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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Current Situation And Perceived Needs For Head And Face Protection In Humanitarian Demining, Andy Smith
Current Situation And Perceived Needs For Head And Face Protection In Humanitarian Demining, Andy Smith
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The safety equipment used in humanitarian demining in developing countries would be considered inadequate by any Western army engaged in combat demining or explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) work. No set of standards is imposed and the standards that have arisen are surprisingly low. There is no widely accepted need for better protective equipment, but demining organisations do seem to be slowly levelling-up in the equipment that they use. Very few demining groups routinely wear helmets. Those demining groups that are concerned about head protection usually favour a 30cm high full-face visor hanging on a head-harness (or head-frame). The visor provides …
Use Of Imagery And Gis For Humanitarian Demining Management, Sam Samuel, Jack Gentile, Glen Gustafson, Mary Kimsey, Helmut Kraenzle, James Wilson, Stephen Wright
Use Of Imagery And Gis For Humanitarian Demining Management, Sam Samuel, Jack Gentile, Glen Gustafson, Mary Kimsey, Helmut Kraenzle, James Wilson, Stephen Wright
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In the fall of 1996, the Center for Geographic Information Science (GIS) at James Madison University became involved in a Department of Defense project, under the auspices of Essex/Star Mountain, Inc. This project evaluated the data needs and data management systems for humanitarian demining in the Third World. In particular, it focused on the information needs of demining in Cambodia and in Bosnia. During the first phase of the project one team of researchers attempted to identify all sources of unclassified country data, image data, and map data. Another team of researchers evaluated commercial off-the-shelf computer software packages for the …
State Department The Demining 2010 Initiative, Colleen Pettit
State Department The Demining 2010 Initiative, Colleen Pettit
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The Demining 2010 Initiative is an initiative led by the United States to develop and marshal resources for global humanitarian demining operations and assistance. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to end the threat of landmines to civilians by the year 2010.
Interview With The Program Manager, Mr. Richard Todd, Of The United Nations (Un) Mine Action Center In Croatia., Dennis Barlow
Interview With The Program Manager, Mr. Richard Todd, Of The United Nations (Un) Mine Action Center In Croatia., Dennis Barlow
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
It is becoming increasingly evident that the functioning of a central coordinating facility is critical to the overall success of a humanitarian demining mission. These mine action centers (MAC) are now proving their worth in several countries. We felt it would be helpful if we highlighted the organization, function, and goals of selected MACs. We wish to point out however, that no one MAC design will be the answer to all mine action missions. Therefore, in this issue we decided to spotlight two very different, but very effective MACs to showcase effective methods, while at the same time illustrating differing …
Norwegian People's Aid Emphasizes Cooperation As Core Of Demining Efforts, Kirk St. Amant
Norwegian People's Aid Emphasizes Cooperation As Core Of Demining Efforts, Kirk St. Amant
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
One of the more prominent organizations currently working in the field of demining is Norwegian People's Aid (NPA). Founded in 1939 as a part of the Norwegian labor movement, the NPA has spent the past fifty years devoting its time and efforts to issues involving solidarity, unity, human dignity, peace, and freedom. By focusing on political freedom and social and economic justice, the NPA has become a leader in global human rights and the struggle to attain human dignity.
Peacetrees Vietnam, Colleen Pettit
Peacetrees Vietnam, Colleen Pettit
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
PeaceTrees Vietnam is one of 21 international PeaceTrees projects organized since 1987 by the Earthstewards Network, an international organization based in Bainbridge, Washington. As the name implies, PeaceTrees projects have a twofold purpose: social and environmental healing. Specifically, PeaceTrees projects unite former enemies, such as the U. S. and Vietnam, as together they clear landmines and counter the environmental damage caused by landmines.
Interview With The Chief Advisor For Operations And Technical Matters To The Cambodian Mine Action Center, Lcol Chip Bowness, Canadian Military Engineers, Dennis Barlow
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
It is becoming increasingly evident that the functioning of a central coordinating facility is critical to the overall success of a humanitarian demining mission. These mine action centers (MAC) are now proving their worth in several countries. We felt it would be helpful if we highlighted the organization, function, and goals of selected MACs. We wish to point out however, that no one MAC design will be the answer to all mine action missions. Therefore, in this issue we decided to spotlight two very different, but very effective MACs to showcase effective methods, while at the same time illustrating differing …
A Survey Of Research On Sensor Technology For Landmine Detection, Claudio Bruschini, Bertrand Gros
A Survey Of Research On Sensor Technology For Landmine Detection, Claudio Bruschini, Bertrand Gros
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
According to official figures, more than 100 million landmines lie buried around the world. Although intended for warfare, these mines remain active after warfare ends. Each day these mines are triggered accidentally by civilian activities, ravaging the land and killing or maiming innocent people. To help stop this destruction of the environment and humanity, the scientific community must develop effective humanitarian demining. Mine detection is especially vital to humanitarian demining. The goal of military demining is to clear enough mines quickly to allow troops through a land area. Military demining usually requires mine destruction rates of 80%. The goal of …
The Impact Of The Washington 2010 Conference, Dennis Barlow
The Impact Of The Washington 2010 Conference, Dennis Barlow
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In late May, Washington D.C. played host to selected international dignitaries who gathered together to devise a global strategy for dealing with unexploded landmines. Great strides were made in world-wide coordination efforts. Many of these agreements were informal, some were regionally based (e.g., an African Demining sidebar session), and some were functionally oriented (e.g., a Victim Assistance sidebar session). But the exciting thing was that even in the midst of a gathering that had to pay extreme heed to international political sensitivities, it--like Copenhagen and Ottawa--became the forum and stimulus for real and discernible progress.
Aim And Objectives Of The Landmine Victims Data Collection, A. Aziz Ahmadzai
Aim And Objectives Of The Landmine Victims Data Collection, A. Aziz Ahmadzai
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The 20 years of war in Afghanistan, beside other legacies, has left over 850 square kilometers of land and approximately 1,500 villages contaminated with landmines. Although official figures are not available, it is estimated that more than 400,000 people have either been killed or maimed by these perilous weapons. The majority of the over 400,000 victims are civilians, many of whom are women and children. Despite these facts, no proper and reliable data on the landmine victims in Afghanistan has yet been collected by any agency or organization. The Mine Clearance Planning Agency (MCPA), with its mandate to conduct landmine-related …
Strengthening Humanitarian Demining And Related Activities Through The Emphasis On Comparative Advantages, Joe Lokey
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
One of the foundations of contemporary economic systems is that expertise can create value. Based on this notion, it follows that economic efficiency results if every person does what he or she does best. Preferences, competencies, and resource capacity in the world of economics and trade drive these choices. In humanitarian pursuits, the trade aspects are less clear, and the financial aspects are less relevant, but the efficiencies gained from applying limited resources to a global crisis are still clear and relevant.
The Future Of Humanitarian Demining, Andy Smith
The Future Of Humanitarian Demining, Andy Smith
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
At present, humanitarian demining in most affected areas begins with a United Nations(UN)-led emergency response, which is controlled by ex-pats, who usually have a military background and who are largely paid for by "ear-marked" donations from UN countries. Those donations sometimes take the form of staff and goods. At the same time, as the UN arrives (and sometimes before), the specialist charitably-funded clearance groups, which are funded by an individual government's aid budget or by trusts and donor charities, tend to move into the area. The HALO Trust makes a point of, whenever possible, being in dangerous areas first. The …
Myths, Mines, And Ground Clearance, Andy Smith
Myths, Mines, And Ground Clearance, Andy Smith
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The following article deals with some common misconceptions about deminers, demining, and demining equipment. It is not an academic paper, but it is rather a discussion prompt. Some of the points are old enough to appear bearded to the field men--sorry about that--but newcomers still need to hear them. A few are contentious. To some extent, I am playing devil's advocate although all of the points raised in this article have arisen during my field work. I believe that they deserve an airing, and I would be interested to hear any well-reasoned, contrary opinions, or any words of support.
And They Killed No Enemy: Taiwan's Landmines, Joe Lokey
And They Killed No Enemy: Taiwan's Landmines, Joe Lokey
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Landmines are a remarkably wonderful little invention...from a military view. Since their systematic introduction to warfare doctrine in the spring of 1862 in the American Civil War, they have been used to deter, route, terrorize and harass opposing forces. Though their moral foundation has been in question since the beginning, little serious thought has been given to the effect of these perfect little soldiers on non-combatants--until recently. Our dark history provides numerous examples of the post-conflict madness inflicted by landmines and the other hubris of war on communities at peace. Rarely, however, do we find a case where landmines planted …
Data Standardization, Thomas Powell
Data Standardization, Thomas Powell
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
As the international community has placed increasing emphasis on efforts to identify, classify, neutralize, or remove landmines or other unexploded ordnance (UXO), the need to communicate information concerning the location, description, and hazards associated with these munitions has become apparent. Numerous database structures have been created to store information about the various munitions. However, different organizations, countries, or individuals have adopted their own unique data definitions and database structures, and these differences could affect the kinds of information available through these sources.
Demining Technologies, Qadeem K. Tariq
Demining Technologies, Qadeem K. Tariq
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Humanitarian mine clearance is a new phenomenon in the world. Therefore, well-coordinated and concrete steps need to be taken at international levels to address this issue. The Humanitarian mine-clearance technology has evolved at organizational, regional, and national levels in various parts of the world. However, at the international level, very little has been done so far to learn from these individual but practical lessons. The current effort s to develop humanitarian mine-clearance technology is either not coordinated or is poorly coordinated with field-level requirements. Efforts are required to organize the humanitarian mine-clearance technology at the international level and to develop …
Biosensor Applications, Henrik Westander
Biosensor Applications, Henrik Westander
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The biosensor, or artificial dog nose, which identifies mines has now a new and civilian owner, Biosensor Applications Sweden AB, based in Orebro. The company has considerably strengthened its financial resources, currently by 5 million US dollars, and intends to raise further capital on the stock exchange.
Profile Of Intersos Activity In Humanitarian Demining, Salvatore Camboni, Steffano Calabrett
Profile Of Intersos Activity In Humanitarian Demining, Salvatore Camboni, Steffano Calabrett
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
InterSOS is an Italian-based Humanitarian Non-profit Organization working in emergency aid in several countries of the world in cF1048ritical situations, such as Bosnia, Angola, Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia and Albania, in collaboration with specialized UN Agencies, the European Union and the Italian Government.
Report On The Detec-2 Testing In Cambodia November 18-21, 1997, Jean-Daniel Nicoud, Frédéric Guerne, John Brooks
Report On The Detec-2 Testing In Cambodia November 18-21, 1997, Jean-Daniel Nicoud, Frédéric Guerne, John Brooks
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The 2-year DeTec-2 project started at the end of 1995 as a continuation of our 1994-95 work on the Pemex demining robot to evaluate an antipersonnel mine sensor that is based on a combination of a metal detector (MD) and a ground-penetrating radar (GPR). The ERA radar was selected in early 1996, and we used the Schiebel, Förster and Ebinger metal detectors. We built a laboratory sandbox to evaluate the sensors under controlled conditions with the ultimate objective of conducting tests on a real minefield before the end of the project.
A Real Survivor: Ken Rutherford, David M. Ahearn
A Real Survivor: Ken Rutherford, David M. Ahearn
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Ken Rutherford did not choose to join the humanitarian demining community. Rather, fate intervened when a landmine blew up his car as he traveled along the Somalian border where he was working as a loan officer helping to rebuild the Somalian economy. The encounter with the mine forever changed Ken Rutherford's life, for at that moment, he suddenly became a landmine victim. More importantly, he became a landmine survivor.
What Of Chechnya?, Joe Lokey
What Of Chechnya?, Joe Lokey
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
There are too many Chechen mothers crying tonight. The scene is hauntingly familiar but the truth of this particular tragedy remains shrouded behind a wall of distortion and indifference. If the inordinate amount of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) were the only problems, simple magic and wizardry might be a realistic and reasonable solution to the devastation that has befallen this land that once was a beautifully scenic pocket of smiles nestled in the Caucasus.
A Call For Standardized Data: The Demining 2010 Initiative Conference As An Opportunity For Consensus, C. Jared Coffin
A Call For Standardized Data: The Demining 2010 Initiative Conference As An Opportunity For Consensus, C. Jared Coffin
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In response to the problem of landmines around the world, the United States has created a Demining 2010 Initiative that is "a U.S.-led initiative to develop, marshal and commit the resources" to end the landmine threat to civilians by the year 2010. One aspect of this initiative is the Demining 2010 Initiative Conference, to be held in the summer of 1998. This conference offers an opportunity to standardize data collection methods to more accurately assess the landmine problem.
Us Central Command: Uscentcom Demining Program: 1998 And Beyond, Cisr Journal
Us Central Command: Uscentcom Demining Program: 1998 And Beyond, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The USCENTCOM Humanitarian Demining (HD) Program has recently undergone a dramatic change in direction. This article will describe our old program, our new program, and our expected future.
The Countermine Training Support Center, Dennis Barlow
The Countermine Training Support Center, Dennis Barlow
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The U.S. Army Engineer School established the Countermine Training Support Center (CTSC) at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, in April, 1996. In the short amount of time in which it has been functioning, CTSC has carved out several unique and important roles relevant to humanitarian demining and is initiating activities that will be of great interest and value to the demining community. The new roles and enlargement of the mission that have occurred at the CTSC are in direct response to U.S. government policy guidelines that call for the expansion of humanitarian demining program. Activities underway–and planned–promise to aid in the …
"Demining 2010"–A Challenge To The Demining Community, Dennis Barlow
"Demining 2010"–A Challenge To The Demining Community, Dennis Barlow
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
We applaud the innovative and aggressive policy initiative designed to eliminate the threat to civilians posed by landmines, which was unveiled last Fall by Secretary of State Albright and Secretary of Defense Cohen. The four elements of "Demining 2010" and their component parts constitute an ambitious, and in some ways, revolutionary strategy that deserves serious analysis; it should engender reasoned and energetic responses from members of the humanitarian demining community.
Humanitarian Demining: Ten Years Of Lessons, Ronco Consulting Corporation
Humanitarian Demining: Ten Years Of Lessons, Ronco Consulting Corporation
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
RONCO is an international professional services firm that provides public and private sector clients with advisory, training, implementation, and management assistance. Founded in 1974, the firm has worked in developing countries on over 300 development projects. RONCO has been involved extensively in humanitarian demining for over ten years and has no relationship of any kind with the ordnance manufacturing industry or its distributors. The company's business is sustainable development.
Demining: Enhancing The Process, Colin King
Demining: Enhancing The Process, Colin King
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
There is a good deal of frustration surrounding the demining component of mine action; much stems from the sneaking suspicion that technology to improve the process already exists. Almost everybody recognises that humanitarian demining is slow and dangerous, and most see a need to enhance it. But despite years of research, little has changed in the field: what's going wrong?
Us Southern Command: Special Forces Lead U.S. Demining Efforts In Central America, Cisr Journal
Us Southern Command: Special Forces Lead U.S. Demining Efforts In Central America, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
High in the rugged mountains of Honduras, along its border with Nicaragua, clouds envelope a thick forest as a small group of soldiers move on paths outlined in bright yellow plastic tape. At the end of a trail, a soldier moves slowly with a metal detector sweeping back and forth across the ground. The tic-tic-tic sound in his headset changes pitch to a tac-tac-tac. He concentrates on a small area next to a tree. The sound changes again to a solid, dull tone.
Humanitarian Demining: The Challenge For Robotic Research, Stefan Havlík, Peter Licko
Humanitarian Demining: The Challenge For Robotic Research, Stefan Havlík, Peter Licko
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Current methods for detecting and removing mines are dangerous, too costly, and, considering the number of abandoned mines, very slow. Mechanical systems are most frequently used to clear large areas polluted by mines. Mechanical systems usually consist of a tank that uses rollers to apply pressure to the ground, rotary flails that beat the ground, or a rake that unearths and presses the mines. The main drawback of purely mechanical demining is that no system can satisfy the desired 100% reliability of humanitarian demining. Consequently, all cleaned areas require manual verification. Thus, an urgent need exists to develop safe and …
Anatomy Of A Program: Una-Usa Takes On Landmines, Melanie Velez, Bill Rigler
Anatomy Of A Program: Una-Usa Takes On Landmines, Melanie Velez, Bill Rigler
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
On December 3, 1997, over 100 countries convened in Ottawa, Canada to sign an historic landmine-ban treaty. The event marked the end of a six-year campaign by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines to end the scourge of these deadly antipersonnel weapons. Simultaneously, the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA), a non-government organization (NGO), launched a program called Adopt-A-Minefield. Through this program, civic groups, corporations, and other organizations "adopt" a mine-strewn area pre-selected by the United Nations for demining. These private and public groups raise funds to clear their adopted minefields in order to return the …