A discussion of the development of automated bio-terrorism identification equipment to detect and provide warning of the presence of biological agents in the case of biological wafare.
Abstract The paper examines how the Department of Defense has started work on a biological agent detection and identification program as part of efforts to develop a national early warning system for urban areas pertaining to biological warfare. It also describes the Biological Defense Homeland Security Support Program to achieve early detection and characterization of a biological-related incident in an urban area in order to reduce casualties, minimize disruption to infrastructures and support consequence management efforts. It looks at how the Postal Service has also set into motion work toward the development of bio-terrorism identification equipment due to anthrax scares and the work of biotechnology companies in the development of pulmonary drug delivery in order to combat air-borne bio-terrorist threats .
From the Paper "Another developer of bio-terrorism identification equipment is NanoVia, LP, an innovative leader in the development of next generation high-speed microvia drilling technology. The company recently announced that it intends to further develop its patented drilling process for pulmonary drug delivery in order to combat air-borne bio-terrorist threats (prweb.com). While currently applicable for conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, fast-moving allergic reactions, seizures and cardiovascular conditions, NanoVia, LP believes that inhaled physical threats, such as Anthrax, can also be combated with this technology (prweb.com)."
Abstract This paper examines the latest international outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which was initially described as a strange and mysterious lung disease that killed a handful of people in China. It analyzes how it was handled and how it could have potentially been the work of bio-terrorists. It looks at how the nations of the world worked together to contain the outbreak in the same manner that they would have to do in the event that a bio-attack were launched on any nation.
From the Paper "Using SARS as a model for handling a bio-terrorist attack one can easily see the positive and negative aspects of the way it was spread and contained. One of the first mistakes that were made was the allowance of travel when the virus was first discovered. In the future if there is any hint of possible bio-terrorist attacks it will be essential to stop all travel to or from the area in question. This was only done after the virus began to spread outside of Asia and show itself in other nations.
Something that was done well was the containment efforts. Once it was discovered in Canada and other nations there were immediate efforts to quarantine anyone with symptoms and to examine them immediately to determine if they in fact had SARS."
Abstract This paper examines how bio-terrorism has been called a disease of modern society, a condition of life, an unsurpassed weapon of psychological warfare, and an antithesis of democracy and the democratic spirit It shows how, although bio-terrorism is thought to be difficult to accomplish on a large scale, recent cases of small scale bio-terrorism have demonstrated how easily it would be to inflict large-scale damage in small doses, if done in a coordinated attack. It examines recent cases, such as anthrax-tainted mail, and looks at how terrorists seem to have relatively easy access to a range of sophisticated, "off the shelf" weapons technology that can be readily adapted to their operational needs.
From the Paper "In September 1984, a non-state sponsored terrorist cult called the Rajneeshee from Oregon intentionally contaminated many salad bars in restaurants with salmonella bacteria. The incident resulted in 751 cases of enteritis, inflammation of the intestine (especially the small intestine), usually characterized by diarrhea, and 45 hospitalizations. This occurred just from a weak bacteria like salmonella. In 1995, the radical Aum Shinrikyo cult of Japan attacked the subways of Japan by releasing a sarin gas that killed twelve and left thousands debilitated. This cult had allegedly launched three unsuccessful biological attacks in Japan using Anthrax and botulin toxin."
Abstract In this article, the writer points out that social and political frustrations brought left-wing terrorists to the forefront of Europe after World War II. However, the writer notes that the political landscape basically made it more feasible for left-wing groups to join the democratic process rather than fight it. However, various right-wing groups evolved with their own agendas such as ethnic purification mirroring Hitler's philosophies. The writer discusses that unlike most of the left-wing groups, these radical right-wing terrorist groups still exist today throughout the world. The writer notes that there are many similarities between left-wing and right-wing terrorist organizations. This paper examines left-wing terrorism in Europe, the Japanese Red Army and neo-fascism groups that have existed to various degrees. Various trends and typologies are discussed noting the demise of most of these terrorist groups.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Left-Wing Terrorism in Europe
The Red Army Faction
The Demise of Other West European Terrorist Movements
The Japanese Red Army
Neo-Fascism Rejuvenates
Summary
From the Paper " Hundreds of terrorist groups have been noted in Europe and throughout the world. There are common tactics that are adopted by these groups who mirror previous terrorist groups through various international training regimes. There is however, no terrorist conspiracy operating globally. Instead, these pockets of terrorist groups eventually dissolve as local authorities crack down as these groups lose public support. A trend of left-wing groups disappearing more than right-wing groups appears to be the norm as political pluralism removes the causes of the left-wing groups."
Abstract This paper discusses how, in an effort to combat the risk of criminal and terrorist activity, the federal government of the United States has charged banking institutions with protecting, monitoring, and reporting financial activity that may aid terrorists and criminals. According to the paper, the HSBC Bank USA takes this charge very seriously due to its own risk and a sense of social responsibility. This paper reviews how HSBC Bank USA strives for compliance within the legal framework set forth by the United States Patriot Act and Bank Security Act.
Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Mission and Value Statement
Problem Statement
Chapter 1. The Risk of Money Laundering and Terrorist Funding in the Banking Industry
Chapter 2. Legal Requirements and HSBC Compliance
Chapter 3. Technology Issues
Chapter 4. HSBC Operations and Internal Management
Chapter 5. Impending Developments and Future Challenges
Hypothesis
Conclusion
From the Paper "With payment filtering in place, false positives are an unfortunate inevitability. Coping with false positives--the blocking of transactions that are in fact legal customer activity--is a frustrating corporate matter for banks. Despite every care to prevent inconvenience to banking patrons, HSBC payment filters are likely to block payments where beneficiary names are similar to those on watch lists. This creates issues for management within HSBC, as additional personnel must be available to identify false positives and, where necessary, manually reverse payment rejections. Allocating addition funding for support staff and technology advances can aid in reducing false positives. Seeking out the best technology available and supporting industry-wide pushes for more research may also contribute to better advances and progress. "
Abstract This paper provides a review of the relevant and peer-reviewed literature to develop an overview of the impact that the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It gives an overview of the organizational initiatives of Islamic extremists groups. The writer discusses women in Islam in general, and an examination of the operational use of women by Islamic extremists in recent years to include in particular their role as suicide bombers. A summary of the findings is provided in the conclusion.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Organizational Initiatives for Islamic Extremists
Women in Islam
Operational Use of Women by Islamic Extremists
Conclusion
From the Paper "The research showed that Islamic extremism is on the rise, and the implications for women - both Islamic and otherwise -- are profound and severe. Women, now often used as fodder by Islamic extremists, are themselves the startling and disturbing method that is used to achieve ideological goals. Unfortunately, the research has shown that, because of their inherent vulnerability in Islamic societies, women and children are used as suicide bombers. This analysis, though, only describes one aspect of women's willingness to participate; often, they enjoy a brief elevation in status (before their death in the line of duty), and believe that heavenly rewards await them after their task is completed. Their effectiveness is also very real - recognized by both Islamic leaders and their enemies. Female suicide bombers have already raised Israel's concerns; these activities will continue to create a more problematic and militant environment for Israeli authorities in the future. The situation only promises to become worse, as Islamic extremists have apparently not used women to their best advantage. One cannot know the true roles that women do play in these organizations, however, because Islamic extremists are very secretive. While the various positions that women hold within an organization remains speculative at best, it is quite obvious that they are being used as an effective tool of war, often sacrificed on the altar of jihad."
Abstract This paper sets forth a hypothetical scenario for terrorist attack (kidnapping) and strategies to mitigate or reduce the effect of the attack by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC). The paper examines how the kidnapping could be carried out.
From the Paper "The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia is known by its Spanish acronym FARC. FARC is intent on bringing about a communist revolution in Colombia and has fought for nearly four decades to ..."
Abstract The paper researches whether al Qaeda or any other international terrorist group has the motivation and capability to develop and use bio-weapons to carry out their missions of terror. The paper also examines the capability of authorities to deal with this challenge to existing health and defense systems. The paper studies the 2001 anthrax attack and contends that terror groups definitely have the intention to attack with bio-weapons, although we can only speculate about their capabilities. The paper asserts, however, that the threat is very real and the biggest imperative is to neutralize any al Qaeda scientists and technicians engaged in bio-weapons development.
From the Paper "The threat posed by biological disease agents as a terrorist weapon emerged following the anthrax scare in October 2001, when anonymous letters filled with anthrax spores were mailed to US senators and selected media men. Anthrax is one of many biological agents suitable for use as weapon of mass destruction, which fall under five categories: bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, fungi and toxins. The anthrax attack in the US came soon after 9/11, in which the terrorist group identified with al Qaeda seized two civilian planes and smashed them into the World Trade Center in New York and killed about 3,000 people."
Abstract This paper covers the history of the epidemic of the bacterium that came to be known as the bubonic plague. It begins in 540 A.D., with the first record of its occurrence, and continues to show its from the Mediterranean throughout Europe and Asia. The plague's spread to England in the 1600s led to the first autopsies being conducted and began the search for a cause and cure to this disease. It has virtually been eliminated in our lifetime with only isolated cases occurring, although, there are now fears that it can be isolated and used as a bio-weapon by terrorists in today's world.
From the Paper "Despite of what is thought, the bubonic plague did not end in medieval times. It has kept killing people all the way until today. The next big outbreak after the one in 1665 was in China in 1894. It then spread west to Bombay, India, and in that the time it took to do that the disease killed millions of people. The next couple of decades after that outbreak, scientists were able to identify and classify the disease and its history. However it could at times be difficult for the scientists because symptoms of the bubonic plague often resembled those of other diseases common in the hot climate of the jungles in India."
Tags: black, bubonic, death, pestis, plague, yersinia, vaccination, cure, bacteria, microscopes, scientists, bio-terrorists, bacteria, europe, studies, bitten, flea, cell, immune, system, jungles, india, brazil, united, states, military, research
A look at the latest threat of terrorism known as bio-terrorism, including an examination of whether cities in America are ready to face such a threat.
Abstract This paper explains that the threat of a terrorist attack using biological weapons has become a true threat. It looks at the history of the use of such agents and how they have developed. The writer analyzes how certain cities in the United States have begun preparing themselves to deal with this threat and discusses various prevention programs and procedures currently in place.
From the Paper "Public health officials should first assemble a coalition of local leaders of church and civil organizations, saying: "You best know your own people and how to reach them; we may need your help in the event of a large epidemic. Let's work together to imagine ways of using your organizations to monitor disease, communicate information, distribute medicine, and organize volunteers." Second, there has to be a means for educating as many people in the community about the steps to take in case of disaster. As with myriad of other problems or potential problems in this country, the majority of people have high expectations on what their local, state and federal governments should do to be of help. Ways of responding to potential situations such as bioterrorism, although it is hoped they will be nonexistent, should be planned in advance. Because of the monumental impact that such an event would have, it will take as many people as possible and more to help. Citizens should volunteer their involvement and public agencies should be pleased to accept the help."
Abstract Weapons of mass destruction for the use of biological terror attacks may fall into the hands of rouge nations or terrorist organization through arms deals. This threat is a real one that the United States faces everyday, along with the rest of the world. The paper shows that coping with such a threat is not an easy job. The development of an organized system to manage the potential of an attack is the main key to coping with this threat. Before examining how the world understands and deals with this threat, the paper takes a look into the history of biological warfare.
From the Paper "Since 1999 however, technology has produced significant leaps and bounds into the defensive technologies listed as a problem by Dr. Zilinskas. The ability to detect in real time the type of agent along with its concentration is currently a reality and used at various military instillations as well as numerous federal and state buildings. This is due primarily because of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C. on 9/11."
Abstract This paper analyses how anthrax is a powerful biological weapon, which when used appropriately, may result in the death of thousands or even millions of people. It examines how, in order to maximise the efficiency of a response to a bio-terrorist attack involving anthrax, wider knowledge of the microbiology and spore formation of anthrax is needed, as well as effective biological counter measures to ensure the safety of civilian populations.
Outline
Introduction Releasing Anthrax
Epidemiology Symptoms
Microbiology
Pathology Methods of Control
Recommendations
Conclusion Bibliography Appendix
From the Paper "Releasing anthrax would be relative simple, a cloud of anthrax spores released in a strategic location, with a high civilian population, could kill thousands or even millions of people if released according. A lethal dosage of anthrax is considered to be 10,000 spores; 80% of a population that inhaled such a dose would die. Less than one millionth of a gram is invariably fatal within a couple of days after exposure. (REF) An anthrax aerosol would be odourless and invisible following release and would have the potential to travel many kilometres."
Tags: agent, chemical, iraq, pathogen, terrorism, terrorist, war
Abstract This paper discusses Toronto's burgeoning bio-tech industry. In particular, it looks at where these companies are located, what they are, what they look like and where they rank internationally. The paper also focuses particular attention upon Affinium Pharmaceuticals. Ultimately, the paper describes Toronto's bio-tech sector and illustrates Toronto's growing profile among the bio-technology centers of North America.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Geography Of Toronto's Bio-Tech Industry
Toronto's Bio-Tech Companies: What They Are And What They Look Like (A Representative Sampling)
The International Status Of Toronto's Bio-Tech Companies
Conclusions
From the Paper "Even if Toronto's bio-tech sector is still relatively fledgling compared to its U.S. counterparts, the city is quickly developing an enviable reputation. For one thing, the well-regarded University of Toronto - the school with which Affinium Pharmaceuticals has such a strong relationship - has more than 16,000 researchers on its campus and at affiliated teaching hospitals. Further, the Samuel Lunefeld Research Institute, the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, the Ontario Cancer Institute and the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry are all held in high esteem as research "hot beds" and employ literally thousands (Biotechnology Ontario, "Toronto: Profile," para.1-5)."
A look at the growing demand for bio diesel and how the demand is taking precedence over concerns about whether bio diesel actually reduces the costs associated with gasoline production and use.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, 2006, $ 53.95
Abstract The use of bio fuels has long been viewed as a potential solution to solve the world's dependency on petroleum and its negative environmental impact. Recently, many Western countries, Canada among them, have begun to make a deeper examination of bio fuels, and specifically bio diesel, now that both its production costs have been lowered due to technology advances and its cost-basis is improved due to petroleum's high market costs. This paper examines the issue concerning the artificiality of the gasoline demand curve that creates a greater need for bio diesel irrespective of its benefits related to lowering the external costs associated with gasoline.
Abstract This paper discusses the way the products, which make up bio-diesel industry, are made and sold and their benefits to the environment. The author points out that bio-diesel energy is a clean burning alternative fuel, which is produced from domestic, renewable resources. The paper focuses on three companies: The American company Bio-diesel Industries and two British companies Bio-fuels Corporation and D1 Oils Plc..
From the Paper "The energy needs of the world must be met somehow, and many today see the continuing reliance on fossil fuels as a dead end proposition, for fossil fuels will one day run out and are not renewable. It took thousands of years to produce the oil we are not pumping out of the ground, and there is no way to speed that particular process to replace those resources. Finding sources that are truly renewable and that can satisfy the world's energy needs is a major research goal, and one of the types of fuel being developed today is bio-diesel. Several companies are working to produce bio-diesel today, conducting research and producing the fuel for use in diesel vehicles in order to reduce reliance on petroleum-based products and improve the environment."
