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We present an analysis of the hazards of potential earthquake-generated tsunamis along the Albanian–Adriatic coast. The study adopts a case study approach to model plausible tsunamigenic events associated with the 2019 Mw 6.4 Durres (Albania) earthquake source zone. The approach combines current findings on regional tectonics and scenario-based calculations of potential tsunami impacts. The study’s goal is to analyse the propagation of tsunami waves generated by identified seismogenic sources (namely ALCS002 [Lushnje] and ALCS018 [Shijak]) and determine the tsunami risk assessment for Durres City on the Albanian–Adriatic coast. The sources can generate earthquakes with maximum moment magnitudes of Mw 7.5 and Mw 6.8, which are likely to trigger tsunamis that could cause significant impacts in the region. The modelling is performed deterministically with the NAMI DANCE numerical code, including scenarios associated with the largest plausible earthquake. The model integrates bathymetry and topography datasets of large and medium resolutions. Each tsunami scenario simulation is based on the solution of the non-linear shallow water equations used to generate maximum positive wave amplitudes (water elevation), travel time, and tsunami inundation maps. In Durres City, modelling indicates that medium-sized waves could reach up to 2.5 m inland, posing a significant danger to the city’s low-lying areas. The most substantial tsunami waves are expected to impact the area within the first 10 to 20 min. Combining inundation maps and information on exposed assets allows for identifying areas where damages can be expected. In terms of human impact, a preliminary analysis shows that the study area is prone to tsunami threat, with more than 138,000 inhabitants living in vulnerable urban areas of Durres City by 2036. The model’s capacity to capture details related to the presence of buildings is limited due to constraints posed by the resolution of bathymetry and topography datasets available during this study. If refined with high-resolution bathymetry and topography datasets, our results can be considered a backbone for exposure and resilience assessment features to be integrated into preparedness or new urban development plans.

Significant tsunamis in the Northern Adriatic are rare, and only a few historical events have been reported in the literature, with sources mostly located along central and southern parts of the Adriatic coasts. Recently, a tsunami alert system has been established for the whole Mediterranean area; however, a detailed description of the potential impact of tsunami waves on coastal areas is still missing for several sites. This study aims to model the hazard associated with possible tsunamis generated by offshore earthquakes, with the purpose of contributing to tsunami risk assessment for selected urban areas along the Northeastern Adriatic coasts. Tsunami modelling is performed by the NAMI DANCE software, which allows accounting for seismic source properties, variable bathymetry, and nonlinear effects in wave propagation. Hazard scenarios at the shoreline are developed for the coastal areas of Northeastern Italy and at selected cities (namely, Trieste, Monfalcone, Lignano and Grado). An extensive set of potential tsunamigenic sources of tectonic origin located in three distance ranges (namely at Adriatic-wide, regional and local scales) are considered for the modelling. Sources are defined according to available literature, which includes catalogues of historical tsunamis and existing active faults databases. Accordingly, a set of tsunami-related parameters and maps are obtained (e.g. maximum run-up, arrival times, synthetic mareograms) that are relevant to planning mitigation actions at the selected sites.

Egypt’s northern coast can be considered a dynamic natural system like several coastal regions worldwide. While it provides many opportunities and resources, it may also pose significant challenges to the community, as the area is prone to land and marine-related geohazards (e.g., earthquakes, sea-level rise, land subsidence, storms, coastal erosion, and tsunamis). Also, the recent national census survey indicates that numerous assets, systems, infrastructures, and cultural heritage sites (elements under risk) are situated within the zone of hazards. Multi-hazard and risk assessments are therefore necessary to achieve national sustainable development plans. This study, in particular, focuses on tsunami hazard, which is defined here as the envelope (upper bound estimate) from a comprehensive set of possible simulated tsunami scenarios. The main aim of this work is to provide robust and conservative hazard estimates while considering the variability related to earthquake parameters. The seismological parameters that describe each tsunamigenic earthquake scenario are extracted from published works. Also, detailed nested grids of topo-bathymetry are developed from free-access data sources. The seismological and topo-bathymetry data are essential components for separately carrying out tsunami modelling for each individual scenario. The simulated scenarios are aggregated to build tsunami intensity maps of interest. The ETAs (Expected Time of Arrival), the maximum, average, and standard deviation of coastal tsunami wave height and the inundation maps are developed based on an aggregated scenario. In addition, the simulation of tsunami wave propagation can provide synthetic mareographs computed at selected sites, which can be used for detailed site-specific analysis. The obtained results from the current work indicate that the northern Egyptian coast is characterized by a moderate-to-high tsunami hazard. The western part of this coast poses the maximum coastal tsunami wave heights; however, the longitudinal dunes, extending parallel to the shoreline, form a natural barrier that reduces the tsunami hazard. In contrast, the central and eastern parts of the Nile Delta and the entrance of the Suez Canal show relatively lower tsunami amplitude but a large inundation because of its low altitude and flat topography that could pose a higher risk to this area. The relatively high exposure and high vulnerability of elements under threat along the northern coast of Egypt may dramatically increase the future risk. It is critical to incorporate these results into a broader multi-hazard and risk assessment to effectively mitigate the impact of natural disasters on the Egyptian-Mediterranean coast.

At 12:51 UTC on May 2nd, 2020, an offshore earthquake of magnitude Mw= 6.7 and focal depth of around 10 km occurred south of the island of Crete (Greece). The initial tsunami alert message (TAMs) received by the Egyptian National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics—NRIAG (i.e. the National Tsunami Warning Focal Point for Egypt) was issued by the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens (NOA-HLNTWC), and was based on preliminary, a rather inaccurate hypocenter and magnitude estimates. About 36 min after the earthquake, a follow-up message with an increased tsunami warning level was issued; the updated warning was motivated by a significant revision of hypocenter and magnitude estimates rather than on standard incoming sea-level data processing. This study's main objective is to evaluate the North-East Atlantic, Mediterranean and connected Seas (NEAMTWS) tsunami service providers (TSPs) dissemination process of tsunami alert messages (TAMs) basin-wide and in the Eastern Mediterranean in particular and cross-checking them against observed and modelled seismological and sea-level data. Based on the critical review of the tsunami warning messages disseminated by NOA-HLNTWC and other TSPs (which is a TSP in the Eastern Mediterranean) and received by NRIAG (which is a TWFP for Egypt), a comprehensive review of the tsunami early warning system tools and procedures is urgently needed in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, it is crucial to show the active involvement of countries on the southern coast of the Mediterranean, since tsunami warning can only be efficient with international cooperation on data (seismic and sea level), and procedures, with the participation of all the Mediterranean shorelines.

Out-of-home mobility has been identified as essential for older adults to access activities in their community that keep them healthy and well. As individuals grow older, they are more likely to experience medical conditions and other health-related changes that can affect their ability to drive. Balancing older peoples’ continued mobility against their own and others’ safety has been always a challenge. Therefore, it is important to understand elderly people’s everyday mobility issues and challenges/factors associated with driving cessation. This paper aims to identify and quantify factors contributing to older adults’ satisfaction with their everyday mobility using ordered probit (OP) modeling. Its underlying objective is to provide better understanding of factors that may influence older adults to stop driving. The data used in the analysis was obtained through an online survey of 1,000 Canadians aged 65+. The results of the OP model indicate that several factors affect older adults’ satisfaction with their everyday mobility including driving a car to reach destinations, ability to drive alone (without help from others), experiencing difficulties/challenges with driving, having a physical health issue restricting the ability to walk, fear of falling while walking, and inability to visit local places as often as desirable. The findings also suggest that factors influencing older drivers’ decisions to retire from driving (for those already retired from driving) are different from those perceived by people still driving. The study’s results provide insights about policies and countermeasures that can be implemented to improve the safety and mobility of the aging population.

Accessible and safe mobility is critical for those aged 65 years and older to maintain their health, quality of life, and well-being. Being able to move beyond one’s home and participate in activities in older adulthood requires consideration of both transportation needs and preferences. This paper aims to address a gap in evidence with respect to understanding factors that can affect older adults’ perceptions and willingness to use autonomous vehicles. In addition, it examines how these factors compare with those of younger adults to better understand the potential implications of this technology on mobility and quality of life. Using responses of those aged 65+ to a national survey of Canadians, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to identify and quantify factors significantly associated with older adults’ willingness to use autonomous vehicles. The SEM results suggest that factors such as using other modes of transit (e.g., sharing rides as passenger, bicycle, public transit, commuter rail, ride and car sharing) as well as distance traveled by automobile, income, gender (being male), and living in urban areas, were all positively associated with older adults’ perceptions of using autonomous driving features. The findings also suggest that older Canadians are more concerned about autonomous vehicles than younger Canadians. This study provides valuable insights into factors that can affect the preferences of Canadians when it comes to autonomous technology in their automobiles. Such results can inform the way in which transportation systems are designed to ensure the needs of users are considered across both age and ability.

Red light running crashes have always been a major concern to both researchers and practitioners. In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the red light crashes contribute to about 60% of the total severe crashes at signalized intersections. This fact called for a project in 2013, for which new red light cameras (RLCs) were planned to cover 150 intersections in Abu Dhabi City. With the completion of the second stage of this project, 36 signalized intersections have been covered either fully (all intersection approaches) or partially (only major approaches) with a total of 108 RLCs. These RLCs are now in place and have been fully functioning since January 2014. The primary aim of this study was to examine the impact of the installed RLCs on the traffic safety performance in the city. To waive the effects of other factors, two groups were created; they include a study group (36 signalized intersections with RLCs) and a comparison group (36 similar intersections without RLCs). The results indicate a reduction of about 40% to 52% for the number of crashes and 48% to 60% for the number of fatalities and injuries. The majority of at-fault drivers were young male drivers from Asian countries with read-and-write educational level. Moreover, crashes, fatalities, and injuries were modeled using the negative binomial technique. Among 13 tested variables describing the traffic exposure, traffic violations, number of lanes, and coverage of intersections by RLCs, only the number of lanes was found significant in two significant models.

Serodiagnostic test for the diagnosis of infestation of camels by the camel nasal fly, Cephalopina titillatorwas examined. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was used to analyze and compare the production of antibodies in the camel mucus against salivary gland contents (SGc), excretory-secretory products (ESP), digestive tract contents (DTc) antigens from 2ndand 3rdlarval instars of C. titillatorsampled in summer and winter. ELISA characterization of larval antigens showed that the presence of C. titillatorlarvae in camel, Camelus dromedarius, resulted in higher antibody titer in mucus samples of infested camels collected in winter than those collected in summer in both L2 and L3. In L2, the most antigenic secretion was SGc > ESP > DTc, but in L3 ESP > SGc > DTc. The antibody titers in camel mucus are affected by the intensity of infestation with C. titillator.

Serodiagnostic test for the diagnosis of infestation of camels by the camel nasal fly, Cephalopina titillatorwas examined. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was used to analyze and compare the production of antibodies in the camel mucus against salivary gland contents (SGc), excretory-secretory products (ESP), digestive tract contents (DTc) antigens from 2ndand 3rdlarval instars of C. titillatorsampled in summer and winter. ELISA characterization of larval antigens showed that the presence of C. titillatorlarvae in camel, Camelus dromedarius, resulted in higher antibody titer in mucus samples of infested camels collected in winter than those collected in summer in both L2 and L3. In L2, the most antigenic secretion was SGc > ESP > DTc, but in L3 ESP > SGc > DTc. The antibody titers in camel mucus are affected by the intensity of infestation with C. titillator.

Red light running crashes have always been a major concern to both researchers and practitioners. In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the red light crashes contribute to about 60% of the total severe crashes at signalized intersections. This fact called for a project in 2013, for which new red light cameras (RLCs) were planned to cover 150 intersections in Abu Dhabi City. With the completion of the second stage of this project, 36 signalized intersections have been covered either fully (all intersection approaches) or partially (only major approaches) with a total of 108 RLCs. These RLCs are now in place and have been fully functioning since January 2014. The primary aim of this study was to examine the impact of the installed RLCs on the traffic safety performance in the city. To waive the effects of other factors, two groups were created; they include a study group (36 signalized intersections with RLCs) and a comparison group (36 similar intersections without RLCs). The results indicate a reduction of about 40% to 52% for the number of crashes and 48% to 60% for the number of fatalities and injuries. The majority of at-fault drivers were young male drivers from Asian countries with read-and-write educational level. Moreover, crashes, fatalities, and injuries were modeled using the negative binomial technique. Among 13 tested variables describing the traffic exposure, traffic violations, number of lanes, and coverage of intersections by RLCs, only the number of lanes was found significant in two significant models.

Traffic crashes involving heavy trucks long have been a major concern in the field of traffic safety because of their great effect on accident severity. The emirate of Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, features a unique situation: several roads designed mainly for truck movement. Even though those roads were constructed more than 10 years ago to decrease the severity of truck-related crashes, no prior studies have examined their effects on traffic safety improvements. The goals of this study were to understand better the nature, characteristics, and causes of heavy truck crashes occurring in Abu Dhabi; to identify the factors associated with crash severities; and to examine the probability of truck crashes involving fatalities on truck roads versus on mixed-vehicle roads. Data were analyzed from a sample of 1,426 heavy truck–related crashes with reported fatalities or injuries that occurred in Abu Dhabi between 2007 and 2013. First, conditional distributions, two-way analysis, and odds ratios were performed. Second, ordered probit and structural equation models were developed. Results indicated that the likelihood of truck crashes involving fatalities was 35% higher on truck roads than on mixed-vehicle roads. In addition, findings showed that human error, driver education, location, road type, and road speed variables were significant in affecting the severity of heavy truck–related crashes. Finally, practical suggestions on how to reduce the number of heavy truck–related crashes in Abu Dhabi are presented and discussed.

Proteins and proteolytic activities in the contents of the salivary gland (SGc), digestive tract (DTc) and excretory-secretory products (ESP) from larvae of the camel nasal botfly Cephalopina titillatorwere separated electrophoretically, and characterized. The protein profiles of the different samples were qualitatively quite similar in the larval stages L2 and L3. Zymogram analysis of proteases in the samples indicated that the digestive tract contained a greater variety of proteases than the salivary gland or the excretory-secretory products. They are mainly serine proteases. Proteases of ESP and DTc (especially of 3rdinstar) contain trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like serine proteases, while the serine proteases of SGc are not of the trypsin- or chemotrypsin-type.

Traffic crashes involving heavy trucks long have been a major concern in the field of traffic safety because of their great effect on accident severity. The emirate of Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, features a unique situation: several roads designed mainly for truck movement. Even though those roads were constructed more than 10 years ago to decrease the severity of truck-related crashes, no prior studies have examined their effects on traffic safety improvements. The goals of this study were to understand better the nature, characteristics, and causes of heavy truck crashes occurring in Abu Dhabi; to identify the factors associated with crash severities; and to examine the probability of truck crashes involving fatalities on truck roads versus on mixed-vehicle roads. Data were analyzed from a sample of 1,426 heavy truck–related crashes with reported fatalities or injuries that occurred in Abu Dhabi between 2007 and 2013. First, conditional distributions, two-way analysis, and odds ratios were performed. Second, ordered probit and structural equation models were developed. Results indicated that the likelihood of truck crashes involving fatalities was 35% higher on truck roads than on mixed-vehicle roads. In addition, findings showed that human error, driver education, location, road type, and road speed variables were significant in affecting the severity of heavy truck– related crashes. Finally, practical suggestions on how to reduce the number of heavy truck–related crashes in Abu Dhabi are presented and discussed.