CBRN Research Articles

Qualitative Research on PESCO Projects Direction in the Field of CBRN

Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons still represent a relevant threat despite international treaties and regulations. International projects like the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) of European Union (EU) appears as a suitable way of the further development when considered both complexity and expensiveness of the countermeasures to the CBRN. In this work, basic principles of PESCO, limitations, opportunities and expected directions of innovations were searched. The final recommendations on PESCO projects in the CBRN field are founded on the reached findings. Recommendations and conclusions on limited PESCO efficacy on one side and opportunity to resolve weakness of the Army of the Czech Republic (AČR) in the CBRN by collaboration in the EU on the other were particularly described in this paper. Without the collaboration, the AČR will hardly reflect the progress on CBRN defense.

Про результати роботи онлайн науково-практичної конференції з міжнародною участю «Досвід військових формувань у ліквідації наслідків аварії на Чорнобильській АЕС через призму сучасних радіаційних та хімічних загроз» 15-16 квітня 2021 року, Київ

The Scientific-practical conference "Experience of military formations in the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident through the prism of modern radiation and chemical threats" (hereinafter - the Conference) was organized by the Ukrainian Military Medical Academy in conjunction with the National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine and conducted on the basis of SE "Research Center of Preventive Toxicology, Food and Chemical Safety named after Academician L.I. Medved of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine" in Kyiv on April 15-16, 2021. Aim. The Conference was dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, current issues of CBRN medical care and generalization of experience in eliminating the radiation accident, taking into account the current structure of medical forces and troops of the CBRN protection. The main purpose of the Conference was to spread the scientific and pedagogical experience of the Ukrainian Military Medical Academy as the only medical institution in the country for the training of military medical personnel. The event was attended by representatives of the Department of Military Education and Science of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Command of the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, higher military primary institutions of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, radiation, chemical, biological protection of the Armed Forces and Defense Forces of Ukraine, higher medical primary institutions of Ukraine, health care institutions of Ukraine, representatives of the Malaysian Armed Forces and colleagues from Canada. Conclusions. The conference provided an opportunity for military medics, scientists, and civil servants to come together to share experiences on a wide range of issues. Measures to eliminate the radiation accident were discussed; measures of medical protection and rendering of medical care in the conditions of radiation infection; the role of the medical service of the Armed Forces in the elimination of radiation accidents; coordination and interaction between departments and institutions of different subordination in the field of medical care and radiation protection with the involvement of military specialists in the elimination of the consequences of a radiation accident; integration of scientific and educational activities in the system of higher military medical education; application of new scientific and technical knowledge during the training of military medics and the formation of scientific personnel potential. The conference was attended by about 90 experts in the field of theoretical and clinical medicine and CBRN defense, who presented 20 plenary and 10 section reports, prepared 39 abstracts, which were reflected in the scientific journal "Ukrainian Journal of Military Medicine" (Vol. 2. №1. 2021. Appendix). Key Words: radiation accidents, military radiology, military medicine, medical protection.

Botulinum Neurotoxins (BoNTs) and Their Biological, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Issues: A Scoping Review

Botulinum toxins or neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most potent neurotoxins known, and are currently extensively studied, not only for their potential lethality, but also for their possible therapeutic and cosmetic uses. Currently, seven types of antigenically distinct toxins are known and characterized, produced by a rod-shaped bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. Human poisoning by botulism (presenting with severe neuromuscular paralytic disease) is usually caused by toxins A, B, E, and F type. Poisoning from contaminated food preparations is the most common cause of noniatrogenic botulism. The spores are highly resistant to heat but are easily destroyed at 80 °C for thirty minutes. Type A and B toxins are resistant to digestion by the enzymes of the gastrointestinal system. After their entry, BoNTs irreversibly bind to cholinergic nerve endings and block the release of acetylcholine from the synapses. In contrast, in wound botulism, the neurotoxin is instead product by the growth of C. botulium in infected tissues. The contamination by BoNT inhalation does not occur by a natural route but it is certainly the most dangerous. It can be caused by the dispersion of the botulinum toxin in the atmosphere in the form of an aerosol and therefore can be deliberately used for bioterrorist purposes (e.g., during CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) unconventional events). In addition, BoNTs are currently used to treat a variety of diseases or alleviate their symptoms, such as the onabotulinumtoxinA for migraine attacks and for cosmetic use. Indeed, this paper aims to report on updated knowledge of BoNTs, both their toxicological mechanisms and their pharmacological action.

Application of area monitors and scintillating detectors in the development of CBRN defense reconnaissance vehicles

This study describes the use of ionizing radiation detectors in a Brazilian Army reconnaissance vehicle (RV), used in area monitoring actions based on the occurrence of a radiological event. Two scintillating detectors, NaI and LaBr3, were used to carry out field measurements of surveying for different distances from a simulated detector position in the vehicle, in order to compare the energy spectra obtained in each measurement system. The Brazilian Army Technological Center (Centro Tecnológico do Exército - CTEx) region was chosen to carry out the measurements. The meteorological information was annotated to verify the conditions into which the experimental apparatus would be submitted. The results suggest that both the NaI and LaBr3 scintillating detector could be used in radiological emergency response RV, offering satisfactory responses in the gamma radiation detection. However, the NaI detector was chosen considering the wide network of technical assistance and its low operational cost. The relevance of this investigation shows the importance of planning responses in emergency situations and the influence of efficient instrumentation in the measurement processes.

Jihadists’ Use and Pursuit of Weapons of Mass Destruction: A Comparative Study of Al-Qaeda and Islamic State’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Weapons Programs

This article compares and contrasts the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons programs of Al-Qaeda and Islamic State through the framework of organizational structure, typology, ideology and CBRN incidents (selected case studies). A three-step CBRN model explaining the use of CBRN weapons by both groups is proposed. This model suggests that the use of CBRN weapons is predicated on three factors: leadership at the strategic level; acquisition of material at the operational level and technical capabilities at the tactical level. It is found that the failure of both groups in developing and carrying out large-scale CBRN attacks boils down primarily to the lack of technical capabilities and the difficulties associated with acquisition of materials. It is argued that the future CBRN threat landscape will likely be dominated by the threat of small-scale, localized attacks using crude chemical or biological agents by lone actors or autonomous cells as opposed to larger-scale centrally directed attacks.

CBRN Events and Crisis Communication: Analysis of Training Needs and Development of Curriculum for Communication Personnel

Crisis communication is one of the key components of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) events management and the successful management of a CBRN event depends on the execution of effective and timely crisis communication mechanisms, institutionalized in the response network. A CBRN event in form of an accident, incident or terrorism attack presents a unique environment and challenges for communication, which requires a specialized communication response, based on well-tailored education and training of the communication personnel. This calls for development of an objective and comprehensive approach towards crisis communication, indoctrinated and designed in a well-defined curriculum based on theoretical scholarship and operational training. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine and address the needs for CBRN related crisis communication and to develop a CBRN training curriculum for communication personnel. This research was pursued by means of needs assessment method involving an online survey targeted towards specific set of stakeholders involved within the field of CBRN defense and crisis communication. Situational awareness, knowledge about risks, operational information, and training in terms of understanding the origin of CBRN events, chain of response network, message formulation, conducting interviews, and employment of communication techniques while reporting on specific CBRN scenarios have been identified as specific training needs. On the basis of the findings of the survey, the training curriculum has been developed and suggested, which will contribute to the sufficient communication training of communication personnel, leading to development of extensive communication competencies and skills in the field of CBRN defense, benefiting the nation-states.

Easy‐MCQ: An 8‐minutes time‐out in the emergency room to focus on Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threat

Easy‐MCQ: An 8‐minutes time‐out in the emergency room to focus on Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threat

Safety aspects, emergency preparedness and hazard prevention in hospitals concerning mass casualty incidents (MCI)/terror-related MCI : Prospects on future challenges based on survey results from the 3rd emergency conference of the DGU

HintergrundWeltweite terroristische Aktivitäten seit „9/11“ und folgend auch im europäischen Raum haben im Rahmen der Bewertung von kritischer Infrastruktur in Deutschland zu einem Umdenken auch hinsichtlich der Sicherheit an und in Kliniken geführt.Ziel der ArbeitDie vorliegende Publikation befasst sich mit der Bewertung vorliegender Konzepte zu Themen wie „Alarmierung“, „Sicherheit“, „Kommunikation“ und „Vorbereitung“ im vorgenannten Kontext.Material und MethodenAnhand einer Literatursichtung sowie einer Umfrage unter den Teilnehmern*innen der 3. Notfallkonferenz der DGU (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie) werden diese Thematik und die aktuell vorliegende Situation weiter analysiert und vorgestellt.ErgebnisseDie gewonnenen Daten verdeutlichen, dass ein Großteil der Kliniken zwar über eine Krankenhausalarm- und Einsatzplanung verfügt, jedoch die Frequenz der Aktualisierungen und die innerklinische Kommunikation zur Steigerung der Wahrnehmung eine deutliche Streuung zeigen.Weiterhin verdeutlichen die Ergebnisse eine Heterogenität der vorliegenden innerklinischen Alarmierungskonzepte sowie einen Mangel an Sicherheitskonzepten und Kooperationen mit Sicherheits- und Wachdiensten. Zudem zeigt sich, dass die Thematik einer möglichen CBRN(chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear)-Bedrohung in der Risikoanalyse noch nicht adäquat wahrgenommen wird bzw. umgesetzt ist.DiskussionZusammenfassend scheint die latente Bedrohung durch terroristische Aktivitäten dazu geführt zu haben, dass sich deutsche Kliniken in der Bewertung als kritische Infrastruktur mit der Thematik „Krankenhausalarm- und Einsatzplanung“ auseinandergesetzt und diese überwiegend auch umgesetzt haben. Allerdings zeigt sich für die nachgeordneten Bereiche und die aus der Alarmplanung ableitbaren Konsequenzen noch nicht die nötige Stringenz, um letztendlich adäquate Reaktionen in diesen besonderen Szenarien im Hinblick auf die Sicherheit in und an deutschen Kliniken zu gewährleisten.

Automatic buildings detection using Sobel, Roberts, Canny and Prewwitt detector

Abstract This work deals with the possibilities of contemporary automatic identification of objects. Automatic object identification can be done by two computational procedures, namely object detection and object recognition. This work deals with the automatic buildings detection, specifically. Presented detection is performed using the edge detectors, namely Prewwitt, Roberts, Canny and Sobel. The main goal of our work was to automate the device for the detection of hazardous substances in the air, as the detection of hazardous substances is realized by laser-based CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) stand-off detectors, which evaluate the measured data from the reflected laser beam. In this case, buildings are the most reflective surfaces. In order to detect a building, it is necessary to find a suitable edge detector to be used in further research and serve as a basis for software solution of automatic identification.

Colloidal gel as an efficient process to treat Chemical, Biological, Radiological (CBR) and prion contaminated solid surfaces

Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) accidents or attacks typically disseminate contaminants inside and outside buildings and structures whose surfaces have to be decontaminated. This paper describes an innovative colloidal gel formulation and its effects against CBR threat agents and prion contaminations. The gel’s rheological properties ensure it remains attached even to vertical surfaces. The gel then dries with the contaminants trapped inside, leaving behind non-dusting solid residues that are easy to recover by brushing or vacuum cleaning. The results obtained here on different formulations show that decontamination proceeds in two steps. Contaminants are first solubilized or absorbed into the gel thanks to the efficient wetting of the surface by the gel. Chemical and biological agents are then neutralized by the NaOH and hypochlorite ions in the gel. This article demonstrates the efficiency of this CBR gel against Bacillus anthracis, sulfur mustard, VX, soman, 137Cs, and prion proteins.

Chemical and Radiological Sensors Integration in Unmanned Aerial Systems with ATEX Compliance

Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats pose many challenges to address in terms of reconnaissance, detection, personnel protection and countermeasures comprising a common set of techniques and procedures that fit in the concept of “all hazard” approach. The scientific and technological developments that led to the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in an ubiquitous manner, enables its integration in CBRN operations, as sensors platforms for detection. In this scope, the GammaEx project targets to validate the concepts of operation using a specifically developed UAS with ATmosphères EXplosives (ATEX) compliance, equipped with chemical and radiological sensors for detection in CBRN scenarios. This paper aims to review the main concepts and challenges involving the sensors integration in UAS for specific CBRN environments considering the ATEX compliance, followed by the GammaEx project description and the presentation of the preliminary results of the laboratory and field comparative assays concerning the specifically developed sensors for the project and the commercial of the shelf sensors, follow on activities and future trends.

The Post-COVID-19 Era: Interdisciplinary Demands of Contagion Surveillance Mass Spectrometry for Future Pandemics

Mass spectrometry (MS) can become a potentially useful instrument type for aerosol, droplet and fomite (ADF) contagion surveillance in pandemic outbreaks, such as the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, this will require development of detection protocols and purposing of instrumentation for in situ environmental contagion surveillance. These approaches include: (1) enhancing biomarker detection by pattern recognition and machine learning; (2) the need for investigating viral degradation induced by environmental factors; (3) representing viral molecular data with multidimensional data transforms, such as van Krevelen diagrams, that can be repurposed to detect viable viruses in environmental samples; and (4) absorbing engineering attributes for developing contagion surveillance MS from those used for astrobiology and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) monitoring applications. Widespread deployment of such an MS-based contagion surveillance could help identify hot zones, create containment perimeters around them and assist in preventing the endemic-to-pandemic progression of contagious diseases.

Correction to: Using Satellite Data for CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) Threat Detection, Monitoring, and Modelling

Correction to: Using Satellite Data for CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) Threat Detection, Monitoring, and Modelling

Staff perceptions of military chemical-biological-radiological-nuclear (CBRN) air-purifying masks during a simulated clinical task in the context of SARS-CoV-2.

Air-purifying full-face masks, such as military chemical-biological-radiological-nuclear masks, might offer superior protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 compared to disposable polypropylene P2 or N95 masks. In addition, disposable masks are in short supply, while military chemical-biological-radiological-nuclear masks can be disinfected then reused. It is unknown whether such masks might be appropriate for civilians with minimal training in their use. Accordingly, we compared the Australian Defence Force in-service chemical-biological-radiological-nuclear Low Burden Mask (AirBoss Defense, Newmarket, Canada) with polypropylene N95 masks and non-occlusive glasses worn during simulated tasks performed by civilian clinicians in an Australian tertiary referral hospital intensive care unit. After brief training in the use of the Low Burden Mask, participants undertook a simulated cardiac arrest scenario. Previous training with polypropylene N95 masks had been provided. Evaluation of 10 characteristics of each mask type were recorded, and time to mask application was assessed. Thirty-three participants tested the Low Burden Mask, and 28 evaluated polypropylene N95 masks and glasses. The Low Burden Mask was donned more quickly: mean time 7.0 (standard deviation 2.1) versus 18.3 (standard deviation 6.7) seconds; P = 0.0076. The Low Burden Mask was rated significantly higher in eight of the 10 assessed criteria, including ease of donning, comfort (initially and over a prolonged period), fogging, seal, safety while removing, confidence in protection, and overall. Visibility and communication ability were rated equally highly for both systems. We conclude that this air-purifying full-face mask is acceptable to clinicians in a civilian intensive care unit. It enhances staff confidence, reduces waste, and is likely to be a lower logistical burden during a prolonged pandemic. Formal testing of effectiveness is warranted.

Weapons of Mass Destruction and the Secret Services

The threat posed by chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) weapons has been growing for years due to technological advances and the changing political environment. These weapons are attractive to states mainly because of their deterrent value, and non-state actors, especially terrorist groups, may use them causing an enormous psychological impact. The diversity of the threat is increased by the recent and highly unusual trend of attacks by state actors in Europe and Asia using CBRN weapons. How should states deal with this new threat? Does it imply a new set of tasks for CBRN protection?

Monitoring of Selected CBRN Threats in the Air in Industrial Areas with the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) play an increasingly important role in various areas of life, including in terms of protection and security. As a result of fires, volcanic eruptions, or other emergencies, huge amounts of toxic gases, dust, and other substances are emitted into the environment, which, together with high temperature, often leads to serious environmental contamination. Based on the available literature and patent databases, an analysis of the available UAVs models was carried out in terms of their applicability in air contaminated conditions in industrial areas, in the event of emergencies, such as fire, chemical contamination. The possibilities of using the devices were analyzed in terms of weather conditions, construction, and used materials in CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) threat situations. It was found that, thanks to the use of appropriate sensors, cameras, and software of UAVs integrated with a given system, it is possible to obtain information on air quality at a given moment, which is very important for the safety of people and the environment. However, several elements, including the possibility of use in acidification conditions, requires refinement to changing crisis conditions.

PERSONAL PROTECTION OF PEOPLE DURING A PANDEMIC

The article focuses on the general principles regarding personal protection of people during a pandemic. The author indicates the difference between the concepts of an epidemic and a pandemic, characterizes civil protection, and specifies classification and possibilities of incorporating personal means of protection against biological infection. The text also highlights measures that contribute to protection of health and life of civilians as well as personal means of protection in the armed forces.The publication is based on the analysis of available literature on the subject. In the research process, the author used his many years of experience in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland (the chemical troops), including data gathered from simulation of conduct in CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) contaminated environment.

Modelling the stochastic nature of porosity in a respirator canister using computational fluid dynamics

AbstractA model has been developed to represent the stochastic nature of the activated carbon bed within a generic chemical biological radiological and nuclear (CBRN) respirator canister. The porous region is subdivided into discrete sections which are assigned a porosity based on their radial position according to a longitudinally‐averaged porosity model, and then perturbed by some amount according to a Gaussian distribution. The porosity model was used in Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes (RANS) simulations in order to assess the impacts that the choice of section size and the porosity variation would have on the pressure drop and residence time distribution. It was shown for small section sizes that increasing porosity variation would increase pressure drop and minimum residence time in the carbon bed, while decreasing the average residence time. As the section sizes became larger the reverse trend was seen as a greater extent of flow channelling throughout the bed became apparent. For the given domain size, there was an upper limit to the section size, beyond which statistical convergence could not be guaranteed. It was also shown that for section sizes close to the particle diameter, the results would depend only on the ratio of section size to porosity variation, reducing the porosity model to a single parameter. A few selected cases were simulated at higher flow rates, where the previously mentioned trends were seen to persist.

Az önkéntes területvédelmi tartalékos alegységek ABV-védelmi feladatai

A Magyar Honvédség átalakította az önkéntes tartalékos rendszert. Olyan új meghatározások jelentek meg, mint önkéntes területvédelmi tartalékos, önkéntes műveleti tartalékos, illetve önkéntes védelmi tartalékos. Az önkéntes területvédelmi tartalékos századok Magyarország járásaiban szervezve lefedik az ország teljes területét. Interoperabilitásukat megkönnyíti, hogy elvileg azonos alapfelkészítésben részesülnek, így tervezhetően azonos elvárásokat lehet velük szemben támasztani. A különböző járások földrajzi elhelyezkedésükből és a települt ipari létesítmények jellemzőiből adódóan az alegységek eltérő kihívásokkal szembesülnek, ami a kötelékek szakosodását indokolhatja. Az írás összefoglalja az alegységeknek az erők megóvása érdekében teendő ABV-védelmi feladatait, bemutatja az önkéntes területvédelmi tartalékos katonák kiképzését, felhívja a figyelmet az eltérő kihívásokra, valamint vizsgálja a szakkiképzés esetleges szükségességét, különös figyelemmel az ABV-védelem területére.

Modularized Training of Chemical Defense Medicine During Field Exercise for Military Medical Students

Background: Medical defense against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats should be established through systematic education in college and career development training to counter the response successfully. Methods: Taking the course of Medical Countermeasures against CBRN Weapons is compulsorily for all military medical students in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). In the present study, a modularized course for field training of Chemical Defense Medicine is provided, which is an important part of the Integrated Military Medicine Exercise (IMME) conducted annually in PLA military medical university. Discussion: The established modules are functionally designed as passing through a contaminated area with protective posture, operating chemical defense equipment, battlefield rescue after a chemical attack, and early treatment of chemically contaminated casualties. This modularized training is task-oriented, function-based, and integrate with a functional drill, which provides an example in the training of CBRN defense medicine.