Measurements of tectonic micro-displacements within the Idrija fault zone in the Učja valley (W Slovenia)

A recent slip-rate of an active fault is a very important seismotectonic parameter, but not easy to determine. Idrija fault, 120 km long, is a prominent geomorphologic feature with large seismogenic potential, still needed to be researched. Measurements of tectonic micro-displacements can provide insight into its recent activity. The Učja valley extends transversally to the Idrija fault and was therefore selected for the installation of TM 71 extensometer. Measurements on the crack within its inner fault zone are conducted from the year 2004. In 14 years of observations a systematic horizontal displacements with average rate of 0.21 mm/year and subordinate vertical displacements of 0.06 mm/year were established, proving the activity of this fault. An overview of methods of displacement measurements related to active faults and of newer interdisciplinary investigations of the Idrija fault is given. Displacement rates are beside for geodynamic interpretations important for improvement of seismotectonic models and thus for better seismic hazard assessment

Evaluating the relationship between serum uric acid levels with Killip classification suggestive of left heart failure in acute myocardial infarction

Background: Present evidence shows that increased uric acid level is a negative prognostic factor in patients with moderate to severe heart failure. A study has highlighted a correlation between serum uric acid levels and Killip class in patients of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Aim of this study the relationship between serum uric acid level and Killip classification in patients with AMI.Methods: Sixty patients with AMI were studied prospectively in Department of Medicine/ Department of Cardiology, JA Group of Hospitals between 2016-2018. Patients were grouped based on the Killip class. Age, sex, history of smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension and diabetes were recorded. Serum uric acid level were measured on Day 1, 3 and 5, which was compared with Killip class.Results: Majority of the patients were males (65%) and had age between (28.3%) 51-60 years. No significant association was obtained between any risk factors of AMI and Killip’s class (p>0.05). Serum uric acid levels were significantly higher in Killip grade III (7.80±3.57) as compared to Killip’s grade II (6.64±2.88) and I (6.30±2.33) (p=0.014). Majority of the patients with Killip’s grades I and II, had uric acid level ≤7.0 mg/dl (n=18 and n=9 respectively) (p=0.040). Serum uric acid was equally distributed among different types of killip’s grades between patients who expired and survived. (p>0.05).Conclusions: Serum uric acid levels has been found to be well correlated with Killip classification in patients with AMI. Combination of Killip class and serum uric acid level after AMI is a good predictor of mortality after AMI

Designing and cooperation with generic application in the cloud

The Graduation Thesis deals with cloud computing. From the user’s point of view it is being analysed what that means, what are the basic features and what this technology solves. The Graduation Thesis focuses on cooperation of generic applications in the cloud. Their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are being researched. The beginnings of applications on personal computers, which are necessary for the work of civil engineer, and their development over time, are being explained. The main providers of cloud services are presented. The focus is on applications that can be integrated into the work of civil engineer. Each service is presented in detail from the perspective of the user. The Graduation Thesis deals with the possibility of using multiple cloud services at the same time with the aim of facilitating the work of civil engineers. A theoretical example to the situations in which they can find themselves as a civil engineer is being featured. With the help of images, step by step solutions that are based on applications in the cloud are being described

Analysis of the Impact of Fault Mechanism Radiation Patterns on Macroseismic Fields in the Epicentral Area of 1998 and 2004 Krn Mountains Earthquakes (NW Slovenia)

Two moderate magnitude (Mw = 5.6 and 5.2) earthquakes in Krn Mountains occurred in 1998 and 2004 which had maximum intensity VII-VIII and VI-VII EMS-98, respectively. Comparison of both macroseismic fields showed unexpected differences in the epicentral area which cannot be explained by site effects. Considerably, different distribution of the highest intensities can be noticed with respect to the strike of the seismogenic fault and in some localities even higher intensities have been estimated for the smaller earthquake. Although hypocentres of both earthquakes were only 2 km apart and were located on the same seismogenic Ravne fault, their focal mechanisms showed a slight difference: almost pure dextral strike-slip for the first event and a strike-slip with small reverse component on a steep fault plane for the second one. Seismotectonically the difference is explained as an active growth of the Ravne fault at its NW end. The radiation patterns of both events were studied to explain their possible impact on the observed variations in macroseismic fields and damage distribution. Radiation amplitude lobes were computed for three orthogonal directions: radial P, SV, and SH. The highest intensities of both earthquakes were systematically observed in directions of four (1998) or two (2004) large amplitude lobes in SH component (which corresponds mainly to Love waves), which have significantly different orientation for both events. On the other hand, radial P direction, which is almost purely symmetrical for the strike-slip mechanism of 1998 event, showed for the 2004 event that its small reverse component of movement has resulted in a very pronounced amplitude lobe in SW direction where two settlements are located which expressed higher intensities in the case of the 2004 event with respect to the 1998 one. Although both macroseismic fields are very complex due to influences of multiple earthquakes, retrofitting activity after 1998, site effects, and sparse distribution of settlements, unusual differences in observed intensities can be explained with different radiation patterns

Analysis of the capabilities of low frequency ground penetrating radar for cavities detection in rough terrain conditions: The case of Divača cave, Slovenia

High frequency ground penetrating radar (GPR) is usually applied for cavities detection in a shallow subsurface of karst areas to prevent geotechnical hazards. For specific projects, such as tunnel construction, it is important to detect also larger voids at medium depth range. However, dimensions of classical rigid low frequency antennas seriously limit their applicability in a rough terrain with dense vegetation commonly encountered in a karst. In this study recently developed 50 MHz antennas designed in a tube form were tested to detect cave gallery at the depth between 12 m and 60 m. The Divaca cave was selected because of a wide range of depths under the surface, possibility of unknown galleries in the vicinity and a rough terrain surface typical for Slovenian karst. Seven GPR profiles were measured across the main gallery of the cave and additional four profiles NE of the cave entrance where no galleries are known. Different acquisition and processing parameters were analysed together with the data resolution issues. The main gallery of the cave was clearly imaged in the part where the roof of the gallery is located at the depth from 10 m to 30 m. The width of the open space is mainly around 10 m. Applied system was not able to detect the gallery in the part where it is located deeper than 40 m, but several shallower cavities were discovered which were unknown before. The most important result is that the profiles acquired NE of the cave entrance revealed very clearly the existence of an unknown gallery which is located at the depth between 15 m and 22 m and represents the continuation of the Divaca cave. Access to this gallery is blocked by the sediment fill in the entrance shaft of the cave. The results of the study are important also for future infrastructure projects which will involve construction of tunnels through karstified limestone and for speleological investigations to direct the research efforts.Keywords: ground penetrating radar, cavity detection, spatial resolution, limestone, Divača cave

The size of the area affected by earthquake induced rockfalls: Comparison of the 1998 Krn Mountains (NW Slovenia) earthquake (Mw 5.6) with worldwide data

The 1998 Krn Mountains Mw 5.6 earthquake had widespread effects on the natural environment, among which rockfalls prevail. All rockfalls were evaluated to estimate the total affected area. The 180 km2 area (r=7.6 km) was established and compared with two worldwide datasets. The affected area is considerably below the upper bound limit established from both datasets. The same is valid for the nearby 1976 Friuli Mw 6.4 earthquake with a 2050 km2 affected area. However, comparison with the ESI 2007 scale definitions has shown that the area affected by the 1998 Imax VII–VIII event is significantly larger than the one proposed by this scale, but smaller for the 1976 Imax X event. This could not be explained by differences in hypocentral depth or focal mechanisms of both events. The results of the study have implications for seismic hazard assessment and for understanding environmental effects caused by moderate earthquakes in mountain regions

Possible relation between the sudden sinking of river Iška and the sequence of weak earthquakes in September-October 2010 near Iška vas (central Slovenia)

During heavy rainfalls between September 17 and 19, 2010 large part of Slovenia has suffered extensive floods that last for nearly two weeks. For the river Iška record discharge of 59.3 m3/s was measured on September 19 on the gauging station in Iška vas located at the southern rim of Ljubljansko barje. In the first hour of September 21, 2010 two weak earthquakes (ML=0.6 and ML=0.2) occurred within one minute near Iška vas. They were felt by some inhabitants who reported also a rumbling noise (brontides). During the flood recession period, the water of river Iška started to sink into the gravely stream bed or rocky left banks and the gauging profile completely dried on September 23, day and a half after the first earthquake. Water reappeared again on September 25. In the period September 21 − October 4 additional seven weak earthquakes occurred in the same area. All earthquakes from this series occurred at or near the surface and deviate in hypocentral depth from the seismicity pattern characteristic for the southern rim of Ljubljansko barje, which was analysed for comparison. The epicentres of the first two earthquakes are in good agreement with the location of the dried river bed. It is therefore probable that both phenomena are related. Analyses of seismograms have shown that it is not likely that the observed events are collapse earthquakes, but they are tectonic events. Although earthquakes were relatively weak, it seems that they could be accompanied by small near-surface tectonic movements, because they occurred at the position of a known fault. These movements are probably connected to the opening of pre-existing fissures in the karstified valley bottom, although the primary reason for sinking of the river is that high waters removed the clogged river bed that enables intensive sinking into the river bottom during the flood