Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 30 of 42
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
Suspected Hazard Area Mapping In Non-Technical Landmine Surveys, Rune Engeset
Suspected Hazard Area Mapping In Non-Technical Landmine Surveys, Rune Engeset
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article is a reference for individuals who are planning on performing non-technical landmine surveys of suspected hazard areas or for those individuals who plan to use such data. The author brings the process to life through this detailed account from the description of suspected hazard areas to mapping the data, to storing the data and improving its method.
Lessons-Learned: A Learning Process, Cisr Jmu
Lessons-Learned: A Learning Process, Cisr Jmu
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
During the summer of 2003, we were tasked with soliciting information regarding experience and lessons learned from the mine action community while interning for the Mine Action Information Center (MAIC). We were highly enthusiastic throughout our project while learning the many rigors of data collection and information sharing.
Pigs: A Demining Tool Of The Future?, Jennette Townsend
Pigs: A Demining Tool Of The Future?, Jennette Townsend
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
“Pigs are one more means of fighting against the garbage of the war,” says Giva Zin, an animal trainer from Israel whose research on the landmine detection capabilities of pigs is receiving widespread recognition from the mine action community. This article highlights his research on the use of pigs for mine detection.
The Truth About Flails, Cisr Jmu
The Truth About Flails, Cisr Jmu
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Developed in the 1940s for use in World War II Europe, the flail was designed and proliferated to satisfy the demining community’s hunger for faster, safer and more efficient clearance methods. Despite being the most widely used mechanical demining tool in the world, the flail has been labeled by many experts as overused and misrepresented. Still, others believe the flail is an indispensable part of their demining program.
Can Honey Bees Assist In Area Reduction And Landmine Detection?, Jerry Bromenshenk, Colin Henderson, Robert Seccomb, Steven Rice, Robert Etter, Susan Bender, Phillip Rodacy, Joseph Shaw, Nathan Seldomridge, Lee Spangler, James Wilson
Can Honey Bees Assist In Area Reduction And Landmine Detection?, Jerry Bromenshenk, Colin Henderson, Robert Seccomb, Steven Rice, Robert Etter, Susan Bender, Phillip Rodacy, Joseph Shaw, Nathan Seldomridge, Lee Spangler, James Wilson
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Honey bees have recently received considerable attention from the popular press as an innovative method to detect a variety of explosives, landmines and UXO. Many of these reports are inaccurate and may encourage individuals and demining groups to “sell” a service that they poorly understand or lack the experience to properly apply. As the developers of this technology, we offer the following summary about the current status of this alternative for landmine detection, including its strengths and limitations.
Rest Sampling: Landmine Detection Using A Fido Device, Mark Fisher, John Sikes, Kip Schultz
Rest Sampling: Landmine Detection Using A Fido Device, Mark Fisher, John Sikes, Kip Schultz
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Using ultra-sensitive vapor detection sensor tools like Fido, Remote Explosive Scent Tracing (REST) techniques are bringing innovative and interesting developments to the mine action community. These tools could very well put greater technology in the field alongside conventional detection techniques.
Vegetation Clearance Equipment: Huge Potential In Productivity Improvement, Nathan Kunz
Vegetation Clearance Equipment: Huge Potential In Productivity Improvement, Nathan Kunz
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Upon development of its D-1 vegetation clearance vehicle, DIGGER DTR (Demining Technologies) has successfully responded to many of the demands of the demining community. The second generation, the D-2, will feature several new upgrades and is expected to appear on the market by 2005.
Imsma V3.0: Experiences From The ”Imsma Diaspora”, Mohammed Qasim, John Walker
Imsma V3.0: Experiences From The ”Imsma Diaspora”, Mohammed Qasim, John Walker
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) V3.0 was released June 2003, and early experience with the system has been positive. Salient features are summarized, including geographic information system (GIS) capabilities based on ArcView GIS. Recommendations include operations-oriented training focusing on reporting information from IMSMA. The following article describes the new version and discusses local customization. The authors also describe upgrading to IMSMA V3.0 based on experience as IMSMA administrators and trainers within their organizations.
Bozena 4 Mine Clearing Flail System, Marián Zimmermann
Bozena 4 Mine Clearing Flail System, Marián Zimmermann
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The new BOZENA 4 Mine Clearing Flail System is one-of-a-kind in many aspects, from the tracking of AP and AT mines to the lightweight and small design that enables BOZENA 4 to be easily transportable.
Bridging The Gap Between Users And Developers, Jennette Townsend
Bridging The Gap Between Users And Developers, Jennette Townsend
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Has the communication between demining technology users and developers improved over the last 10 years? Most agree that while there have been improvements, the need for further improvement overshadows the positive developments.
Area Reduction: A Solution Whose Time Has Come, Bob Eaton
Area Reduction: A Solution Whose Time Has Come, Bob Eaton
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Collectively, the mine action community has spent over $1.7 billion (U.S.) since 1992, yet it remains uncertain how much closer we are to the goal of a mine-free or even a mine impact-free world.
Survey Of Suspected Mined Areas From A Helicopter, Milan Bajic
Survey Of Suspected Mined Areas From A Helicopter, Milan Bajic
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
While awaiting the results of airborne remote sensing projects, available in a few years, a simpler solution is recommended. Remote sensing from a manned helicopter for the general survey of minefields and risk-suspected areas has already been developed and was operationally validated in 2002 and 2003 in Croatia.
It’S A Bird, It’S A Plane—It’S The Mineseeker Airborne Mine Detector!, Cisr Jmu
It’S A Bird, It’S A Plane—It’S The Mineseeker Airborne Mine Detector!, Cisr Jmu
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Partnering with QinetiQ and The Lightship Group, the Mineseeker Foundation is developing a system to revolutionize mine detection. By deploying the first operational airborne landmine survey system, the foundation aims to provide the mine action community with a quicker and more efficient survey tool. Additionally, the Mineseeker has the potential to be useful in a number of other areas necessary for development in mine-affected countries.
Priority Setting For Mine Action, J.J. Van Der Merwe
Priority Setting For Mine Action, J.J. Van Der Merwe
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Due to a lack of resources to enable all mine-affected communities to be cleared, countries must prioritize mine action activities. The following article addresses prioritization and suggests a new model to help improve the process.
The Cost Capture Issue In Humanitarian Mine Action, Robert Keeley
The Cost Capture Issue In Humanitarian Mine Action, Robert Keeley
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The necessity of cost capture is often overlooked in the mine action community. A truly successful cost assessment must include clear and effective cost-capture mechanisms and even a standard structure used throughout different mine action programs.
Ukraine Responds To New Mine Action Demands, Sergei Pashinsky
Ukraine Responds To New Mine Action Demands, Sergei Pashinsky
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The Ukraine has been testing demining equipment as well as practicing new mine action methods in order to meet international guidelines. The following article from the director of the Ukrainian Mine Action Information Center (UMAIC), discusses the different types of demining equipment that Ukrainian deminers have tested and wish to use in the future.
Mine Action Technologies: Problems And Recommendations, M. Acheroy
Mine Action Technologies: Problems And Recommendations, M. Acheroy
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Mine action research and development (R&D) is an ongoing process that has yielded many insightful and invaluable technologies. Future mine action R&D will require the collaboration of end-users, donors and technologists in order to develop equipment and tools based on real needs rather than assumed needs.
Priority Setting For Mine Action, Lutful Kabir, Emil M. Hasanov
Priority Setting For Mine Action, Lutful Kabir, Emil M. Hasanov
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Due to a lack of resources to enable all mine-affected communities to be cleared, countries must prioritize mine action activities. The following article addresses prioritization and suggests a new model to help improve the process.
Landmine Impact Survey: Measurement And Display Of Suspected Areas, Hemi Morete
Landmine Impact Survey: Measurement And Display Of Suspected Areas, Hemi Morete
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The purpose of a Landmine Impact Survey (LIS) is "to facilitate the prioritisation of human, material and financial resources supporting humanitarian mine action at the national, regional and global level." The LIS process provides a different approach by measuring the socioeconomic impact of landmines on affected communities. The global application of the LIS has successfully refocused attention away from a purely quantitative measurement of a mine and UXO threat to a qualitative assessment of impact on mine-affected communities.
Standardized Testing Of Metal Detectors, T.J. Bloodworth, A.J. Sieber
Standardized Testing Of Metal Detectors, T.J. Bloodworth, A.J. Sieber
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Stemming from initiatives to promote standardization within humanitarian mine action, a European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Workshop has been established to standardize the testing of metal detectors. This has produced a CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA) that gives principles, guidelines and procedures for detector testing.
Scientific Contributions To Demining Technology: Beliefs, Perceptions And Realities, Ian Mclean
Scientific Contributions To Demining Technology: Beliefs, Perceptions And Realities, Ian Mclean
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
At a four-day conference in Brussels, scientists and demining practitioners exchanged findings from their studies of old and new demining technologies. The following article discusses some of the key developments and implications from the conference.
Rest In Bosnia: A Pilot Test Of Detection Capability, Rune Fjellanger, Ian Mclean, Håvard Bach
Rest In Bosnia: A Pilot Test Of Detection Capability, Rune Fjellanger, Ian Mclean, Håvard Bach
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The following report discusses the results of a pilot study designed to investigate the possibility that Remote Explosive Scent Tracing (REST) technology can be used for area reduction in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Logistics-Explosives-Safety, Rolf Oechslin, Jørgen Schneider
Logistics-Explosives-Safety, Rolf Oechslin, Jørgen Schneider
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Cost, safety, and compliance with international regulations are among the most important factors with respect to shipping explosives. The following article gives detailed insight into the transport and storage of explosives necessary for destroying mines and UXO.
In The Name Of Humanity, Eddie Banks
In The Name Of Humanity, Eddie Banks
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
A recent study of the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) mine action programme concentrated on the effective use of donations from political, financial and productivity perspectives. The premise of the study was that similar tasks, undertaken by a similar work force, with similar training and equipment, in the same time period, should be achieved with comparable timeframes and costs. Results and analysis of the BiH programme from the past several years are discussed below.
From Kosovo To Afghanistan, Cluster Bombs Again, Fernando Termentini
From Kosovo To Afghanistan, Cluster Bombs Again, Fernando Termentini
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Cluster bombs have created problems in several countries, as they are one of the many unexploded hazards often left behind after a conflict. This article gives an overview of the threat and shows how the organization Intersos has been working to help clear up the problem.
Putting Sea Mammals To Work: Dolphins Help Coalition Forces In Iraq, Nicole Kreger
Putting Sea Mammals To Work: Dolphins Help Coalition Forces In Iraq, Nicole Kreger
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In the first moth after arriving in Iraq, the dolphin teams achieved a number of successes, including unofficial clearance of 913 nautical miles of water, investigation of 237 objects, and recovery and/or destruction of over 100 mines.
Gis Helps Harvest The Dragon Seed, Jim Baumann
Gis Helps Harvest The Dragon Seed, Jim Baumann
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In an effort to establish regional coordination of demining activities in southeast Europe, the European Commission (EC) prepared and proposed a Geographic Information System (GIS) project called the “Geographical Information System for Mine Action in Southeast Europe” (GISMASE). The goal of the project is to create high-definition maps that will include the identification of mined areas and their socio-economic and security implications, as well as the development of GIS training capabilities so that the project can be locally supported.
Multicriterial Analysis Application In Mine Action, Damir Gorseta
Multicriterial Analysis Application In Mine Action, Damir Gorseta
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The author proposes how multicriterial analysis should be used to select areas where demining will have the strongest impact on risk reduction, return of displaced persons, and revitalisation of economic and social life.
Opportunities For Regional Cooperation In Mine Action In Southeastern Europe, Ian Mansfield
Opportunities For Regional Cooperation In Mine Action In Southeastern Europe, Ian Mansfield
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The goal of addressing landmine problems in southeastern Europe (SE Europe) with a regional approach entails the cooperation of countries on a number of complex issues. The following article discusses some of the primary issues involved in the process of incorporating a regional approach to landmine problems in SE Europe.
Spoiled Soil, Eddie Banks
Spoiled Soil, Eddie Banks
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
While it is necessary to remove explosive items from the land to facilitate repatriation, reconstruction and rehabilitation, it is crucial that, in undertaking this action, the soil structure is not inadvertently damaged, creating short-, medium- and long-term problems for agriculture, and in particular, the sustainable farming that supports vulnerable communities.