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James Madison University

2003

Articles 1 - 30 of 143

Full-Text Articles in Emergency and Disaster Management

Pigs: A Demining Tool Of The Future?, Jennette Townsend Oct 2003

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.


Using Bomb Disrupters In Demining Operations, Jennifer Cox Oct 2003

Using Bomb Disrupters In Demining Operations, Jennifer Cox

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The use of bomb disrupters has substantially impacted the demining community from the time of their invention to the present. Proparms Ltd., a world leader in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) manufacturing, is making headway with its products, which will help continue along the path of landmine casualty reduction.


Cromac: Center For Testing, Development And Training, Nikola Pavković Oct 2003

Cromac: Center For Testing, Development And Training, Nikola Pavković

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Having established the mine action program in Croatia, the Croatian Mine Action Center (CROMAC) created conditions to engage not only in the organization and execution of demining operations, but also in research, development and improvement of mine action techniques, technology, and methods; testing of demining machines; and testing of mine detection dogs (MDDs) and handlers, testing and field evaluation of modern technologies, training, and providing professional assistance within the region and beyond.


It’S A Bird, It’S A Plane—It’S The Mineseeker Airborne Mine Detector!, Cisr Jmu Oct 2003

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.


Area Reduction: A Solution Whose Time Has Come, Bob Eaton Oct 2003

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.


U.S. Humanitarian Demining R&D Program: Emerging Technologies, Sean Burke, Thomas Henderson, Roger Cresci Oct 2003

U.S. Humanitarian Demining R&D Program: Emerging Technologies, Sean Burke, Thomas Henderson, Roger Cresci

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Humanitarian Demining (HD) Research and Development (R&D) Program is continually innovating and applying new technology to the demining of landmine fields. Through these changes, the goal of worldwide mine clearance is within reach.


The R&D Requirements Workshop, Joe Lokey Oct 2003

The R&D Requirements Workshop, Joe Lokey

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

It doesn’t take more than a day with deminers in a minefield to realize the challenges they face. You quickly discover they are dedicated to what they do, they are passionate about it, and they are extremely vocal about what they think they need to do a better job. A group of dedicated engineers and developers have been carefully listening to what they have to say.


Colonel Vosburgh, Oasd (So/Lic): The Successes Of Technology, Margaret S. Busé Oct 2003

Colonel Vosburgh, Oasd (So/Lic): The Successes Of Technology, Margaret S. Busé

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Colonel Allen Vosburgh discusses the success of the Department of Defense (DoD) Research and Development (R&D) program, the challenges of meeting user needs and the role of the military in humanitarian demining operations.


Standardized Testing Of Metal Detectors, T.J. Bloodworth, A.J. Sieber Oct 2003

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.


Rest Sampling: Landmine Detection Using A Fido Device, Mark Fisher, John Sikes, Kip Schultz Oct 2003

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.


Imsma V3.0: Experiences From The ”Imsma Diaspora”, Mohammed Qasim, John Walker Oct 2003

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.


Ukraine Responds To New Mine Action Demands, Sergei Pashinsky Oct 2003

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.


Scientific Contributions To Demining Technology: Beliefs, Perceptions And Realities, Ian Mclean Oct 2003

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.


The Minewolf Toolbox System: Ground Preparation To Mine Clearance, Heinz Rath Oct 2003

The Minewolf Toolbox System: Ground Preparation To Mine Clearance, Heinz Rath

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The MineWolf Toolbox System, which operates in minefields near Sarajevo, is a mine clearance device that has been used to improve efficiency and effectiveness in demining operations. This article discusses the benefits of the MineWolf Toolbox System and compares it to other demining machines and technology currently used to clear minefields.


Mine Action Technologies: Problems And Recommendations, M. Acheroy Oct 2003

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.


Testing And Use Of Demining Machines In The Republic Of Croatia, Ivan Steker Oct 2003

Testing And Use Of Demining Machines In The Republic Of Croatia, Ivan Steker

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In the course of achieving the quality employment of machines and their development, CROMAC is conducting the activities of testing, verification and accreditation of demining machines.


Decision Support System For Demining Waterways, Nenad Mladineo, Snjezana Knezic Oct 2003

Decision Support System For Demining Waterways, Nenad Mladineo, Snjezana Knezic

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In the beginning of 2002, Croatian Waters, a state water management system, gave the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University of Split a project with the main objective of determining the optimal strategy for demining waterways by using contemporary scientific methods and tools.


Systematic Test & Evaluation Of Metal Detectors, Noel Mulliner, Phil Bean, Francois Littmann Oct 2003

Systematic Test & Evaluation Of Metal Detectors, Noel Mulliner, Phil Bean, Francois Littmann

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Up-to-date and accurate information on available technology is urgently needed to help Mine Action Centres (MACs) and donors in the planning of demining activities and in the selection of the best-suited type of demining equipment. For this reason, the European Commission (EC) is starting a project to evaluate the performance of metal detectors on the market today.


Bozena 4 Mine Clearing Flail System, Marián Zimmermann Oct 2003

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.


The Truth About Flails, Cisr Jmu Oct 2003

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.


Priority Setting For Mine Action, Lutful Kabir, Emil M. Hasanov Oct 2003

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.


Survey Of Suspected Mined Areas From A Helicopter, Milan Bajic Oct 2003

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.


Landmine Impact Survey: Measurement And Display Of Suspected Areas, Hemi Morete Oct 2003

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.


Suspected Hazard Area Mapping In Non-Technical Landmine Surveys, Rune Engeset Oct 2003

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.


Current Landmine Impact Surveys By The Survey Action Center, Cisr Jmu Oct 2003

Current Landmine Impact Surveys By The Survey Action Center, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Survey Action Center (SAC) envisions post-conflict societies being free from the impact of landmines in order to boost peace, stability and economic development. Since 1998, 14 surveys have been conducted, including one in northern Iraq by United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS) and one in Lebanon through the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation (VVAF). In 2003, seven surveys are being conducted with SAC support. This article describes the current status of the Landmine Impact Surveys (LISs) in Afghanistan, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somaliland.


Geneva Diary: Report From The Gichd, Ian Mansfield Oct 2003

Geneva Diary: Report From The Gichd, Ian Mansfield

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) provides operational assistance to mine action programmes and operators, conducts research and provides support to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC). This article highlights some of the GICHD’s recent activities.


Mine Risk Education: The Effective Way To Save Lives, Musa Jalalov, Vagif Sadigov Oct 2003

Mine Risk Education: The Effective Way To Save Lives, Musa Jalalov, Vagif Sadigov

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In March 2000, the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) assumed responsibility of the Mine Risk Education (MRE) Program implemented by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) during 1997–1999. Through training mine risk educators and implementing an MRE program in affected communities and for refugees, ANAMA is hoping to reduce the number of incidents in Azerbaijan.


The Oas And Landmine Victims In Nicaragua, Carlos Orozco, Jaime Perales Oct 2003

The Oas And Landmine Victims In Nicaragua, Carlos Orozco, Jaime Perales

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Organization of American States (OAS) Mine Action Program has established a priority in providing prostheses and medical attention to landmine victims, as well as work training. In 2002, the program started a pilot project that provided job training and jobs to mine victims.


Reducing Landmine Risk And Helping Victims: Unicef Albania, 1999–2003, Aurora Bushati Oct 2003

Reducing Landmine Risk And Helping Victims: Unicef Albania, 1999–2003, Aurora Bushati

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has been instrumental in helping Albania address its mine action problems. The following article discusses what steps UNICEF—as well as other mine action organizations within Albania—have taken during and after the conflicts in 1999 to help offset landmine concerns of both victims and the general Albanian population.


Anama Supports Mine Survivor Activities In Azerbaijan, Rauf Mamedov Oct 2003

Anama Supports Mine Survivor Activities In Azerbaijan, Rauf Mamedov

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Rauf Mamedov, Mine Victim Support Officer of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), conducted a survey during the week of 11–22 August 2003 on the needs and life conditions of the mine/UXO survivors in the Fizuli district of Azerbaijan based on a methodology that he developed. The study was considered a pilot project for future surveys. The results of Mamedov’s pilot project in August will provide ANAMA with additional knowledge of survey and analysis techniques in preparation for another nationwide survey to identify the concerns, needs and locations of mine/UXO survivors envisaged to be undertaken sometime around the …