Seismic vulnerability assessment: Methodological elements and applications to the case of Romania

This paper is intended to present some studies undertaken in order to develop a seismic vulnerability estimation system to fit the needs of development of earthquake scenarios and of development of an integrated disaster risk management system for Romania. Methodological aspects are dealt with, in connection with the criteria of categorization of buildings, with the definition of parameters used for characterizing vulnerability, with the setting up of an inventory of buildings and with the calibration of parameters characterizing vulnerability. Action was initiated along the coordinates referred to in connection with the methodological aspects mentioned above. The approach was made, as far as possible, specific to the conditions of Romania. Some data on results obtained to date are presented.seismic vulnerability, vulnerability estimation, earthquake scenarios, categorization of buildings, inventory of buildings, expected earthquake impact

Paniya Voices: A Participatory Poverty and Health Assessment among a marginalized South Indian tribal population

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In India, indigenous populations, known as <it>Adivasi </it>or Scheduled Tribes (STs), are among the poorest and most marginalized groups. 'Deprived' ST groups tend to display high levels of resignation and to lack the capacity to aspire; consequently their health perceptions often do not adequately correspond to their real health needs. Moreover, similar to indigenous populations elsewhere, STs often have little opportunity to voice perspectives framed within their own cultural worldviews. We undertook a study to gather policy-relevant data on the views, experiences, and priorities of a marginalized and previously enslaved tribal group in South India, the Paniyas, who have little 'voice' or power over their own situation.</p> <p>Methods/design</p> <p>We implemented a Participatory Poverty and Health Assessment (PPHA). We adopted guiding principles and an ethical code that promote respect for Paniya culture and values. The PPHA, informed by a vulnerability framework, addressed five key themes (health and illness, well-being, institutions, education, gender) using participatory approaches and qualitative methods. We implemented the PPHA in five Paniya colonies (clusters of houses in a small geographical area) in a <it>gram panchayat </it>(lowest level decentralized territorial unit) to generate data that can be quickly disseminated to decision-makers through interactive workshops and public forums.</p> <p>Preliminary findings</p> <p>Findings indicated that the Paniyas are caught in multiple 'vulnerability traps', that is, they view their situation as vicious cycles from which it is difficult to break free.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The PPHA is a potentially useful approach for global health researchers working with marginalized communities to implement research initiatives that will address those communities' health needs in an ethical and culturally appropriate manner.</p

Development of a Nationwide Seismic Vulnerability Estimation System

This paper is intended to present some studies undertaken in order to develop a seismic vulnerability estimation system to fit the needs of development of earthquake scenarios and of development of an integrated disaster risk management system for Romania. Methodological aspects are dealt with, in connection with the criteria of categorization of buildings, with the definition of parameters used for characterizing vulnerability, with the setting up of an inventory of buildings and with the calibration of parameters characterizing vulnerability. Action was initiated along the coordinates referred to in connection with the methodological aspects mentioned above. The approach was made, as far as possible, specific to the conditions of Romania. Some data on results obtained to date are presented

Seismic vulnerability assessment: Methodological elements and applications to the case of Romania

This paper is intended to present some studies undertaken in order to develop a seismic vulnerability estimation system to fit the needs of development of earthquake scenarios and of development of an integrated disaster risk management system for Romania. Methodological aspects are dealt with, in connection with the criteria of categorization of buildings, with the definition of parameters used for characterizing vulnerability, with the setting up of an inventory of buildings and with the calibration of parameters characterizing vulnerability. Action was initiated along the coordinates referred to in connection with the methodological aspects mentioned above. The approach was made, as far as possible, specific to the conditions of Romania. Some data on results obtained to date are presented

Seismic vulnerability assessment: Methodological elements and applications to the case of Romania

This paper is intended to present some studies undertaken in order to develop a seismic vulnerability estimation system to fit the needs of development of earthquake scenarios and of development of an integrated disaster risk management system for Romania. Methodological aspects are dealt with, in connection with the criteria of categorization of buildings, with the definition of parameters used for characterizing vulnerability, with the setting up of an inventory of buildings and with the calibration of parameters characterizing vulnerability. Action was initiated along the coordinates referred to in connection with the methodological aspects mentioned above. The approach was made, as far as possible, specific to the conditions of Romania. Some data on results obtained to date are presented

Development of a Nationwide Seismic Vulnerability Estimation System

This paper is intended to present some studies undertaken in order to develop a seismic vulnerability estimation system to fit the needs of development of earthquake scenarios and of development of an integrated disaster risk management system for Romania. Methodological aspects are dealt with, in connection with the criteria of categorization of buildings, with the definition of parameters used for characterizing vulnerability, with the setting up of an inventory of buildings and with the calibration of parameters characterizing vulnerability. Action was initiated along the coordinates referred to in connection with the methodological aspects mentioned above. The approach was made, as far as possible, specific to the conditions of Romania. Some data on results obtained to date are presented

Developmental changes in the balance of disparity, blur and looming/proximity cues to drive ocular alignment and focus

Accurate co-ordination of accommodation and convergence is necessary to view near objects and develop fine motor co-ordination. We used a remote haploscopic videorefraction paradigm to measure longitudinal changes in simultaneous ocular accommodation and vergence to targets at different depths, and to all combinations of blur, binocular disparity, and change-in-size (“proximity”) cues. Infants were followed longitudinally and compared to older children and young adults, with the prediction that sensitivity to different cues would change during development. Mean infant responses to the most naturalistic condition were similar to those of adults from 6-7 weeks (accommodation) and 8-9 weeks (vergence). Proximity cues influenced responses most in infants less than 14 weeks of age, but sensitivity declined thereafter. Between 12-28 weeks of age infants were equally responsive to all three cues, while in older children and adults manipulation of disparity resulted in the greatest changes in response. Despite rapid development of visual acuity (thus increasing availability of blur cues), responses to blur were stable throughout development. Our results suggest that during much of infancy, vergence and accommodation responses are not dependent on the development of specific depth cues, but make use of any cues available to drive appropriate changes in response

American Radium Society (ARS) and American College of Radiology (ACR) Appropriate Use Criteria Systematic Review and Guidelines on Reirradiation for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Background: Reirradiation (reRT) for locoregional recurrences can provide durable control and improved symptoms and progression-free survival for select NSCLC patients. Thoracic reRT, however, is particularly challenging due to its considerable risk and the current lack of standardized approaches, guidelines and dose constraints. To date, no systematic review on the safety and efficacy of reRT for NSCLC exists, and no dedicated guidelines are available. Objectives: This ARS-ACR Appropriate Use Criteria Systematic Review and Guidelines on Reirradiation for NSCLC provides direct guidance on the safety and efficacy of reRT and recommends consensus dose constraints for thoracic reRT to minimize risks of high grade toxicities. Methods: A PRISMA systematic review assessed all studies published through 3/2019 evaluating toxicities, local control and/or overall survival for NSCLC thoracic reRT. Of 236 articles, 49 remained after exclusions (3 prospective) and formed the basis for these recommendations on: 1) the role of concurrent chemotherapy with reRT, 2) factors associated with toxicity from reRT and 3) what reRT modalities, dose-fractionation schemas and dose rates should be used. Composite dose constraints were also recommended. The available data suggest potential benefit in clinical outcomes with concurrent chemoradiation for reRT, but the decision should be based on patient performance status, tolerance to prior systemic therapy and other individual patient/tumor characteristics. There are no data to guide the use of concurrent targeted therapy or immunotherapy with reRT, and this is not recommended outside of a clinical trial. Acute esophagitis and pneumonitis and late pulmonary, cardiac/great vessel, esophageal, brachial plexus and spinal toxicities are dose limiting for reRT. Limited data exist regarding the use of hyperfractionation and low- or high-dose rate reRT for NSCLC. For conventionally fractionated reRT, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is recommended over 3D conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) to increase dose conformality. Particle therapy may further reduce toxicities and/or enable safer reRT dose escalation compared with 3DCRT and IMRT. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) can provide increased conformality and dose escalation and is optimal for primary-alone failures, but caution is needed for central reRT with SBRT. Recommended reRT composite dose constraints in 2 Gy equivalent dose are: esophagus V60 \u3c40% and DMax \u3c100-110 Gy, lung V20 \u3c40%, heart V40 \u3c50%, aorta/great vessels DMax \u3c120 Gy, trachea and proximal bronchial tree DMax \u3c110 Gy, spinal cord DMax \u3c57 Gy, and brachial plexus DMax \u3c85 Gy. Conclusions: For the first time, consensus dose constraints for thoracic reRT are recommended to minimize the risks of high-grade and potentially fatal toxicities from repeat radiotherapy. Additional prospective data are needed, and toxicities should be correlated with reRT course and composite dose constraints

Measuring and Examining the Relevance of Discretionary Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism: Some Preliminary Evidence From The UK Conference Sector

This article investigates the implementation of environmentally focused discretionary corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the U.K. conference sector. A new framework is proposed that organizes and communicates information detailing business performance regarding 10 environmental policy initiatives (expressed by the acronym GREENER) using a CSR response scale (expressed by the acronym VENUE). This GREENER VENUE framework fills a void in the CSR literature by focusing on discretionary practices, by exhibiting psychometric and conceptual properties enabling its application within a multitude of contexts. Grounded in theory, the framework is simple to implement, practical, easily understandable, and highly relatable. Applying the GREENER VENUE framework to data collected via a self-administered Internet questionnaire of the U.K. conference sector reveals the majority of conference venues are classified as Eager. The study also examines the efficacy of the proposed framework toward influencing U.K. venues’ performance on a range of environmentally friendly best practices relative to environmental accreditation