Earth Sciences, Geography & Environment Books

Book SynopsisThis book compiles research summaries from a number of different focuses in the important field of environment and agriculture.

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Book SynopsisFlooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States. While levees can help reduce the risk of flooding, it is important to remember that they do not completely eliminate the risk. Chapter One discusses their downsides, as well as why the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) require periodic levee inspections and evaluations. Chapter Two focuses on the Mississippi River levee system, which is one of the largest levee systems in the world, in order to better understand the levee-delta interaction and its impact on the loss of vast expanses of coastal land on deltas around the globe. Furthermore, the chapter examines the New Orleans levee system and its performance during Hurricane Katrina, to demonstrate how human-made changes to the Mississippi River delta natural environment amplified the effects of the storm. Chapter Three explores the basic principles of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) following the latest developments and the current state of research related to wastewater treatment in term of COD, nitrates, phosphates, sulphates and micro pollutants removal. The different factors affecting the MFCs performance treatment are also discussed. Chapter Four focuses on boron, an important element affecting bio-synthesis and cell metabolism, yet one that is harmful when it exceeds its critical limit. A model for the analysis of concentration polarization and the degree of rejection of boric acid, borate anions and monovalent ions is proposed. Chapter Five investigates the relationship between coral calcification rate and four different controlling factors: seawater pH, aragonite saturation state (Ωarag), temperature, and light intensity. Seawater temperature, pH, andΩarag are all being directly affected by the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide occurring. Chapter Six discusses pollution caused by mineral oil. The use of mineral oil in a great variety of products is a basic necessity for an industrialized country; however, the authors say we cannot turn our backs on the responsibilities for the incorrect use of this product, or the damage caused by dumping untreated mineral oil waste products into water bodies. In Chapter Seven, the results of geomorphological research in the Ejina Basin (Inner Mongolia) are presented with regard to identifying the main landforms and the contemporary geologic processes. Chapter Eight focuses on the study of geomorphology and landscape evolution in Namibia, southwestern Africa. The relationship between geomorphology and climate in Namibia reveals the degree and extent to which its landscapes are determined by changing environmental conditions. Finally, Chapter 9 is an analysis of the current global logging activities. The authors explore the major drivers of logging and the logging processes which range from large-scale commercial timber plantations to individual harvesting. The chapter also gives a review of logging operations at a global scale and its underlying effects on the environment and the economy.

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Book SynopsisMany organic pollutants, such as, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are detected in the environment at low concentrations. Due to their large-scale production and usage, toxicity, bioaccumulation and persistence in the environment, they can cause harmful effects to organisms and to human health. Atmospheric deposition, industrial and urban activity presents the main sources of environmental pollution. Chapter One covers inorganic pollution by heavy metals, which is less visible and direct than other types of pollutants, but its effects on marine ecosystems and humans are intensive and very extensive. Chapter Two discusses the degradation resistance of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an artificially synthethised organic compound extensively used as plasticisers for industrial, medical, and domestic purposes, and that is found in wastewater treatment plants. Chapter Three discusses how the pollution risk of soil contamination by the lanthanides and platinum group metals is increasing with the industrialisation and urbanisation growth in Russia.

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Book SynopsisThis volume is devoted to one of the most popular topics of modern ecological and environmental sciences. This book focuses on the alterations in ecological and biogeochemical cycling in impacted polar land and water ecosystems, where a significant part of natural gas and oil production is developing both in Russia and in many other countries. In the near future, these will make great progress. Founded on the field monitoring of various biogeochemical cycle parameters of polar ecosystems and relevant changes in ecological indexes and indicators, the authors suggest new biogeochemical technologies for assessing and managing environmental and geoenvironmental risks in severe climate conditions. This issue is meant for a wide range of scientists, specialists and practitioners in ecological science, biogeochemistry and energy sectors, and may be quite useful to undergraduate and postgraduate students who study the fundamental principles of ecosystem sustainability and anthropogenic impact.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, Chapter One explores these conflicts and disputes focusing on the Harapan Rainforest Project, and weighs the relevance of ERCs for German development cooperation. Chapter Two discusses Cambodia, where land use has been changing increasingly as dry evergreen forests are being converted into rubber plantations. Based on the case of Slovenia, Chapter Three shows that social irresponsibility (eg: inadequate spatial planning, lack of supervision, insufficient insurance policies, and a mix of politics and capital influences) is a factor more responsible than climate change for the catastrophic consequences of natural disasters. In Chapter Four, a variety of optical methods is used to investigate the flicker patterns of light in small waterfalls and their splash zones. Chapter Five discusses the Chandrabhaga river basin, where to release partial pressure from ground water, delineation of the alternative surface water irrigation potential zone is necessary for agricultural sustenance. Chapter Six examines the spatial patterns of urban runoff and occurrences of droughts using Geographic Information System and spatial statistics. Chapter Seven seeks to highlight use of innovative and digital tools for improving design process and comfort in the built environment.

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Book SynopsisLocated in the North Western fringes of Africa, Morocco stretches from North to South on approximately 3000 kilometres of Atlantic coasts. It is a very diverse country, encompassing several landscapes, such as high mountains (e.g., the Atlas and the Rif) and various plains and oases. Chapter One addresses key features of Moroccos plant diversity, the originality and importance of this national plant heritage for the present and the future nationally and internationally in the light of growing threats and global environmental and political changes. The purpose of Chapter Two is to palliate to this issue by developing a spectrometric approach for monitoring soils and waters; an approach which is effective, fast, easy to implement and reliable. Chapter Three reports on the emerging challenges facing the Moroccan agricultural sector. Chapter Four describes some essential aspects marking the quantitative evolution of the Moroccan education system and presents the evolution of the main educational indicators. Chapter Five reports on the many efforts that have been made in recent decades in Morocco in the priority areas of sustainable development and the environment to promote a green and inclusive economy while taking into account the threefold aim of respecting the environment, fighting against poverty and sustaining the economic activity. Chapter Six will: 1) focus on sustainable development strategy adopted in the kingdom; 2) concentrate on the economic, social and health system components as health determinants, and finally discus relationships between health- sustainable development and climate change. Chapter Seven will clarify the theoretical concepts underlying the notion of the emergency and the time pressure and will appeal the exploration through a qualitative approach and use individual interviews with Moroccan SMEs managers in the empirical study in order to answer the question.

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Book SynopsisIn chapter one by Antoine P Trzcinski, Ph.D., a simulated Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) was treated in an anaerobic two-stage membrane process in order to develop and optimise said process, effectively allowing for improvement upon the current performances obtained with single stage designs. In chapter two, Huu Tap Van and Van Tuyen Trinh present a study with the intent to improve current methods of removal of organic compounds from landfill leachate by Peozone. In chapter three by Hamidi Abdul Aziz and Hossein Farraji, main hazardous compounds of LL and their expected effects on the environment are introduced, as well as plant-based treatment methods. Next, chapter four by Adekunle A Bakare, Chibuisi G Alimba, Titilayo Hassan, Ebenezer O Ajayi, and Akindayo A Sowunmi explores the 96 h median lethal toxicity and cytogenotoxicity of a sawmill wood leachate from a sawmill dumpsite at Ibadan, Nigeria in Clarias gariepinus were investigated, providing further research on the DNA damaging potential of sawmill wood leachate (SWL) in aquatic vertebrates.

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Book SynopsisThe authors present a practical, theoretical approach for systemic landscape planning strategies that incorporate a synergistic view of nature and culture in the process of continuous construction of the landscape, while stressing the reality of urban growth in developing countries. This study was established through a technical analysis of the urban context and biophysical dynamics in correlation with with a social participation method. Afterwards, a report on various species employed in bio-monitoring campaigns: mussels, oysters and clams, algae, vegetables, lichens, mosses is offered. The numerous investigative techniques applied are critically examined, focusing on analytical performance in terms of accurateness and detectability. The authors also discuss applications of remote sensing technology to improve local and regional water governance programs, maintaining that the implementation of remote sensing techniques in water governance frameworks is essential due to their synoptic views which allow us to monitor large areas and thereby improve spatial and temporal management. Following this, deforestation and savanna development in Ghana is examined, with the contention that the current knowledge is incomplete because several gaps exist in the prehistoric, precolonial, and colonial landcover. The authors also go on to review the current changes in wetlands in the five US-Gulf states, the subsequent impact on carbon sequestration, the general function of wetlands in the Gulf of Mexico, the way this contributes to global warming, and the way this mitigates global warming. Later, a study is presented with the goal of exploring residents sense of place in post-conflict area of Africa, with the goal of supplying information that may guide policy makers in the enhancement of the economic and social welfare of the people in the study area. The compilation ends with a description of numerous causes of uncertainties in forest biomass estimation procedures using optical remote sensing and terrestrial forest inventory data-sets. These uncertainties are typically generated due to spatial resolution and information content on satellite imagery.

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Book SynopsisRed Sea: Historical Significance, Properties and Economic Importance opens with a discussion on oceanic spreading beginning in the Pliocene (~5 Ma) (after advanced continental drifting) and continuing to the present day, as demonstrated by the intense volcanic and seismic activity in the area during the last 10,000 years. The authors present geochemical features that are typical of mid ocean ridge basalts (MORB), which allow the Red Sea to be regarded as a newborn ocean. Additionally, its development resembles the early stages of the Atlantic Ocean. Next, this compilation discusses the Wadi Masilah Basin in the southeasternmost part of Yemen, which hosts promising base metal and barite prospects. This terrain has a complex geological and structural history, including oblique divergence (transtension) related to the opening phases of the greater Red Sea. The fisheries reserve of the Sudanese Red Sea is dominated by different assemblages of ecologically and commercially important stock of invertebrates, demersal finfish and pelagic fish. The authors address how the national fisheries standing stock remains largely under-exploited with the exception of Mother of Pearl (Pinctada margeritifera) and Trochus (Tectus dentatus) which are efficiently utilized.

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Book SynopsisNowadays, governments are more often than not confronted with crises that are so unforeseen (i.e., the 9/11 attacks), so unexpected in nature or in extent (i.e., the SARS and H1N1 pandemic outbreaks, the Indian Ocean tsunami or Hurricane Katrina) and with such extensive social and economic effects that they may seem almost impossible to deal with. Yet, the successful management of these forms of crisis is possible. As prior experience has demonstrated, success in limiting the effects of major hazards on people and property relies not only on the active involvement and effective coordination of a variety of actors at different levels of state governance, but also on the preparation and the ability to react rapidly, efficiently and effectively to unexpected events. Ensuring that national authorities have the right technical instruments (reformed risk, crisis and disaster management systems, and an adequate institutional framework) for managing disasters is of critical importance for the success of such a venture. However, as this book intends to show, human capital remains the most important factor in this equation.

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Book SynopsisThis book is the hearing that took place on September 14th 2005 before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on the recovery efforts (or lack thereof) from Hurricane Katrina. According to the Opening Statement by Chairman Collins, the hearing asks the hard questions about the adequacy of planning efforts for this long-predicted natural disaster. They explore the coordination among local, State and Federal emergency management officials before and after the hurricanes landfall. They then critically examine the legal structures and authorities that define who is in charge of assets that must be brought to bear in such a catastrophic event. As he states we would have expected a sharp, crisp response to this terrible tragedy. Instead, we witness a sluggish initial response. This book examines the next phrase that took place from recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the steps that were and were not taken.

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Book SynopsisRecently, airborne particulate matter (PM), microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the atmosphere, has become a major concern in many countries because of its considerable damage as an air pollutant to the climate and human health. In the preliminary chapter of this book, the authors review the current status of fine PM in environmental technology regarding their emission source and discuss future prospects of PM-based air pollutants reduction and related research. Soil organic matter (SOM) is commonly recognized as one of the key parameters of soil quality, and it has been linked to ecosystem productivity, being recommended as a sensitive indicator for monitoring programs. Thus, the following chapter provides an overview of the most important factors altering SOM in agricultural land and forests, describing the current trends to keep soil capacity for biomass production and carbon sequestration. Next, a study is presented which analyzes parameters of the atmospheric boundary layer - such as height, thickness, and temperature- concerning the inversion layer in Murcia (2011-2016). The different factors and situations of more intense TI registered in the VMSR are analyzed using satellite images, synoptic information, and meteorological data provided by radiosonde. In Northern Cyprus, the Güzelyurt groundwater basin contains the most extensive aquifer of the island, which has been exploited since 1955 for both municipal and agricultural water supplies. The authors study hydrographs from 13 wells observed for 40 years to trace the long-term fluctuations of the groundwater level and to sketch temporal contour maps. Significant lowering of the groundwater level was noted in the west-central part of the basin, where the municipal wells are concentrated. Lastly, it will be described how some models treat the effective albedo in cities considering the atmospheric micro and the meso scale. For the microscale, the schemes used in ENVI-MET, SOLWEIG and SOLENE models are described. These models are mainly used to analyze the interaction between the urban design and the human thermal comfort. The albedo is one of the fundamental parameters to study this topic.

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Book SynopsisAfter a flood, people are often uncertain if their eligibility for federal disaster assistance is linked to any way to whether or not they have flood insurance. The first two chapters in this book provide an overview of the assistance available to individuals and households following a flood and provides links to more comprehensive guidance on both flood insurance and disaster assistance. Introductory information on key components of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), ranging from floodplain mapping to the standard flood insurance forms are provided. The next chapter examines the First Responder Authority (FirstNet), a federal agency created by Congress to help public safety agencies to communicate during incidents (during the events of 11 September 11 2011, first responders could not communicate with each other. Some radios did not work while other radio channels were overloaded by a large number of responders trying to communicate). The subsequent chapter briefly describes recent education-related developments in response to numerous disasters in 2017. It then describes education-related federal assistance provided by FEMA in the aftermath of disasters generally. This is followed by an examination of education-related disaster recovery and issues related to elementary and secondary education, postsecondary education and various ED-administered programs typically serving adult learners. The fifth chapter provides a short summary of the types of individual assistance programs administered by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) following a disaster. It also provides a summary of the criteria FEMA uses in determining which individual assistance programs may be made available to impacted areas following a major disaster declaration, and discusses a proposed rule to change these criteria. The last chapter provides an overview of the United States Fire Administration (USFA), whose objective is to significantly reduce the nations loss of life from fire, while also achieving a reduction in property loss and nonfatal injury due to fire.

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Book SynopsisRecently for the prevention and treatment of many neurologic, metabolic and other chronic diseases, the focus has shifted from allopathic Western medicine to alternative and complementary medicine in many countries including the United States of America. In fact, some dietary supplements including herbs, vegetables, nuts and fruits have demonstrated promising outcomes in improving human health. Among them, pomegranate is one of the exotic fruits that has been known for its valuable effects. Pomegranate (Punica granatum), one of the oldest known fruits belongs to the family Lythraceae. It is believed to have originated in Persia and have several varieties. At present, pomegranates are grown in many Middle Eastern, Asian, European and other Western countries, including the United States of America. Pomegranates have been used for thousands of years in treating a wide variety of diseases in ancient times and currently used to treat many complications, including; pregnancy, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, prostate cancer and male infertility. The beneficial effects of pomegranate have been revealed in the writings of many cultures and religions, since they were grown in abundance in all ancient civilizations. Pomegranates have been appreciated for their beautiful colour and flavour, and health benefits since ancient times. The edible juicy ruby red arils are full of antioxidants and are considered the healthiest part of the fruit. Fortunately, the century-old description of the pomegranate as a healthy fruit among all others still holds its integrity due to the presence of antioxidants, vitamins B6 and C, minerals, and fibre. Accumulated evidence suggests that naturally occurring phytocompounds, such as polyphenolic antioxidants found in pomegranate may potentially hinder neurodegeneration and improve memory, cognition and other brain functions. The effects of pomegranate as a medicine in neurological and other diseases are discussed in this book. This book will benefit students at various levels of academia, scientists in several disciplines (such as alternative medicine, nutrition, neuroscience, agriculture, food science, and medicine) and many others interested in this discipline. This book may become a part of the curriculum at various universities globally.

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Book SynopsisUrban sprawl has radically transformed Southern European landscapes. Nowadays, sprawl is a major benefiting factor in the daily lives of thousands of people and its mismanagement reflects relevant social and economic issues. For these reasons, a specific effort should be made to identify contributing factors and set up suitable indicators informing strategies of sustainable urban growth. This book proposes an original interpretation of contemporary metropolitan contexts, candidating residential swimming pools as a landmark of urban sprawl. Detached houses, backyard pools and private gardens reflect a landscape with peculiar social, political and cultural dynamics. Comparing the spatial distribution of swimming pools with appropriate background indicators may explain how sprawl has occurred in three representative cities of Southern Europe (Barcelona, Rome and Athens), proposing future strategies for urban sustainability. The authors study verifies whether or not swimming pools are a useful tool for monitoring sprawl pattern and processes, clarifying the major challenges that society faces in managing peri-urban land.

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Book SynopsisSince the smart component became one of the pillars of the European Unions development, many cities, particularly post-socialist ones, have perceived the smart city concept as a remedy for their problems in the economic, social or image-related spheres. A Closer Look at Urban Areas reviews and analyzes the implementation of the smart city concept applied in recent years in cities of the new Member States. Due to the global phenomenon of urbanization, we are witnesses to cities growth and the tremendous effects the growth process has on the environment and the health of populations inhabiting urban areas. Apart from numerous benefits such as opportunities for employment, entertainment, education and access to health care, the authors aim to address how urban lifestyles are also inextricably linked to numerous adverse health effects. The increase in population, economic development, urbanization, industrialization and transport has also raised the issue of air pollution as one of the pressing concerns for contemporary society, primarily due to the harmful effects of elevated concentrations of polluting species on public health, environment and climate. Thus, the authors maintain that researching pollutant wet scavenging by atmospheric water is important for revealing the fate of air contaminants in atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic systems.

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Book SynopsisThe opening study presented in Advances in Environmental Research. Volume 65 aims to clarify the sources and characteristics of groundwater in the aquifers along the coast of the White Sea in northwestern Russia, and on this basis to perform a broad 14C and 234U/238U dating of all their types, taking into account the mixing processes. After this, the process of thermal conversion of layered double hydroxides into metal oxide catalysts and their applications in selected environmental processes is presnted and discussed. Thermal decomposition of hydrotalcite-like materials results in the formation of mixed metal oxides, which may be examined for their applications in catalysis due to their relatively high surface area, porosity and homogenous distribution of metal cations. The authors analyze Mongolia, a landlocked country located in Central Asia with a population of over 3 million people. Due to the harsh weather conditions, rapid urbanization and mining activities, environmental quality of the country has increasingly degraded as the air, soil and water pollution has surpassed permissible levels. The current situation has a harmful impact on the national economy, social development, health and environment. Later, this collection discusses inorganic solid phase supports, including pristine and surface-modified alumina, Fe3O4 nanoparticles and mesoporous silica extractants, which have demonstrated good retention capacity for naturally-occurring and anthropogenic actinides. The choice to adsorb or tether the ligand on the solid surface is addressed as it is a cornerstone for an effective and selective separation between the actinides and the lanthanides. The concluding paper provides a review of how the national struggle between Slovenes and Germans unfolded, and how it was reflected in the conquest of the summits and in the construction of mountain huts. The events presented mostly focus on the area of Carniola, Slovenia, particulary the area of the Julian Alps around Mount Triglav.

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Book SynopsisThis edited book, composed of chapters written by scholars of the geomatics-based, environmental and biological sciences, examines selected topics from the intersecting fields of geomatics (including remote sensing, geographical information science (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), mapping and field survey methods) and conservation biology (including ecology and conservation policy), with case studies from West Africa, Canada, India and Malaysia. The focus is on some of the more important issues that dominate current intersections between developments in geomatics technology and those of conservation biology. Chapter One examines the history and themes of geomatics and applications to conservation biology research. Chapter Two presents a case study of geomatics-based research on the vital issue of vulture ecology, extinction and conservation in Central India. Chapter Three examines the relationship between people and elephants in the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary and its surroundings in India, and it creates habitat suitability models from geomatics techniques to assess and predict elephant presence and potential human-elephant conflicts. Chapter Four examines the history and status of remote sensing as an aspect of geomatics, focusing mainly on satellite imagery. Chapter Five looks at development in GIS and takes an example of multidirectional landcover change from the West African savanna. Chapter Six looks at developments in GPS technology, especially concerning applications to the micro-habitats of bird presence and applications to mammal behavior. Chapter Seven looks at the subfield of animal geography, which looks at the subjective behavior of individual animals and the technology used to measure these detailed phenomena. Chapter Eight takes a case study of bird migration and habitat utilization in the swamps of coastal Malaysia. Chapter Nine looks at the utility of dated aerial photographs and supporting field methods in the evaluation of historical landcover change, covering periods before the development of modern imaging techniques and using an example from the West African savanna. This book makes an important contribution to the intersections of geomatics and conservation biology.

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Book SynopsisGeodiversity is a topic widely researched around the globe and numerous studies have been developed in recent years based on geodiversity and related topics such as geomorphosites and geotourism. In Romania: Environmental, Social and Economic Issues, the authors highlight the diversity of geosites in Anina Mountains, Romania and the role of this high geodiversity in environmental protection, education and socio-economic development.Next, the authors discuss the interest in green technology from the authorities and inhabitants of Romania. Additionally, in Romania there is an increasing interest in building with low pollution, high efficiency and environmental friendliness.In closing, the authors discuss the political crisis of December, 1937 in Romania which caused the formation of the government of O. Goga, the chairman of the National Christian Party. The activities of the government were also interrupted by the King''s decision to establish authoritativeness on 11 February 1938.

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Book SynopsisIndoor air quality and human health are of continuously growing importance. Indoor air quality may be affected by many factors excluding, but not limited to, more loosely sealed buildings, the use of air purifiers and other pollutant sources (for example, room air fresheners), the use of various chemicals for pesticide management and cleaning, and finally, the use of synthetic building materials and furnishings. In recent years, people have become more aware of potential health and comfort problems that may be associated with poor indoor air quality. It is partly due to the move to more tightly sealed buildings, the implementation of energy conservation programs, and the growing use of laser printers, photocopiers, and other sources of indoor air contamination. Greater general awareness of environmental issues may also play a part. Most IAQ complaints from building occupants are related to a respiratory headache, irritation, odours, or fatigue. These concerns may be associated with chemical vapours, dust generated in the work environment, contaminants associated with fungal growth (mould), materials infiltrating from outside sources (such as pollen or engine exhaust), or other factors such as elevated carbon dioxide levels. This handbook aims to turn the attention to these subjects and to promote methods and technologies to reduce poor indoor air quality and to distribute outdoor air throughout the building, remove contaminants and odours, and control the indoor temperature and humidity. The information in this guide will help to maintain good indoor air quality in a building, prevent indoor air quality problems, and correct issues that may arise. It will also help to understand the indoor air quality requirements. The structure of this text allows for flexibility in course content and design. It may be used equally well either as a textbook for students or a handbook for environmental consultants, mechanical engineers, building occupants, labour unions and suppliers. Furthermore, this text may be useful data for either the undergraduate or the graduate level. The author wishes to acknowledge Nova Science Publishers with special mentions to Nadya S Gotsiridze-Columbus and Carra Feagaiga for their editorial support.Table of ContentsFor more information, please visit our website at:https://novapublishers.com/shop/healthy-safety-and-hygiene-at-buildings-environment/

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Book SynopsisMuch progress has been made in achieving the ambitious goals that Congress established in 1972 in the Clean Water Act (CWA) to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nations waters. However, long-standing problems persist, and new problems have emerged. Water quality problems are diverse, ranging from pollution runoff from farms and ranches, city streets, and other diffuse or nonpoint sources, to toxic substances discharged from factories and sewage treatment plants. Since the early 2000s, increased oil and gas production across the nation has resulted in a corresponding increase in wastewater that must be managed, reused, or disposed of properly. In particular, the hydraulic fracturing process has also raised concerns about potential effects to human health and the environment, including the potential contamination of underground drinking water sources by injecting wastewater associated with the production of oil and gas.

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Book SynopsisIn 2017, four sequential disastershurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and the California wildfires -- created an unprecedented demand for federal disaster response and recovery resources. According to FEMA, 2017 included three of the top five costliest hurricanes on record. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimated that the cumulative damages from weather and climate related disasters in the United States were over $300 billion in 2017 alone. As of June 2018, Congress had appropriated over $120 billion in supplemental funding for response and recovery related to the 2017 hurricanes and wildfires. Further, in October 2017, close to 14,000 federal employees were deployed in response to the disasters.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a comprehensive overview of the current, most critical challenges and issues facing Serbia, on its road towards integration in the European Union. The chapters in the book are written by highly renowned authorities in their respective research fields including prominent scholars, academics, and researchers. Thorough analysis of the challenges and issues currently facing the Serbian society and state encompass the fields of: Mineral resources of Serbia including societal, economic, and environmental aspects; Biofuels status and prospects in Serbia; Sustainable agriculture and rural development of Serbia; Development of innovative agriculture production technologies for linseed, glycine, grain, and spring field crops, among others; Environmental concerns in Serbia including pollution sources, types of pollutants, as well as the current status, trends, prospects, and methods of pollution control; Environmental pollution with persistent organic pollutants; Contamination of urban soils in Serbia and their pollution status; Environmental pollution by heavy metals and radionuclides in certain localities in Serbia. The book provides a representative account of the most important, current challenges and issues of Serbia in the considered areas. It can serve as an authoritative source of information on the covered topics for the general public, as well as for specialists in different fields, interested in having a deeper insight into these topics.

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Book SynopsisSince 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed and promulgated numerous regulations to implement the pollution control statutes enacted by Congress. Critics have reacted strongly. Some, both within Congress and outside of it, have accused the agency of reaching beyond the authority given it by Congress and ignoring or underestimating the costs and economic impacts and overestimating the benefits of proposed and promulgated rules.

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Book SynopsisThis compilation opens by presenting a discussion on the main conditions for the successful start-up and operation of full-scale mainstream partial nitrification-anammox technology, advantages of partial nitrification-anammox technology over other technologies of wastewater treatment, and a description of the interactions among key microbial groups and their identification by using metagenomic approaches. Next, one study elucidates the performance of anammox hybrid reactors under various operating conditions to optimize and assess its efficacy and feasibility for nitrogen removal from wastewater. Four numbers of hybrid reactors conglomerating the dual advantages of attached and suspended growth were designed and investigated. The authors seek to produce a soil erosion susceptibility map with selected parameters including elevation, slope, aspect, slope curvature, stream power index, topographic wetness index, cover management factor, land use/land cover, rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, lineament density, distance from lineament, and distance from stream and drainage density. The weighted linear combination method is applied using remote sensing and geographical information system techniques in the Shiri river basin of Darjeeling, Himalaya. The following study addresses the financial and economic benefits of tourism, and whether these economic benefits are to the detriment of the natural environment. This is done by conducting an investigation into community fishing practices around Mnemba Island. Semi-structured interviews were held with Mnemba Island Lodge staff, local fishermen and local authorities involved in the fisheries around Mnemba Participatory observations were also used to support the data collected by the semi-structured interviews. The authors present data suggesting that of insolation is of high importance for the structuring of floodplain ecosystems because it has potential to impact floodplain lakes regardless of flooding. It is proposed that future investigations of floodplain aquatic habitats should take into account insolation effects other than those of hydrology. The closing chapter provides a brief review of anchovy characteristics, habitats, use, and eco-friendly treatment of anchovy waste/wastewater for reutilization. Anchovy is an attractive resource for the production of functional compounds such as antimutagenic, antifungal, antioxidant and antibacterial agents.

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Book SynopsisWith a wide variety of soil and climatic conditions as well as types of landscape in its territory, the Crimean Peninsula has a very long history of economic activity that can be broken down into multiple stages. There was an especially significant change in the natural landscapes on the peninsula during the Great Greek Colonization of the Northern Black Sea coast, when several major agricultural zones emerged in Crimea and the subsequent agricultural impacts on the soils continued for a millennium. The results give an idea about the specifics of the modern landscapes in terms of economic use, as well as human transformation of the original natural landscapes. The traces of land division in the form of linear structures that can be seen in satellite images allow researchers to reconstruct the way that agricultural landscapes were laid out in ancient times by extrapolating from the most significant components (land use and land use planning systems, population centers, transport routes etc.). The authors of this study used natural science methods to study the artifacts and territories of ancient agriculture in Crimea to try and reconstruct the way that land resources were used for agricultural purposes in ancient times and get a comprehensive idea about how ancient agriculture in Crimea was organized and what resources it relied upon. To achieve that, a comprehensive method was developed that included an assessment of the suitability of specific areas for agriculture, identification of surviving agricultural artifacts (land division boundaries (ramparts, ditches), roads, etc.) and a search for soil properties indicative of past agricultural activities. The results of studying the land management and new approaches to defining the boundaries of ancient land use are presented. For the first time, the relic signs of agricultural loads in the post-antique lands have been established. The significance of the results obtained can hardly be overstated when it comes to understanding the ancient agricultural practices and their impact on the existing agricultural landscapes since Crimea is unique in that the traces of ancient agriculture have been preserved here much better than in other parts of the world that used to be sites of ancient civilizations. Preserving the look and feel of ancient agricultural landscapes is a new task. As the authors have demonstrated, this task can be accomplished by integrating the findings of geographical and archeological studies with high tech methods (geo-modeling and automated decryption of remote Earth sensing data).

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Book SynopsisThis compilation highlights current knowledge on iodide mobility in a soil-plant system and provides a theoretical and experimental basis for a better understanding of the geochemical behaviour of iodine in soils, including its availability in the food chain. Following this, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of the uses of iodide salts by focusing on their applications in plants and microbiology, mechanisms of action and possible new uses in histology. The penultimate study contributes to a better understanding of Piauís vegetation through a floristic survey, phytosociological study and knowledge about the economic potential and geographic distribution of species from an area belonging to the municipality of Brasileira, north of Piauí, Brazil. Fifty five families, 126 genera and 141 species represented the flora. Biosphere reserves face the challenge of sustainable development. They have to foster economic development that is ecologically and culturally sustainable. Paradoxically, the demographic-economic-entrepreneurial nexus of biosphere reserves has not been researched, an omission addressed in the closing chapter by studying the towns of the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve in South Africa.

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Book SynopsisThe rapid pace of industrialization and its resulting by-products have affected the environment by producing hazardous wastes, which have been released into the environment. Environmental pollution is a global menace, the magnitude of which is increasing day-by-day due to urbanization, heavy industrialization, and changing lifestyles. Nanostructures as functional building blocks are an ideal candidate for investigation into the dependence of structural, optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of the quantum confinement effect and morphology, which paves the way for novel nanotechnological applications. Both physical and chemical properties of nanostructures are associated with their size, shape, and dimensionality; therefore, morphology controlled synthesis of functional nanostructures gains importance from a scientific and technological perspective. Semiconductor nanomaterials at the nanoscale are gaining significant attention in the areas of energy conversion and storage, sensing, electronics, photonics, and biomedicine. In this book, we discuss semiconducting metal oxide nanostructures like TiO2, ZnO, conducting polymers and nanocomposites for their efficient detection of harmful and toxic chemicals, and nanomaterials for photocatalytic degradation, with an emphasis on the applications of semiconducting materials for renewable energy. The book includes a brief literature survey, properties and the latest research advances in the development of various metal oxide nanostructures, and how nanocomposites and conducting polymer based nanomaterials are efficient for environmental remediation. The application of nanomaterials in the detection and removal of pathogens provides greater sensitivity, lower cost, shorter turn-around times, smaller sample sizes, in-line and real-time detection, as well as higher throughput and portability in environmental remediation. Furthermore, semiconductor photocatalysis for remediation has real potential for combating water pollution. This book provides a comprehensive look at the morphological, structural, crystalline, optical, electrical, and electrochemical properties of semiconducting metal oxides and their applications for environmental cleaning. The preparation and modification of semiconducting nanomaterials could be promising for the reliable and effective detection of harmful chemicals, and renewable energy.

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Book SynopsisIn this collection, the authors report on the pretreatment methods for waste activated sludge based on pulsed electric field and corona discharge techniques. The effects of pulse magnitude, frequency, temperature and pretreatment time are demonstrated on the basis of cell membrane electroporation. The influence of voltage polarity, frequency, magnitude, treating time and temperature has also been demonstrated. A description of fundamental techniques in molecular biology for the analysis of the microbiota of activated sludge is provided. Activated sludge is a heterogeneous system of organisms, organic and inorganic material, and therefore giving a specific protocol for each molecular technique would be imprudent. The authors go on to discuss the Monod model, which provides a functional relationship between specific growth rate and substrate concentration in the bulk. Important research efforts dedicated to adequate use of the Monod model are presented, consolidating knowledge from activated sludge and biofilm modelling, identifying misdirections, and setting parameters for further research. In one study, different microwave power outputs and times were optimised for sludge solubilisation without evaporation loss in waste activated sludge from two different sources. The variable effects of pre-treatments on extracellular polymeric substances fraction, cellular oxidative stress and solubilisation of both sludges were evaluated to understand the impact of sludge complexity. The penultimate chapter examines how toxic carbon sources can cause higher residual effluent dissolved organic carbon than easily biodegraded carbon sources in the activated sludge process. Based on the variations of chemical components of activated sludge, mainly intracellular storage materials, extracellular polymeric substances and soluble microbial products, the performance and mechanism of toxic carbon on the activated sludge process can be clarified. The purpose of the final study is to research the supplementation of different concentrations of substrate on the degradation rate of xenobiotics, and to determine the optimal concentrations of auxiliary substrates that are most beneficial. The results show that sugar and peptone can affect 2,4-D degradation rate by several different degrees at different concentrations.

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Book SynopsisThis is the first scientific-educational work in English on this topic. The Caucasus Isthmus between the Black and Caspian Seas (38025' and 47015'N, 36030' and 50020'E) is a region in the Northern Hemisphere. It covers an area of approximately 441,000km2. Being a natural bridge between Europe and Asia, the Caucasus is an extraordinary crossroads in terms of its geopolitical status, cultural heritage, and biodiversity. The Caucasus is famous for having some of the richest biodiversity, making it one of the 34 most diverse and endangered biodiversity hotspots in the world. The region occurs from among the lush, broad-leaved forests along the Black Sea coastal area, to the well-expressed nival zone and the deserts of the eastern Caucasus. Flora within the Caucasus is diverse, with about 6,300 species of vascular plants, 1,600 of which are endemic and relict endemics (25.3 %). Biota of the Caucasus has always aroused the interest of scholars. Studies conducted by botanists and zoologists on the biodiversity of the Caucasus started in the beginning of the 18th century. Such research activities were relatively short-term, and based solely on either plant or animal investigations. Long-term, comprehensive (floristic, faunistic, biogeographical) studies of the wilderness of the Caucasus in all biomes and altitudinal zones, and in all vegetation seasons, were carried out by Dr G. Radde in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and Dr A. M. Gegechkori in the second half of the 20th and early 21st centuries. In the framework of the Caucasus biota, the main target of research activity of Dr. Gegechkori (1962-2018) was psyllids (Insecta; Hemiptera: Psylloidea) - a highly indicative (bio-indicator) group for environmental research. This text aims to provide information for naturalists, concerning the biota of the Caucasus, through its biomes, amd refugial areas and habitats. The work is focused on supplying a datebase for the current presence and distribution of many speceis, with an emphasis on the keastone species, the existance and range of which face major challenges and threats today, caused primarily by human's direct and indirect activity, and global warming. The book incorporates the most recent taxonomic ranking of plants and animals species in the Caucasus, and the regularity and history of its biomes, among other topics. The monograph is also heavily illustrated with mostly original color photos, which reinforce the scientific quality of the text. This book will be of great interest to scholars of life and earth sciences and geographers. As an interdisciplinary work, the monograph provides students of all levels with valuable information on the environmental sciences, which may isnpire them to pursue this topic within natural science, stimulating their research and career choices. Finally, the purpose of the work is to strenghten the readers' awareness of the environmental challenges among the local people of the Caucasus, in light of on-going environmental changes, and the necessity of protection of this region's natural resources.Table of ContentsPreface; Introduction; General Characteristics of the Caucasus; Biomes of the Caucasus; Index.

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Book SynopsisDuring the past two decades, cities have become nerve centers for the production of value. Connected in real time by means of a vast infrastructure network, their productive dynamic has surpassed the organizational and management capabilities of territorially limited States, which are dependent on the international financial flow of capital moving across them. Given that cities are truly the biopolitical factories of the 21st century, the job functions of an urban planner are now identified with those of a highly placed manager in charge of a companys R+D+i, and the mode of governance applied to these is different from that used during previous, historic stages. From different viewpoints (Philosophy, Law, Architecture, and Engineering), this book offers an analysis of the main changes which have taken place in the way cities function. Among other issues, it looks at the management styles applied by public administrations to public spaces (David Thunder; Jorge León, Enrique Cano, and José María Castejón), and the new manner in which social (Julia Urabayen) and legal public (Adriana Ruiz and Alejandro Gómez) and private (Felipe Schwember) segregation is generated. It also looks at the new sociopolitical uses that city inhabitants have given to common spaces beyond the dichotomy of private and public space (Jonas Holst; Carlos Cámara). In other words, the chapters included in this book are not an historical approach to the city, but a theoretical reflection on the disciplines that define our post-metropolitan cities. The aim of the book is to understand how cities and the disciplines that are used to make them work function nowadays: governance, politics, and technology. The cities of the 21st century are no longer places where people can live freely (as Weber stated in The City), but spaces divided in at least two different areas: those who have access to ICT and those who do not have that technology, those who live in healthy and safe boroughs, and those who live in poor und unhealthy areas. This book ponders those problems and tries to show how the disciplinarians of the city deal with them.

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Book SynopsisDesertification is one of the most important issues facing our societies because of its serious consequences for human health, landscape and the environment. Nonetheless, the issue has been in the eyes of media, decision makers and public opinion and it should be noted that this interest tends to be cyclical, corresponding to peaks that reflect the outbreak of emergency situations related to prolonged episodes of drought and water scarcity, in turn associated with climate changes. This volatile interest has focused on the relationship between desertification and climate change (and more generally on the biophysical factors underlying desertification), neglecting the important role played by social, economic, cultural, political and institutional factors. This role -- brought to the fore by the most recent socioeconomic dynamics at various spatial scales -- requires dedicated approaches from the scientific point of view and a less sensationalistic dissemination of research evidence. The book proposes a trans-disciplinary vision on issues of desertification and land degradation, focusing on long-term socio-ecological dynamics as an interpretative key to local systems' complexity.Table of ContentsFor more information, please visit our website at:https://novapublishers.com/shop/land-degradation-the-main-challenge/

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Book SynopsisChapter one contains a rudimentary inferential analysis concerning conditions in the US such as the variation of the atmospheric content of carbon dioxide over two hundred and seventy two years up to 2016, and the contribution of major environmental sources to the atmospheric amount of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and methane along with emissions caused by hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulphurhexafluoride and nitrogentrifluoride The following chapter aims to present an overview of environmentally exploitable properties, as well as present and potential prospects of bacterial extracellular polymeric substances in addressing real life environmental problems. The authors go on to review the heavy metal processes that occur in the soil and leafy vegetables, particularly in cabbage, and the relationships between the soil levels and metal contents in plants. An approach for the utilisation of microorganisms from shallow hydrothermal vent sediments in environmental biotechnology is also presented. Next, it is shown that that SDG 13 and SDG 15 can be addressed simultaneously if policy makers and practitioners focus on reducing the costs of telecommunications and the internet, as this would reduce the costs for tablets and mobile phones, enabling improved access to information and practice on Ecosystem Based Adaptation and microforestry schemes. The authors discuss the responsibility of the Water Board of Nicosia to operate the water distribution network that covers more than 91 sq. km, water mains of 1,280 km length, and the management of the 13 water reservoirs. They also show how water management is governed and how it affects theiIsland of Cyprus. The subsequent study indicates that concentrations of trace elements in sediments and brackish wate,r and even interstitious waters, may not provide an accurate view of the levels of contamination and their potential ecotoxicity in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. The closing paper focuses on the land-use/cover dynamicity and its impact on the land surface temperature of Lodhama river basin in Darjeeling Hill area during the period of 2001 and 2016.Table of ContentsFor more information, please visit our website at:https://novapublishers.com/shop/advances-in-environmental-research-volume-68/

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Book SynopsisChile is located in the Southern Cone of South America; it has a high diversity of landscapes, which have been considered by naturalists and scientists as an irreplaceable patrimony of nature. This country has more than 4,000 kilometers of latitudinal extension, with deserts, agricultural valleys, large mineral deposits, ancient forests, relict and endemic species, glaciers, dunes, indigenous cultures and an increasing economy. The main aim of this book is to contribute to the understanding of the environment in Chile. The first chapter focuses on understanding an important dimension of nature, describing the Chilean forests as one of the main natural patrimonies of the country. Then the human enforcement of conservation biodiversity and natural patrimony is presented. Topics such as plastic pollution in oceans, the role of the school education system, private protected areas and others are addressed. Then the book focuses on the potential impacts generated by climate change on the environment of Chile. Alternatives for sustainable development in the near future that take into account food security, soil erosion and climate change. The book finalizes with two issues which that are strongly linked to human activities, natural hazards and mining impacts. A history of natural hazards in Chile is presented, analyzing the changes in policy and the influence of socio-environmental events and dynamics on the current structure of risks in Chile determined by natural and human factors. Finally, an analysis of the impacts of mining associated with arsenic and copper is presented, describing the development of environmental standards, which aim to avoid or reduce the impacts on nature and humans.Table of ContentsFor more information, please visit our website at:https://novapublishers.com/shop/chileenvironmentalhistoryperspectivesandchallenges/

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Book SynopsisIn the opening chapter Volume 19 uses obtained kinetic data to estimate the growth rate of the basic copper carbonates with the participation of complexing agents, thus demonstrating that natural organic complexing agents can play an important role in the formation of copper carbonate minerals. The next section deals with how the presence of organic matter, which is much softer than the inorganic matrix, affects gas production in shale reservoirs. A comprehensive study of the characteristics of organic matter can improve our understanding of organic-rich shale reservoirs. Additionally, remote-sensing for oil spills is reviewed. The technical aspects of sensors are summarised and the benefits and limitations of each sensor are given. In the last few decades, as the number of reclamation projects has increased, the diversity of the landscape has also increased, as has the proportion of ecologically valuable elements (such as forests, meadows and water bodies) which can approximate the original landscape with a greater degree of ecological stability. More accurate quantification of the extent of mining activities and reclamation projects is important for exploration of environmental impacts on the ecosystem. In order to address coastal degradation, the Atlantic Andalusian Coastal District has performed beach and dune restoration planning, described by the authors as an example of sustainable coastal management. In the penultimate chapter, the method of the gravitational mass spectroscopy is used to investigate the inhomogeneity of the density in the surface layers of the Earth's crust under the European continent in the area of massive deposits of hard coal. The final chapter describes the petrography, whole-rock major and trace-element geochemistry of lamprophyre dyke reported in southern India.Table of ContentsFor more information, please visit our website at:https://novapublishers.com/shop/horizons-in-earth-science-research-volume-19/

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Book SynopsisThis book is a comprehensive compilation of all reports, testimony, correspondence and other publications issued by the Congressional Research Service on Energy and Environment during the month of March.

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Book SynopsisIn both 2016 and 2017, 15 separate U.S. disasters resulted in losses exceeding $1 billion each. FEMA provides PA grants to state and local governments to help communities recover from such disasters. If applicants disagree with FEMA''s decision on their PA grant application, they have two chances to appeal: a first-level appeal to be decided by the relevant FEMA regional office and, if denied, a second-level appeal to be decided within FEMA''s Recovery Directorate. Chapter 1 examines the extent to which FEMA ensures the quality of its appeals data and what these data show about PA appeals inventory and timeliness; what steps FEMA has taken to improve its management of the appeals process and what challenges, if any, remain; and the extent to which FEMA developed goals and measures to assess program performance. Chapter 2 provides a short summary of the types of individual assistance programs administered by FEMA following a disaster. It also provides a summary of the criteria FEMA uses in determining which individual assistance programs may be made available to impacted areas following a major disaster declaration, and discusses a proposed rule to change these criteria. FEMA''s IA program provides help to individuals to meet their immediate needs after a disaster, such as shelter and medical expenses. Chapter 3 examines the number of IA declaration requests received, declared, and denied, and IA actual obligations from calendar years 2008 through 2016, the extent to which FEMA accounts for the regulatory factors when evaluating IA requests, and any challenges FEMA regions and select states reported on the declaration process and factors and any FEMA actions to revise them. The Federal Emergency Management Agency''s (FEMA''s) Individual Assistance (IA) program and the Small Business Administration''s (SBA''s) Disaster Loan Program are the federal government''s two primary sources of financial assistance to help individuals and households recover and rebuild from a major disaster as discussed in chapter 4. Hurricane survivors aged 65 and older and those with disabilities faced particular challenges evacuating to safe shelter, accessing medicine, and obtaining recovery assistance. Chapter 5 addresses challenges FEMA partners reported in providing assistance to such individuals, challenges such individuals faced accessing assistance from FEMA and actions FEMA took to address these challenges, and the extent to which FEMA has implemented its new approach to disability integration.

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Book SynopsisIn presenting this volume, the author is aware that there are several excellent books, dealing with one phase or another of tree life. It is believed, however, that there is still need for an all-round book, adapted to the beginner, which gives in a brief and not too technical way the most important facts concerning the identification, structure and uses of our more common trees, and which considers their habits, enemies and care both when growing alone and when growing in groups or forests.Table of ContentsPrefaceHow to Identify TreesThe Structure and Requirements of TreesWhat Trees to Plant and HowThe Care of TreesForestryOur Common Woods: Their Identification, Properties and UsesAn Outdoor Lesson on TreesIndex.

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Book SynopsisFederal assistance to public transportation is provided primarily through the public transportation program administered by the Department of Transportation''s Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The federal public transportation program was authorized from FY2016 through FY2020 as part of the Fixing America''s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the program as authorized by the FAST Act. Unless legislative action is taken, formula funding for the federal transit program could be decreased by approximately $1 billion in FY2020, roughly 12% from the amount authorized in the FAST Act as reported in chapter 2. Almost every conversation about surface transportation finance begins with a two-part question: What are the "needs" of the national transportation system, and how does the nation pay for them? Chapter 3 is aimed at discussing the "how to pay for them" question. The 116th Congress is expected to address surface transportation reauthorization, including consideration of how to deal with the persistent gap between projected HTF revenues and program costs as discussed in chapter 4 and 5. Chapter 6 begins by discussing FHWA assistance for the repair and reconstruction of highways and bridges damaged by disasters (such as the 2017 Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria) or catastrophic failures (such as the collapse of the Skagit River Bridge in Washington State in 2013). This is followed by a discussion of FTA''s assistance program, established in 2012, which has provided assistance to public transportation systems on two occasions, once after Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and again after the 2017 hurricanes. The focus of chapter 7 is how best to implement and finance a system of deterrence, protection, and response that effectively reduces the possibility and consequences of terrorist attacks without unduly interfering with travel, commerce, and civil liberties. The focus of chapter 8 is on truck freight and that portion of the rail and port industries that transports truck trailers and containers (intermodal freight). The Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program provides long-term, low-interest loans and other types of credit assistance for the construction of surface transportation projects as reported in chapter 9. DOT opened the Build America Bureau in July 2016. Chapter 10 assesses, progress DOT made to establish the Bureau and carry out its responsibilities, the Bureau''s process for evaluating applications, and whether the Bureau provided a clear rationale for decisions in that process. Chapter 11 examines the implications for federal transit policy of the current weakness and possible future changes in transit ridership. Chapter 12 discusses the extent to which information exists about future transit workforce needs and FTA assists with addressing current and future transit workforce needs.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a comprehensive compilation of all reports, testimony, correspondence and other publications issued by the Congressional Research Service during the month of May, grouped according to topics. This book is focused on the following topics: Agriculture Environment

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Book SynopsisChapter 1 provides a short overview of issues Congress may consider in its oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency''s (FEMA''s) federal assistance during the 2017 hurricane season (e.g., Harvey, Irma, and Maria) and other disasters (e.g., fires in California). In 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria damaged much of the electricity grids'' transmission and distribution systems in USVI and Puerto Rico. Chapter 2 provides information on federal support for restoring the electricity grids in Puerto Rico and USVI and factors affecting this support. In 2017 two major hurricanes -- Irma and Maria -- caused extensive damage throughout Puerto Rico. Chapter 3 describes FEMA''s Public Assistance spending in Puerto Rico and oversight efforts of federal recovery funds, and initial challenges with the recovery process. Chapter 4 provides information on DRF funding provided to Puerto Rico as a result of assistance associated with a major disaster. The primary focus of the territorial and federal efforts thus far has largely been on restoring electric power in Puerto Rico as reported in chapter 5. In September 2017, two major hurricanes -- Irma and Maria -- struck the USVI, causing billions of dollars in damage to its infrastructure, housing, and economy. Chapter 6 describes the status of FEMA''s Public Assistance program funding provided to the USVI in response to the 2017 hurricanes as of October 1, 2018, and the USVI''s transition to implementing the Public Assistance alternative procedures in the territory. Chapter 7 provides information on DRF funding provided to the U.S. Virgin Islands as a result of assistance associated with a major disaster. Chapter 8 provides information on DRF funding provided to Florida as a result of assistance associated with a major disaster. Chapter 9 provides a brief overview of the major disaster declaration process and federal assistance programs potentially available to those affected by the 2019 flooding in the Midwest. Following Hurricane Katrina, Congress required FEMA to establish advance contracts for goods and services to enable the government to quickly and effectively mobilize resources in the aftermath of a disaster. Chapter 10 assesses FEMA and USACE''s use of advance contracts, FEMA''s planning and reporting of selected advance contracts, and challenges, if any, with FEMA''s use of these contracts. Chapter 11 addresses the extent to which federal agencies obligated funds on post-disaster contracts in response to the these events, and selected agencies experienced challenges in the planning of selected contracts.

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