Articles tagged with Terrorism
Researchers will develop methods to derive and exploit information from diverse data forms, link this information with stored knowledge and analytical reasoning practices, and provide cognitive readiness support. The Penn State team will also apply a cognitive science approach to understanding visual tool usage, enhancing the role of t...
A study found that road deaths are nearly 400 times higher than those from international terrorism in OECD countries. The data reveals a significant disparity between the number of lives lost to car crashes and terrorist attacks.
Researchers Dr. Charles F. Parker and Dr. Eric K. Stern examine the US government's response to al-Qaeda-style terrorism following the 9/11 attacks. They find that increased policy attention has improved capabilities and interagency coordination, but acknowledge significant organizational and human frailties that remain unaddressed.
Emerging technologies aim to quickly and accurately detect weapons of mass destruction, saving lives and preventing attacks. Advances in sensors, radio waves, and analytical systems are being explored.
A Carnegie Mellon study found that people's emotional reactions to 9/11 persistently predict their perception of terrorism risk. Emotions like fear and anger affect optimism and pessimism about future attacks, while hindsight bias remains unchanged.
Researchers at Arizona State University suggest that societies can ensure stability by adopting a 'systems approach' to evaluate policies, investments, and dual-use technologies. This approach aims to enhance social and economic resiliency while meeting security needs.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a report with 30 recommendations to improve the safety of tall buildings, their occupants, and first responders. The recommendations aim to enhance fire resistance, prevent progressive collapse, and design buildings for efficient evacuations.
The study provides guidance on managing severely injured patients in emergency situations, including the importance of close follow-up, a 'chain of command' team, and preparedness for staff recruitment. The authors also offer recommendations for treating common injuries caused by bomb blasts, such as brain, lung, and orthopaedic injuries.
A study found that feelings of threat lead to increased support for US military intervention, restrictions on foreign visitors, and increased surveillance. The authors also discovered a link between anxiety and opposition to military action, but not to policies targeting Arabs.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that personal devotion to Islam is not linked to support for suicide bombings, but attending mosques more frequently is. The study analyzed data from over 1,150 Palestinian Muslim adults and found that communal religious practice was a predictor of support for suicide terrorism.
After the terrorist attacks, Ohio homeowners shifted their priorities to prioritize housing density, parks, and safety over other factors. A third survey conducted in spring 2004 found that despite increased fear of terrorism, home preferences returned closer to pre-9/11 levels.
A new search engine, Unintended Information Revelation (UIR), has been developed to uncover hidden information within documents. It uses concept chain graphs to find connections between seemingly unrelated concepts and can reveal sensitive data.
The Lancet report highlights the 'silent humanitarian crisis' of 3900 children dying daily from inadequate sanitation and safe drinking water. The authors recommend scaling up efforts to expand coverage by 2015 without significant financial investment or technological breakthroughs.
Researchers propose a 'systems engineering approach' to protect public spaces from chemical and biological terror attacks. This involves central command centers, response strategies tailored to facilities, and sterilizing chambers built into air-circulation systems.
A new software developed for the U.S. Marine Corps helps organizations prioritize resources and allocate funds to protect critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks. The system considers factors such as protecting people, mission importance, and acceptable risks.
DHS has selected Stanford as its first regional center for national visual analytics work, aiming to enhance analytical reasoning with complex information. The partnership will focus on network traffic analysis, cognitive principles, and exploratory analysis of graphs in relational databases.
A North Carolina State University study found that up to 79% of DHS safety symbols are unacceptable for communicating hazard-related information. The researchers recommend using human factors solutions such as testing, iterative comprehension testing, and public awareness campaigns to improve the effectiveness of these symbols.
The K-State civil engineering department will focus on cost-effective preservation of rural roads and infrastructure for safe operation and agricultural product movement. The new center aims to address unique challenges in rural areas, including aging population, terrorist threats, and disease outbreaks.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School found that preparing for extreme events depends on a complex interplay between risk assessment, perception, and management. Understanding cumulative effects can increase people's willingness to take actions to mitigate risks.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new metal alloy, BlastAlloy-160, with enhanced strength and resistance to blast damage. This breakthrough design could lead to improved safety in various industries, including construction and transportation.
The Madrid bombings resulted in over 2,000 injuries, with 312 patients taken to GMUGH. Immediate triage and evacuation procedures helped prevent medical staff from being overwhelmed, saving the lives of more than 80% of critically injured patients.
A longitudinal study on workplace stress found that women who experienced sexual harassment, abuse, or powerlessness in their jobs were more likely to suffer mental health consequences after the 9/11 attacks. Women reported increased anxiety and escapist motives for drinking alcohol, while men did not experience similar health effects.
A Cornell University study found that terrorist warnings increased presidential approval ratings and support for Bush's handling of the economy. The study's findings are consistent with social identity theory and terror management theory, suggesting a 'halo effect' where threats increase in-group identification and nationalism.
A study of college students found that 62% relied on prayer to handle stress-related difficulties, regardless of their religious affiliation. Spiritual support was shown to be similar to social support in promoting mental health and well-being.
The report emphasizes the need for improved network-centric operations to enhance port security and reduce the terrorist threat. It recommends establishing a 'testbed' in the Port Authority to develop an architecture and communications backbone, along with measures to deter, prevent, and respond to terror-based attacks.
A new study by Dr Bridgette Sullivan-Taylor of the University of Warwick explores the strategic management implications of global terrorism on international service organizations. The research highlights the impact of terrorism on organizational learning, planning, and decision-making for both business and leisure travelers.
A study found that in the post-9/11 era, voters tend to favor male candidates over women, perceiving them as more competent on issues like military crises and foreign policy. This shift is attributed to the war atmosphere and its impact on voter perceptions.
The Agentase Nerve Agent Sensor detects nerve agents with high sensitivity and resistance to environmental factors, having a two- to three-year shelf life and compatibility with all testing surfaces. It is already in use in Iraq.
The ESRC Social Science Week conference explores the Sahara's past, present, and future, highlighting the impact of Western and local military intelligence services on indigenous peoples. Jeremy Keenan claims increasing evidence shows military agencies fabricate terrorist incidents, putting Tuareg lives at risk.
A new study suggests that people who hold a strong belief in a just world are more likely to experience distress and have a desire for revenge when their worldview is challenged. The research, published in Psychological Science, also found that those most distressed by the challenge had the strongest feelings of revenge.
A recent MIT study explores the effects of terrorism on global supply chains, highlighting the importance of vulnerability maps and flexible supply chains in minimizing disruption. The research also emphasizes the need for corporate cultures to prioritize communication and security.
In the 16th century, identity badges were issued to the poor as a stamp of approval and to prevent begging. The badges were designed to distinguish those deemed deserving from unworthy individuals. By the late 17th century, badging became compulsory in England, with penalties for those who refused to wear them.
The NYU Child Study Center has launched an outreach campaign to address the emotional impact of 9/11 and the War on Terror on children. The initiative features public service announcements narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, warning signs, and a hotline for parents and adults who interact with children at risk.
Peter Chen's research on 'smart linkage' aims to discover hidden data relationships and link databases for efficient information sharing. The project uses a complex mathematical model to narrow down lists of suspicious individuals, prioritizing searches based on risk levels.
A study found that the terrorist attack led to an increase in heart attacks and cardiac arrhythmias, with patients experiencing psychological stress showing higher rates of these events. The findings suggest that drugs like beta blockers may help reduce the risk for people with heart disease and risk factors.
NIST is working on redundant elevator power systems and waterproof components to maintain safe operation during fires. The institute will use virtual reality simulation to test emergency evacuation procedures and collaborate with global experts to establish standards.
A new book published by the University of Colorado Center explores post-disaster research and findings from 22 studies on emergency response, corporate interactions, volunteer behavior, and risk communication. The studies aim to improve public policy and disaster response in the face of terrorist attacks.
A new quick screening methodology developed by Los Alamos scientists can identify isotopes in dirty bomb debris in as little as six hours. The procedure uses standard chemical analysis and can characterize Plutonium-239, Uranium-238, Americium-241, Curium-244 and Neptunium-237.
Brookhaven National Laboratory researchers have developed counterterror technologies to detect radioactive materials, chemical and biological agents, and explosives. These sensor technologies can be deployed at ports, bridges, tunnels, and transportation hubs to intercept dangerous materials before a terrorist attack.
A sociologist has developed a 10-category scale to measure disasters and terrorism events, helping researchers and practitioners distinguish between appropriate mitigating efforts. The scale assesses the degree of social disruption resulting from an actual or potential disaster, with categories ranging from everyday emergencies to anni...
Researchers analyzed interviews with WW2 Polish Resistance veterans to identify key motivations behind recruitment, including patriotism, xenophobia, and moral constraint. The study found that these emotions were rooted in a migrants' moral system and family life, rather than solely driven by ideology.
Health care providers must recognize unusual disease trends and early warning signs of intentional water contamination. With prompt diagnosis and proper management, they can make a difference in minimizing the impact of such an event.
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) has received a $600,000 grant from the Technical Support Working Group (TSWG) to develop advanced video surveillance systems for public safety. The project aims to improve the ability to detect and track potential terrorists using 'smart' cameras that can adapt to various lighting conditions.
A new network aims to provide comprehensive support for children and families affected by disasters and terrorism. Dr. Russell T. Jones, a Virginia Tech professor, is part of the group, which seeks to foster integrated readiness, response, and recovery programs across the US.
A professor's theory suggests that young people who choose identities that can only limit or end their lives are more likely to engage in suicide terrorism. This is due to a combination of factors, including the role of conflict and oppression in shaping their identities, as well as the promise of validation through sacrifice.
Researchers have found that scopolamine and donezepil may be effective in treating nerve agent toxicity by blocking acetylcholine levels. These findings could provide a protective effect against nerve agents like sarin and VX, which cause seizures and death.
An anthropologist reveals that most suicide terrorists are educated and economically well-off individuals who feel despair and are manipulated by elites. To combat this, empower moderates within communities and strengthen interactions between different groups.
Researchers found that high-density storage systems used at nuclear power plants could unleash contamination worse than Chernobyl if attacked. The study recommends returning water tanks to low-density configurations and building onsite storage facilities to reduce the risk of fire and radiation release.
Historian Omer Bartov argues that scholars have often supported mass crimes and inhumanity, prioritizing political loyalty over morality. He cites examples of academic silence on Nazi policies, the Holocaust, and genocides in Rwanda and Cambodia.
A survey of 51 individuals handling human remains after the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing found minimal post-traumatic stress and depressive symptoms two years later. Factors such as social support, debriefing, and medical experience were linked to resilience in body handlers.
A study of ICD patients found a significant increase in dangerous irregular heartbeats after a terrorist attack, highlighting the impact of stress on the heart. The rate of ICD discharges remained elevated for a month following the attack.
Dr. Arnold Barnett argues that large US airlines prioritize security measures over terrorist threats, despite evidence of two major aviation-related terror attempts in the year following 9/11. New low-fare airlines, such as jetBlue and Spirit, are willing to implement voluntary security measures.
Preliminary study finds that modified structural steel connections may fail under small bomb blasts, compromising building stability. Researchers aim to address issues and consider progressive collapse of multi-story buildings.
A UC researcher used geological features and satellite imagery to identify a possible bin Laden stronghold in Afghanistan, which was later confirmed by US forces. He also warned the US government about the potential for Al Queda to return to the region.
The GuardianWATCH system, developed by Lehigh University professor Terry Boult, offers several critical advantages over traditional surveillance systems. It provides real-time video footage of intruders' movements and alerts security personnel to track the situation instantly.
The Electronic Surveillance System for Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE) tracks data from military medical facilities in the Washington, D.C. area to detect outbreaks and biological terrorism. The system balances timeliness with data quality to identify clusters of diseases.
Despite a state budget crisis and terrorism, Virginia remains positive in its assessment of the state's qualities. Virginians report satisfaction with friendships, family relationships, education, medical care, retirement options, and vacations.
A recent terror warning highlights the potential danger of laptops and electronic devices on planes, sparking calls for improved security measures. Researchers like Uber advocate for airline monitoring systems to detect interfering signals inside aircraft cabins.
Researchers use satellite data to identify geographic areas at risk of terrorist threats, tracking changes in chemical and power plants, utility lines, and population density. The technology has potential for detecting airborne agents and supporting homeland security initiatives.
Continental Airlines used operations research to generate globally optimal crew recovery solutions, recovering from terrorist attacks and inclement weather with tens of millions of dollars in benefits. The airline's partner CALEB Technologies Corp. developed the CrewSolver decision support system.