scholarly journals INTERCONNECTIVITIES BETWEEN HAZARD, DAMAGE, AND SHORELINE TYPE: LESSONS LEARNED FROM HURRICANE IRMA’S IMPACT ON THE FLORIDA KEYS

2018 ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Tori Tomiczek ◽  
Brittany Webbmartin ◽  
Steven Scyphers ◽  
Kiera O’Donnell ◽  
Kelsi Furman
Keyword(s):  
Salt Marshes ◽  
Florida Keys ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Storm Events ◽  
Wave Impact ◽  
Dune Vegetation ◽  
Hurricane Season

The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season had 17 named storms, 10 hurricanes, and 6 major hurricanes, generating over 226 units of accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), a measure used by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) that refers to the combined the intensity and duration of a hurricane. These statistics earned the hurricane season’s classification as “extremely active,” the most active since 2005. Preliminary estimates of damage due to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria amount to over $200 billion dollars in the United States alone. Recent studies suggest that the frequency of these high intensity Category 4 and 5 hurricanes is increasing (e.g. Mendelsohn et al., 2012). The 2017 hurricane season may thus be representative of an expected season. Accounting for projected increases in mean sea level, storm impacts may be exacerbated in coastal regions. These trends emphasize the need for effective damage mitigation techniques that improve the robustness and resiliency of coastal communities. Structures must be designed to not only avoid wave and surge loads, but also resist these forces in the event of a wave impact. Furthermore, creative, cost-effective solutions are required to mitigate waves and surge before they reach developed coastal areas. Thus, engineers require a robust, science-based methodology for predicting details of wave propagation over land and inland effects to ensure life safety and reduce economic loss due to extreme events. While traditional engineering strategies (e.g. seawalls, bulkheads) have been used to prevent coastal erosion and mitigate inland effects of hurricane waves and surge, recent storm events have shown potential of nature and natural based features (e.g. dune vegetation, mangroves, wetlands, salt-marshes, coral reefs, and seagrass) to protect coastal structures during storm events.

scholarly journals DENTAL HYGIENISTS AS ESSENTIAL MEMBERS OF THE HEALTH CARE TEAM

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Juhl
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Care Team ◽  
Care Team ◽  
Oral Disease ◽  
Dental Hygienists

Despite the advances in dental sciences, innovative oral health programs, and efforts dedicated by oral health professionals,globally, unmet oral disease, and the economic loss it causes, is growing. In the present, oral health care delivery systemsurgently need improvement. The introduction of dental hygienists as essential members of the health care team can contributeto improved and cost-effective health care outcomes. This paper provides definitions of dental hygienists from both, aninternational and the United States (U.S.) and describes their education, functions, and contributions to the health care team.

scholarly journals Investing in Natural and Nature-Based Infrastructure: Building Better Along Our Coasts

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariana Sutton-Grier ◽  
Rachel Gittman ◽  
Katie Arkema ◽  
Richard Bennett ◽  
Jeff Benoit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Community Safety ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Storm Events ◽  
Economic Wealth ◽  
Effective Manner

Much of the United States’ critical infrastructure is either aging or requires significant repair, leaving U.S. communities and the economy vulnerable. Outdated and dilapidated infrastructure places coastal communities, in particular, at risk from the increasingly frequent and intense coastal storm events and rising sea levels. Therefore, investments in coastal infrastructure are urgently needed to ensure community safety and prosperity; however, these investments should not jeopardize the ecosystems and natural resources that underlie economic wealth and human well-being. Over the past 50 years, efforts have been made to integrate built infrastructure with natural landscape features, often termed “green” infrastructure, in order to sustain and restore valuable ecosystem functions and services. For example, significant advances have been made in implementing green infrastructure approaches for stormwater management, wastewater treatment, and drinking water conservation and delivery. However, the implementation of natural and nature-based infrastructure (NNBI) aimed at flood prevention and coastal erosion protection is lagging. There is an opportunity now, as the U.S. government reacts to the recent, unprecedented flooding and hurricane damage and considers greater infrastructure investments, to incorporate NNBI into coastal infrastructure projects. Doing so will increase resilience and provide critical services to local communities in a cost-effective manner and thereby help to sustain a growing economy.

scholarly journals Comparing Actions and Lessons Learned in Transportation and Logistics Efforts for Emergency Response to Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Collier ◽  
Srijith Balakrishnan ◽  
Zhanmin Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Emergency Relief ◽  
The Government

AbstractOver the past years, the frequency and scope of disasters affecting the United States have significantly increased. Government agencies have made efforts in improving the nation’s disaster response framework to minimize fatalities and economic loss due to disasters. Disaster response has evolved with the emergency management agencies incorporating systematic changes in their organization and emergency response functions to accommodate lessons learned from past disaster events. Technological advancements in disaster response have also improved the agencies’ ability to prepare for and respond to natural hazards. The transportation and logistics sector has a primary role in emergency response during and after disasters. In this light, this paper seeks to identify how effective policy changes and new technology have aided the transportation and logistics sector in emergency response and identify gaps in current practices for further improvement. Specifically, this study compares and contrasts the transportation and logistical support to emergency relief efforts during and after two major Hurricane events in the U.S., namely Hurricane Katrina (which affected New Orleans in 2005) and Hurricane Harvey (which affected Houston in 2017). This comparison intends to outline the major steps taken by the government and the private entities in the transportation and logistics sector to facilitate emergency response and the issues faced during the process. Finally, the paper summarizes the lessons learned from both the Hurricane events and provides recommendations for further improvements in transportation and logistical support to disaster response.

Responding to Vessel Groundings and Oil Spills in National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries1

2003 ◽  
Vol 2003 (1) ◽  
pp. 903-908
Author(s):  
James E. Elliott
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Natural Resource ◽  
Oil Spills ◽  
Florida Keys ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
System Response ◽  
The Rich ◽  
Unified Command

ABSTRACT The United States National Park System contains over two million acres of submerged lands, and the nation's thirteen marine sanctuaries have over 18,000 square miles of ocean waters and habitats. From the public's perspective, national parks and marine sanctuaries are public goods that should be protected for future generations. Historically, however, response operations within these protected waters have not consistently preserved the environmental integrity of the nation's valuable resources. Vessels are often abandoned and remain aground, thereby emitting residual oil and physically damaging coral reefs and seagrass beds after the responders have removed the accessible oil. Additionally, responders often fail to consult with natural resource trustees and, as a result, physically damage the environment during response operations. This paper presents case studies and lessons learned from vessel groundings and oil spill response operations in national parks, marine sanctuaries, and other protected areas, from the Point Reyes National Seashore to the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary. The topics of Natural Resource Trustee consultations, application of the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, effective use of the Unified Command System, response cost internalization methods, and ecological sustainability are logically presented to argue for a more proactive and consistent national response posture in protected waters.“Surely our people do not understand even yet the rich heritage that is theirs … Our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children's children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred.”—President Theodore Roosevelt (Shullery, 1979)

Online Recruitment of Targeted Populations: Lessons Learned from a Smoking Cessation Study among Korean Americans

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 2-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana D. McDonnell ◽  
Hyun-Ju Lee ◽  
Gene Kazinets ◽  
Joel M. Moskowitz
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Online Advertising ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Korean Americans ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Community Advisory Board ◽  
Geographically Dispersed ◽  
Online Newspaper ◽  
Online Methods

Korean Americans (KAs) have among the highest smoking rates in the United States. They are unlikely to participate in conventional evidence-based smoking cessation programs, preferring to quit on their own. Since KAs have good Internet access, the study's community advisory board recommended evaluating the efficacy of an online cessation program. In conjunction with the board, an Internet-based, self-help program was adapted to ensure that it was culturally and linguistically appropriate and was evaluated with a randomized trial. This article describes the real-world experience recruiting 1,261 KA participants, primarily through online methods. Paid online advertising was essential to the recruitment effort. The 31 months of advertising cost approximately $84,000, or $66.50 per study enrollee. Based on self-reports, most participants learned about the study from either a text link such as Google AdWords (44%) and/or a graphic link such as an online newspaper ad (35%). Among the methods used, Google AdWords' cost-per-click content site ads were the most cost-effective. Other types of outreach, including unpaid Internet ads, cable television, newspapers, fliers, and word of mouth, had very low reach. Geographically dispersed, linguistically unique, and privacy-oriented communities can be recruited for eHealth studies and interventions. However, a paid advertising campaign may be necessary.

Combined Cycle Equipment Standardization: How Much Is Too Much?

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Fontes ◽  
Richard Casey ◽  
Robert Alder ◽  
Roger Prewitt
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Term Operation ◽  
Power Stations ◽  
Cost Effective Approach ◽  
Maintenance Requirements ◽  
Original Equipment Manufacturers

Many electric utilities in the United States are involved with construction of both combined cycle and combustion turbine generation. These utilities and the industry, as a whole, have the opportunity to carefully examine methods of equipment optimization when developing these new power stations. The Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) anticipates installing at least three large combined cycle units and several smaller aero-derivative combustion turbine units within the next 15 years. As a generation owner and operator, FMPA management is examining lessons learned by other utilities, original equipment manufacturers and consulting engineers to develop a cost-effective approach to equipment standardization. This evaluation focuses on design, equipment procurement, as well as long-term operation and maintenance requirements.

Breast Cancer Screening for Women With Down Syndrome: Lessons Learned

2015 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Chicoine ◽  
Melody Roth ◽  
Laura Chicoine ◽  
Suela Sulo
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Medical Facility ◽  
Financial Cost ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Effective Part ◽  
Low Rate

Abstract This study examined mammogram reports of women with Down syndrome (DS) treated in the largest medical facility specifically serving adults with DS in the United States. Records of 684 women and results of 993 mammograms were reviewed, including 902 screening and 93 diagnostic mammograms. Only 2 (0.7%) women had a diagnosis of breast cancer. This study found a low rate of breast cancer among women with DS, a finding which is consistent with previous studies. The financial cost per finding was high, the benefit of the mammograms questionable, and the potential for harm greater. With less than 1% of the women with DS in this study developing breast cancer, further discussion is recommended to assess whether mammography is a beneficial, cost-effective part of health maintenance for women with DS.

Decommissioning Liabilities and Cost Considerations

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
William A. Cloutier
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Financial Resources ◽  
Planning Stage ◽  
Regulatory Constraints ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Common ◽  
Operating Organization

The premature cessation of operations at several large commercial reactors in the United States has created for the owners of these facilities an accelerated liability for decommissioning. A majority of the owners of these facilities, however, still elected to proceed with immediate dismantling, even though, in many instances, the adequacy of the available funding had not been established. With limited financial resources, project success often depends upon the ability of the owner to address and resolve project encumbrances, regulatory constraints and the growth of the work scope in an expeditious and cost-effective manner. The common lesson-learned recognized in the performance of these major projects over the last 15 years, is that planning for decommissioning needs to be started earlier and include a comprehensive cost analysis so as to facilitate post-shutdown activities. This paper will summarize the processes used to identify and quantify decommissioning liabilities in the US, as well as in other countries. In particular, the objectives in developing a cost estimate will be explored, the types of estimates discussed, and the need to integrate the estimate within the ongoing planning for decommissioning. Strategic cost considerations will be identified, as well as their impact on the financial resources required. Case studies will be presented, identifying both similarities and differences in purpose and in scope. The paper will discuss the key planning tools, for example, facility characterization assessments for radiological, hazardous and toxic contaminates. Program management is the single largest expense incurred in plant decommissioning since it is a highly regulated and controlled process. However, in most instances, the oversight of decommissioning operations requires only a fraction of the original operating organization. This paper will explore the need to streamline and transition the operating staff to one that can effectively support decommissioning activities while minimizing the overall expense. Waste conditioning and disposal is a major technical, as well as financial element, in the facility decommissioning. The availability and cost of regional and national disposal facilities is a key consideration in the options selected for decommissioning, including timing, approach and methods selected. The formation and integration of a waste management strategy will be discussed along with the sensitivity of the decommissioning cost and schedule to the strategy selected. The paper will conclude with several observations relating to the need to include financial planning in any decommissioning evaluation, a discussion of lessons-learned from ongoing decontamination and dismantling projects, and common misconceptions. Recommendations will be offered for owners of those facilities currently considering decommissioning, as well as those in the early planning stage.

scholarly journals The promise of disease detection dogs in pandemic response: lessons learned from COVID-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
C.M. Otto ◽  
T.K. Sell ◽  
T. Veenema ◽  
D. Hosangadi ◽  
R.A. Vahey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Public Health Intervention ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
Disease Screening ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Political Support ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Disease Detection

Abstract One of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is the utility of an early, flexible and rapidly deployable disease screening and detection response. The largely uncontrolled spread of the pandemic in the United States exposed a range of planning and implementation shortcomings, which if they had been in place before the pandemic emerged, may have changed the trajectory. Disease screening by detection dogs show great promise as a non-invasive, efficient, and cost-effective screening method for COVID-19 infection. We explore evidence of their use in infectious and chronic diseases, the training, oversight, resources required for implementation, and potential uses in various settings. Disease detection dogs may contribute to the current and future public health pandemics; however, further research is needed to extend our knowledge and measurement of their effectiveness and feasibility as a public health intervention tool and efforts are needed ensure public and political support.

scholarly journals DENTAL HYGIENISTS AS ESSENTIAL MEMBERS OF THE HEALTH CARE TEAM

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-80
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Juhl
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Care Team ◽  
Care Team ◽  
Oral Disease ◽  
Dental Hygienists

Despite the advances in dental sciences, innovative oral health programs, and efforts dedicated by oral health professionals,globally, unmet oral disease, and the economic loss it causes, is growing. In the present, oral health care delivery systemsurgently need improvement. The introduction of dental hygienists as essential members of the health care team can contributeto improved and cost-effective health care outcomes. This paper provides definitions of dental hygienists from both, aninternational and the United States (U.S.) and describes their education, functions, and contributions to the health care team.

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