Science and Technology to Counter Terrorism Proceedings of an Indo-U.S. Workshop (2007) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
Pages 91-102
The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.
From page 91... ...
Whenever there are dissatisfied people who are willing to give up their own lives or do not value human life, it will be difficult to eliminate the threat of terrorist attacks. A specific point where science and technology can help is in the area of intelligence, by providing information about the potential for an act of terrorism to be conducted.
|
From page 92... ...
Governmental buildings, religious sites, banks, and other major facilities become symbolic targets. Just as the World Trade Center was symbolic for the United States, and perhaps internationally, in India the attacks on Parliament and on temples are also symbolic.
|
From page 93... ...
With the destruction of all the buildings that made up the World Trade Center, the insurance industry was assaulted on several fronts. Historically, in major catastrophic events, whether man-made or natural disasters, the economic impact has been felt by one particular insurance pool (life, casualty, liability, or property)
|
From page 94... ...
Can science and technology help to develop an algorithm that would allow the grid to recognize that it is under a multipoint attack and take action to preserve the grid as much as possible? Deregulation, which was a contributing factor in the blackout in the United States on August 14, 2003, would have a similar negative effect in a multipoint terrorist attack.
|
From page 95... ...
This was amply demonstrated on August 14, 2003, by the failure to recognize that parts of the grid were under severe stress and failing sequentially. Energy: Hydrocarbon Fuels The discussion on hydrocarbon fuels will focus on petroleum and natural gas.
|
From page 96... ...
When the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks occurred, the New York City Response Center was in the World Trade Center. So the ability of the fire and police departments within New York City to respond was hampered severely because there was no way to centralize and coordinate the actions of the first responders.
|
From page 97... ...
Transportation In recent years, elements of the transportation system have become the mechanisms for terrorist attacks. On September 11, 2001, commercial airliners were used as cruise missiles.
|
From page 98... ...
They have been used most extensively in the commercial nuclear power industry to do low-probability, high-risk assessments of damage in nuclear plants. The chemical and transportation industries have also used QRAs to some extent.
|
From page 99... ...
Cargo scanning technology is complementary to the intelligent agents. While cargo scanners do exist, there is a need to integrate various components into a "one-stop shop" to monitor for specific items or radioactivity.
|
From page 100... ...
It will involve advanced sensors and biometrics as well as intelligent agents. With the development and marrying of technologies, more sophistication will be possible.
|
From page 101... ...
It would not be the most efficient, most economical unit, but several of these transformers could be held at utility or regional locations to be used in emergencies and if terrorist attacks occur. Their sizing should be dictated by the ability to move them quickly and conventionally by truck to the places where they are needed.
|
From page 102... ...
Studies on the use of FACTS-based technology for power grids would also be worthwhile. Finally, a review of blast- and fire-resistant materials and the design of safer buildings (egress in emergencies, ventilation systems, and so forth)
|
Key Terms
This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More
information on Chapter Skim is available.