Optimisation of Disaster Forecasting and Prevention Measures in the Context of Human and Social Dynamics
Optimisation of Disaster Forecasting and Prevention Measures in the Context of Human and Social Dynamics

Author: Ion Apostol

Publisher: IOS Press

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13: 1586039482

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Optimisation of Disaster Forecasting and Prevention Measures in the Context of Human and Social Dynamics addresses a wide range of disaster-management regimes. The principal themes (for a series of typical disaster scenarios) focus on how these disasters can affect both the human and natural environments. Accordingly, the articles in this book cover the following areas of concern: natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides and floods; man-made disasters such as accidents at mining and tailings dams; nuclear/radiological facilities; transport accidents involving hazardous materials; fires; and environmental contamination. Monitoring and the assessment of health and environmental pollution risks, as well as the communication of these risks to the public, are also discussed. The scientific content thus focuses on risk assessment as part of national policies regarding protection of man and environment; the need for strong cooperation at international and national levels; using a costbenefit approach; information sharing and networking; and vulnerability as a moderating factor in risk assessment. The contributions are very useful, especially to those partner countries that are developing their legal framework in civil emergency planning as well as in environmental protection.

Optimisation of Disaster Forecasting and Prevention Measures in the Context of Human and Social Dynamics
Optimisation of Disaster Forecasting and Prevention Measures in the Context of Human and Social Dynamics

Author: I. Apostol

Publisher: IOS Press

Published: 2009-03-12

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13: 1607503905

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Optimisation of Disaster Forecasting and Prevention Measures in the Context of Human and Social Dynamics addresses a wide range of disaster-management regimes. The principal themes (for a series of typical disaster scenarios) focus on how these disasters can affect both the human and natural environments. Accordingly, the articles in this book cover the following areas of concern: natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides and floods; man-made disasters such as accidents at mining and tailings dams; nuclear/radiological facilities; transport accidents involving hazardous materials; fires; and environmental contamination. Monitoring and the assessment of health and environmental pollution risks, as well as the communication of these risks to the public, are also discussed. The scientific content thus focuses on risk assessment as part of national policies regarding protection of man and environment; the need for strong cooperation at international and national levels; using a cost–benefit approach; information sharing and networking; and vulnerability as a moderating factor in risk assessment. The contributions are very useful, especially to those partner countries that are developing their legal framework in civil emergency planning as well as in environmental protection.

Dynamics of Disasters—Key Concepts, Models, Algorithms, and Insights
Dynamics of Disasters—Key Concepts, Models, Algorithms, and Insights

Author: Ilias S. Kotsireas

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-11-21

Total Pages: 379

ISBN-13: 3319437097

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This volume results from the “Second International Conference on Dynamics of Disasters” held in Kalamata, Greece, June 29-July 2, 2015. The conference covered particular topics involved in natural and man-made disasters such as war, chemical spills, and wildfires. Papers in this volume examine the finer points of disasters through: Critical infrastructure protection Resiliency Humanitarian logistic Relief supply chains Cooperative game theory Dynamical systems Decision making under risk and uncertainty Spread of diseases Contagion Funding for disaster relief Tools for emergency preparedness Response, and risk mitigation Multi-disciplinary theories, tools, techniques and methodologies are linked with disasters from mitigation and preparedness to response and recovery. The interdisciplinary approach to problems in economics, optimization, government, management, business, humanities, engineering, medicine, mathematics, computer science, behavioral studies, emergency services, and environmental studies will engage readers from a wide variety of fields and backgrounds.

Sustainable Agricultural Development
Sustainable Agricultural Development

Author: Mohamed Behnassi

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2011-02-09

Total Pages: 297

ISBN-13: 9400705190

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Due to many challenges (i.e. climate change, energy, water and land shortage, high demands on food, land grabbing, etc.), agriculture production potential is expected to be seriously affected; thus, increasing food insecurity and hunger in many already affected regions (especially in Africa). In this context, sustainable agriculture is highly recommended as an eco-system approach where soil, water, plants, environment and living organisms live in harmony. Innovative technologies and research should be developed to ensure sustainable agriculture and productivity using modern irrigation systems, improved varieties, improved soil quality, etc. In the meantime, the preservation of natural environment should be based on resource conservation technologies and best management practices. Sustainable Agricultural Development, not only raises the serious ethical and social issues underlying these huge environmental problems, but also aims at presenting successful experiences from all over the world in relation with sustainable farming, sustainable management of water and land resources, and innovative processes in livestock production. It also aims at providing inputs to decision making processes and encouraging the transfer of relevant know-how, technologies and expertise to different countries where similar agro-climatic conditions may exist; thus saving precious resources and promoting sustainable agricultural development as a relevant approach to tackle the food security challenge. Finally, this book focuses on the paradigmatic and policy dimensions and call for an innovative approach by analyzing the key themes in a complex and interrelated manner.

Improving Disaster Resilience and Mitigation - IT Means and Tools
Improving Disaster Resilience and Mitigation - IT Means and Tools

Author: Horia-Nicolai Teodorescu

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2014-09-08

Total Pages: 350

ISBN-13: 9401791368

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The focus of this volume is comprised of the fundamentals, models, and information technologies (IT) methods and tools for disaster prediction and mitigation. A more detailed list of topics includes mathematical and computational modeling of processes leading to or producing disasters, modeling of disaster effects, IT means for disaster mitigation, including data mining tools, knowledge-based and expert systems for use in disaster circumstances, GIS-based systems for disaster prevention and mitigation and equipment for disaster-prone areas. A specific type or class of disasters (natural or human-made), however will not be part of the main focus of this work. Instead, this book was conceived to offer a comprehensive, integrative view on disasters, seeking to determine what various disasters have in common. Because disaster resilience and mitigation involve humans, societies and cultures, not only technologies and economic models, special attention was paid in this volume to gain a comprehensive view on these issues, as a foundation of the IT tool design.

Black Sea Energy Resource Development and Hydrogen Energy Problems
Black Sea Energy Resource Development and Hydrogen Energy Problems

Author: Ayfer Veziroğlu

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2013-04-20

Total Pages: 437

ISBN-13: 940076152X

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NATO Advanced Research Workshop “The Black Sea: Strategy for Addressing its Energy Resource Development and Hydrogen Energy Problems” was held in order to evaluate the Black Sea Region’s environment, discuss the ways and means of protecting it, and to evaluate the methods of production of the energy carrier, hydrogen. Papers presented at the workshop, proposed various methods of hydrogen production from the hydrogen sulfide, from marine macro algae and other bacteria, storage and utilization of hydrogen, oil spills and pollutants in the Black Sea, degradation of the sea and the land around the region, and ways and means of protecting the environment. The workshop participants unanimously expressed the need to establish close cooperation amongst the Region’s countries regarding the development of its energy resources, and at the same time protecting its environment. These recommendations have been put together in the Batumi Manifesto. This book entitled “Black Sea Energy Resource Development and Hydrogen Energy Problems” puts together the papers presented at the workshop, starting with the Batumi Manifesto. This valuable volume should be in the libraries of all the scientists, engineers, environmentalists, economists and decision makers involved in the development of the Black Sea Region and in the introduction of clean and abundant Hydrogen Energy.

Environmental Security Assessment and Management of Obsolete Pesticides in Southeast Europe
Environmental Security Assessment and Management of Obsolete Pesticides in Southeast Europe

Author: Lubomir I. Simeonov

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2014-07-08

Total Pages: 481

ISBN-13: 9400764618

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The present work is a fine contribution to the broad field of environmental security in the context of risk assessment and management of obsolete pesticides for the region of Southeast Europe. The purpose of this book is to evaluate the existing knowledge of improper disposal of obsolete pesticides in the region, to estimate the associated impact on environmental health, and to develop recommendations to mitigate or eliminate threats posed to the environment, biodiversity and human life. The issues discussed in the book include: reviews of the transport and fate of pesticides and associated contaminated materials in different environmental media and identification of the principal sources, emission routes and patterns of environmental pollution with pesticides; a recognition of the most suitable methods for environmental sampling analysis and sample preparation; an evaluation of the current methods and techniques for chemical and mass analysis of environmental and biological samples and discussion of the metrological and quality aspects of trace analyses; a characterization of the environmental and human health impacts of pesticide pollution, the health effects associated with acute and chronic exposure and the use of epidemiological data for risk assessment; a revision of the existing chemical safety regulations and strategies for protection and management of obsolete pesticide stocks; a survey of the international conventions, directives and standards concerning pesticide use.