The role of hazard vulnerability assessments in disaster preparedness and prevention in China

China is prone to disasters and escalating disaster losses. Effective disaster mitigation is the foundation for efficient disaster response and rescue and for reducing the degree of hazardous impacts on the population. Vulnerability refers to the population's capacity to anticipate, cope with, and recover from the impact of a hazardous event. A hazard vulnerability assessment(HVA) systematically evaluates the damage that could be caused by a potential disaster, the severity of the impact, and the available medical resources during a disaster to reduce population vulnerability and increase the capacity to cope with disasters. In this article, we summarized HVA team membership, content(disaster identification, probability and consequences), and methods and procedures for an HVA that can be tailored to China's needs. We further discussed the role of epidemiology in an HVA. Disaster epidemiology studies the underlying causes of disasters to achieve effective disaster prevention and reduction. In addition, we made several recommendations that are already in practice in developed countries, such as the U.S., for future implementation in China and other developing countries. An effective HVA plan is crucial for successful disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Groundwater vulnerability assessment using a GIS-based DRASTIC method in the Erbil Dumpsite area (Kani Qirzhala), Central Erbil Basin, North Iraq

Groundwater vulnerability assessment is a crucial step in the efficient management of groundwater resources,especially in areas with intensive anthropogenic activities and groundwater pollution.In the present study,the DRASTIC method was applied using Geographic Information System(GIS)to delineate groundwater vulnerability zones in the Erbil Dumpsite area,Central Erbil Basin,North Iraq.Results showed that the area was classified into four vulnerability classes:Very low(16.97%),low(27.67%),moderate(36.55%)and high(18.81%).The southern,south-eastern and northern parts of the study area exhibited the highest vulnerability potential,while the central-northern,northern and north-western regions displayed the lowest vulnerability potential.Moreover,results of the single-parameter sensitivity analysis indicated that amongst the seven DRASTIC parameters,the unsaturated zone and the aquifer media were the most influencing parameters.In conclustion,the correlation of 25 nitrate concentration values with the final vulnerability map,assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient,yielded a satisfactory result of R=0.72.

Application of Hazard Vulnerability Analysis Based on Kaiser Model in Neonatal Breast Milk Management

Objective:To analyze the existing risks in breast milk management at the neonatal department and provide corresponding countermeasures.Methods:22 risk events were identified in 7 risk links in the process of bottle-feeding of breast milk.Hazard Vulnerability Analysis based on the Kaiser model was applied to investigate and evaluate the risk events.Results:High-risk events include breast milk quality inspection,hand hygiene during collection,disinfection of collectors,cold chain management,hand hygiene during the reception,breast milk closed-loop management,and post-collection disposal.Root cause analysis of high-risk events was conducted and breast milk management strategies outside the hospital and within the neonatal department were proposed.Conclusion:Hazard Vulnerability Analysis based on the Kaiser model can identify and assess neonatal breast milk management risks effectively,which helps improve the management of neonatal breast milk.It is conducive to the safe development and promotion of bottle feeding of breast milk for neonates,ensuring the quality of medical services and the safety of children.

VuWiki:An Ontology-Based Semantic Wiki for Vulnerability Assessments

Three decades of vulnerability research have generated a complex and growing body of knowledge.The concept of vulnerability,as well as its implementation in vulnerability assessments,is used in various disciplines and contexts.Correspondingly,a multitude of ideas and frameworks about how to conceptualize and measure vulnerability exists.To provide a structured representation of vulnerability,we have set up an ontology-based semantic wiki for reviewing and representing vulnerability assessments(www.vuwiki.org).Based on a survey of 55 vulnerability assessment studies,we first developed an ontology as an explicit reference system for describing vulnerability assessments.The ontology was then implemented in a semantic wiki which allows for the classification and annotation of vulnerability assessment.The resulting semantic wiki,Vu Wiki,does not aim at‘‘synthesizing’’a holistic and overarching model of vulnerability,but at(1)providing—both scientists and practitioners—with a uniform ontology as a reference system;(2)providing easy and structured access to the knowledge field of vulnerability assessments with the possibility for any user to retrieve assessments using specific research criteria;and(3)serving as a collaborative knowledge platform that allows for the active participation of those generating and using the knowledge represented in the vulnerability wiki.

Vulnerability assessment of coastal wetlands in Minjiang River Estuary based on cloud model under sea level rise

The change of coastal wetland vulnerability affects the ecological environment and the economic development of the estuary area.In the past,most of the assessment studies on the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems stayed in static qualitative research,lacking predictability,and the qualitative and quantitative relationship was not objective enough.In this study,the“Source-Pathway-Receptor-Consequence”model and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change vulnerability definition were used to analyze the main impact of sea level rise caused by climate change on coastal wetland ecosystem in Minjiang River Estuary.The results show that:(1)With the increase of time and carbon emission,the area of high vulnerability and the higher vulnerability increased continuously,and the area of low vulnerability and the lower vulnerability decreased.(2)The eastern and northeastern part of the Culu Island in the Minjiang River Estuary of Fujian Province and the eastern coastal wetland of Meihua Town in Changle District are areas with high vulnerability risk.The area of high vulnerability area of coastal wetland under high emission scenario is wider than that under low emission scenario.(3)Under different sea level rise scenarios,elevation has the greatest impact on the vulnerability of coastal wetlands,and slope has less impact.The impact of sea level rise caused by climate change on the coastal wetland ecosystem in the Minjiang River Estuary is mainly manifested in the sea level rise,which changes the habitat elevation and daily flooding time of coastal wetlands,and then affects the survival and distribution of coastal wetland ecosystems.

Flood Vulnerability Assessment Using Satellite Imagery Data

As flood extreme occurrences are projected to increase in intense and frequency due to climate change, the assessment of vulnerability and the identification of the most vulnerable areas, populations, assets and systems are an urgent need. Vulnerability has been widely discussed and several flood projection tools have been developed using complex hydrological models. However, despite the significant contribution of flood projection maps to predicting the impact of potential floods, they are difficult and impractical to use by stakeholders and policy makers, while they have proven to be inefficient and out of date in several cases. This research aims to cover the gaps in coastal and riverine flood management, developing a method that models flood patterns, using geospatial data of past large flood disasters. The outcomes of this research produce a five scale vulnerability assessment method, which could be widely implemented in all sectors, including transport, critical infrastructure, public health, tourism, constructions etc. Moreover, they could facilitate decision making and provide a wide range of implementation by all stakeholders, insurance agents, land-use planners, risk experts and of course individual. According to this research, the majority of the elements exposed to flood hazards, lay at specific combinations between 1) elevation (Ei) and 2) distance from water-masses (Di), expressed as (Ei, Di), including: 1) in general landscapes: ([0 m, 1 m), [0 km, 6 km), [0 m - 3 m), [0 km, 3 km)) and ([0 m - 6 m), [0 km, 1 km)), 2) in low laying regions: ([0 m, 1 m), [0 km, 40 km), [0 m - 3 m), [0 km, 30 km)) and ([0 m - 6 m), [0 km, 15 km)) and 2) in riverine regions: ([0 m, 4 m), [0 km, 3 km)). All elements laying on these elevations and distances from water masses are considered extremely and highly vulnerable to flood extremes.

Design & Test of an Advanced Web Security Analysis Tool (AWSAT)

Considering the escalating frequency and sophistication of cyber threats targeting web applications, this paper proposes the development of an automated web security analysis tool to address the accessibility gap for non-security professionals. This paper presents the design and implementation of an automated web security analysis tool, AWSAT, aimed at enabling individuals with limited security expertise to effectively assess and mitigate vulnerabilities in web applications. Leveraging advanced scanning techniques, the tool identifies common threats such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), SQL Injection, and Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), providing detailed reports with actionable insights. By integrating sample payloads and reference study links, the tool facilitates informed decision-making in enhancing the security posture of web applications. Through its user-friendly interface and robust functionality, the tool aims to democratize web security practices, empowering a wider audience to proactively safeguard against cyber threats.

Enhancing Mobile Security through Comprehensive Penetration Testing

In today’s era, where mobile devices have become an integral part of our daily lives, ensuring the security of mobile applications has become increasingly crucial. Mobile penetration testing, a specialized subfield within the realm of cybersecurity, plays a vital role in safeguarding mobile ecosystems against the ever-evolving landscape of threats. The ubiquity of mobile devices has made them a prime target for cybercriminals, and the data and functionality accessed through mobile applications make them valuable assets to protect. Mobile penetration testing is designed to identify vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and potential exploits within mobile applications and the devices themselves. Unlike traditional penetration testing, which often focuses on network and server security, mobile penetration testing zeroes in on the unique challenges posed by mobile platforms. Mobile penetration testing, a specialized field within cybersecurity, is an essential tool in the Cybersecurity specialists’ toolkit to protect mobile ecosystems from emerging threats. This article introduces mobile penetration testing, emphasizing its significance, including comprehensive learning labs for Android and iOS platforms, and highlighting how it distinctly differs from traditional penetration testing methodologies.

Assessing Vulnerability to Drought Based on Exposure,Sensitivity and Adaptive Capacity:A Case Study in Middle Inner Mongolia of China

In this paper,we proposed a framework for evaluating the performance of ecosystem strategies prepared for enhancing vulnerability reduction in the face of hazards due to climate change.The framework highlights the positive effects of human activities in the coupled human and natural system(CHANS) by introducing adaptive capacity as an evaluation criterion.A built-in regional vulnerability to a certain hazard was generated based upon interaction of three dimensions of vulnerability:exposure,sensitivity and adaptive capacity.We illustrated the application of this framework in the temperate farming-grazing transitional zone in the middle Inner Mongolia of the northern China,where drought hazard is the key threat to the CHANS.Specific indices were produced to translate such climate variance and social-economic differences into specific indicators.The results showed that the most exposed regions are the inner land areas,while counties located in the eastern part are potentially the most adaptive ones.Ordos City and Bayannur City are most frequently influenced by multiple climate variances,showing highest sensitivity.Analysis also indicated that differences in the ability to adapt to changes are the main causes of spatial differences.After depiction of the spatial differentiations and analysis of the reasons,climate zones were divided to depict the differences in facing to the drought threats.The climate zones were shown to be similar to vulnerability zones based on the quantitative structure of indexes drafted by a triangular map.Further analysis of the composition of the vulnerability index showed that the evaluation criteria were effective in validating the spatial differentiation but potentially ineffective because of their limited time scope.This research will be a demonstration of how to combine the three dimensions by quantitative methods and will thus provide a guide for government to vulnerability reduction management.

Vulnerability of Water Resources and Its Spatial Heterogeneity in Haihe River Basin, China

To manage water resources effectively, a multiscale assessment of the vulnerability of water resources on the basis of political boundaries and watersheds is necessary. This study addressed issues on the vulnerability of water resources and provided a multiscale comparison of spatial heterogeneity under a climate change background. Using improved quantitative evaluation methods of vulnerabil- ity, the Theil index and the Shannon-Weaver index, we evaluated the vulnerability of water resources and its spatial heterogeneity in the Haihe River Basin in four scales, namely, second-class water resource regions （Class II WRRs）, third-class water resource regions （Class III WRRs）, Province-Class II WRRs, and Province-Class III WRRs. Results show that vulnerability enhances from the north to south in the different scales, and shows obvious spatial heterogeneity instead of moving toward convergence in multiscale assessment results. Among the Class II WRRs, the Tuhai-Majia River is the most vulnerable area, and the vulnerability of the Luanhe River is lower than that of the north of the Haihe River Basin, which in turn is lower than that of the south of the Haihe River Basin. In the scales of Class III WRRs and Province-Class III WRRs, the vulnerability shows obvious spatial heterogeneity and diversity measured by the Theil index and the Shannon-Weaver index. Multiscale vulnerability assessment results based on political boundaries and the watersheds of the Haihe River Basin innovatively provided in this paper are important and useful to characterize the real spatial pattern of the vulnerability of water resources and improve water resource management.

Regional differences of vulnerability of food security in China

In view of food affordability and the threshold for food security, this paper has established an integrated index for assessing the vulnerability of food security in China, which is composed mainly of the balance between food supply and demand, the reserve for food security and the economic capacity for offset food demand. Six types of food security regions are identified based on the data from county-level statistics. At regional scale, China＇s food security is not optimistic. Under normal conditions without the emergence of extreme disasters and decline of grain-sown areas, China＇s most vulnerable areas （Type Ⅵ） account for 30.3% of the total number of counties （cities）, which are unable to meet the ends by food productivity or market based measures at subsistence levels. In China, there are only 14.5% of the counties （cities） that could guarantee well-off food security through grain production （Type Ⅰ） or economic measures to meet the demand by themselves （Type Ⅲ）. According to the different vulnerable levels of food security and its dominant forming factors, vulnerable regions of food security in China could be classified into three categories： （1） Vulnerable regions of food security dominated by natural factors （including Type IV and Type Via）, which account for 39.4% of the total number of counties （cities）, mainly located in fragile ecologic zones, i.e., farming-grazing transitional zones in the marginal areas of summer monsoon, the poor hilly areas in southern China and so on; （2） Vulnerable regions of food security dominated by low ratio of grain-sown areas （including Type VIb and Type Ⅴ）, which account for 16.7% of the total number of counties （cities）, mostly located in the developed areas in the eastern coast of China; （3） Potential vulnerable regions of food security with underdeveloped local economies （Type Ⅱ）, of which 57% are the main grain-surplus regions in China, mainly located in the areas of plains and basins with favorable climate.

Practical seismic resilience evaluation and crisis management planning through GIS-based vulnerability assessment of buildings

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate how assessment of seismic vulnerability can be effective in protection against earthquakes.Findings are reported from a case study in a densely populated urban area near an active fault,utilizing practical methods and exact engineering data.Vulnerability factors were determined due to technical considerations,and a field campaign was performed to collect the required data.Multi-criteria decision making was carried out by means of an analytical hierarchy process including a fuzzy standardization.Earthquake scenarios were applied through an implicit vulnerability model.GIS was utilized and the results were analyzed by classifying the state of vulnerability in levels as very low,low,moderate,high,and very high.Seismic resilience was evaluated as vulnerabilities below the moderate state,being about 40% in an intensity of 6 Mercalli and less than 10% in 10 Mercalli.It is concluded that seismic resilience in the area studied is not acceptable,the area is vulnerable in the expected scenarios,and due to the high seismicity of the region,proper crisis management planning is required in parallel with attempts toward retrofitting.In this regard,an emergency map was developed with reference to the assessed vulnerabilities.

Comprehensive Assessment of Eco-environment Vulnerability in Hebei Province Based on ArcGIS

[Objective] This study aimed to assess the vulnerability of ecological environment in Hebei Province.[Method] Based on ArcGIS,by using the dominant factor and maximum limits factor method,we established the sensitivity-reality indicator system and assessment model of the eco-environment vulnerability in Hebei Province to quantitatively evaluate its eco-environment vulnerability,and analyzed its spatial distribution.[Result] The status quo of environmental degradation was inconsistent with the sensitivity of eco-environment in Hebei Province.The area of severely vulnerable region accounted for only 4.1% of total area in Hebei Province,mainly distributed in nine counties or districts of Baxia region,Zhangjiakou,northwestern Hebei,which was covered with mountains and basins,showing bands,which resulted from the vulnerability of soil erosion and land desertification.In addition,the moderately vulnerable region made up 38.4%,having the largest proportion,and mainly distributed in the mountain and basin region in northwestern Hebei,Yanshan Mountain and the most regions of Taihang Mountain,due to the vulnerability of soil erosion.At the same time,there were also large patches of moderately vulnerable region in Bashang and Baxia of Zhangjiakou,owning to the vulnerability of land desertification.Besides,most plains were mildly vulnerable and slightly vulnerable regions,and their areas accounted for 25.1% and 32.4% respectively of total area.[Conclusion] The research could provide scientific references for safeguarding the ecological security and main functional district planing of Hebei Province.

Vulnerability Assessment of Shallow Groundwater in Ordos Cretaceous Basin

[Objective] The aim was to evaluate the vulnerability to pollution of shallow groundwater in Or（los Cretaceous Basin system. [Method] Mathematical modeling, GIS spatial analysis and multivariate statistical analysis technologies were introduced to improve the traditional groundwater vulnerability assessment model of DRASTIC in view of its strong subjective for expert estimation and weight assigning. In the meantime, the intensi- ty and reasons of vulnerability to pollution of groundwater in the area were studied, and measures to protect local groundwater were proposed. [Resultl Using improved DRASTIC method to assess the vulnerability to pollution of groundwater in Ordos Cretaceous Basin system was objective and reliable. The application of fertilizer was the main influential factors to the vulnerability to pollution of groundwater in Ordos Cretaceous Basin sys- tem. It was advised to lessen the usage of fertilizer and not to drink water from lake or deep ground water. Density, rock, and evaporation were fac- tors that led to intensive vulnerability to pollution of groundwater in shallow areas. [ Conclusion] The study provided a new method for the evaluation of vulnerability to pollution of groundwater in Ordos Basin.

Vulnerability assessment of the Satluj catchment for sustainable development of hydroelectric projects in the northwestern Himalaya

Hydropower if scientifically developed is considered to be one of the clean and non-polluted renewable energy sources.But its impacts always exist on physical and social environment of the area.The present study was conducted in the River Satluj basin which is well known for its hydropower potential.The main objective of the study was to understand the vulnerability of the Satluj basin and to develop a strategy for the development of hydropower projects.This basin has been facing many problems relating to construction of haphazard development of hydropower projects.This has led multi-hazards like landslides,floods,earthquakes,etc.Here,vulnerability assessment index was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively.Geographical Information System and people’s perception were used to study these aspects in the basin.The parameters considered for vulnerability assessment were slope,slope profile,relative relief,curvature,slope aspect,soil texture,lithology,river morphometry,precipitation,hydroelectric projects,land use and land cover,mass-movement,flood,geological elements and earthquake occurrences.The highest vulnerability was found in the middle zone,and finally on the basis of parameters analyzed;the hydropower’s development strategy was developed.

Internet of Things Based Solutions for Transport Network Vulnerability Assessment in Intelligent Transportation Systems

Intelligent Transportation System(ITS)is essential for effective identification of vulnerable units in the transport network and its stable operation.Also,it is necessary to establish an urban transport network vulnerability assessment model with solutions based on Internet of Things(IoT).Previous research on vulnerability has no congestion effect on the peak time of urban road network.The cascading failure of links or nodes is presented by IoT monitoring system,which can collect data from a wireless sensor network in the transport environment.The IoT monitoring system collects wireless data via Vehicle-to-Infrastructure(V2I)channels to simulate key segments and their failure probability.Finally,the topological structure vulnerability index and the traffic function vulnerability index of road network are extracted from the vulnerability factors.The two indices are standardized by calculating the relative change rate,and the comprehensive index of the consequence after road network unit is in a failure state.Therefore,by calculating the failure probability of road network unit and comprehensive index of road network unit in failure state,the comprehensive vulnerability of road network can be evaluated by a risk calculation formula.In short,the IoT-based solutions to the new vulnerability assessment can help road network planning and traffic management departments to achieve the ITS goals.

Assessing the vulnerability of changing coasts,Hainan Island,China

Knowledge of coastline changes and vulnerability is of great importance to local government departments that are responsible for the management and development of coastal zones.To study the nature of change and vulnerability along the coasts of the Hainan Island,we collected a large number of sediment samples through the last few years,and reconstructed the changes of the coastline by combining the data of sediment grain-size analysis and the nautical charts/TM RS imaginary.Contrary to being almost free from erosion（as expected from the findings that the coastlines are in a relatively stable state）,four major cities in Hainan（i.e.,Haikou,Wenchang,Sanya and Changjiang） turned out to be suffered from a moderate coastal vulnerability primarily because of the large populations that impose considerable pressure on the coastlines.Thus,the assessment methodology utilized in this study,including both anthropogenic and natural factors,serves as a useful tool to obtain a comprehensive understanding of coastline vulnerability for local government,in terms of coastal management and adaptation.

Vulnerability Assessment of Snow Disaster Based on Traffic System:A Case Study of Chenzhou City in Hunan Province,China

The article establishes the patterns of urban snow disaster system and disaster chain based on the theory of regional disaster system. The patterns indicate that urban snow disaster is exacerbated mainly through the traffic system. In addition, the paper sets up the vulnerability assessment index system and synthetically vulnerability assessment model of urban snow disaster which are mainly based on traffic system, and applies them in Chenzhou City. The results of assessment indicate that obvious geographical differences exist in the vulnerability of snow disaster bearing bodies: vulnerability of Chenzhou section of the Beijing-Zhuhai expressway is the highest in Chenzhou City, and the southeastern counties are more vulnerable than the northwest region. Furthermore, according to the snow disaster vulnerability dynamic process analysis, the vulnerability of Chenzhou City obviously increased in 2008 winter compared with that in 2007. Finally, the paper presents some suggestions for the locations of the emergency commands and the reserves of relief materials based on the evaluation results, and points out that disaster monitoring and relevant technical level should be strengthened for the minimization of traffic system's vulnerability.

Climate Change Vulnerability and Disaster Risk Assessment Using Remote Sensing Technology and Adaptation Strategies for Resiliency and Disaster Risk Management in Selected Coastal Municipalities of Zambales, Philippines

The Philippines is one of the most hazard prone and vulnerable countries in the world to climate change effects due to its geographical location. Climate change is already happening and affecting many places causing huge problems to coastal ecosystems. Vulnerability and disaster assessment and mapping in coastal areas are essential tasks and undertakings for coastal disaster risk management. The objectives of this study were to assess the climate change vulnerability and disaster risks in the four municipalities (Sta. Cruz, Candelaria, Masinloc and Palauig) of Zambales and to determine the climate change community-based adaptation (CBA) and ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) strategies. Remote sensing, GIS, secondary data gathering and key informant interview were used to assess vulnerability and disaster risks and mapping in the four municipalities. Survey questionnaire, focus group discussion and key informant interview were utilized in gathering data for the determination of climate change adaptation strategies. Using remote sensing technology, it was revealed that coastline changes have occurred in the shorelines of the four coastal municipalities after a decade. Sea level rise happened in Sta. Cruz and Masinloc, Zambales while there was build-up of soil in the coastline of Candelaria and Palauig, Zambales. Twelve hazard maps, 12 vulnerability maps and 12 disaster risk maps were generated for the three major disasters (flood, landslide, storm surge) in the four coastal municipalities. Based on the flood vulnerability and disaster risk assessment, the municipality of Palauig was found to be the most prone to flooding while the municipality of Candelaria was found to be the most vulnerable to landslide compared to other municipalities. All coastal barangays in the four municipalities were susceptible to storm surge. The four coastal municipalities were conducting community-based adaptation (CBA) and ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) approaches in order to protect their coastal resources from the damaging impacts of climate change and improve the resilience of their local communities.

Study of the Coastal Vulnerability in Indramayu Regency, Indonesia

Coastal vulnerability is a condition of a coastal community or society that leads to or causes an inability to face the threat of danger.The level of vulnerability can be viewed from the physical(infrastructure),social,demographic,and economic vulnerabilities.Physical vulnerability(infrastructure)describes a physical condition(infrastructure)that is prone to certain hazard factors.The coastal vulnerability areas can also be interpreted as a condition where there is an increase in the process of damage in the coastal area which is caused by various factors such as human activities and factors from the nature.This research aims to determine the level of coastal vulnerability in Indramayu coastal Regency with a Coastal Vulnerability Assessment(CVA)analysis approach and a Geographic Information System(GIS).Mapping the status of the vulnerability level of the Indramayu coastal area using the CVA method where the index range generated from the calculation of the four physical parameters mentioned above is between 2.887-3.651 or are in moderate vulnerability.A higher vulnerability value is found in several locations such as Juntikedokan and Benda villages.It is necessary to develop coastal protection in this area to prevent damage to the coastal area.