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In a judgment delivered at Strasbourg, France on June 4, 1999 in the case of "Caillot v. France," the European Court of Human Rights held by five votes to two that there had been a violation of Article 6, Section I (right to a fair trial within a reasonable time) of the European Convention on Human Rights. The applicant complained of the length of administrative proceedings instituted against her in violation of Article 6, Section I.

This study focuses on the model selection of peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV), and peak ground displacement (PGD) prediction utilizing strong motion data of earthquakes that occurred in Türkiye. An inventive gradient boosted model (GBM) predicted the PGA, PGV, and PGD using a database obtained from The Ministry of Interior Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Türkiye (AFAD). Alternative classification and decision tree models like K-Star algorithm, Sequential Minimal Optimization Regression (SMOreg), Random Forest (RF), and K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN) were utilized to make comparisons with the results obtained from GBM. Furthermore, this comparison also includes the PGA prediction outcomes obtained through the use of the artificial neural network (ANN) technique. Earthquake magnitude (Mw), epicentral distance (Repi), focal depth (FD), and mean shear-wave velocity from the surface to a depth of 30 m (Vs30) were considered as independent input parameters. Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Schwartz Bayesian criterion (SBC) were employed to evaluate the prediction performance of all models. The results obtained from the GBM model were found to be better regarding PGA prediction than the other models. These results were revealed models to be a promising approach for the prediction of PGA, and capable of representing the complex relationship between predicted and input parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—The response of sandy and clay subsurface soils, representing classes of non-cohesive and cohesive soils, during seismic motion of various intensities is analyzed based on the in situ observations—records by seismic vertical arrays of the Japanese strong motion network KiK-net. From a total of ~800 stations, five stations with sandy and five stations with clayey subsurface soils represented in the upper layers in their purest forms were selected for the analysis. For sandy and clayey stations, models of soil behavior during strong motion were constructed by the method of (Pavlenko and Irikura, 2003), showing vertical distributions of stresses and strains induced by strong motion in soil layers; and the behaviors were compared. Similar estimates of the amplification of seismic waves in sands and clays during weak motions and similar stress-strain relations describing the behavior of subsurface soils during moderate seismic motions are obtained. The liquefaction of sandy soils during strong motions (the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, Mw ~ 9.0) and the effects of extended seismic source (the directivity of seismic radiation) on the behavior of sandy and clayey soils and amplification of seismic waves are analyzed. Differences in the behavior of sandy and clayey soils are observed only during strong motions, namely, liquefaction occurs in sandy soils (when the groundwater level is about several meters from the surface), but never in clayey soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, physics-based numerical simulation (PBS) is employed to render a broad-band (0–10 Hz) realization of the near-field seismic response of the experimental nuclear site of Cadarache, located nearby the active Middle Durance Fault (southeastern France). The sensitivity of the earthquake numerical model to geological features is investigated by comparison with geophysical measurements and past aftershock and by highlighting the amplification induced by the soft sediments below Cadarache. The blind prediction of an M W6 target earthquake is approached by synthesizing four different finite-fault scenarios. The outcome is compared to the standard ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs), unveiling a possible GMPE overestimation of the pseudospectral acceleration ordinates at short natural periods, supporting the actual need to integrate synthetic and empirical predictions when direct observations are not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest in assessing seismic risk in earthquake-prone regions in Morocco has been increasing over recent decades, to a large extent due to the substantial amount of damage imposed by recent events and because the population in these regions has grown significantly. In this context, the present study is aimed to contribute to the understanding of seismic risk in the urban areas of the Rif region, one of the most seismically active zones of Morocco, through the development and analysis of 36 building models representative of this area. Two earthquake scenarios were considered for the assessment of the seismic hazard, based on the national seismic code and the European code adapted to local seismic parameters. The performance points, determined following generated response and capacity spectra, made it possible to establish damage probability matrices. Obtained results corroborate those of previous reports, confirming that the damage is more significant in Imzouren due to the nature of the soil. It has also been shown that the credibility of the response spectra drawn from the national code is questioned, given the extreme damage estimated. The adapted European spectrum proved to be a more reliable probabilistic earthquake scenario for damage estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angular distribution and correlation measurements are an essential tool in nuclear structure experiments, especially when spectroscopic information on a specific nucleus is unknown. In most cases, the experimental determination of the spins and parities of the studied nuclear states, as well as the possible mixing between two electric/magnetic multipoles of a transition are determined using angular correlation measurements. In this work, the full effect of directional γ correlations is simulated, by using the formal theory of angular correlations. The statistical tensor formalism is employed, enabling to perform a full simulation of the angular correlation effects in a cascade of an arbitrary number of γ transitions. The present approach was coupled with the Monte Carlo code FIFRELIN, which can simulate the de-excitation of fission fragments or of excited nuclei after neutron capture. It provides a complete description of the spatial distributions of all the γ rays in the cascade, that can be used for simulation purposes in various applications both in nuclear and particle physics. The potential for a novel approach in data analysis of angular correlation measurements is discussed thoroughly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

World tuna catches reached 5.2 million metric tons in 2018, more than doubling since the early 1990s, primarily due to the introduction of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). The widespread use of drifting FADs has increased the economic efficiency of the fleet by making it easier to aggregate and locate tuna schools, but at a high ecological cost, including: significant catches of juvenile tunas; bycatch of endangered, threatened and protected species; and "ghost fishing," marine pollution, and sensitive habitat destruction by abandoned FADs. Recent analysis indicates that most deployed FADs are eventually lost, stolen, beached, or abandoned, continuing their destructive impacts. This paper examines the legal regime, market forces, and other factors that frame FAD use. We demonstrate that, because deployed FADs are legally considered to be fishing, when they drift into closed areas or otherwise contravene national or international agreements or regulations, they are Illegal, Unreported, and/or Unregulated (IUU); vessels using such FADs are therefore IUU. We suggest that introducing a transparent FAD ownership tracking system and requiring FAD owners to mitigate their impacts could substantially improve the effectiveness of tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and redirect market incentives to properly support tuna management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletin de Geologia is the property of Universidad Industrial de Santander and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering measurements on water and alkaline bromine aqueous solutions (XBr, with X = Li, Rb, or Cs) were carried out from ambient to supercritical conditions. The temperature was increased from 300 to 750 K along several isobars between 24 and 35 MPa. The correlation length and the structure factor were extracted from the data following the Ornstein-Zernike formalism. We obtained experimental evidence of the shift of the critical point and isochore and their dependence on the ions concentration (0.33 mol/kg and 1.0 mol/kg). We also observed that the size of the density fluctuations and the structure factor increase with the presence of the ions and that this effect is positively correlated with the atomic number of the cation. These behaviors were compared with ZnBr2 and NaCl systems from the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determine by small-angle x-ray scattering the structure factor of hydrophobic particles inserted within lamellar surfactant phases for various particle concentrations. The data are then analyzed by numerically solving the Ornstein-Zernicke equation, taking into account both the intra- and interlayer interactions. We find that particles within the same layer repel each other and that the interaction potential (taken as independent of the concentration) has a contact value of 2.2kBT and a range of about 10 Å. If the amplitude is allowed to decrease with increasing concentration, the contact value in the dilute limit is about 5kBT for a similar range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an index to the April 1999 issue of "Human Rights Case Digest."

Progress in the understanding and dating of the sedimentary record of the Alboran Basin allows us to propose a model of its tectonic evolution since the Pliocene. After a period of extension, the Alboran Basin underwent a progressive tectonic inversion starting around 9–7.5 Ma. The Alboran Ridge is a NE–SW transpressive structure accommodating the shortening in the basin. We mapped its southwestern termination, a Pliocene rhombic structure exhibiting series of folds and thrusts. The active Al-Idrissi Fault zone (AIF) is a Pleistocene strike-slip structure trending NNE–SSW. The AIF crosses the Alboran Ridge and connects to the transtensive Nekor Basin and the Nekor Fault to the south. In the Moroccan shelf and at the edge of a submerged volcano we dated the inception of the local subsidence at 1.81–1.12 Ma. The subsidence marks the propagation of the AIF toward the Nekor Basin. Pliocene thrusts and folds and Quaternary transtension appear at first sight to act at different tectonic periods but reflect the long-term evolution of a transpressive system. Despite the constant direction of Africa–Eurasia convergence since 6 Ma, along the southern margin of the Alboran Basin, the Pliocene–Quaternary compression evolves from transpressive to transtensive along the AIF and the Nekor Basin. This system reflects the logical evolution of the deformation of the Alboran Basin under the indentation of the African lithosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the proliferation of drifting fish aggregating devices (FADs) and analyses subsequent legal questions that arise for fisheries and marine litter management over who is responsible for FADs during their drifting stage. This follows recent concerns about unlicensed FADs drifting through closed areas. This article analyses a case study of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) in order to determine State obligations to manage drifting FADs. Analysis concludes that a drifting FAD in the WCPFC Area is 'fishing' from deployment to recovery, thereby creating obligations to monitor, control and report drifting FADs, consistent with broader obligations for coastal and flag States. The article recommends strengthening regional management in three ways: implement regional drifting FAD monitoring systems; control deployment of drifting FADs so as to promote recovery and minimize lost gear; and define appropriate responses for FADs that drift into national or closed waters without a license. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to seismically evaluate reinforced concrete buildings in the northern region of Morocco. In the past, the area have suffered from numerous earthquakes, lately the 2004 earthquake near the city of Al Hoceima (Mw of 6.4 causing more than 600 fatalities) and the region is constantly subject to seismic threats. A total number of 2746 residential buildings from the cities of Al Hoceima and Imzouren have been investigated for the purposes of this study. The proposed method adapts the Japanese Seismic Index Method making it more time-efficient and tuned to the context of the Moroccan construction. The method is based on a visual inspection of buildings and an in-depth insight of how constructions are designed and built in the region. The results show that Imzouren is more exposed to damage than the city of Al Hoceima is, mainly due to the soil nature. The method also shows that as the building's height increases, it becomes more vulnerable. Furthermore, constructions that comply with the seismic regulations have a significant capacity to withstand damage without collapsing unlike other non-engineered buildings that have an almost non-existent ductility and can collapse soon during intense earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Agricultural Sciences / Revista Brasileira de Ciências Agrárias is the property of Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We studied the attenuation of coda waves and its frequency and lapse-time dependence in northern Morocco. We analysed coda waves of 66 earthquakes recorded in this region during 2008 for four lapse time windows of length 30, 40, 50, and 60 s, and at five frequency bands with central frequency in the range of 0.75-12 Hz. We determined the frequency dependent Qc relation for the horizontal (NS and EW) and vertical (Z) component seismograms. We analyzed three-component broadband seismograms of 66 local earthquakes for determining coda-Q based on the single back-scattering model. The Qc values show strong frequency dependence in 1.5-12 Hz that is related to high degree of heterogeneity of the medium. The lapse time dependence of Qc shows that Q0 (Qc at 1 Hz) significantly increases with lapse time that is related to the depth dependence of attenuation and hence of the level of heterogeneity of the medium. The average frequency-dependent Qc(f) values are Qc=(143.75±1.09)f(0.864±0.006),Qc=(149.12±1.08)f(0.85±0.005) and Qc=(140.42±1.81)f(0.902±0.004) for the vertical, north-south and east-west components of motion, respectively. The frequency-dependent Qc(f) relations are useful for evaluating source parameters (Singh et al. 2001), which are the key inputs for seismic hazard assessment of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geodynamic processes in the western Mediterranean are driven by both deep (mantle) processes such as slab-rollback or delamination, oblique plate convergence and inherited structures. The present-day deformation of the Alboran Sea and in particular the Nekor basin area is linked to these coeval effects. The seismically active Nekor basin is an extensional basin formed in a convergent setting at the eastern part of the Rif Chain whose boundaries extend both onshore and offshore Morocco. We propose a new structural model of the Nekor basin based on high-resolution offshore data compiled from recent seismic reflection profiles, swath bathymetry acquisitions and industrial seismic reflection profiles. The new data set shows that the northern limit of the basin is oriented N49° with right-stepping faults from the Bousekkour-Aghbal fault to the sinistral Bokkoya fault zone. This pattern indicates the presence of an inherited left-lateral basement fault parallel to the major inherited Nekor fault. This fault has been interpreted as a Quaternary active left-lateral transfer fault localized on weak structural discontinuities inherited from the orogenic period. Onshore and offshore active faults enclose a rhombohedral tectonic Nekor Basin. Normal faults oriented N155° offset the most recent Quaternary deposits in the Nekor basin, and indicate the transtensional behaviour of this basin. The geometry of these faults suggests a likely rollover structure and the presence at depth of a crustal detachment. Inactive Plio-Quaternary normal faults to the east of the Ras Tarf promontory and geometries of depocentres seem to indicate the migration of deformation from east to west. The local orientations of horizontal stress directions deduced from normal fault orientations are compatible with the extrusion of the Rifian units and coherent with the westward rollback of the Tethyan slab and the localization of the present-day slab detachment or delamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al Hoceima is one of the most seismic active regions in north of Morocco. It is demonstrated by the large seismic episodes reported in seismic catalogs and research studies. However, seismic risk is relatively high due to vulnerable buildings that are either old or don't respect seismic standards. Our aim is to present a study about seismic risk and seismic scenarios for the city of Al Hoceima. The seismic vulnerability of the existing residential buildings was evaluated using the vulnerability index method (Risk-UE). It was chosen to be adapted and applied to the Moroccan constructions for its practicality and simple methodology. A visual inspection of 1102 buildings was carried out to assess the vulnerability factors. As for seismic hazard, it was evaluated in terms of macroseismic intensity for two scenarios (a deterministic and probabilistic scenario). The maps of seismic risk are represented by direct damage on buildings, damage to population and economic cost. According to the results, the main vulnerability index of the city is equal to 0.49 and the seismic risk is estimated as Slight (main damage grade equal to 0.9 for the deterministic scenario and 0.7 for the probabilistic scenario). However, Moderate to heavy damage is expected in areas located in the newer extensions, in both the east and west of the city. Important economic losses and damage to the population are expected in these areas as well. The maps elaborated can be a potential guide to the decision making in the field of seismic risk prevention and mitigation strategies in Al Hoceima. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus), large pelagic predators and important fishery targets, frequently associate with floating debris or manmade fish aggregating devices (FADs). We tagged 8 dolphinfish with pressure-sensitive ultrasonic transmitters and actively tracked individuals continuously for up to 40 h to elucidate the vertical movement patterns and differences between FADassociated (FAD-A) and FAD-unassociated (FAD-U) fish. Four additional fish were equipped with acoustic transmitters and passively monitored for several days with receivers attached to FADs. When not associated with FADs, dolphinfish used the upper 75-100 m of the water column during the day and made descents up to 160 m during the night. In contrast, FAD-A fish generally stayed within the upper 10 m of the water column and tended to make deeper excursions during the day rather than at night. Water temperature data from expendable bathythermographs deployed during active tracking showed that fish only descended to depths where temperatures were =3°C cooler than the uniform-temperature surface layer. The use of vertical behavior to determine whether a dolphinfish is associated or not with a floating object opens the possibility for new, large-scale research aimed at investigating the role of floating objects in the ecosystem inhabited by this species and at assessing the impacts of FADs on its ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Genetika (0534-0012) is the property of Serbian Genetics Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The seismic hazard study for Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir has been conducted by using probabilistic approach in terms of peak ground acceleration (PGA) in m/s and also seismic hazard response spectra for different cities. A new version of Ambraseys et al. (Bull Earthq Eng 3:1-53, ) ground acceleration model is used, and parameterization is based on most recent updated earthquake catalogs that consisted of 14,000 events. The threshold magnitude was fixed at M 4.8, but seismic zones like northern Pakistan-Tajikistan, Hindukush and northern Afghanistan-Tajikistan border had M 5.2. The average normalized ' a' and ' b' values for all zones are 6.15 and 0.95, respectively. Seismicity of study area was modeled, and ground motion was computed for eight frequencies (0.025, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 s) for different annual exceedance rates of 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, 0.002 and 0.001 (return periods 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 years) for stiff rocks at the gridding of 0.1° × 0.1°. Seismic hazard maps based on computed PGA for 0.02, 0.01 and 0.002 annual exceedance are prepared. These maps indicate the earthquake hazard of Pakistan and surrounding areas in the form of acceleration contour lines, which are in agreement with geological and seismotectonic characteristics of the study area. The maximum seismic hazard values are found at Muzaffarabad, Gilgit and Quetta areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent average annual catches of sharks by tuna longline vessels fishing in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) are estimated to be between 1583 and 2274 t. Although 22 shark species have been recorded by the observer programme for this fishery, 80% of the annual catch comprises only five species: blue shark Prionace glauca, silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis, bigeye thresher shark Alopias superciliosus, pelagic thresher shark Alopias pelagicus and oceanic whitetip shark Carcharhinus longimanus. Wire leaders ( i.e. branch lines or traces) were also used by nearly all observed vessels. Generalized additive model (GAM)-based analyses of catch rates indicated that P. glauca and A. superciliosus are caught in higher numbers when vessels fish in relatively cooler waters, at night, close to the full moon, when the 27° C thermocline is close to the surface and during El Niño conditions. In contrast, C. falciformis, A. pelagicus and C. longimanus are caught in higher numbers when shark lines are used (all three species) or hooks are set at a shallow depth ( A. pelagicus and C. longimanus and, also, P. glauca). These findings are generally consistent with current knowledge of these species' habitat preferences, movement and distribution. The results of these analyses were combined with information pertaining to shark condition and fate upon capture to compare the likely effectiveness of a range of potential measures for reducing shark mortality in the longline fishery. Of the options considered, the most effective would be to combine measures that reduce the catch rate ( e.g. restrictions on the use of wire leaders, shark baits and shark lines) with measures that increase survival rates after post-capture release ( e.g. finning bans). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two series of side chain liquid crystal (SCLC) polyacrylate-silica aerogel nanocomposites have been investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The first series (ex-situ nanocomposite) was obtained by infiltration of a smectic SCLC polyacrylate prepared by polymerisation in solution into monolithic aerogel slabs. The second one (in-situ nanocomposite) was prepared by photopolymerisation of the monomer infiltrated in the aerogel. The results are compared with those obtained for bulk polyacrylates. It is shown that the smectic ordering is not destroyed by confinement in the aerogel. Spacing of the smectic layers and smectic correlation lengths were deduced from the fit of the SAXS profiles to a Lorentzian function with a quadratic correction. The principal results suggest that in-situ polymerisation enhances the degree of order and the stability of the smectic phase in the nanocomposite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of background noise at Al Hoceima city and its extension zones allowed us to elaborate a seismic microzonation map. The analysis of this map shows existing relationships between the observed dominant periods and the local geological conditions. In particular, a strong correlation between the dominant periods and the topography is apparent; indeed, we find larger dominant periods in areas with higher topography such as in the Ras El Abed sector to the north of the city and in the area of Cala Bonita, south of the city. Furthermore, the field work conducted in the region revealed that the karstic phenomenon is well developed in the Ras El Abed sector, and affects the dominant periods and a hence the site response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents response spectral attenuation laws used in the new French Safety Rule, which is the reference for nuclear safety studies in France. Attenuation laws were derived from 965 horizontal and 485 vertical components from a two-step inversion method and accounts for geometrical spreading, anelastic attenuation and geological site condition. The datasets are mainly constituted of European strong motion records (83%) recently collected and homogeneously processed. In order to complete the distribution data beyond magnitude 6, a few American records were added, representing 17% of the datasets. The magnitude type and source-to-site distance definitions chosen to derive the laws are tested with respect to other definitions. These parametric tests induce a conservative law, for some magnitude and distance ranges of interest. The residual values between observed and predicted spectral accelerations are studied and do not exhibit any bias. The inferred laws are in good agreement with classical strong motion attenuation laws. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have retrospectively analysed 344 multiple myeloma (MM) patients (202 de novo patients) treated in a non-uniform way in whom high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) response was simultaneously measured by both electrophoresis (EP) and immunofixation (IF). Patients in complete remission (CR) by EP were further subclassified as CR1 when IF was negative and CR2 when it remained positive. Partial responders (PR) were also subclassified as PR1 (very good PR, > 90% reduction in M-component) or PR2 (50–90% reduction). CR1 patients showed a significantly better event-free survival (EFS) [35% at 5 years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 17–53, median 46 months] and overall survival (OS) (72% at 5 years, CI 57–86, median not reached) compared with any other response group (univariate comparison P < 0·00000 to P = 0·004). In contrast, comparison of CR2 with PR1 and with PR2 did not define different prognostic subgroups (median EFS 30, 30 and 26 months respectively, P = 0·6; median survival 56, 44 and 42 months respectively, P = 0·5). The non-responding patients had the worst outcome (5-year OS 8%, median 7 months). Multivariate analysis confirmed both the absence of differences among CR2, PR1 and PR2 and the highly discriminatory prognostic capacity of a three-category classification: (i) CR1 (ii) CR2 + PR1 + PR2, and (iii) non-response (EFS P < 0·00000; OS P < 0·00000; both Cox models P < 0·00000). In the logistic regression analysis, the factors significantly associated with failure to achieve CR1 were the use of two or more up-front chemotherapy lines, status of non-response pre-ASCT and inclusion of total body irradiation (TBI) in the preparative regimen. Tandem transplants or the use of multiple agents (busulphan and melphalan) in the preparative regimen resulted in a higher CR1 level; none of the biological factors explored influenced the possibility of achieving CR1. These results confirm that, in MM patients undergoing ASCT, achieving a negative IF identifies the patient subset with the best prognosis; accordingly, therapeutic strategies should be specifically designed to achieve negative IF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An assessment of uncertainties for ground motion predictions with the aid of the empirical Green's function (EGF) technique is presented. The main input parameters were identified, and their respective uncertainties were assessed by means of an international expert inquiry. The repercussion of these ‘input uncertainties’ on the final ground motion estimates were investigated by means of the Latin Hypercube Sampling technique. The mean ground motion estimates (response spectra) and their standard deviations were compared with results obtained from empirical ‘attenuation laws’. The most sensitive input parameter turned out to be the seismic moment corresponding to the EGF. In general, if the source parameters are well determined, equivalent uncertainties, statistically speaking, can be expected from the EGF technique and from the application of attenuation laws. Therefore, if EGFs with well known source parameters are available, the EGF technique seems to be preferable: site effects are automatically taken into account, and physically realistic acceleration time histories can be obtained. However, further investigations on the reliability of the EGF technique should be performed, and finally, it is recalled that the EGF technique is based on the assumption of linearity. If conditions are such that this assumption cannot be maintained, the EGF technique should be combined with non-linear geotechnical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]