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Council for American Private Education (CAPE) is a coalition of national associations serving private schools K-12. "Outlook" is published monthly by CAPE. This issue contains the following articles: (1) Off-Year Elections Signal Hope for School Choice; (2) Schools Lend Helping Hand to Haiti; (3) Obama's State of the Union (SOTU) address; and (4) CAPE Notes.

"Child Care Health Connections" is a bimonthly newsletter published by the California Childcare Health Program (CCHP), a community-based program of the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing, Department of Family Health Care Nursing. The goals of the newsletter are to promote and support a healthy and safe environment for all children in child care reflecting the state's diversity; to recreate linkages and promote collaboration among health and safety and child care professionals; and to be guided by the most up-to-date knowledge of the best practices and concepts of health, wellness and safety. Information provided in the newsletter is intended to supplement, not replace, medical advice. Regular features include columns on resources or current information related to infant/toddler care, school-age child care, public health, staff health, nutrition, inclusion, diversity, health consultancy, product information, pending legislation, available resources, and "Ask the Nurse," a Question-Answer column. Lead article of this issue is "Preparing Young Children for Disasters." Other topics include: Emergency Preparedness Plan; Postpartum Depression; Diabetes; Dietary Fat and Healthy Choices; Communication with Parents about Their Child's Developmental Delays; Integrated Pest Management of Rodents in ECE settings; and Health and Safety Resources. [Additional support for this issue was provided by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.]

"Alabama Education News" is published monthly except for June, July, and December by the Alabama Department of Education. This publication, authorized by Section 16-2-4 of the "Code of Alabama", as recompiled in 1975, is a public service of the Alabama Department of Education designed to inform citizens and educators about programs and goals of public education in Alabama. This issue contains the following articles: (1) First Choice: The Right Choice for Alabama Schools; (2) Teach in Alabama Revolutionizes the Education Job Market; (3) FEMA Stresses Preparedness for Upcoming Hurricane Season; (4) Students Go West Every Week to Attend Classes in "Hollywood"; (5) Parental Communication on the Rise, Fewer Students Use Drugs; and (6) State Board Appoints New Deputy Superintendent. Regular features include: (1) Good News in Alabama Schools; (2) Awards, Opportunities, and Professional Development; (3) Calendar; and (4) Teacher of the Month.

"The Achiever" is a bi-monthly publication for parents and community leaders. Each issue contains news and information about school improvement in the United States. Highlights of this issue include: (1) President Urges Congress to Reauthorize Law; (2) Standing on Solid Ground: New Orleans School Reopens to High Demand; (3) Secretary's Corner; (4) Mapping Progress; (5) Teacher Ambassadors; (6) Q&A: Are My College Expenses Tax-Deductible?; and (7) College Search Tool among Top Web Sites. [For Volume 7, Number 1 of "The Achiever," see ED500023.]

"Lessons Learned" is a series of publications that are a brief recounting of actual school emergencies and crises. This "Lessons Learned" issue focuses on the response and recovery efforts to wildfires by the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) and its school and community partners. Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and tornadoes can strike a community with great force and leave it devastated. The October 2007 San Diego wildfires consumed approximately 369,000 acres or about 13.6 percent of the county's total land mass, including an estimated 1,600 homes, 800 outbuildings, 253 other structures, 239 vehicles, and two commercial properties. Costs incurred to contain the fires are estimated at $41.3 million. The total projected damage costs are expected to exceed $1.5 billion. Lessons learned by SDCOE point to the importance of collaboration and communication between SDCOE and the school districts as well as between the SDCOE and the county support agencies. These lessons may be used not only to help mitigate future damage from wildfires in this area but also to develop generalized lessons for the field. Collaboration and communication are essential; no one agency can successfully manage a crisis alone. The SDCOE's lessons learned regarding the handling of a natural disaster emergency should assist schools and school districts nationwide to further collaborate with local agencies, establish contact lists prior to a crisis, develop decision trees, require direct deposit of personnel paychecks, and acquire mass notification systems. (Contains 2 footnotes.) [For Volume 3, Issue 1 of this series, see ED504385.]

"Alabama Education News" is published monthly except for June, July, and December by the Alabama Department of Education. This publication, authorized by Section 16-2-4 of the "Code of Alabama", as recompiled in 1975, is a public service of the Alabama Department of Education designed to inform citizens and educators about programs and goals of public education in Alabama. This issue contains the following articles: (1) Tornado Destroys--Enterprise Rebuilds; (2) Teacher in Alabama; (3) Governor's Study Group on School Bus Safety Presents Recommendations; (4) Students Transition into Work-Life; and (5) Are You Prepared if Pandemic Flu Strikes? Regular features include: (1) Good News in Alabama Schools; (2) Awards, Opportunities and Professional Development; (3) Calendar; and (4) Teacher of the Month.

"Alabama Education News" is published monthly except for June, July, and December by the Alabama Department of Education. This publication, authorized by Section 16-2-4 of the "Code of Alabama", as recompiled in 1975, is a public service of the Alabama Department of Education designed to inform citizens and educators about programs and goals of public education in Alabama. This issue contains the following articles: (1) What Did You Read Last Night? March Is National Reading Month; (2) U.S. Department of Education Praises Reading Initiatives; (3) Reality Street Writers Realize Dream; (4) An Alabama Exhibition of Photographs and Poetry by Middle School Students: Eyes of the Storm--A Community Service after Katrina; and (5) Alabama Learning Exchange Adds New Dimensions. Regular features include: (1) Good News in Alabama; (2) Awards, Opportunities and Professional Development; (3) Calendar; and (4) Teacher of the Month.

Hurricane Katrina resulted in a disaster of proportions not previously known in the United States. The traumatic experiences of children and families during Hurricane Katrina, the flooding that resulted from the breach of the levees, the evacuation, and the aftermath are unprecedented. In responding to the enormous mental health needs of children post-Katrina, the Trauma Team of skilled mental health professionals from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) Department of Psychiatry provided crisis intervention and services. This paper discusses the work of the LSUHSC Trauma Team and provides a snapshot of the current mental health status of several thousand children and adolescents in post-Katrina New Orleans (not including those who were still displaced). Almost one half of the 4th to 12th grade students and over one quarter of younger children (based on parental report) met criteria for mental health services, based on the number and severity of their behavioral symptoms. Children who were separated from their parents or who had experienced previous trauma or loss were most likely to meet criteria. Ongoing risk relates to poverty, slowness of recovery, job loss, and family problems. Recommendations for rapid deployment of mental health services to children are provided, based on the Trauma Team's experiences. Educational efforts, school-based services, after-school care, resilience-enhancing programs, and community-building strategies are also discussed. Most important, a clearly articulated national disaster plan for children and families is urgently needed. This plan should be trauma-focused and based on developmental principles, research, and lessons learned from this and prior disasters. Knowledge gained from this disaster can aid in understanding and meeting the needs of children and families impacted by disasters, promoting resilience and self-efficacy, and providing evidence-based therapeutic services. (Contains 1 endnote.) [Commentaries from James Garbarino, Christina W. Hoven, Judith Wicks and Cheryl A. Boyce are included. Commentaries are individually referenced.]

"The Challenge", a publication of the US Department of Education's office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, provides critical information and resources to assist schools in creating safe and healthy environments for young people. This issue covers topics related to helping children overcome traumatic events. Topics of interest include: (1) Missing Children: Getting Home After Disaster Strikes; (2) Hurricane Relief Efforts For Education in the Gulf Coast; (3) Tips for Helping Students to Recover From Traumatic Events; and (4) Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Katrina's Effects Linger. ["The Challenge" is published by Learning Systems Group under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools.]

The Child Welfare League of America is the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization committed to engaging people everywhere in promoting the well-being of children, youth, and their families and protecting every child from harm. By publishing a diverse range of views on a wide array of topics, "Children's Voice" seeks to encourage public discussion and debate among those who are committed to helping children and families. ?By publishing a diverse range of views on a wide array of topics, "Children's Voice" seeks to encourage public discussion and debate among those who are committed to helping children and families. This issue of "Children's Voice" includes: (1) Slavery Undercover: An Estimated 14,500--17,500 People--Half of Them Children--Are Trafficked into the United States Every Year; (2) After the Storm: Recovery Has Been Slow, and the Needs Great, in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; (3) Budgeting Child Welfare: How Will Millions Cut from the Federal Budget Affect the Child Welfare System?; (4) Exceptional Children: Learning Disabilities and Special Education--Making the Most of Homework; and (5) The Down to Earth Dad: A Hole in the Heart... and How Programs Can Help Mend It; (6) Preparing for Natural Disaster: Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Rehearsal Are Critical. [For "Children's Voice" Volume 15, Number 3, see ED492088.]

The Child Welfare League of America is the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization committed to engaging people everywhere in promoting the well-being of children, youth, and their families and protecting every child from harm. By publishing a diverse range of views on a wide array of topics, "Children's Voice" seeks to encourage public discussion and debate among those who are committed to helping children and families. The following are included in this issue of "Children's Voice": (1) Growing Up with Meth: Meth Addiction is Spreading among American Families, Leaving Thousands of Children Vulnerable and Child Welfare Systems Stretched (Jennifer Micheal); (2) Facility Facelifts: How Courthouses Are Accommodating Children and Youth (Manka Ngwa-Suh); (3) Video Game Violence (Mark Hoerrner and Keisha Hoerrner); (4) The Down to Earth Dad: Make No Mistake about It Dads "Are" Necessary (Patrick Mitchell); (5) Exceptional Children: Navigating Learning Disabilities and Special Education (Ellen Notbohm); (6) Management Matters: Technology Growth in Youth-Serving Organizations (Alexandra Krasne); (7) Executive Directions; (8) Agency Briefs; (9) Other Voices: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (Donna Butts and Brigitte Castellano); (10) National News Roundup; (11) Eye on CWLA; and (12) Bulletin Board.

The primary purpose of "National CrossTalk" is to stimulate informed discussion and debate of higher education issues. This issue contains the following articles: (1) Keeping Them in College: East Carolina University's Efforts to Improve Retention and Graduation Rates (Don Campbell); (2) The "Seamless System": Florida's Flurry of Dramatic Changes in the Governance of Public Education (Jon Marcus); (3) Editorial: Our National Underperformance--Is American Higher Education Still the Best in the World? (Patrick M. Callan); (4) Washington, D.C. Symposium Marks the Release of "Measuring Up 2006"; (5) The Ten-Percent Solution: Texas' Enrollment Strategy Remains Contentious, as the State Becomes Increasingly Multi-Cultural (Susan C. Thomson); (6) Commentary: Reactions to the Spellings Commission Report; and (7) Devastation Brings Sweeping Changes: Opportunity, and Opportunism, in the Wake of Hurricane Katrina (Kathy Witkowsky). News from the Center, a regular feature, is included.

The primary purpose of "National Cross Talk" is to stimulate informed discussion and debate of higher education issues. This publication contains the following articles: (1) The Plagiarism Plague: In the Internet Era, Cheating Has Become an Epidemic on College Campuses (Don Campbell); (2) Dillard's Dire Straits: Historically Black College Struggles to Survive Amid New Orleans' Post-Hurricane Diaspora (Robert A. Jones); (3) Small State's Big Challenges: Rhode Island's Educational System Grapples with Transition from Manufacturing Economy (Jon Marcus); (4) Indiana's 21st Century Scholars: A New Community College System and College Prep Curriculum Are Improving the State's Position (Susan C. Thomson); and (5) Enrollment Squeeze: Virginia's Community Colleges Cope with Increasing Demand and a Changing World (Kay Mills). Other Voices, a regular feature, contains the following articles: (1) Higher Education's Dirty Little Secret: Hidden College Fees Have Become a "Stealth Tuition" (Terry L. Meyers); (2) Got College? Universities Are Being Marketed Just Like "Brand X" (David L. Kirp); and (3) Colleges at a Crossroad: The Future of Higher Education Is a Vital Concern (Michael H. Moskow).

The recovery and long-range redevelopment of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region is a complex undertaking requiring simultaneous planning in a wide range of disciplines. There is a paramount need to create a planning infrastructure that will enhance collaboration and reduce duplication in all of the planning disciplines moving forward. To accomplish this goal, the Louisiana Recovery Authority has embraced the concept of Nexus planning, and the development of comprehensive Community Nexus Centers. The "nexus" concept advocates for a managerial, programmatic, and physical planning model that is highly integrated in its design and execution. A fully developed community Nexus center is conceived of as a place where a wide range of programs and services are effectively sited, coordinated and administered in a way that addresses the needs of the people who most need them. At the core of the concept is a cooperative governance model called the Community Trust. This article explores how the Nexus centers can be an important tool for engaging the community in issues related to a full range of the physical, cultural, social, economic, organizational and educational aspects of neighborhood and community planning both in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and be a model for collaborative planning in neighborhoods and communities nationwide. Included is a visual illustration of how a Community Nexus Center might be organized for a hypothetical small town or urban neighborhood.

"Alabama Education News" is published monthly except for June, July, and December by the Alabama Department of Education. This publication, authorized by Section 16-2-4 of the "Code of Alabama", as recompiled in 1975, is a public service of the Alabama Department of Education designed to inform citizens and educators about programs and goals of public education in Alabama. This issue contains the following articles: (1) Alabama Schools Gladly Open Doors to Hurricane Victims; (2) Are Your Students Stumped By Their Homework Assignments? Turn Them on to Homework Alabama; and (3) Governor's Reading Summit--A Celebration of Success. Regular features include: (1) Good News in Alabama Schools; (2) Awards, Opportunities, and Professional Development; (3) Calendar; and (4) Teacher of the Month.

"Alabama Education News" is published monthly except for June, July, and December by the Alabama Department of Education. This publication, authorized by Section 16-2-4 of the "Code of Alabama", as recompiled in 1975, is a public service of the Alabama Department of Education designed to inform citizens and educators about programs and goals of public education in Alabama. This issue contains the following articles: (1) Alabama Schools Donate to Tsunami Relief Efforts; (2) School Board Recognition Month--Four Members Begin New Term; (3) Alabama Education; and (4) Alabama Board of Education's Budget Requests for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 Education Trust Fund. Regular features include: (1) Good News in Alabama Schools; (2) Awards, Opportunities and Professional Development; (3) Calendar; and (4) Teacher of the Month.

The primary purpose of "National CrossTalk" is to stimulate informed discussion and debate of higher education issues. This publication contains the following articles: (1) "Truth in Tuition" (Susan C. Thomson); (2) In Katrina's Wake (Kathy Witkowsky); (3) News from the Center: New Center Associates; (4) Colorado On the Edge (Robert A. Jones); (5) Kentucky's Rocky Road (Kay Mills); (6) Killing Academic Freedom Softly (David L. Kirp); and (7) Nine Principles (Joseph C. Burke). Other Voices, a regular feature, is presented.

Civic engagement is the focus of this issue of "Diversity Digest." Concrete examples of institutions that have linked diversity and civic engagement in powerful, effective, and educationally transforming ways are presented. What is seen in the field is encouraging. Articles feature new conceptual frameworks for civic learning, curricular designs that explicitly address rather than erase the connection between diversity and civics, community engagement that moves from charity to partnerships, faculty development models that practice community-based learning, and research about the democracy outcomes of diversity learning. Articles in this issue include: (1) The Civic Work of Diversity (Caryn McTighe Musil); (2) Educating Multicultural Community Builders: Service Learning at California State University Monterey Bay (Seth S. Pollack); (3) Education for Democracy: Place Matters (Nan Kari and Nan Skelton); (4) Narrative and Community: Civic Engagement and the Work of Diversity (Amy Koritz); (5) Research Shows Benefits of Linking Diversity and Civic Goals (Sylvia Hurtado); (6) Diversity and Civic Engagement Outcomes Ranked among Least Important (Debra Humphreys and Abigail Davenport); (7) Promoting Cross-Cultural Understanding for Students of Science and Technology (Richard F. Vaz); (8) There Is No Substitute for Experience (Paul Sather); (9) The Personal Is Still Political: HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention (Bianca I. Laureano); (10) Communicating Common Ground (Margaret Finucane); and (11) Academic Service Learning for Effective Civic Engagement (Janet Eyler). An annotated list of resources on diversity and civic engagement is also included. (Individual articles contain references.)

"Alabama Education News" is published monthly except for June, July, and December by the Alabama Department of Education. This publication, authorized by Section 16-2-4 of the "Code of Alabama", as recompiled in 1975, is a public service of the Alabama Department of Education designed to inform citizens and educators about programs and goals of public education in Alabama. This issue contains the following articles: (1) Special Education Law Rewritten to Help Students and Educators; (2) Black History Month Teaching Resources Available; (3) After 23 Years...Landmark Teacher Testing Case Ends; and (4) Tsunamis' Devastation Swallows Up Children. Regular features include: (1) Good News in Alabama Schools; (2) Awards, Opportunities, and Professional Development; (3) Calendar; and (4) Teacher of the Month.

This issue of the monthly newsletter for the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) includes the following articles: (1) New Majority Leader Supports School Choice; (2) Bush: End Discrimination Against Religious Organizations; (3) Paige Establishes New School Recognition Program; (4) Congress to Take Up IDEA; and (5) CAPENotes.

Suggesting that using children's literature as a tool for problem solving is a meaningful way for teachers to understand and help children with problems, this Digest claims that through the exploration of stories, discussion, and reflections on their own experiences, children can begin to perceive the complexities of the world in which they live. It offers suggested criteria for selecting literature to help children cope with problems; guidelines for using literature to help children cope with problems; resources for materials selection; and selected annotated bibliographies (on death, disabilities and illness, disaster, separation and divorce of parents, and violence). (RS)

Effective crisis management as a function of the chief school administrator's role is examined. A new professionalism and recognition of districts and schools as complex organizations facilitate administrators' ability to handle this enlarged responsibility. Chapter 1 identifies forms of school crises and offers explanations, drawing upon organizational theories from social science. Chapter 2 presents a policy framework for two strategies of crisis management. Chapters 3 through 5 document the use of these strategies in the field, illustrated by the experiences of three schools or districts. Interviews with six administrators supplement the discussion. Chapter 6 concludes with field-based guidelines for effective and responsible crisis management. (16 references) (LMI)

"Chronicle of Higher Education" presents an abundant source of news and information for college and university faculty members and administrators. This January 21, 2005 issue of "Chronicle of Higher Education" includes the following articles: (1) "The Perils of Pursuing Prestige" (Lovett, Clara M.); (2) "A 'Civilizing' Mission in Late Colonial Kenya" (Elkins, Caroline); (3) "The Gospel of Born-Again Bodies" (Griffith, R. Marie); (4) "For Keep's Sake: A Chairman's Files" (Goldstein, Warren); (5) "Lending Their Hands after the Tsunami"; (6) "In Indonesia, Universities Are Transformed in to Relief Centers" (Overland, Martha Ann); (7) "Faculty Group Calls for Academic Integrity as Basis for Athletics Reform" (Suggs, Welch); (8) "At Its Convention, NCAA Preaches Fiscal Restraint and Academic Rigor" (Suggs, Welch); (9) "Scholars Say College Admissions Offices Misuse Advanced Placement Data: A Study Finds that the High-School Courses Aren't Always Good Predictors of College Success" (Glenn, David); (10) "Internet Experts Consult Their Crystal Balls" (Carnevale, Dan); (11) "Four Days in the Digital Future: A College Manager Does Her Legwork at the Year's Biggest Electronics Show" (Young, Jeffrey R.); (12) "Investors Increase Their Stakes in 3 Higher-Education Companies" (Blumenstyk, Goldie); (13) "The Health-Care Tussle: Colleges and Their Employees Struggle over the Growing Costs of Coverage" (Glenn, David); (14) "Affirmative Action and Military Recruiting Spur Debate at Law-School Meeting" (Mangan, Katherine S.); (15) "In Tsunami's Wake, Scientists Sift for Clues and Discoveries" (Monastersky, Richard); (16) "Torture's Paper Trail: A New Collection of Government Memoranda, Some Written by Professors, Shows how Officials Justified Prisoner Abuse in the Campaign against Terrorism" (Mangan, Katherine S.); (17) "Faculty Group Censures Benedict College again over 'A for Effort' Policy" (Smallwood, Scott); (18) "Stepping Out: The Discipline of Dance Gains a Foothold in Academe" (Lipka, Sara); and (19) "A Campus in Indonesia Survives, Barely" (Overland, Martha Ann).

Parametric insurance contracts, which offer objective 'trigger events' and quicker payouts to those who need relief after a catastrophe, are gaining traction in the market. Parametric insurance contracts, which gained [...]

This text provides a critical analysis of American society and politics, discussing various topics such as the impact of money in politics, racial disparities, and the challenges faced by the Democratic Party. It also explores the influence of figures like Donald Trump and the potential consequences of the election. The text encourages readers to actively engage with politics and consider the complexities and inequalities that exist in American society. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores possible solutions to bring renewable energy and reliable power back to Puerto Rico amid the effects of climate change and an aging infrastructure. It reports the release of the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund for use in projects such as rooftop solar installations, as well as the cancellation of coal-fired generation by 2028, renewable energy transition efforts, and the implementation of solutions like community-scale microgrids and solar energy cooperatives.

This article explores the challenges that estuaries face as a result of climate change. It discusses the impact of extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and sea level rise on these delicate ecosystems. The author shares their personal experience of witnessing the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy in New Jersey's Barnegat Bay. The article emphasizes the potential consequences of environmental shifts on biodiversity, water quality, and the economy. It also highlights the need for understanding and managing the complex interactions and forces at work in estuaries to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, restoring ecosystems, and adopting sustainable approaches to protect estuaries and coastal environments. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the challenges that Australia is facing as a result of climate change and the increasing risks associated with extreme weather events. It emphasizes the importance of adaptation and planning to ensure the livability of Australian towns and cities in a climate-changed future. The article discusses various risks such as heatwaves, bushfires, droughts, floods, cyclones, and rising sea levels, and highlights the need to avoid high-risk areas, manage risks effectively, and consider retreat from uninhabitable places. It also addresses the impact of climate change on urban planning, insurability of homes, and the need for strategies to reduce the heat island effect and protect vulnerable populations. The article mentions the development of the Ethos Project, an app-based solution to help individuals, particularly older people, monitor and manage their heat exposure. It also discusses the impact of sea-level rise on coastal settlements and the importance of planning and managed retreat in high-risk areas. The article emphasizes the need to address water insecurity and the economic implications of climate-related disasters. It concludes by stressing the urgency of efforts to control climate change and create a livable environment. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses how big data and geographic information systems (GIS) are being used to speed up disaster response efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) faces challenges in coordinating recovery efforts due to the use of different maps and data formats by local authorities. Geospatial scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are using advanced technology to create accurate GIS maps of the entire country, which help identify areas of damage and allocate resources more effectively. The goal is to have maps ready before disasters strike, and to tie them to a national address database to ensure resources reach the right places. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a historical account of the overthrow of the Mongols in Yuan China and the subsequent rise of the Ming dynasty. It explores the factors that led to the rebellion, including natural disasters and political weaknesses. The White Lotus Society, a persecuted Buddhist sect, played a significant role in the uprising. The article also delves into the life of Zhu Yuanzhang, who went from being an orphan to becoming the emperor of China. The rebellion eventually turned into a power struggle between warlords, with the Red Turban Rebellion emerging as a prominent force. The Battle of Lake Poyang, a major naval engagement in Chinese and world history, is highlighted, where Zhu's smaller fleet defeated Chen Youliang's larger forces due to low water levels. Zhu went on to capture Suzhou and establish the Ming dynasty, which ruled China until 1644. [Extracted from the article]

This article examines the consequences of faulty disaster warnings, using specific cases in Carnation, Washington and Hawaii as examples. It discusses the psychological impact of false alarms on residents and the challenges of finding the right balance between too many and too few warnings. The article emphasizes the importance of effective warning systems in the face of climate change and the need for community involvement and support during emergencies. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the role of civil engineers in disaster zones, emphasizing the importance of designing infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters and protect people. It discusses the tasks involved in post-disaster recovery, such as initial response, damage assessment, and restoration of critical infrastructure. The article highlights the need for specialized training and safety precautions when working in these areas, as well as the importance of reducing risks for first responders. It provides practical advice on staying safe, including using specialized equipment, working in pairs, and debriefing after leaving the site. The article emphasizes the importance of professionalism and prioritizing safety in these challenging environments. [Extracted from the article]

Climate change is having a detrimental impact on socio-economic development in Pakistan. Rising temperatures, heatwaves, and cold spells are affecting agriculture, business, and social development. The country's average temperature has increased by 1°C since the 1980s, with Karachi experiencing a rise of over 3°C in six decades. Deforestation, the use of fossil fuels, industrialization, and global warming are contributing to this warming trend. The government's lack of action and planning has resulted in a significant reduction in forest cover, which currently stands at 5.1% compared to the international standard of 25%. This has led to water scarcity, droughts, and the drying up of the Indus River Delta, causing migration and impacting livelihoods. Pakistan's greenhouse gas emissions are relatively low, but the country is still suffering heavy losses from climate change, such as the 2022 floods that caused billions of dollars in damage. The projected temperature increase in Pakistan is expected to exceed the global average, leading to a decline in crop yields, water scarcity, and increased risk to coastal regions. The frequency of climate-related natural disasters, such as floods and droughts, has been increasing, causing economic losses and infrastructure damage. Droughts, in particular, have long-lasting impacts on water availability and agriculture. Climate change poses significant challenges to social, environmental, and developmental activities, and adaptation and mitigation efforts are crucial. Pakistan, as a responsible member of the global community, is dedicated to combating climate [Extracted from the article]

This article features scholarship essays written by undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about pursuing careers in geology. The essays highlight their reasons for wanting to become geologists, including their fascination with the natural world, the desire to solve environmental crises, and the quest for knowledge about Earth's history and future. The students express their commitment to making a positive impact in the field of geosciences and contributing to the conservation of the Earth. The article also provides information about the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) and its activities, including professional certification, lobbying, continuing education, and state and section activities. Additionally, it announces a member photo challenge with different categories and prizes. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the importance of business continuity strategies in navigating natural disasters. It highlights that more than half of businesses in the United States do not have a disaster recovery plan, and one in four businesses that close temporarily due to a disaster will never reopen. The article emphasizes the need for property owners and facility managers to develop a continuity plan tailored to their business, which can guide actions to minimize disruption during and after a natural disaster. It also provides guidance on understanding risks, assessing vulnerabilities, developing a robust continuity plan, crisis communication, protecting the building, and building a culture of preparedness and training. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of regularly updating and testing continuity plans to minimize disruption to facilities and operations in the aftermath of natural disasters. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides an overview of managing expectations during the transition to a green economy. It discusses the increasing risks and losses caused by climate change, such as wildfires, flooding, and hurricanes. The article also examines the challenges in the insurance market for renewable energy risks, particularly for smaller to middle market projects. It addresses concerns about green design specialization and the importance of managing owners' expectations for green buildings. The article emphasizes the challenges and risks associated with green building and renewable energy projects, and the need to understand the role of building owners in achieving sustainable goals. It also highlights the growing interest in mass timber construction as a sustainable and resilient building material, and the importance of accurate risk assessment models for solar projects to ensure the financial viability and sustainable growth of the solar industry. [Extracted from the article]

As the effects of climate-related events grow in severity, there is an increasing demand for emergency construction and strong infrastructure. Funding programs, such as the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned [...]

The κ -exponential function, representing a generalization of the exponential function, has been firstly introduced in physics, and, then, it has been considered in a noteworthy number of fields because of its ability to take rare events into account. Among the possible applications of this function, one of particular interest is in economics in which rare events may consist in natural disasters, such as earthquakes that reduce the supply of capital, or epidemics or other external shocks influencing the supply of intermediate inputs, human or physical capital. Starting from the κ -exponential function, the κ -logistic function, which is a generalization of the sigmoidal function, can be obtained and used to describe production functions in a unique setting to take into account (1) several shapes usually considered in economics (i.e. concave and non-concave production functions), (2) economies at different development levels, and, (3) the possible occurrence of rare events. In this paper, we investigate the economic growth model as proposed by Böhm and Kaas (2000), wherein the production function utilizes the κ -logistic function. We provide theoretical results confirmed by extensive computational experiments and in line with economic literature showing that a poverty trap may emerge together with fluctuations, multistability and complex dynamics. • The κ -logistic production function is a generalization of the sigmoidal production function. • Economic growth is considered across various levels of development. • Non-concave production functions can lead to the occurrence of multistability and complex dynamics. • The poverty trap can be exhibited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]