Vulnerability Characteristics Research Articles

Alternative Complement Pathway in Carotid Atherosclerosis: Low Plasma Properdin Levels Associate With Long-Term Cardiovascular Mortality.

Complement activation may promote atherosclerosis. Yet, data on the to which extent complement, and more specifically the alternative complement pathway, is activated in patients with carotid atherosclerosis and related to adverse outcome in these patients, are scarce. We measured, by ELISA, plasma levels of factor D, properdin, C3bBbP (C3 convertase), and factor H in patients with advanced carotid atherosclerosis in a Discovery (n=324) and in a Validation (n=206) cohort in relation to adverse outcome (mean follow-up 7.8 and 6.6 years, respectively). Our major findings were as follows. Compared with healthy controls, patients with carotid atherosclerosis had increased plasma levels of factor D, properdin, and C3bBbP (P<0.001), but not factor H, an inhibitor of the alternative complement pathway, compared with controls. Although patients with carotid atherosclerosis had elevated levels of properdin compared with controls, within these patients, low plasma levels of properdin (ie, <median levels of properdin in the patient group) were significantly associated with cardiovascular mortality. This was seen in both the Discovery (HR 2.31, P=0.019) and the Validation cohort (hazard ratio [HR], 2.81, P=0.014). In contrast to the low circulating levels, high intraplaque properdin levels (assessed by ELISA) correlated with markers of plaque vulnerability and symptomatology. We show a strong and independent association of low plasma properdin levels with cardiovascular mortality in 2 cohorts. Conversely, the plaque properdin levels linked to features of plaque vulnerability, potentially reflecting increased deposition at the site of inflammation or local production of properdin in the atherosclerotic lesion indicating local enhanced alternative complement pathway activation.

Climate emotions in remote, rural, and small communities across Canada: Exploring lived experiences through interviews and letters

As the consequences of climate change become more severe and widespread, efforts to understand and address the emotional dimensions of the climate crisis are increasingly necessary. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of climate emotions in remote, rural, and small communities across Canada. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and a letter writing process with 27 participants representing diversity in terms of geography, climate vulnerability, and socio-demographic characteristics. Thematic network analysis resulted in three global themes: (1) complex, intense, and interconnected climate emotions, (2) factors shaping climate emotions, and (3) consequences of climate emotions. The findings demonstrate that the lived experiences of climate emotions involve a wide array of complex, interconnected, and embodied emotions characterized by affective dilemmas and tensions. For most, climate emotions are challenging and experienced in isolation resulting in consequences for wellbeing, life decisions, and action. Importantly, the data illustrate the influence of intersecting identities, social factors, perceived responsibilities, and place in terms of giving rise and shape to climate emotions. The findings also emphasize that the lived experiences of climate emotions may be particularly impactful in remote, rural, and small communities that are commonly marginalized and disempowered, where people tend to have close connections to the natural world, and where a socialized silencing around climate change and climate emotions is pervasive. Taken together, the findings highlight the imperative of supporting collective coping through place-specific and intersectional processes that recognize the tensions and challenges that characterize climate emotions as well as the diversity of factors that give rise and shape to climate emotions.

Evaluating the Influence of Morphological Features on the Vulnerability of Lipid-Rich Plaques During Stenting.

Lipid-rich atheromas are linked to plaque rupture in stented atherosclerotic arteries. While fibrous cap thickness is acknowledged as a critical indicator of vulnerability, it is likely that other morphological features also exert influence. However, detailed quantifications of their contributions and intertwined effects in stenting are lacking. Therefore, our goal is to assess the impact of plaque characteristics on the fibrous cap stress and elucidate their underlying mechanisms. We analyzed the stent deployment in a three-dimensional patient-specific coronary artery reconstructed from intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) data using the finite element method. Additionally, we performed sensitivity analysis on 78,000 distinct plaque geometries of two-dimensional arterial cross section for verification. Results from the three-dimensional patient-specific model indicate strong correlations between maximum fibrous cap stress and lipid arc (r=0.769), area stenosis (r=0.550), and lumen curvature (r=0.642). Plaques with lipid arcs >60 deg, area stenosis >75%, and lumen curvatures >5 mm-1 are at rupture risk. While we observed a rise in stress with thicker lipid cores, it was less representative than other features. Fibrous cap thickness showed a poor correlation, with the sensitivity analysis revealing its significance only when high stretches are induced by other features, likely due to its J-shaped stress-stretch response. Contrary to physiological pressure, the stent expansion generates unique vulnerable features as the stent load-transferring characteristics modify the plaque's response. This study is expected to prompt further clinical investigations of other morphological features for predicting plaque rupture in stenting.

Proteomic Analysis of Carotid Artery Plaques With and Without Vulnerable Features on Magnetic Resonance Angiography with Vessel Wall Imaging: A Pilot Study

Proteomic Analysis of Carotid Artery Plaques With and Without Vulnerable Features on Magnetic Resonance Angiography with Vessel Wall Imaging: A Pilot Study

Optimal robust constraint following control design and experimental validation for fuzzy robotic manipulator system.

As a typically complex mechanical system, robotic manipulator has the characteristics of complex structure, parameter uncertainty and vulnerability to external interference. From the perspective of second-order servo constraints, this paper proposes a robust constraint following control algorithm, which can meet the control requirements of robotic manipulator system under system uncertainty, which is described by fuzzy set theory. It also guarantees the deterministic performance of uniform boundedness (UB) and uniform ultimate boundedness (UUB). The system performance index function based on fuzzy information is established, and by minimizing the system performance index function, the optimization design problem of the controller gain parameter is solved. Numerical simulations and experimental results verify the efficacy of the robust controller and control parameter optimization method.

Assessing the geographical diversity of climate change risks in Japan by overlaying climatic impacts with exposure and vulnerability indicators.

Understanding multifaceted climate change risks and their interconnections is essential for effective adaptation strategies, which require comprehensive assessments of both climatic impact variations and social-environmental exposures/vulnerabilities. This study examines these interconnections and creates multitier delineations of future climate risks across Japan by overlaying homogeneous impact zones (HIZs) with exposure-vulnerability complexes (EVCs). We delineated eight EVC regions, each exhibiting similar patterns of exposure and vulnerability, via multivariate clustering and similarity search on the basis of future population and land cover/use data. Under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 5 scenario, 8.07% of Japan's area was identified as urban, 66.18% as forest, and 16.66% as agricultural land, depending on vulnerability and exposure characteristics. We then spatially intersected these EVCs with six HIZs, which represent common patterns of multisectoral climatic impact variations. This intersection revealed low geographical correspondence between climatic impact variations and exposure-vulnerability factors, indicating high spatial variability in climate risk across Japan. The use of EVCs helps identify areas with anticipated climate change risks. The spatial nexus between HIZs and EVCs underscores the geographical complexity and diversity of climate risks, revealing regions with high-impact variations alongside significant exposures and vulnerabilities. For example, urban EVCs highlight critical issues such as heat-related mortality and flood damage. By mapping these impact variations while focusing on exposure and vulnerability disparities, insights from HIZs and EVCs can inform future climate risk management and effective adaptation strategies at the national and regional levels.

Predicting plaque regression based on plaque characteristics identified by optical coherence tomography: A retrospective study.

Atherosclerosis is a lipid-driven, systemic immune-inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of plaque within the arterial walls. Plaque regression can occur following appropriate treatment interventions. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a high-resolution imaging modality, is frequently employed to assess plaque morphology. This study aims to explore the correlation between plaque characteristics identified using OCT, particularly macrophage infiltration, and subsequent plaque regression. In this retrospective study, data from 112 individuals with coronary artery plaques, who underwent OCT imaging at our hospital, between June 2019 and June 2024, were evaluated. Plaques were classified as lipid-rich, fibrous, or calcified based on the initial OCT findings. Macrophage infiltration levels within each plaque type were quantified. After one year of follow-up, repeat OCT imaging was performed to evaluate plaque regression. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between initial plaque characteristics and regression outcomes. Plaques that underwent regression were more commonly lipid-rich and exhibited higher levels of macrophage infiltration compared to those without regression. Multivariate analysis identified the histological inflammation score (HIS) as an independent factor influencing plaque regression. Macrophage-rich plaques, as detected by OCT, are significant predictors of plaque regression. The identification of vulnerable plaque features through OCT can enhance the early diagnosis and treatment strategies for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

The effects of risky behaviors and social factors on the frequency of fraud victimization among known victims

Abstract Background and Objectives Routine activity theory (RAT) asserts that a suitable target’s exposure to a motivated offender in the absence of capable guardians increases their likelihood of crime victimization. We use these principles to assess the extent to which engaging in risky routine activities—e.g., entering sweepstakes drawings, answering unknown calls—is associated with victimization frequency among older adult mass marketing fraud victims across five types of scams: investment fraud, sweepstakes and lottery fraud, romance and family/friend imposter scams, fake products and services, and charity scams. We also examine whether financial and social vulnerability characteristics (loneliness, preference for taking financial risks, financial fragility) are associated with victimization frequency in older adults. Research Design and Methods A survey was administered to households that the United States Postal Inspection Service identified as having recently responded to one or more mail scam solicitations. Respondents answered questions on their behaviors, financial risk preferences, social and demographic characteristics, and number of past year victimization experiences with five types of fraud. Results As predicted based on RAT, routine activities that increase a target’s exposure to motivated offenders are positively associated with fraud victimization frequency, although more frequent online activity was negatively associated with victimization frequency contrary to hypotheses. Precarious financial and emotional states such as financial fragility and loneliness also were associated with greater victimization frequency, and more frequent social engagement and living with others (the presence of capable guardians) had no effect. Discussion and Implications Target suitability factors such as loneliness, financial fragility, and risky financial preferences and behaviors are associated with a higher frequency of fraud victimization among older adults. Consumer education should include information on reducing risky behaviors that can increase fraud exposure. More frequent social engagement may not be protective. Older adults who are financially fragile and experiencing loneliness require more safeguards.

Relationship Between Coronary Artery Calcium Score and Vulnerability of Culprit Plaque Assessed by OCT in Patients With Established Coronary Artery Disease.

Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is widely used for risk stratification. However, in patients with established coronary artery disease, its clinical implication and relationship with plaque vulnerability are unclear. We sought to correlate the CACS and plaque vulnerability assessed by optical coherence tomography. Patients with coronary artery disease who had CACS and optical coherence tomography before percutaneous coronary intervention were included. Patients were divided into 5 groups based on CACS: CACS of 0, 1 to 99, 100 to 399, 400 to 999, and ≥1000. Optical coherence tomography-derived vulnerable features in culprit plaque were compared between the groups. In 460 patients, the prevalence of lipid-rich plaque, macrophage, and cholesterol crystal significantly differed among the 5 groups, being lowest in the patients with a CACS of 0. The prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma tended to be lower in those with a CACS of 0. No significant difference in vulnerable features was observed between the 4 groups with CACS >0. In the 2-group comparison between the group with a CACS of 0 and the other 4 groups combined, the prevalence of lipid-rich plaque (60.5% versus 85.9%; P<0.001), macrophage (48.8% versus 74.1%; P<0.001), thin-cap fibroatheroma (16.3% versus 35.0%; P=0.013), and cholesterol crystal (11.6% versus 32.9%; P=0.004) was significantly lower in the patients with CACS of 0. CACS of 0 was independently negatively associated with lipid-rich plaque, macrophage, thin-cap fibroatheroma, and cholesterol crystal after adjustment for patient characteristics. Patients with a CACS of 0 have a significantly lower prevalence of vulnerable plaque features compared with those with CACS >0 in patients with established coronary artery disease. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04523194.

Mancession vs. Shecession: gender disparities during COVID-19 in Indonesia

ABSTRACT Economic downturns may affect men more than women (mancession) or vice versa (shecession). However, evidence of this phenomenon during COVID-19 in Indonesia remains inconclusive, with studies often overlooking quantile variations and missing observation biases. Using logistic regression with multiple imputations and Blinder – Oaxaca inequality decomposition through unconditional quantile regressions on labour force survey data, we find that the pandemic’s impact on individual workers varied by gender and probability level. In the third-quartile probability groups, job (income) loss showed a mancession (shecession) pattern owing to discrimination (female vulnerable characteristics). Given Indonesia’s existing focus on supporting women, gender-specific interventions are essential: revising male-dominated gender norms for men, expanding vocational training programs, and strengthening cash transfer initiatives for women.

Intraplaque Hemorrhage and Plaque Ulceration Are More Likely in Patients with Symptomatic Mild-to-Moderate Carotid Artery Stenosis than in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic High-Grade Stenosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

To compare a cohort of symptomatic patients with mild- to moderate (<70%) carotid artery stenosis with those patients with high-grade (≥70%) carotid artery stenosis (symptomatic and asymptomatic) to assess for markers that places them at a higher risk for stroke. A propensity score matched cohort study design for all patients who underwent carotid revascularization between 2015 to 2024 was utilized to compare the high-grade (≥70%) symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis groups against the mild to moderate (<70%) symptomatic carotid stenosis group. Matched variables included age, sex, and atrial fibrillation. Vulnerable plaque was defined as the presence of intraplaque hemorrhage, ulceration, lipid necrotic core and inflammation on cross-sectional imaging. Images assessed included computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with vessel wall imaging (VWI). Odds ratios (OR) were then calculated to assess for risk of vulnerable features present on cross-sectional imaging prior to carotid intervention. There were 58 patients in each cohort matched and analyzed. In our cohort of interest, there were fewer patients with diabetes and higher proportion of hyperlipidemia compared to those patients who were symptomatic with ≥70% carotid artery stenosis. Further, there were fewer patients with diabetes and none on dialysis compared to our asymptomatic high-grade stenosis group. The OR of presenting with vulnerable features in our mild- to moderate stenosis symptomatic group was 5.85 (95% CI 1.74-19.60, p=0.002) compared to the high-grade asymptomatic stenosis patients and 7.52 (95% CI 3.22-17.66, p<0.001) compared to the high-grade symptomatic stenosis patients. Additionally, the symptomatic <70% stenosis group had higher odds of intraplaque hemorrhage (OR 4.91, 95% CI 1.80-13.78, p<0.001) and ulcerated plaque (OR 8.93, 95% CI 2.47-32.82, p<0.001) compared to the asymptomatic ≥70% group, as well as increased odds of intraplaque hemorrhage (OR 4.14, 95% CI 1.59-10.74, p=0.002) and ulcerated plaque (OR 5.16, 95% CI 1.77-15.03, p=0.001) compared to the symptomatic ≥70% group. Composite outcomes of stroke, myocardial infarction and death were no different in 30-days and on mid-term follow-up. High-risk plaque features on cross-sectional imaging studies may justify a short-term more aggressive medical management and/or early intervention in patients with mild to moderate carotid artery stenosis, even when luminal narrowing alone would not typically warrant such measures. As such, use of advanced imaging to assess for plaque characteristics may allow for improved risk stratification and guide earlier management of this patient population.

A comparative research of the Piloti-type RC structure and non-Piloti-type RC structure under the nonlinear pushover analysis

With the ongoing acceleration of the urbanization process, a large portion of the population is concentrated in urban areas, leading to significant issues with living space. The increasing number of vehicles necessitates more parking space, and the phenomenon of urbanization requires new building structures that can accommodate this need. As a result, there has been a rise in Piloti-type RC (reinforced concrete) structures, particularly in the Republic of Korea. These structures utilize their open ground floors for various purposes such as parking, storage, and social spaces, adding functional diversity to buildings and receiving positive reviews for these advantages. However, the open ground floor can potentially create security vulnerabilities if not adequately secured or monitored. This was evident during the Pohang earthquake in 2017 when numerous Piloti-type RC structures sustained more severe damage than conventional RC structures. Therefore, numerous previous researchers have emphasized the importance of ensuring structural safety in Piloti-type RC structures. In this research, the structural designs under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport of the Republic of Korea were used as a basis for simulation in SAP 2000. The focus was on comparing the structural performance of a typical Piloti-type RC structure with and without the Piloti-type design using nonlinear pushover analysis. The findings of this research are expected to provide a clear understanding of the differences between Piloti-type RC structures and non-Piloti-type RC structures. Additionally, based on the specific characteristics of Piloti-type RC structural vulnerabilities identified through nonlinear pushover analysis, this research is anticipated to serve as a valuable reference for reinforcing existing Piloti-type RC structures to better resist seismic activities, thereby reducing human casualties and economic damage resulting from seismic events.

Vulnerability evolution of critical infrastructures: A multidimensional environment-integrated system dynamics analysis

Critical infrastructures (CIs) form the foundation of modern society, highlighting the necessity of analyzing their vulnerability characteristics. Existing research on CI vulnerability has not fully explored the environmental impacts on CI vulnerability and the long-term dynamic characteristics of vulnerability. To address these gaps, this study proposes an integrated framework for CI vulnerability evolution that incorporates environmental factors from nature, physical, and socio-economic dimensions, along with four key components of CI vulnerability: risk exposure, physical fragility, environmental sensitivity, and recovery capacity. Then, a system dynamics (SD)-based model is developed to quantitatively measure the complex interactions between environmental factors and CI vulnerability, thereby revealing the dynamic evolutionary mechanisms of vulnerability driven by these interactions. The model's effectiveness is demonstrated through a case simulation, with the results revealing the following findings: First, the dynamics of CI vulnerability evolution arise from the long-term driving, feedback, and iteration processes between environmental factors and vulnerability. These processes shape the nonlinear growth and adaptive characteristics of CI vulnerability evolution. Second, each environmental factor has a distinct marginal impact and direction on the evolution of CI vulnerability. This study provides a holistic and dynamic analysis for CI vulnerability and offers insights for optimizing vulnerability mitigation strategies.

Temporal and Spatial Variations in Landscape Pattern–Function Risk Coupling over 20 Years in the Dry–Hot Valley of the Jinsha River in China

Extensive and profound landscape alterations significantly contribute to ecological vulnerability in environmentally delicate regions. Existing research primarily emphasizes ecological risks caused by landscape alterations, while overlooking vulnerable characteristics of landscape functions; particularly lacking are studies on the driving mechanism of landscape ecological risk through the reciprocal relationship between landscape pattern risk and function risk. Based on these issues, this paper constructed a landscape pattern risk index (LPRI), a landscape function risk index (LFRI), and a landscape ecological risk index (LERI) in the counties of the dry–hot valley of the Jinsha River in southwest China. By employing a coupling degree and a coordination model, we analyzed temporal and spatial variations in the interaction between two types of ecological risk, thereby revealing the driving mechanisms of landscape ecological risk. The results indicated that the average LPRI values of the study area were 0.373, 0.327, and 0.427, respectively, while the average LFRI values were 0.451, 0.356, and 0.442 in 2000, 2010, and 2020, respectively. More than 90% of the study area exhibited a medium coupling relationship between the two types of ecological risks. The area proportion of the coupling coordination regions has increased from 25.58% to 31.07% from 2010 to 2020. The two types of risk exhibited a low level of constraint inhibition. Extremely evident expansion of high pattern–function risk areas and the area increase of coupling coordination region resulted in the acceleration of regional landscape ecological risk level. Increasing competition between market-driven land-use activities and ecological regulations from the government has rendered the diversification of landscape ecological risk sources and its underlying mechanisms intricate. This study serves as a model reference for assessing landscape ecological risk and a theoretical basis for sustainable landscape management and ecological regulation in the Yangtze River basin.

Improving Tsunami Risk Analysis by Integrating Spatial Resolution and the Population’s Evacuation Capacities: A Case Study of Cartagena, Chile

Intensive human activity in global coastal areas has led to increasing exposure to hazards. Cartagena Bay in Chile, an area with a long history of tsunami disasters, has undergone significant urbanization and experiences heavy tourist activity during the summer. While some studies have examined risk in Cartagena by focusing on hazard and vulnerability characteristics, challenges remain in delivering more spatially accurate studies and incorporating the population’s coping capacities. We undertook a tsunami risk assessment of Cartagena Bay that disaggregates social vulnerability to the census block level and assesses the inhabitants’ pedestrian evacuation potential through an agent-based model. Our findings indicate that urban coastal areas in Cartagena Bay might face substantial tsunami risk in a worst-case scenario, with 31.0% to 54.1% of its territory—depending on the scale of analysis—classified as high-risk areas. Of the examined urban blocks, 31.4% have average evacuation times exceeding 17 min (the critical time required by the tsunami to reach its run-up), and the most disadvantaged census block is 1,971.9 m away from its nearest shelter. We also demonstrated that a more spatially accurate vulnerability analysis is more conservative too. For instance, zones with high-risk levels decreased by 42.8% when the study scale moved from the block to the zone level of analysis. Similarly, areas with low risk increased by 80%. In comparison to previous studies, our findings show that tsunami risk in Cartagena Bay is significantly lower if coping capacities such as evacuation potential are included in the analysis.

Modeling Study of Shell Damage to the Typical Light Armored Vehicles

Abstract This study focuses on the destructive mechanisms and high-precision numerical simulation models of guided shells frequently encountered in combat conditions for damaging light armored vehicles. Based on the modes of shell action and the vulnerability characteristics of light armored vehicles, a systematic analysis of damage patterns was carried out, revealing their destructive effects. Through induction and analysis, a characterization method for the shell’s power field was established. By combining the experimental conditions and data of typical shell damage to steel plates, numerical simulation modeling and calculations of the shells were conducted, obtaining more accurate simulation parameters for the shells. A numerical simulation model of a light armored vehicle under the action of shells was further established. By utilizing the damage tests and data of typical shells on light armored vehicles, the model was calibrated and validated. The maximum error between the simulation calculations and experimental tests was less than 20%, indicating that the established large-scale model of typical shells against light armored vehicles possesses high engineering accuracy. The research findings aim to provide theoretical and simulation guidance for the design of ammunition power, practical damage assessment, and target protection design.

Vulnerability Evolution Mechanism of High-Speed Railway Construction System in the Goaf Site of Qinshui Coalfield

The main reason for serious consequences caused by disasters is “insufficient emergency preparedness and obvious system vulnerability”. To ensure the safe operation and maintenance of the high-speed railway in goaf sites and achieve effective hierarchical management, the vulnerability theory was introduced, based on the system approach, to explore the characteristics of hierarchical evolution. Firstly, based on the analysis of the internal and external disturbances of the high-speed railway construction system with underlying goaf areas, the vulnerability characteristic elements were defined, and a conceptual vulnerability model was proposed. Secondly, based on the literature research, accident cases, and standards and specifications, 25 factors affecting vulnerability were identified and a two-dimensional cross matrix was used to establish a vulnerability evaluation index system. Then, ISM was used to build hierarchical relationships among indicators, analyze the vulnerability characteristics of direct factors, indirect factors and essential factors, and a vulnerability evolution analysis framework was proposed. Finally, the Taiyuan–Jiaozuo high-speed railway project was selected for hierarchical and progressive vulnerability management. The study analyzed the coupling effect and evolution mechanism of various elements of the safety management system under external disturbances, identified the weak links of the high-speed railway system in the goaf site, and provided a decision-making basis for continuous dynamic optimization and emergency response technology, which complied with the strategic policy of sustainable development.

Mapping of Flood and Landslide Prone Areas using Composite Mapping Analysis Method Based on Geographic Information System in East Aceh

Disaster is an event that causes great losses to the community. Disasters are destructive, very detrimental, and require a long time to recover. To overcome the impact of natural disasters on the community in East Aceh Regency, research is needed related to the mapping system for multi-disaster prone areas (floods and landslides) in East Aceh Regency. The application used for the mapping process is ArcGIS Desktop and the research methodology used for mapping is Composite Mapping Analysis which consists of the process of determining the class of each parameter, determining the weight of each parameter by combining each parameter. The method of combining them consists of a scoring process for each parameter, then overlaying the parameters used, calculating and producing relative weights or spatial means, and combining spatial means to produce a value from the weight of each parameter for floods and landslides. The results of the study showed that the percentage of area for the class very prone to flood disasters was 232,156.13 Ha (42.3%), the vulnerable class had an area of 228,634.01 Ha (41.7%), and the non-vulnerable class had an area of 87,687.40 Ha (16%). The percentage of area for the class that is very vulnerable to landslides is 49,998.13 Ha (9.5%), the vulnerable class has an area of 301,863.93 Ha (57.2%), and the non-vulnerable class has an area of 175,542.56 Ha (33.3%). The contribution of this research is to provide information on disaster-prone areas, causal factors, characteristics of vulnerability to natural disasters such as floods and landslides and provide a basis for more effective decision-making in disaster mitigation and management efforts. This approach offers a new contribution to the technology of mapping and classifying disaster-prone areas.

Impact of SVM-based Poisoning on the Semantic Recognition of Sounds

Abstract. Machine learning is a technique that enables computers to learn from data and make predictions or decisions, data poisoning is the process of machine learning training where malicious samples are put in to make the model predictions or classifications less accurate. Data poisoning attacks help to reveal security vulnerabilities in AI systems. In this paper, we study Support Vector Machine (SVM) poisoning for sound recognition techniques, using AISHELL-3 dataset training data, from which we find the most vulnerable features for SVM poisoning. In the field of speech recognition, SVM can be applied to speech feature extraction, speech classification and speech synthesis to find the best hyperplane by finding the maximum margin optimization for effective classification and recognition of speech signals. Experiments have resulted in biased semantic recognition of sounds, output of incorrect speech, reduced accuracy of model classification and generation of incorrect decision boundaries. The role of this research paper is to investigate whether SVM poisoning affects the semantic recognition of sounds, and the result of the research is that it does cause semantic bias.

Multimodal Intravascular Imaging of the Vulnerable Coronary Plaque.

Vulnerable coronary plaques are atherosclerotic lesions which, due to their specific phenotype, are prone to plaque rupture and to cause acute coronary syndromes, with subsequent relevant morbidity and mortality. Strategies to break the chain link between plaque vulnerability and adverse clinical events include optimized pharmacologic prevention and potentially also preemptive percutaneous coronary interventions (previously defined as "plaque sealing" or "plaque passivation"). Various morphologic features of the vulnerable plaques have been described, including aspects regarding the large necrotic lipid content, the thin fibrous cap, the presence and extent of the presence of calcifications with small size and calcification angle, and as well as the large macrophage infiltration within the plaque. The detection of these features of plaque vulnerability is possible with intravascular imaging modalities such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). This review explores the peculiarities of these three imaging modalities for the detection of vulnerable coronary plaque features.