This book introduces the concept of hazards as part of the earth’s natural systems, in contrast to "disasters," which occur at the intersection of the built and natural environments. It emphasizes choices made by society that either increase or diminish our level of vulnerability to the impacts of hazards, and the role of the emergency manager in how these choices are made and acted upon. The book defines key concepts including mitigation, preparedness, resilience, vulnerability, and explains the role of the emergency manager in putting these principles into practice.

Microfinance has become an increasingly popular option in many developing countries & is an effective tool for improving the living standards of the poor. Several local non-governmental org., international finance institutions, donor countries, banks & others have shown an interest in developing microenterprises through such loans. Here is detailed info. on the microfinance sector in Lebanon & may be of use to researchers, non-governmental & governmental org., donors, policy makers, & prospective borrowers. Includes a description of the microlending market & its major players in Lebanon, an analysis of the strengths & weaknesses of these players, & info. on the microenterprises that constitute the potential target of lending institutions.

Vols. 29-30 contain papers of the International Engineering Congress, Chicago, 1893; v. 54, pts. A-F, papers of the International Engineering Congress, St. Louis, 1904.

Natural Hazards: Earth Processes as Hazards, Disasters and Catastrophes, Fourth Edition, is an introductory-level survey intended for university and college courses that are concerned with earth processes that have direct, and often sudden and violent, impacts on human society. The text integrates principles of geology, hydrology, meteorology, climatology, oceanography, soil science, ecology and solar system astronomy. The book is designed for a course in natural hazards for non-science majors, and a primary goal of the text is to assist instructors in guiding students who may have little background in science to understand physical earth processes as natural hazards and their consequences to society. Natural Hazards uses historical to recent examples of hazards and disasters to explore how and why they happen and what we can do to limit their effects. The text's up-to-date coverage of recent disasters brings a fresh perspective to the material. The Fourth Edition continues our new active learning approach that includes reinforcement of learning objective with a fully updated visual program and pedagogical tools that highlight fundamental concepts of the text. This program will provide an interactive and engaging learning experience for your students. Here's how: Provide a balanced approach to the study of natural hazards: Focus on the basic earth science of hazards as well as roles of human processes and effects on our planet in a broader, more balanced approach to the study of natural hazards. Enhance understanding and comprehension of natural hazards: Newly revised stories and case studies give students a behind the scenes glimpse into how hazards are evaluated from a scientific and human perspective; the stories of real people who survive natural hazards, and the lives and research of professionals who have contributed significantly to the research of hazardous events. Strong pedagogical tools reinforce the text's core features: Chapter structure and design organizes the material into three major sections to help students learn, digest, and review learning objectives.

In the second qtr. of 2007, the share of outstanding mortg. in some stage of foreclosure (FC) stood at 1.4%, up from less than 1% a year earlier. The number of mortg. entering the FC process reached an all-time high in mid-2007. The FC surge was created by a perfect storm of events. First, the share of sub-prime mortg. originations increased. Second, FC rates for adjustable-rate mortg. (ARMs) have increased, esp. for sub-prime ARMs. Finally, high loan-to-value originations, coupled with stagnant or falling home prices, have left many people with insufficient equity to sell or to refinance their homes. Here is a dissection of the current FC surge. Discusses why the FC situation is likely to get worse over the next 2-3 years & why it is likely to improve afterward. Illus.