bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legal and Security Responses in the Maritime Environment with Respect to Maritime Terrorism
Authors: White Larry D.
Published: February 2025

The problem of maritime terrorism is a difficult one. Differing from piracy in its objectives and intensity, maritime terrorism is part of the overall worldwide fight against terrorism. The nature of the environment dictates that we consider the maritime environment as presenting difficult challenges, but the ability to match responses to available intelligence remains critical. However, there still needs to be a great deal done in providing the procedural tools and weapons to deal with maritime terrorism.
Deformation Formulas and Inverse Problems for Advection-diffusion Equations
Authors: Nakagiri Shin-ichi
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we study inverse problems for advection-diffusion equations by means of a new deformation formula. As an application of results, we solve the inverse flux problem for parallel-flow two-fluid heat exchanger process.
Counterterrorism Strategy: Analysis and Dilemmas
Authors: Spence Keith
Published: February 2025

Elements of counterterrorist strategy, and the Global War on Terror that has defined it in the wake of September 11, 2001, are discussed in terms of four dilemmas. A key feature of a dilemma is that it presents a problem, or decision situation, which is not resolvable without significant side effects or unintended consequences. Recognizing and addressing these side effects and consequences is key to practices of understanding and learning from experience and of reformulating strategy in response to changing operational environments. Four key dilemmas are identified and briefly discussed: The labeling of groups as terrorist; the priority accorded to force protection within military doctrine; the emphasis on freedom and democracy as a justification for both military and humanitarian intervention; and the extent and duration of the political commitment to engage in a campaign against terrorism on a global basis. Costs and consequences of recent responses to these dilemmas within counterterrorist strategy, and particularly within Iraq and Afghanistan, are briefly highlighted before a discussion of some of the possibilities and risks arising from the conjunction of the ‘Arab Spring’ of 2011 and the death of Osama Bin Laden. The medium and long term outcomes of both these developments are highly uncertain, but present an opportunity to rethink, and reorient, key elements of counterterrorism strategy. Incorporating dilemmas such as those addressed within the evaluation of new strategic directions will help to formulate an understanding of potential costs as well as benefits more clearly than may have been the case in the past.
International Humanitarian Law in Military Counterterrorist Operations
Authors: White Larry D.
Published: February 2025

This presentation looked at the application of IHL in the fight against terrorism. The history and development of IHL lays the groundwork for views on applying IHL in counterterrorism. The concept of an unlawful combatant addresses a current concern in this area of law while highlighting that the minimum standard – common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions – may be impractical in application. However, by drawing parallels between approaches in civilian and military counterterrorism operations, one can discern practical guidelines for security forces. While IHL directly applies in military counterterrorism operations, IHL should be updated to better address current concerns in the fight against terrorism.
Suicide Terrorism: Media Representations and Strategic Communication
Authors: Spence Keith
Published: February 2025

Analysis of media coverage and political responses to the suicide attack on the NATO (ISAF) headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan on August 15, 2009 illustrates the presence of a pattern of established conventions that structure the representation of suicide terror events. The framework described by these conventions incorporates a range of implicit but deeply inscribed assumptions concerning the origins and motivations of terrorists in general and suicide terrorists in particular. These assumptions predate the events of September 11, 2001, but received their clearest articulation in the aftermath of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks. The vocabulary associated with the ‘war against terror,’ and the constructions of terrorism and terrorist to which it gives rise, are identified and contested through discussion of available demographic data pertaining to suicide terrorism, to the discourse of the ‘clash of civilizations’ associated with the work of S.P. Huntington, and to the paradoxically commensurable self-presentation of suicide terrorists themselves. Analysis of these materials significantly undermines accounts of cause and motivation that seek to explain suicide terrorism in terms of religious fundamentalism and economic deprivation. Disputes concerning global military policies and claims against perceived territorial interference emerge as being of greater significance. The conventions established within the prevailing assumptions and frameworks adopted in the course of media productions are, however, firmly established and not readily susceptible to adaptation or control. By critically challenging this established framework, however, and exposing its assumptions and limits to scrutiny, the possibility of using strategic communication policies to challenge, and over time to transform, some of the currently prevailing perceptions and representations of both terrorism in general and suicide terror in particular can be envisaged, but not guaranteed.
Jihadist Suicide Terrorism: Challenges and Strategies within the Romanian National Security Policy
Authors: Barna Cristian  , Zulean Marian
Published: February 2025

Despite the fact that no major suicide terrorist act has occurred on Romanian territory, the Romanian national security system is deeply involved in the global war on terror, not only in military operations abroad but also in understanding it, as well as in counterterrorism prevention at home. Intelligence data shows that there are some supporters of Islamic fundamentalist groups in Romania who are involved in intense Islamic fundamentalist propaganda under cover of religious gatherings, attempting to win new members by means of mutual relations between Muslim believers, mostly in the main university centres. This paper tries to describe terrorist activities in Romania, to analyze the phenomenon of suicide terrorism and to present the main strategies to tackle it. It is a case study based on a multi-disciplinary approach.
Suicide Acts in the Republic of Kazakhstan: Chronology of Events (content – analysis of mass-media)
Authors: Rakisheva Botagoz  , Shalova Gulden
Published: February 2025

The article is about the four suicide acts which took place in Kazakhstan in 2011. Suicide terrorism is a new phenomenon for the country. It appeared as a result of several internal and external factors such as a high rate of unemployment, socio-economic challenges, various unresolved problems of young people and the growing impact of radical ideologies, for example, Salafism.
Migration, Radicalisation and Disorder in the EU An Overview
Authors: de Divitiis Valerio
Published: February 2025

The present work intends to sustain and stimulate reflection regarding radicalisation and violent extremism affecting the EU. Although the method applied is not exhaustive, this paper pursues the objective to contribute to the debate in view of elements facilitating radicalisation and recruitment that are harsh and consolidated plagues characterising the governance of some EU areas.
The Emergence of Suicide Terrorism in the Maghreb
Authors: Jesús Carlos Echeverría
Published: February 2025

This chapter provides a chronological and analytical approach to suicide terrorist actions and frustrated suicide terrorist actions implemented in the Maghreb countries or by Maghreb citizens abroad. It is not an exhaustive description and only the most relevant cases are included. We assume that what is more relevant in the framework of this international research workshop is to feed the subject in terms of trends.
DAGESTANI Female Bombers
Authors: Dronzina Tatyana  , Bolanos Jorge
Published: February 2025

This article is about Dagestani female bombers. Its first objective is to gather empirical information about women from the zone who decided to die while killing others. We argue that when national emancipation motives are not strong enough, female suicide choice has to do with patriarchal structures of the society, which impose a strict model of a feminine identity, rather than with any secular political ideology or religion. In order to check this hypothesis, we first describe the regional and national context of the conflict, then present a short record of male and female suicide acts. Finally, we analyze the factors of the individual's choice on the basis of the reconstruction of the life stories of two successful and two unsuccessful female bombers.
Models of Indoor Environments – a Generic Interactive Model for Design and Simulation of Building Automation
Authors: Rannat Kalev  , Meriste Merik  , Helekivi Jüri  , Kelder Tõnis
Published: February 2025

Generic interactive model for buildings with an experimental hardware and software tool is presented. It is targeted to user groups such as building automation designers, system integrators and service engineers. It is characterized as an integrated software/hardware tool for design, fine-tuning and monitoring of building automation, supported with both simulation and real-time monitoring facilities. The designer of the automation needs to be supported with tools, to verify the technical solutions under development, as well as the service engineer should have tools to find optimal parameters for control. For the implementation of such designer/engineer tools, a generic Virtual Model of the Building (VMB) is developed. The VMB consists of active objects (e.g. agents) all construction elements (walls, floors, windows, etc.) of an indoor environment, as well as artifacts embedded (controllers, sensors, actuators, software agents, etc.). All VMB elements are supported (tagged) with space coordinates in a local reference frame, to allow implementation of zoning, spatially targeted environmental changes and impacts. The concept considers the application of proactive context-aware models of indoor environments and automation systems involved in a multifunctional building.
7. Multimodal Interaction and Technologies for Care at Home
Authors: McGee-Lennon Marilyn  , Gray Phil  , Brewster Stephen
Published: February 2025

This chapter argues that computer based messages delivered in the home (such as the status of your house or reminders to take your medication) should be available in multiple sensory modalities (visual, auditory, tactile and olfactory) in order to increase the usability and acceptability of home care technologies and make them accessible to a wider range of users. We present an overview of ‘multimodal interaction’ and how it can be enable the delivery of information to the user in a way that is more appropriate to the user's needs, the devices available in the home, and the physical and social environment that the person is in when they receive a message. We conclude with some general guidelines and lessons on how to design personalisable multimodal assisted and independent living technologies for the home.
2. Home Care Systems
Authors: Turner Kenneth J.  , Maternaghan Claire
Published: February 2025

This chapter introduces the MATCH home care system. The nature of a home care system is introduced, along with its context. The background to this topic is given, dealing with aspects such as home networks, component frameworks, home automation and home care. The architecture of the MATCH system and the flow of data through it are explained at a high level. Key aspects of the system are then outlined. It is seen how sensor and actuator data can be combined. Rules can be defined for home care in the form of high-level goals and lower-level policies. The system supports dynamic configuration so that the best combination of capabilities can be selected for the current circumstances. Multimodal interaction allows the system to communicate with users in convenient and acceptable ways. It is also explained how the MATCH system design has inspired new projects. The chapter concludes with a summary of the system, an assessment of the approach, and pointers to future work.
8. Spoken Dialogue Interfaces for Older People
Authors: Vipperla Ravichander  , Wolters Maria  , Renals Steve
Published: February 2025

Although speech is a highly natural mode of communication, building robust and usable speech-based interfaces is still a challenge, even if the target user group is restricted to younger users. When designing for older users, there are added complications due to cognitive, physiological, and anatomical ageing. Users may also find it difficult to adapt to the interaction style required by the speech interface. In this chapter, we summarise the work on spoken dialogue interfaces that was carried out during the MATCH project. After a brief overview of relevant aspects of ageing and previous work on spoken dialogue interfaces for older people, we summarise our work on managing spoken interactions (dialogue management), understanding older people's speech (speech recognition), and generating spoken messages that older people can understand (speech synthesis). We conclude with suggestions for design guidelines that have emerged from our work and suggest directions for future research.
11. Supporting the Dialogue of Care
Authors: Hine Nicolas A.  , Stewart Nubia M.  , Arnott John L.  , Cipars Antoni  , Martin Christopher J.
Published: February 2025

Research in MATCH led to interest in developing ways of enhancing the Dialogue of Care between stakeholders, in particular between carers and those in their care. In order to inform this dialogue, different stakeholders require different information according to their different perspectives on care. This information then needs to be presented to the stakeholders in appropriate levels of detail and granularity through interfaces that are suitable for each stakeholder. This chapter reports on various discrete studies within that overall process. Investigation was conducted into ways of looking for patterns in the life of a person, through modelling of the “busyness” of activity in their dwelling. The use of on-line analytical processing (OLAP) and data mining was interesting in this context because of the possibility of exploring, detecting and predicting changes in the level of activity that might reflect change in personal well-being. An investigation was conducted into the use of business intelligence techniques and visualisation to illustrate activity from sensor data from a trial project run in a domestic context. This was followed by development of a domestic well-being indicator system (DWIS) to present information to stakeholders and a model instrumented house for use as a demonstrator to promote understanding among stakeholders regarding home care technology.
12. Conclusion and Prospects
Authors: Turner Kenneth J.
Published: February 2025

The context of home care technologies is briefly reviewed. The achievements of MATCH are presented through a brief summary of the book contents. Future developments in telecare and telehealth are discussed in the areas of usability, reusability, integration, technology, services and awareness.
Safety & Security Assessment to Prevent Terrorism Attack in Radioactive Waste Facilities in Albania
Authors: Qafmolla Luan
Published: February 2025

In the last decade, substantial progress has been made in improving safety & security for nuclear material worldwide, both by states' own domestic actions and through international cooperation. Al Qaeda continuously expressed interest in unleashing radiological terrorism by building and using radiological dispersal devices (RDDs), known as “dirty bomb” for instance. Common radioactive materials, such as commercial radioactive sources used in medicine, industry scientific research could fuel RDDs. Since 1998, in Albania a special centralized building exists for radioactive waste management and temporary storage facility situated inside the INP territory. Radioactive waste conditioned with or without shielding was successively placed into this building for long-term storage.
Management for Security Processes
Authors: Höhn Sebastian
Published: February 2025

Nowadays most security relevant processes and workflows are statically defined and performed and hence all the necessary security measures must be determined in advance. Current research shows that the security level can be enhanced if these processes take into account real time risk information collected during their execution. We will present two application scenarios we developed for research projects: airport checkpoints with dynamically adapted security processes considering risk information from check-in luggage and passenger screening; and neutralization of improved explosive devices considering information from real-time risk mitigation. Both scenarios show that real-time risk mitigation and dynamically adapted workflows have the potential to enhance security and reduce risk. We will present basic conditions for the underlying information system infrastructure and the dynamic adaptation of the processes and workflows.
Interoperability within Military Medical Forces in Contemporary NATO Operations
Authors: Hubac Radek
Published: February 2025

Differences among nations in cultures, languages, doctrines, procedures, and materials pose specific requirements for NATO forces for current operations and for the future. The quality of service today especially depends upon how the differing elements can operate together. Optimized interoperability leads to increased mission effectiveness through improved cohesion, performance, and speed, and it radically lowers the expenditures. This applies to the military medical sphere too; the proper interoperability level results in increases in both capability and capacity. Within the NATO military medical community, the Committee of the Chiefs of Military Medical Services in NATO (COMEDS) is the coordinating body for the NATO Military Committee (MC) regarding military medical policies, doctrines, concepts, procedures, techniques, programs, and initiatives. To meet the new requirements with the available resources, multinational solutions are increasingly applied in the whole spectrum of expeditionary military medical support. International cooperation in primary and secondary care, in medical evacuation, in preventive medical care, and in medical staff functions is common today.
The Complete Protection of a Combat Soldier
Authors: Loades Mark  , Hrečkovski Boris  , Fischer Philip  , Dobson Robert
Published: February 2025

The personal protection of battlefield combatants espouses the fundamental aim of keeping the soldier alive and in the fight. Historically, some semblance of clothing that blended into the environment and rudimentary head protection were considered the necessary ingredients in modern pre–20th century conflicts for supporting this aim. During the 20th century, however, huge steps were taken to improve the personal protection given to soldiers on the battlefield—the principles, philosophy, and policy of which now underpin today's doctrine. However, warfare is a constantly evolving process, and now our serving combatants are provided with cutting-edge technology, advanced materials, and first-class training that aim to ensure their survival in a multilayered and diverse theater of operations; historical threats are seamlessly entwined with hybrid threats where an enemy employs a potent mix of conventional weapons, irregular tactics, criminal behavior, and terrorism to achieve political aims while exploiting the vulnerabilities of the regular forces[1].
Experience from Past Conflicts
Authors: Hrečkovski Boris  , Loades Mark  , Dobson Bob  , Fischer Philipp
Published: February 2025

The history of medicine is inextricably linked to conflict. Man has waged and continues to wage war, but besides the destruction and human tragedy, war often brings clinical advances, innovative practices, and patient treatment protocols that are often cascaded into civilian practice. Both civilian and military planners should be cognizant of the bloody lessons learned from the battlefield and ensure that this hard-won experience is harnessed, understood, and translated into advantageous outcomes for future casualties.
Treatment Algorithms and Hospital Triage in Mass-Casualty Incidents
Authors: Jurjević Matija  , Ajdinović Asja  , Hrečkovski Boris  , Kopić Jasminka  , Lovrić Zvonimir  , Kopljar Mario  , Bakota Bore
Published: February 2025

Triage is defined as medical screening of patients to determine their relative priority for treatment. When preparing for triage of patients in a mass disaster, physicians must be aware of the many unique situations and patient conditions. The most frequently used triage methods are sieve and sort—they are the simplest and are mostly used in the field. In hospital conditions, physicians also use more complicated scales: the Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Score, New Injury Severity Score, Revised Trauma Score, and Trauma Injury Severity Score. All of these scales are used to define the severity of injury as well as to predict patient mortality rates. Besides triage, hospitals in mass disaster settings face resource deficiencies and the lack of highly trained manpower—another important issue when making disaster treatment plans.
Burn Injuries during Mass-Casualty Incidents
Authors: Jurišić Darko  , Hrečkovski Boris  , Jankovic Josip  , Rosko Damir  , Jurjević Matija
Published: February 2025

Burn injuries are usually treated according to Advanced Burn Life Support guidelines. In mass-casualty incidents, we recognize four phases of burns treatment according to International Society for Burn Injuries guidelines:
Networks and Their Role in Counteracting Contemporary Global Threats: A New Model
Authors: Tikhomirov Alexei  , Trufanov Andrey  , Caruso Antonio  , Rossodivita Alessandra  , Shubnikov Eugene  , Umerov Rustem
Published: February 2025

Within the context of developing complex network theories and a netcentric approach, this paper introduces a new concept that describes the elements of interaction of complex network systems, including comprehensive network lace (supercomplex networks), with its intrinsic multilayered thematic and dynamic nature. It emphasizes inter-penetrative competitive and cooperative relationships of thematic layers. Contemporary interpretations of supercomplex networks instantiated by biologic, social, and economic systems have been considered. The new concept will give a basis for developing instruments for effective management, governance, and support of state regulation processes in countering global disasters.
Lessons Learned
Authors: Gursky Elin  , Hrečkovski Boris
Published: February 2025

The Advanced Study Institute “Addressing Pandemics, Mass Casualty and Catastrophic Health Events” convened experts from more than 12 countries and produced eight lessons for NATO to consider in preparing for mass-casualty incidents.
Mass-Casualty Preparedness—How to Upgrade From Below: Our Experiences in Slovenia
Authors: Herman Simon
Published: February 2025

Slovenia is a country of 2 million residents at the tip of the Adriatic Sea. Until the 1990s it was part of Yugoslavia, which declared itself socialist but was never part of the Warsaw Pact. As a country between the eastern and western blocs, it cherished the idea of people's resistance. The ideal was that the whole society would act as a defensive force, the prevalent part being involved in civil defense. The concept also called for regular training. After Slovenia's secession from Yugoslavia, the principle of profit precluded most of the training. Industrial policy of maintaining minimum stocks of supplies at hospitals resulted in reduced reserves for response to any mass-casualty disaster. Only recently, thanks to effortless popularization of preparedness for Medical Response to Major Incidents (MRMI), was the European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery prompted to urge local medical societies to introduce necessary planning and training. Slovenia started (after 20 years) again to prepare courses for training a swift and correct response in case a of mass-casualty disaster. The introductory symposium was in March 2009, and in February 2010 the first true MRMI course was organized. To reduce costs, give instructors more training, and yield as much as possible from the available equipment, we renewed contacts with the Croatian medical society and worked together in organizing national MRMI courses.
The Hospital as the Weakest Link in Mass-Casualty Incidents
Authors: Komadina Radko  , Strahovnik Andrej  , Simoniti Miha  , Herman Simon
Published: February 2025

The hospital is part of the chain of first responders in case of a disaster. The vulnerability of the modern hospital is growing despite scientific and technological advancement. Throughout disaster management, health professionals with broad surgical knowledge are needed, despite the existing range of subspecialists.
Ethics and Medicine in Disasters and Mass-Casualty Incidents
Authors: Balen Ivica
Published: February 2025

Triage in mass-casualty incidents must be based on the principle of maximum benefit for the majority of victims. To accomplish this ethically requires people who are wise and courageous, but also cautious, just, resourceful, compassionate, willing to make sacrifices, and, last but not least, communicative.
Strategies for Successful Risk Reduction Programmes for Violent Extremists: Lessons from Singapore, Indonesia and Afghanistan
Authors: Sim Susan
Published: February 2025

Globally there are between 13,500 to 23,500 individuals who have been captured for engaging in terrorist activity in pursuit of a jihadi ideology. Many have been released and more will be in coming years. Much attention has been focused on their possible recidivism because of the occasional headline-grabbing news that a released detainee from Guantanamo Bay is back with al-Qaeda. More than a dozen countries have in the last eight years embarked on what is loosely termed ‘terrorist rehabilitation programmes.’ Their announced recidivism rate for participants varies from zero to 10%. Such statistics imply that a large number of extremists can be persuaded to walk away from terrorism. Should rehabilitation of extremists thus be a crucial plank in global counterterrorism efforts? Current research in this area is inconclusive as there has been no independent evaluation of the effectiveness of existing programmes and various objectives are in play. Based on field research into three national programmes, this article argues that the success of intervention programmes to reduce the risk of violent extremism should be measured against how well they meet larger strategic goals specific to the needs of the national community. Some lessons and useful practices are drawn from these field studies.
Terrorism: Science Convergence
Authors: Kharlamova Ganna
Published: February 2025

Terrorism is a challenging term because the multiplicity of terrorist threats does not allow for an easy definition of the exact range of responses to it. Instead, this problem can be solved only by complex means and by the applyication of an interdisciplinary approach. Here, we propose consideration of complex systems to examine the possible negative impacts of terror threats — especially on an economy. The combination of science convergence approaches has the potential to facilitate the safe development of states and regions.
Alzheimer's Disease and the Quest for its Biological Measures
Authors: Praticò Domenico
Published: February 2025

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder associated with dementia in the elderly. Although the initiating events are still unknown, it is clear that AD results from a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors. Recently proposed diagnostic criteria, in addition to the clinical neuropsychological examination aimed at identifying the typical AD symptoms, include staging criteria based on AD biological measures related to its pathology. Despite the obvious benefits of these new criteria, an accurate diagnosis is not always easily reached because, particularly in its earliest stages, the symptoms of the disease are very variable. Biological measures, or biomarkers, of the disease should first facilitate an early and accurate diagnosis, have a prognostic and predictive value, and have the capacity to monitor therapeutic efficacy. While amyloid-β and tau represent the two key pathological features of the disease, other aspects of this complex disease are emerging as important mediators in its pathogenesis. Among them, oxidative stress is probably one of the most investigated, and so are biomarkers reflecting it. Intrinsic limitation of biomarkers is the fact that they do not define mechanism of disease, but by nature are associative and/or correlative and unable to prove causality. Longitudinal studies are helping us in this difficult task by providing a clearer picture of the dynamic relationship between biomarkers, AD neuropathology, and cognitive phenotype.
From Molecule to Clinic and Community for Neurodegeneration: Research to Bridge Translational Gaps
Authors: Brayne Carol  , Barker Roger A.  , Harold Denise  , Ince Paul G.  , Savva George M.  , Williams Julie  , Williams-Gray Caroline H.  , Wharton Stephen B.
Published: February 2025

Six papers based on studies with particular epidemiological designs are presented here which have been selected on the basis of their visibility in the literature. The designs are intended to provide robust evidence on risk, natural history, and underpinning neurobiology and outcomes relevant to aging populations. There is a large case control study (the Late Onset Alzheimer's Disease study), a case cohort study of Parkinson's Disease (the CamPaIGN study), and the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study. Each study has included genetic investigation and risk, and the latter two include investigation of the clinical syndromes and their natural histories in relation to underlying pathology. Each aimed to provide results which were as generalizable to usual older populations as possible and each has produced findings which have contributed to current understanding of genetic risk, the heterogeneity of the syndrome of Parkinson's disease, and the underlying neuropathology of dementia in older population. They have influenced thinking about future directions, and the cohorts on which the findings are based will continue to provide an important resource for novel areas of research and future health care planning.
A Brief History of Alzheimer's Disease Gene Discovery
Authors: Tanzi Rudolph E.
Published: February 2025

The rich and colorful history of gene discovery in Alzheimer's disease (AD) over the past three decades is as complex and heterogeneous as the disease, itself. Twin and family studies indicate that genetic factors are estimated to play a role in at least 80% of AD cases. The inheritance of AD exhibits a dichotomous pattern. On one hand, rare mutations in APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 are fully penetrant for early-onset (<60 years) familial AD, which represents <5% of AD. On the other hand, common gene polymorphisms, such as the ϵ4 and ϵ2 variants of the APOE gene, influence susceptibility for common (>95%) late-onset AD. These four genes account for 30–50% of the inheritability of AD. Genome-wide association studies have recently led to the identification of additional highly confirmed AD candidate genes. Here, I review the past, present, and future of attempts to elucidate the complex and heterogeneous genetic underpinnings of AD along with some of the unique events that made these discoveries possible.
Understanding Terrorism
Authors: Çitlioğlu Ercan
Published: February 2025

There are several but different definitions concerning terrorism that have been stated by various specialists and scientists so far, but in order to understand the reasons and justifications of terrorism, as well as to find a solution to this ongoing phenomenon, it is a must to understand the human being because of its existence and role in every stage and step of terrorism.
The Safety Concept in German Geotechnical Design Codes
Authors: Schuppener Bernd
Published: February 2025

The Eurocodes were officially adopted in Germany on 1st July 2012. Since then, application of the partial safety concept has been mandatory in all areas of structural engineering. The partial safety concept creates the impression that partial factors based on probability theory are applied to actions or effects of actions and resistances depending on the degree of uncertainty in each case. This is hardly possible in geotechnical engineering. European geotechnical engineers have therefore decided that the partial factors for the permanent and variable actions from the ground should be the same as those used in other areas of structural engineering for the sake of consistency in the field of construction. In Germany, the partial factors for the resistances from the ground have been selected so that the safety level is more or less the same as the tried-and-tested global safety level. In other words, the application of the partial safety concept results in approximately the same dimensions for foundations and geotechnical structures as those obtained with the global safety concept in the past. Thus, on closer inspection, the partial safety concept in its present form is, in geotechnical engineering at least, a modified global safety concept. Users are faced with the challenge of having to apply a concept which in some respects is new and more complex. However, this is reasonable when one considers the important contribution that has been made to placing European construction standards on an urgently needed common basis, thus promoting the unification of Europe.
Harmonisation of Anchor Design within Eurocode
Authors: Farrell Eric R.
Published: February 2025

The harmonisation of anchor design within the limit state framework of the Eurocode presented a challenge due to the different design and testing practices in use in the various countries. An Evolution Group (EG1) was set up by TC250/SC7 tasked with developing a standard that conformed with the limit state philosophy and which could be used in the member countries. This paper presents the basis of a draft standard that has been prepared by EG1, which considers the ULS and SLS of the restrained structure and of the anchor itself and introduces the force FServ.k which considers the effect of prestress on the anchor force. The application of the recommendations is illustrated by a design example
Probabilistic assignment of design strength for sands from in-situ testing data
Authors: Uzielli Marco  , Mayne Paul W.  , Cassidy Mark J.
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a simple design code format for assigning design values of effective friction angle of clean sands from in-situ tests incorporating all sources of geotechnical uncertainty, including model uncertainty. New transformation models are proposed using a high-quality database of undisturbed sands. The quantitative characterization of uncertainty is pursued using a Bayesian hybrid Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation framework. Design factors are calibrated using the posterior distributions output by the Bayesian framework. The effects of the aleatory and epistemic components of geotechnical uncertainty are discussed and assessed quantitatively. The paper concludes by demonstrating how to apply the results practically in geotechnical design.
Eurocode 7 and Polish Practice: Implementation of Eurocode 7 in Poland
Authors: Gajewska Beata
Published: February 2025

In Poland, designing with the use of limit states and partial factors has been a common practice for over 30 years. However, there are many differences between Eurocode 7 and Polish practice and previous codes. The paper presents some of these differences. The state of Eurocode 7 implementation in Poland is presented in general. Eurocode gives opportunity to choose one of the three Design Approaches. The reasons of the choice of the Design Approaches in Poland are presented. The Polish National Annex to EC7, as well as the Polish EC7 guide, are discussed. Reliability issues and the National TC Geotechnics's structure reliability approach are also raised.
Lessons learned from LRFD calibration of reinforced soil wall structures
Authors: Bathurst Richard J.  , Allen Tony M.  , Miyata Yoshihisa  , Huang Bingquan
Published: February 2025

This paper reports lessons learned from reliability theory-based LRFD calibration for internal limit states for reinforced soil walls subjected to soil self-weight under operational conditions. The example of the ultimate pullout limit state for steel strip reinforced soil walls is used to demonstrate key issues. A unique feature of the general approach is the use of bias values that include the influence of model error and other sources of variability in input parameters on nominal load and resistance values. The paper shows how bias values can be used to: a) develop analytical load and resistance models that are statistically more accurate and avoid unwanted dependencies; b) select load factors satisfying a target exceedance value, and; c) compute resistance factors meeting a target probability of failure (reliability index value). The general approach has application to rigorous LRFD calibration of a wide range of geotechnical soil-structure design problems.
Implementation of Eurocode 7 in German Geotechnical Design Practice
Authors: Lesny Kerstin
Published: February 2025

For a long time the framework of geotechnical design in Germany was provided by the basic code DIN 1054 and various specific design and construction codes together with code-like recommendations for specific geotechnical structures. All these regulations were based on a global safety concept. This design philosophy was commonly supported by long-term experience and was understood to be not only safe but also economical. Under these circumstances the transition to the new design philosophy of Eurocode 7 and the Limit State Design was accompanied by a lot of discussions and adjustments until finally a broad acceptance was achieved. This contribution highlights the long tradition of geotechnical design in Germany based on the global safety concept. It shows the difficulties involved in the transition to the Eurocode 7 design principles and illustrates the current status of German Limit State Design in geotechnical engineering.
Contemporary Issues of Information Security in Health Care
Authors: Barseghyan Artak
Published: February 2025

The Chapter considers the main threats to information security in health care. The protection of the electronic health information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification or destruction is discussed. The key concepts examined are: confidentiality – electronic health information must be preserved by authorized restrictions on access and disclosure, not making available or disclosed to unauthorized persons and processes; integrity – electronic health information must be guarded by improper modification or destruction; availability – electronic health information must be accessible and usable upon demand by an authorized person or process. Real life examples are discussed. The information threat scheme and protection mechanisms are represented.
Secure Personal Health Information System for Use in Disasters and Public Health Emergencies
Authors: James James J.  , Lyznicki James M.  , Irmiter Cheryl  , Sokol Patricia  , Walsh Lauren  , Subbarao Italo
Published: February 2025

The health, safety, and resilience of internally displaced populations in a disaster or public health emergency can be enhanced by the creation and promotion of a standardized personal health information system, which contains essential data elements necessary for healthcare providers, and local, tribal, and state health departments to identify individuals, meet their immediate health needs, better access critical data, and better obtain surveillance and situational awareness, thereby minimizing morbidity and mortality in at-risk populations. A primary goal is to move the dissemination and utilization of an enhanced personal health information instrument from the clinician-patient model to a population-based model to enable the deployment of the instrument across state-lines, especially for those most vulnerable and at greatest risk in a disaster or public health emergency.
Disease Surveillance, Benefit and Sample Sharing
Authors: Lie Reidar K.
Published: February 2025

This Chapter examines the controversy within the World Health Organization to establish a Framework for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness. The controversy was over what benefits those who contributed samples could expect in return, in particular in terms of access to pandemic vaccines. Agreement was reached in 2011, although the underlying controversial issues remain unresolved.
New Communication Strategies in Epidemics
Authors: Greco Donato
Published: February 2025

Pandemics occurred worldwide from at least 15.000 years, when a first organized human settlement was created in the Arabic peninsula. From then, systematically, epidemics have occurred periodically intensively shaping human behaviors, but also keeping moderate the population growth. Influenza viruses have been, and still today are, main protagonists of the pandemic recurrence. From thousand years up to day, seasonal flu epidemics have occurred each year all over the world. In a much longer interval completely new influenza viruses provoked massive pandemics leading to millions of deaths. Outbreak communication problems have always been an epidemic side effect: health authorities found themselves inadequate to effectively drive the population behaviors through the correct lines. The last Pandemic flu, 2009-10, also suffered intensively of communication problems, even in the actual era of fast real time communication. But the new web social networks sprouted all around the globe producing massive communication, thousand times more frequent than the Institutional communication. However this did not lead to a coordinated population action to better cope with the epidemic, but more to a wide information chaos that did not help the battle against the virus.
Strategies for Communicating with the Public Effectively Using Websites and Social Media during Emergencies and Disease Outbreaks
Authors: Gesser-Edelsburg Anat
Published: February 2025

The new media revolution of the last decades, and especially the last few years, has changed the media arena beyond recognition. The access of much of the world's population to digital channels has made the Internet a most important social space. The question I would like to explore in this Chapter is whether the unique character of health crises, namely extreme conditions of stress and uncertainty, makes the Internet and social networks optimal platforms for the health establishment to convey information and directives to the public. The assumption is that during a health crisis many new people join e-patient to check the credibility of the official health establishment's information. In this article I will explore, first of all, how to overcome the gap between the “conservative” establishment world and the dynamic and changing digital world, to try to build an attractive and effective establishment website that can reach diverse populations during a crisis. I will propose the use of multidisciplinary models and approaches: social marketing, risk communication, rhetoric and interactive technologies, to create effective persuasion strategies using the new media. This article reaches a number of main conclusions: the world of the new media presents us with diverse and excellent possibilities for effective communication with the public during crises and emergencies. In order to reach the public, it is important to create a “transparent” website with dialogic and inclusive profiles for various subpopulations, while creating a broad forum of public representatives to help develop online messages during crises. It is important to use inclusive approaches and dynamic strategies of persuasion to build an establishment website, in order to position it in public opinion as a credible, friendly and attractive source of information.
Internet Based Health Communication: Analysis of Messages on the Websites of Serbian Public Health Institutes
Authors: Belojevic Goran
Published: February 2025

The Chapter examines latest messages on 2011 influenza epidemics in Serbia that were found on 10 February 2011 on the websites of 24 Serbian Public Health Institutes. It adopts four of the STARCC criteria of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention: simplicity, timeliness, relevance and consistency. The variables used for the comparison of messages on influenza epidemics are: word count, the percentage of less known foreign words, last update and the percentage of words on preventive measures. Near half of the analyzed websites (11) had no information on influenza in previous 12 months. High variation coefficients of the investigated variables indicate a low consistency in internet based health communication within the network of Serbian public health institutions. Centralization and coordination in internet public health informing in Serbia is needed, as an effective preparatory measure for pandemics.
Impact of Afghanistan on the Security of Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Bokoshov Zhamgyrbek
Published: February 2025

This paper explores the impact of the security problems of Afghanistan on Kyrgyzstan's current national security situation. Afghanistan's main channels of indirect influence are the narcotics trafficking and the infiltration of the international terrorist groups into the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic. Besides, the “Afghan crisis” has a direct impact on the national security of Kyrgyz Republic. The identification and assessment of Afghanistan's influence on the security situation in Kyrgyzstan necessitates an analysis of the social, political, geopolitical, economic and ideological aspects of this complex issue. In this paper, it is emphasized that the negative regional influence of the security situation in Afghanistan could be contained depending on the stability of the internal socio-political situation in the Kyrgyz Republic and the existence of a reliable system of the international cooperation against the terrorism and extremism in the region. The active participation of the Kyrgyz Republic in the socio-economic recovery of Afghanistan could also have a positive impact on the strengthening of Kyrgyzstan's national security too.