative of coordination and information exchange as indispensable elements in the ongoing battle against organized and transnational criminal activities, specifically ML/TF. Moreover, the study elucidates the incongruence between cryptocurrency and FATF regulations governing electronic fund transfers, as cryptocurrencies can make transactions through opaque and unregulated conduits, such as the deep web.

Mapping roof coverings of asbestos-cement, the first step to control the technical condition/threat and establish priorities for replacement in developing countries

This paper presents a systematic and data-driven approach to prioritize interventions in urban areas with asbestos cement (AC) roofs, addressing the urgent need to mitigate asbestos-related risks. The objective is to propose a comprehensive methodology that considers multiple criteria at the neighborhood level, allowing for a nuanced assessment of intervention priorities.The methodology involves the normalization of various parameters, including population density, facility density, and the area covered by asbestos-cement roofs. In addition, an innovative aspect is introduced by incorporating weathering status identification data, represented as an index, validated in previous research, further enriching the evaluation process. The integration of these diverse factors allows for a holistic understanding of the risk landscape associated with AC roofs in urban settings.The cornerstone of the proposed approach is the development of a Priority Intervention Index (PII) at the neighborhood level. This index serves to standardize the assessment of intervention priorities, enabling a fair and transparent comparison across different regions. To enhance practical application, the PII is discretized into three categories, low, mid and high intervention priority. The results obtained are robust, replicable in other scenarios, and practical for decision-makers. The new methodology provides a structured and quantifiable approach to identify and prioritize areas for asbestos-related interventions based on well-defined criteria at the neighborhood level. The resulting prioritization strategy offers urban planners and local officials a clear and evidence-based tool to allocate resources efficiently and effectively manage the inherent risks associated with AC roofs in urban environments. The paper will describe how the prioritization can be applied “at the neighborhood level” by urban planners and local officials.

The fragile urethra: what to do next?-a narrative review.

Although the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) has demonstrated successful outcomes in treating male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) for the past five decades, this procedure also carries inherent risks, including recurrent SUI, device malfunction, local tissue compromise, and infection/erosion, all of which may require revision surgery with or without device replacement. Patients that are at the highest risk for such untoward events often possess unhealthy urethral tissue (termed a "fragile urethra") that is compromised and unable to provide optimal cuff coaptation and continence. Accordingly, there are several techniques to address recalcitrant SUI in the setting of a fragile urethra to afford an improved chance of return to continence. Here, we review characteristics of patients that are at higher risk for an untoward outcome following AUS implantation and further define strategies to promote optimal success with device implantation. The aim of this paper is to review the available literature and describe surgical options for male SUI in patients with known or anticipated urethral tissue compromise. A thorough literature review was completed by querying PubMed for relevant articles. Search terms included artificial urinary sphincter, failure, recalcitrant, urethral atrophy, fragile urethra, revision, radiation, cystectomy, incontinence, and/or urethroplasty published between 1975 and 2022. Options for management of the fragile urethra include cuff relocation, cuff downsizing, tandem cuff placement, transcorporal cuff placement, pressure regulating balloon exchange with increased or decreased pressure, bulbospongiosus preservation, sub-cuff ventral capsulotomy, urethral wrapping with graft, and in select cases, urinary diversion, or complete device removal with a return to SUI. Proper patient selection is paramount to optimize outcomes. Advantages and disadvantages of each strategy are reviewed. Numerous techniques are viable options for patients with recalcitrant SUI in the setting of a fragile urethra, but high-quality evidence with reproducible outcomes for many of these strategies remain limited. Proper patient selection as well as adequate counseling by experienced implant surgeons may help optimize outcomes. Further multi-institutional investigations with longer term outcomes are needed to improve patient selection and counseling with shared decision-making prior to any intervention.

Implementing safety standards in radiographic practices: challenges and solutions

Ensuring the safety of patients and healthcare workers in radiographic practices is a critical concern in modern healthcare. The use of ionizing radiation, while invaluable for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, carries inherent risks that necessitate stringent safety standards. Despite advances in technology and regulatory frameworks, the consistent implementation of these safety standards remains a challenge across various healthcare settings. The discussion addresses the complexities of navigating diverse regulatory environments, where enforcement and adherence to safety guidelines can vary significantly. These inconsistencies are particularly pronounced in low-resource regions, where limited access to modern radiographic equipment and inadequate training further exacerbate the risks of radiation exposure. Technological advancements in radiography, such as digital radiography, dose-reduction software, and advanced imaging modalities, offer significant benefits in terms of diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. However, they also introduce new challenges in maintaining up-to-date safety protocols. The rapid pace of innovation often outstrips the ability of regulatory bodies to update guidelines, leading to gaps in safety practices. Additionally, the effectiveness of these technologies depends heavily on proper usage and understanding by radiographic professionals, highlighting the need for continuous education and training. A strong safety culture within radiographic practices is essential for minimizing radiation risks. Leadership commitment, ongoing education, effective communication, and the empowerment of radiographic professionals are critical components of this culture. When these elements are in place, they foster an environment where safety is prioritized, and all staff members are actively engaged in maintaining and improving safety standards. The multifaceted approach required to enhance radiographic safety underscores the importance of harmonizing regulatory efforts, investing in modern technologies, and cultivating a safety-first mindset among healthcare professionals. These efforts collectively contribute to the safe and effective use of radiographic technology, ultimately protecting both patients and healthcare workers from unnecessary radiation exposure.

Microsurgical treatment for superior petrosal sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Superior petrosal sinus (SPS) dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are a commonly encountered type of tentorial DAVF that occasionally requires microsurgical intervention. This study aims to analyze the tributaries of the superior petrosal vein (SPV) observed intraoperatively, their association with clinical symptoms, and venous drainage patterns.This retrospective study reviewed 34 consecutive patients with SPS DAVFs who underwent microsurgical treatment at a single institution between 2014 and 2022.The cohort had a mean age of 52.8 ± 11.8 years, with 85.3% (29/34) being male. Predominant symptoms included venous hypertensive myelopathy (VHM) (55.9%) and intraparenchymal or subarachnoid hemorrhage (23.5%). Standard retrosigmoid approach was used to ligate 94.1% (32/34) of the lesions, resulting in immediate complete fistula occlusion for all patients. Supratentorial venous drainage patterns were associated with a higher incidence of intracranial hemorrhage and venous varix (P = 0.047). Infratentorial drainage patterns were more frequently linked with VHM-related symptoms (P<0.001). Patients presenting VHM-related symptoms showed a higher prevalence of drainage through the vein of the cerebellopontine fissure (VCPF) (P = 0.01), while those with intracranial hemorrhage symptoms exhibited a higher prevalence of pontotrigeminal vein (PTV) drainage (P = 0.033) in their DAVFs.Endovascular management of SPS DAVFs carries inherent risks. Surgical treatment via standard retrosigmoid craniotomy offers favorable clinical outcomes with high rates of cure. In cases featuring infratentorial venous drainage, the predominant arterialized tributary of the SPV was the VCPF, commonly associated with VHM-related symptoms. Conversely, in cases with supratentorial venous drainage, the predominant arterialized SPV tributary was the PTV, often associated with intracranial hemorrhage symptoms.

Transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention in the presence of a cardiac implantable electronic device; state of the art review.

A large proportion of patients referred for transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention (TTVI) will have the presence of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED). In such patients, surgical correction of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) could potentially ameliorate CIED-induced TR; however, it carries inherent risks and frequently does not result in TR improvement. As multiple TTVI devices are in trial to gain regulatory approval, understanding which therapy is most appropriate among patients with a CIED is essential. This review centers on the nonsurgical treatment, including TLE and transcatheter tricuspid valve repair and replacement options, aimed at enhancing outcomes in patients with TR who also have concurrent CIEDs.

DemocracyGuard: Blockchain‐based secure voting framework for digital democracy

AbstractOnline voting is gaining traction in contemporary society to reduce costs and boost voter turnout, allowing individuals to cast their ballots from anywhere with an internet connection. This innovation is cautiously met due to the inherent security risks, where a single vulnerability can lead to widespread vote manipulation. Blockchain technology has emerged as a promising solution to address these concerns and create a trustworthy electoral process. Blockchain offers a decentralized network of nodes that enhances transparency, security, and verifiability. Its distributed ledger and non‐repudiation features make it a compelling alternative to traditional electronic voting systems, ensuring the integrity of elections. To further bolster the security of online voting, we propose DemocracyGuard platform on the Ethereum blockchain, which incorporates facial recognition technology to authenticate voters. By leveraging these advancements, DemocracyGuard aims to provide a secure and resilient platform for online voting, paving the way for its broader adoption and revolutionizing the electoral landscape.

Development of productivity model of continuous miner operators working in hazardous underground mine environmental conditions

Engaging in underground coal mining involves inherent risks, as miners confront hazardous conditions and unpredictable surroundings. Despite the increasing prevalence of renewable energy, coal continues to be a significant source of power. Extended work hours and exposure to underground conditions can have detrimental effects on miners’ well-being, safety, and efficiency. The competence of continuous miner (CM) operators is pivotal for the overall effectiveness of mining operations. This study undertakes an examination of how the underground environment influences the health and productivity of CM operators through the measurement of real-time data. Moreover, it investigates the economic implications stemming from environmental and physiological factors. Even slight adjustments in conditions have the potential to bolster annual revenue by up to INR 2.66 crores. Additionally, prolonged work hours and exposure may lead to a notable 5.5% decline in productivity levels.

Revisiting the Role of Balloon Atrial Septostomy Prior to the Arterial Switch Operation.

Patients with dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) frequently undergo balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) prior to the arterial switch operation (ASO) to promote atrial-level mixing. Balloon atrial septostomy has inherent risks as an invasive procedure and may not always be necessary. This study revisits the routine utilization of BAS prior to ASO. Single-center, retrospective review of d-TGA patients undergoing the ASO from July 2018 to March 2023. Preoperative patient characteristics, pulse oximetry oxygen saturations (SpO2), cerebral/renal near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) readings along with prostaglandin status at the time of the ASO were analyzed with descriptive and univariate statistics. Thirty patients underwent the ASO. Of these, 7 (23%) were female, 25 (83%) were white, and median weight at ASO was 3.2 kg (range 0.8-4.2). Twenty-two (73%) patients underwent BAS. There were no demographic differences between BAS and no-BAS patients. Of those who underwent BAS, there was a significant increase in SpO2 (median 83% [range 54-92] to median 87% [range 72-95], P = .007); however, there was no change in NIRS from pre-to-post BAS. Six (27%) patients in the BAS group were prostaglandin-free at ASO. Balloon atrial septostomy patients underwent the ASO later compared with no-BAS patients (median 8 [range 3-32] vs 4 [range 2-10] days old, P = .016) and had a longer hospital length of stay (median 13 [range 7-43] vs 10 [range 8-131] days, P = .108). While BAS is an accepted preoperative procedure in d-TGA patients to improve oxygen saturations, it is also an additional invasive procedure, does not guarantee prostaglandin-free status at the time of ASO, and may increase the interval to ASO. Birth to direct early ASO, with prostaglandin support, should be revisited as an alternative, potentially more expeditious strategy.

Engineering Controls for Scaling CO2 Electrolyzers

The electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2R) to ethylene on copper-based catalysts has garnered significant attention for its potential in sustainable industrial practices. While substantial progress has been achieved in the development of small-scale electrolyzers with geometric areas ranging from 1 to 5 cm2, the imperative to address larger scales for industrial decarbonization necessitates a shift in focus. There are inherent critical risks when scaling a nascent technology like CO2 electrolysis. There can be emergent phenomena observed only at larger scales, that can prevent it from reaching commercialization, such as change in local CO2 concentration, defects in the porous transport layer, and temperature gradients The optimized conditions for operating a 5 cm2 electrolyzer may not work well with a 25 cm2 electrolyzer leading to failures. Therefore, there is a need to develop a systematic way to test for these phenomena to address these challenges to successfully operate a CO2R electrolyzer at an industrially relevant scale. In this work, we highlight the performance of a Cu-based catalyst designed for the selective reduction of CO2 to ethylene across varying scales, ranging from 5 to 100 cm2. This investigation shows the changes in the electrolyzer performance at different scales. Our findings highlight the critical importance of implementing engineering controls to overcome challenges associated with the scaling of electrolyzers. Specifically, we explore the impact of anolyte flow rate, gasket compression, and electrochemical pulsing techniques on maintaining the desired selectivity of the electrocatalyst across different scales. By systematically adjusting these parameters, we demonstrate the ability to mitigate non-linear effects and uphold the efficiency of CO2 reduction to ethylene, even on larger electrode surfaces.This work performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Medical tourism: Medical dream or nightmare?

Medical tourism is an act of a foreign national traveling across international borders to undergo a particular medical procedure. India, Malaysia, Turkey, Singapore, and Thailand have established themselves as prominent destinations in the medical tourism industry, while Canada and the United Kingdom are commonly sought-after source countries for medical travelers. The medical tourism sector offers a range of benefits and drawbacks for citizens of both the source country and the destination country. Traveling long distances for medical treatment presents inherent risks such as complications during travel and exposure to unfamiliar environments. For instance, patients may face an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVTs) due to prolonged periods of immobility during flights or other modes of transportation. The most popular desired procedures for medical tourists include elective cosmetic surgery, dental procedures, organ transplants, cardiac surgery, and orthopaedic surgery.Medical tourism is double-edged in nature and can be both beneficial to the health system and the recipient thereof. It is however clear that various international legal and regulatory frameworks are necessitated to both protect the interests of the medical tourist and the treating medical body. There is no question that medical tourism will continue to rise in popularity, it is however prudent that potential medical tourists do their due diligence into the potential destination for their treatment of choice to better nullify the likelihood of a medical misadventure occurring.

Analysis of Investment Decision Assessment Using the Net Present Value (NVP) Method at PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk

This paper explores the fundamental elements of a robust business management strategy, essential for sustained success in the dynamic business landscape. It delves into crucial components such as investment decision-making, comprehensive planning, business development, and judicious risk-taking. These strategic decisions not only influence immediate financial performance but also contribute to long-term benefits such as market growth and heightened competitiveness. Focusing on the banking sector, the paper acknowledges the potential for substantial returns juxtaposed with inherent risks. Emphasizing that these risks are manageable, particularly in the stock market, it advocates for a meticulous approach to investment decision analysis. The strategic choices made in this process play a pivotal role in maximizing returns while minimizing the impact of stock market risks. With a preference for the Net Present Value (NPV) method highlighted in the literature review, the paper underlines the significance of comprehensive investment decision analysis.

ORM1 mediates osteoblast/osteoclast crosstalk in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis via RANKL/OPG ratio alteration

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), a complex early-onset three-dimensional spinal deformity, remains etiologically ambiguous despite extensive ongoing investigations. Currently, braces and surgeries are primary treatments of AIS, which come with inherent risks and costs. Therefore, there is an urgent need for biotherapeutic targets for AIS. Using human specimens obtained from the clinic, we discovered that ORM1 was expressed in AIS bone tissues. Also, immune cells were found to interact with osteoclasts through the LTB-LTBR pathway, resulting in elevated ORM1 expression, proliferation promotion and differentiation of monocytes/osteoclasts. Protein analysis showed that in ORM1-positive AIS patient-derived osteoblasts, there was an increased expression of RANKL, decreased expression of OPG, and an increased RANKL/OPG ratio. Furthermore, osteoclasts overexpressing ORM1 promoted their own differentiation while inhibiting osteoblast proliferation and function. ORM1 knockdown osteoclasts co-cultured with osteoblasts, along with the addition of leptin, significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation while promoting osteoblast proliferation and function-related protein expression. In conclusion, ORM1 acts as a detrimental factor in the pathogenesis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) by promoting osteoclast differentiation and inhibiting both the proliferation and function of osteoblasts. This suggests that ORM1 may represent a valuable therapeutic target for AIS.

Analyzing the dependency of earthquake insurance premium on the intensity measure used in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and fragility curves

Considering the uncertainties associated with earthquake, seismic response of structures, damage caused by the response and the repair costs, determining Earthquake Insurance Premium (EIP) is a challenging task that requires a framework for modeling all inherent risks. Most of the models proposed for EIP determination have two basic components. The first component indicates the probability of seismic hazard (generally obtained from the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis), and the second component indicates the probability of occurrence of a given damage to the structure with respect to different seismic hazard levels (generally obtained from the fragility curves). These two components are interconnected through an intermediate parameter, known as the Intensity Measure (IM), which is of great importance in calculations and has hardly been considered so far. In this study, the dependency of EIP on the IM used in the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and the fragility curves is analyzed. To this end, the EIP was determined for five types of buildings at low, medium and high seismic hazard levels using two IMs (peak ground acceleration and first mode spectral acceleration). The results of this study warn that the EIP can be highly dependent on the IM, so that for all studied structures, the EIP determined based on peak ground acceleration at a high seismic hazard level is nearly three times as many as the one determined by the first mode spectral acceleration. A significant finding is that when the first mode spectral acceleration is used as the IM, the ratio of EIP at different seismic hazard levels closely matches the ratio of IM at the same levels. This result can be valuable in developing insurance codes and regulations. However, this is not the case for the currently used IM, i.e., peak ground acceleration.