certain – n. known for sure; unquestioned
quantity – n. the amount of number of things
refer – v. to mean; to direct one's attention to
trend – n. a general direction of change; a way of behaving that is developing and becoming more common
vulnerable – adj. open to attack, harm, or damage
pandemic – n. a disease that has spread across a large area
intensive – adj. involving very great effort or work
couple – adj. meaning two
pattern – n. the regular and repeated way in which something happens or is done