Showing papers by "Swedish Defence Research Agency published in 2014"
TL;DR: A systematic and up-to-date review of the scientific literature on cyber situational awareness is presented, based on systematic queries in four leading scientific databases.
259 citations
TL;DR: A systematic review of empirical studies described in extant literature found 29 studies meeting its inclusion criterion and identified variables that influence compliance with information security policies of organizations and how important these variables are.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify variables that influence compliance with information security policies of organizations and to identify how important these variables are. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic review of empirical studies described in extant literature is performed. This review found 29 studies meeting its inclusion criterion. The investigated variables in these studies and the effect size reported for them were extracted and analysed. Findings – In the 29 studies, more than 60 variables have been studied in relation to security policy compliance and incompliance. Unfortunately, no clear winners can be found among the variables or the theories they are drawn from. Each of the variables only explains a small part of the variation in people's behaviour and when a variable has been investigated in multiple studies the findings often show a considerable variation. Research limitations/implications – It is possible that the disparate findings of the reviewed studies can b...
217 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a selected number of promising green space propellants are reviewed and investigated for various space missions and in-depth system studies in relation to the aforementioned propulsion architectures further unveil possible approaches for advanced green propulsion systems of the future.
152 citations
TL;DR: This work focuses on tools and techniques that can be used to detect weak signals in the form of linguistic markers for potential lone wolf terrorism.
Abstract: Lone-wolf terrorism is a threat to the security of modern society, as was tragically shown in Norway on July 22, 2011, when Anders Behring Breivik carried out two terrorist attacks that resulted in a total of 77 deaths. Since lone wolves are acting on their own, information about them cannot be collected using traditional police methods such as infiltration or wiretapping. One way to attempt to discover them before it is too late is to search for various “weak signals” on the Internet, such as digital traces left in extremist web forums. With the right tools and techniques, such traces can be collected and analyzed. In this work, we focus on tools and techniques that can be used to detect weak signals in the form of linguistic markers for potential lone wolf terrorism.
123 citations
TL;DR: Comparison of measured data with calculated isotopic ratios as well as analysis using atmospheric transport modeling indicate that it is likely that the xenon measured was created in the underground nuclear test conducted by North Korea on February 12, 2013, and released 7-8 weeks later.
110 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the challenges of managing complexity and uncertainty in high risk, socio-technical, systems requires people to continuously adapt and design resilient systems that support adaptive behavior.
Abstract: Managing complexity and uncertainty in high risk, socio-technical, systems requires people to continuously adapt. Designing resilient systems that support adaptive behaviour requires a deepened und ...
94 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of modal stability theory for parallel flows is presented, including temporal stability, spatial stability, phase velocity, group velocity, and spati-calculus.
Abstract: This article contains a review of modal stability theory. It covers local stability analysis of parallel flows including temporal stability, spatial stability, phase velocity, group velocity, spati ...
64 citations
King Abdulaziz University1, University of North Texas Health Science Center2, Rutgers University3, University of Manitoba4, National Microbiology Laboratory5, Oklahoma State University–Stillwater6, Swedish Defence Research Agency7, University of Rijeka8, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention9, Virginia Tech10, University of Helsinki11, University of Virginia12
TL;DR: Criteria that should be considered for HTS validation for microbial forensics are presented here and comprise a foundation for investigators to establish, validate and implement HTS as a tool in microbialForensics, enhancing public safety and national security.
Abstract: High throughput sequencing (HTS) generates large amounts of high quality sequence data for microbial genomics. The value of HTS for microbial forensics is the speed at which evidence can be collected and the power to characterize microbial-related evidence to solve biocrimes and bioterrorist events. As HTS technologies continue to improve, they provide increasingly powerful sets of tools to support the entire field of microbial forensics. Accurate, credible results allow analysis and interpretation, significantly influencing the course and/or focus of an investigation, and can impact the response of the government to an attack having individual, political, economic or military consequences. Interpretation of the results of microbial forensic analyses relies on understanding the performance and limitations of HTS methods, including analytical processes, assays and data interpretation. The utility of HTS must be defined carefully within established operating conditions and tolerances. Validation is essential in the development and implementation of microbial forensics methods used for formulating investigative leads attribution. HTS strategies vary, requiring guiding principles for HTS system validation. Three initial aspects of HTS, irrespective of chemistry, instrumentation or software are: 1) sample preparation, 2) sequencing, and 3) data analysis. Criteria that should be considered for HTS validation for microbial forensics are presented here. Validation should be defined in terms of specific application and the criteria described here comprise a foundation for investigators to establish, validate and implement HTS as a tool in microbial forensics, enhancing public safety and national security.
62 citations
TL;DR: Using this model, the effect management decisions have upon projects can be estimated beforehand, thus providing decision support for the improvement of IT project performance.
Abstract: Large investments are made annually to develop and maintain IT systems. Successful outcome of IT projects is therefore crucial for the economy. Yet, many IT projects fail completely or are delayed or over budget, or they end up with less functionality than planned. This article describes a Bayesian decision-support model. The model is based on expert elicited data from 51 experts. Using this model, the effect management decisions have upon projects can be estimated beforehand, thus providing decision support for the improvement of IT project performance.
55 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, large eddy simulation has been used to examine supersonic flow, mixing, self-ignition and combustion in a model scramjet combustor and has been compared against the experimental data.
Abstract: In this study, large eddy simulation (LES) has been used to examine supersonic flow, mixing, self-ignition and combustion in a model scramjet combustor and has been compared against the experimental data. The LES model is based on an unstructured finite-volume discretization, using monotonicity-preserving flux reconstruction of the filtered mass, momentum, species and energy equations. Both a two-step and a seven-step hydrogen–air mechanism are used to describe the chemical reactions. Additional comparisons are made with results from a previously presented flamelet model. The subgrid flow terms are modeled using a mixed model, whereas the subgrid turbulence–chemistry interaction terms are modeled using the partially stirred reactor model. Simulations are carried out on a scramjet model experimentally studied at Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt consisting of a one-sided divergent channel with a wedge-shaped flame holder at the base of which hydrogen is injected. The LES predictions are compared with experimental data for velocity, temperature, wall pressure at different cross sections as well as schlieren images, showing good agreement for both first- and second-order statistics. In addition, the LES results are used to illustrate and explain the intrinsic flow, and mixing and combustion features of this combustor.
55 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a sustained diffusive gliding arc discharge was generated in a large volume in atmospheric pressure air, driven by an alternating current (AC) power source, which was stabilized by matching the flow speed of the turbulent air jet with the rated output power.
Abstract: Rapid transition from glow discharge to thermal arc has been a common problem in generating stable high-power non-thermal plasmas especially at ambient conditions. A sustained diffusive gliding arc discharge was generated in a large volume in atmospheric pressure air, driven by an alternating current (AC) power source. The plasma column extended beyond the water-cooled stainless steel electrodes and was stabilized by matching the flow speed of the turbulent air jet with the rated output power. Comprehensive investigations were performed using high-speed movies measured over the plasma column, synchronized with simultaneously recorded current and voltage waveforms. Dynamic details of the novel non-equilibrium discharge are revealed, which is characterized by a sinusoidal current waveform with amplitude stabilized at around 200 mA intermediate between thermal arc and glow discharge, shedding light to the governing mechanism of the sustained spark-suppressed AC gliding arc discharge.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated whether mosquitoes acquire the bacterium as aquatic larvae and transmit the disease as adults in a Swedish area where tularaemia is endemic (Orebro) and found that F. tularensis subsp. holarctica was transmitted to 58% of the adult mosquitoes feeding on diseased mice.
Abstract: In Sweden, mosquitoes are considered the major vectors of the bacterium Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica, which causes tularaemia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mosquitoes acquire the bacterium as aquatic larvae and transmit the disease as adults. Mosquitoes sampled in a Swedish area where tularaemia is endemic (Orebro) were positive for the presence of F. tularensis deoxyribonucleic acid throughout the summer. Presence of the clinically relevant F. tularensis subsp. holarctica was confirmed in 11 out of the 14 mosquito species sampled. Experiments performed using laboratory-reared Aedes aegypti confirmed that F. tularensis subsp. holarctica was transstadially maintained from orally infected larvae to adult mosquitoes and that 25 % of the adults exposed as larvae were positive for the presence of F. tularensis-specific sequences for at least 2 weeks. In addition, we found that F. tularensis subsp. holarctica was transmitted to 58 % of the adult mosquitoes feeding on diseased mice. In a small-scale in vivo transmission experiment with F. tularensis subsp. holarctica-positive adult mosquitoes and susceptible mice, none of the animals developed tularaemia. However, we confirmed that there was transmission of the bacterium to blood vials by mosquitoes that had been exposed to the bacterium in the larval stage. Taken together, these results provide evidence that mosquitoes play a role in disease transmission in part of Sweden where tularaemia recurs.
TL;DR: The findings suggest that natural outbreaks of respiratory tularemia are triggered by environmental cues, and caution against interpreting genome sequence identity for this pathogen as proof of a direct epidemiological link.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The bacterium Francisella tularensis is recognized for its virulence, infectivity, genetic homogeneity, and potential as a bioterrorism agent. Outbreaks of respiratory tularemia, caused ...
TL;DR: A methodology for collecting a large number of relevant tweets and annotating them with emotional labels is described, used for creating a training dataset consisting of manually annotated tweets from the Sandy hurricane and as a basis for constructing a decision support tool.
Abstract: One of the key factors influencing how people react to and behave during a crisis is their digital or non-digital social network, and the information they receive through this network. Publicly available online social media sites make it possible for crisis management organizations to use some of these experiences as input for their decision-making. We describe a methodology for collecting a large number of relevant tweets and annotating them with emotional labels. This methodology has been used for creating a training dataset consisting of manually annotated tweets from the Sandy hurricane. Those tweets have been utilized for building machine learning classifiers able to automatically classify new tweets. Results show that a support vector machine achieves the best results with about 60% accuracy on the multi-classification problem. This classifier has been used as a basis for constructing a decision support tool where emotional trends are visualized. To evaluate the tool, it has been successfully integrated with a pan-European alerting system, and demonstrated as part of a crisis management concept during a public event involving relevant stakeholders.
TL;DR: ASIP as mentioned in this paper is an autonomous microstructure vertical profiling instrument that provides data from a maximum depth of 100 m to the ocean surface and allows measurements to be performed in an undisturbed environment.
Abstract: The upper few meters of the ocean form a critical layer for air–sea interaction, but because of observational challenges this region is undersampled However, the physical processes controlling momentum transfer, gas exchange, and heat transfer are all concentrated in the uppermost region of the ocean To study this region, the Air–Sea Interaction Profiler (ASIP) was developed This is an autonomous microstructure vertical profiling instrument that provides data from a maximum depth of 100 m to the ocean surface and allows measurements to be performed in an undisturbed environment The core sensor package on ASIP includes shear probes, microstructure and CTD-quality temperature and conductivity sensors, a photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) sensor, and an oxygen optode providing a repeated high-resolution dataset immediately below the air–sea interface Autonomous profiling is accomplished with thrusters that submerge the positively buoyant instrument Once the desired depth is reached, ASIP
TL;DR: Using UHF-band SAR ground moving target indication (GMTI) for suppressing forest and increasing the target signal can work, and the gain obtained can be measured using signal-to-clutter-and-noise-ratio gain, which is about 19 dB.
Abstract: In this paper, the results of moving-target detection in multichannel UHF-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data are shown. The clutter suppression is done using finite-impulse response (FIR) filtering of multichannel SAR in combination with a two-stage fast-backprojection algorithm to focus the moving target using relative speed. The FIR filter coefficients are chosen with the use of space-time adaptive processing filtering. Two parameters are used for target focusing, target speed in range and in azimuth. When the target is focused, both speed parameters of the target are found. In the experimental results, two channels were used in order to suppress clutter. In the resulting SAR images, it is obvious that very strong scatterers and the forest areas have been suppressed in comparison to the moving target in the image scene. The gain obtained can be measured using signal-to-clutter-and-noise-ratio gain, which is about 19 dB. Another way to measure the signal processing gain is the ability to suppress the strongest reflecting object in the SAR scene. The gain of the target in relation to this object is 25 dB. This shows that using UHF-band SAR ground moving target indication (GMTI) for suppressing forest and increasing the target signal can work.
TL;DR: Experimental study results reveal that it is possible to track multiple ground targets using acoustic Doppler shift measurements in a passive multi-static scenario and it is observed that the GM-PHD is more effective, efficient and easy to implement than the SMC-P HD filter.
01 Jan 2014
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored and discussed anthropogenic electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in terms of how they arise, their properties (particularly those that are measurable) and the animals that have the ability to detect them and explored the evidence base for whether anthropogenic EMFs can affect sensitive receptor animals.
Abstract: In the marine environment there are natural magnetic and electric fields associated with both physical and biological sources, and there are anthropogenic electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that permeate it. Many marine animals can detect electric and magnetic fields and utilize them in such important life processes as movement, orientation and foraging. Here, these EMFs are explored and discussed in terms of how they arise, their properties (particularly those that are measurable) and the animals that have the ability to detect them. Then the evidence base for whether anthropogenic EMFs can affect sensitive receptor animals is explored. As marine renewable energy developments (MREDs) expand rapidly worldwide, with multiple devices and networks of subsea cables that emit EMFs into the marine environment, it is necessary to focus on their interaction with marine animals. The MRED industry has to take EMFs into account, so the industry perspective is also covered. Finally, suggestions are made on how research on EMFs associated with MREDs (and other sources) and its interaction with marine animals should advance in future.
TL;DR: A tool in the form of a set of Exercise cards for CBRN emergency response table-top exercises has been developed and has been assessed to be a cost-efficient means to train and test public health response to CBRN incidents.
TL;DR: An efficient and user-friendly genotype classification pipeline, CanSNPer, based on an easily expandable database of predefined canonical single nucleotide polymorphisms, which will provide an excellent opportunity to extend the understanding of infectious disease when the challenge of extracting knowledge from available sequence resources is met.
Abstract: Advances in typing methodologies have recently reformed the field of molecular epidemiology of pathogens. The falling cost of sequencing technologies is creating a deluge of whole genome sequencing ...
TL;DR: Methods for automatic analysis of aerial thermal images to localize leaking district heating pipes and results and experiences from large-scale leakage detection in several cities in Sweden and Norway are presented.
Abstract: District heating is a common way of providing heat to buildings in urban areas. The heat is carried by hot water or steam and distributed in a network of pipes from a central power plant. It is of great interest to minimize energy losses due to bad pipe insulation or leakages in such district heating networks. As the pipes generally are placed underground, it may be difficult to establish the presence and location of losses and leakages. Toward this end, this work presents methods for large-scale monitoring and detection of leakages by means of remote sensing using thermal cameras, so-called airborne thermography. The methods rely on the fact that underground losses in district heating systems lead to increased surface temperatures. The main contribution of this work is methods for automatic analysis of aerial thermal images to localize leaking district heating pipes. Results and experiences from large-scale leakage detection in several cities in Sweden and Norway are presented.
TL;DR: Emission factors for toxic gases and particle-bound compounds produced by firing lead-free ammunition in a test chamber were reported and it was demonstrated that more than 90% of the particles produced immediately after firing the weapon had diameters of less than 30 nm, and so most of the gun smoke particles belonged to the nanoparticle regime.
Abstract: Lead-free ammunition is becoming increasingly popular because of the environmental and human health issues associated with the use of leaded ammunition. However, there is a lack of data on the emissions produced by firing such ammunition. We report emission factors for toxic gases and particle-bound compounds produced by firing lead-free ammunition in a test chamber. Carbon monoxide, ammonia, and hydrogen cyanide levels within the chamber were analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, while total suspended particles and respirable particles were determined gravimetrically. The metal content of the particulate emissions was determined and the associated organic compounds were characterized in detail using a method based on thermal desorption coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The particulate matter (∼30 mg/round) consisted primarily of metals such as Cu, Zn, and Fe along with soot arising from incomplete combustion. Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic aromatic compounds such as ca...
TL;DR: It is concluded that the log-normal distribution offers the best fit of IT service time to recovery, and using this distribution in simulation and decision-support tools offers the prospect of better predictions of downtime and downtime costs to the practitioner community.
Abstract: The context of this article is the availability of enterprise IT services, a key concern for many enterprises. While there is a plethora of literature concerned with service availability, there is no previous systematic empirical study on IT service time to recovery following outages. The existing literature typically assumes a distribution, or builds on analogies to related areas such as software engineering. Therefore, our objective is to find the statistical distribution of IT service time to recovery. Method-wise, this investigation is based on logs of more than 1 $\thinspace$ 800 incidents in a large Nordic bank, corresponding to more than 11 $\thinspace$ 000 hours of recorded downtime. Five possible distributions of time to recovery from the literature were investigated using the Akaike Information Criterion to find the distribution offering the best fit. The results show that the log-normal distribution outperformed the others for all tested service channels (collections of IT services). It is concluded that the log-normal distribution offers the best fit of IT service time to recovery. Using this distribution in simulation and decision-support tools offers the prospect of better predictions of downtime and downtime costs to the practitioner community.
TL;DR: A formalism, the Predictive, Probabilistic Architecture Modeling Framework (P2AMF), capable of advanced and probabilistically sound reasoning about business and IT architecture models, given in the form of Unified Modeling Language class and object diagrams is proposed.
Abstract: In the design phase of business and IT system development, it is desirable to predict the properties of the system-to-be. A number of formalisms to assess qualities such as performance, reliability and security have therefore previously been proposed. However, existing prediction systems do not allow the modeler to express uncertainty with respect to the design of the considered system. Yet, in contemporary business, the high rate of change in the environment leads to uncertainties about present and future characteristics of the system, so significant that ignoring them becomes problematic. In this paper, we propose a formalism, the Predictive, Probabilistic Architecture Modeling Framework (P2AMF), capable of advanced and probabilistically sound reasoning about business and IT architecture models, given in the form of Unified Modeling Language class and object diagrams. The proposed formalism is based on the Object Constraint Language (OCL). To OCL, P2AMF adds a probabilistic inference mechanism. The paper introduces P2AMF, describes its use for system property prediction and assessment and proposes an algorithm for probabilistic inference.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared the suitability for scale-up into pilot scale production of 4-amino-3,5-dinitropyrazole from four different starting materials.
TL;DR: A cabin air inlet particle filter including an active charcoal component was highly effective in reducing both DE particulate and gaseous components, with reduced exhaust-induced symptoms in healthy volunteers, demonstrating the effectiveness of cabin filters to protect subjects travelling in vehicles from diesel exhaust emissions.
Abstract: Background: Exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution especially derived from traffic is associated with increases in cardiorespiratory morbidity and mortality. In this study, we evaluated the ability of novel vehicle cabin air inlet filters to reduce diesel exhaust (DE)-induced symptoms and markers of inflammation in human subjects. Methods: Thirty healthy subjects participated in a randomized double-blind controlled crossover study where they were exposed to filtered air, unfiltered DE and DE filtered through two selected particle filters, one with and one without active charcoal. Exposures lasted for one hour. Symptoms were assessed before and during exposures and lung function was measured before and after each exposure, with inflammation assessed in peripheral blood five hours after exposures. In parallel, PM were collected from unfiltered and filtered DE and assessed for their capacity to drive damaging oxidation reactions in a cell-free model, or promote inflammation in A549 cells. Results: The standard particle filter employed in this study reduced PM10 mass concentrations within the exposure chamber by 46%, further reduced to 74% by the inclusion of an active charcoal component. In addition use of the active charcoal filter was associated by a 75% and 50% reduction in NO2 and hydrocarbon concentrations, respectively. As expected, subjects reported more subjective symptoms after exposure to unfiltered DE compared to filtered air, which was significantly reduced by the filter with an active charcoal component. There were no significant changes in lung function after exposures. Similarly diesel exhaust did not elicit significant increases in any of the inflammatory markers examined in the peripheral blood samples 5 hour post-exposure. Whilst the filters reduced chamber particle concentrations, the oxidative activity of the particles themselves, did not change following filtration with either filter. In contrast, diesel exhaust PM passed through the active charcoal combination filter appeared less inflammatory to A549 cells. Conclusions: A cabin air inlet particle filter including an active charcoal component was highly effective in reducing both DE particulate and gaseous components, with reduced exhaust-induced symptoms in healthy volunteers. These data demonstrate the effectiveness of cabin filters to protect subjects travelling in vehicles from diesel exhaust emissions.
TL;DR: The coupling of SPME and HPLC showed to be reliable, fast, sensible and selective methodology for OSCs analysis.
TL;DR: A validated two-step stand-alone real-time PCR for the detection of B. canis is reported and its first successful use in an outbreak investigation, and the prophage sequences in Brucella may serve of use as genetic markers in epidemiological investigations.
TL;DR: The responses to TiO2 NPs were strain-dependent, indicating that genetics play a role in both immune and airway reactivity, and the impact of genetically determined factors influencing the inflammatory reactions pinpoints the complexity of assessing health risks associated with nanoparticle exposures.
01 Oct 2014
TL;DR: The cooperative localization scheme reduces the position errors by up to 70% in a scenario where a three-person smoke diver team performs a search and rescue operation, through the use of scenario-based simulations.
Abstract: This paper aims to evaluate the performance gains that can be obtained by introducing cooperative localization in an indoor firefighter localization system, through the use of scenario-based simulations. Robust and accurate indoor localization for firefighters is a problem that is not yet resolved. Foot-mounted inertial navigation systems (INS) have been examined for first responder localization, but they have an accumulating position error that grows over time. By using ultrawideband (UWB) ranging between the firefighters and combining range measurements with position and uncertainty estimates from the foot-mounted INS via a cooperative localization approach it is possible to reduce the position error significantly. An error model for the position estimates received from single and dual foot-mounted INS is proposed based on experimental results, and it contains a scaling error which depends on the distance travelled and a heading error which grows linearly over time. The position error for dead-reckoning systems depends on the type of movement. Similarly, an error model for the UWB range measurements was designed where the range measurements experience a bias and variance, which is determined by the number of walls between the transmitter and receiver. By implementing these error models in a scenario-based simulation environment it is possible to evaluate the performance gain of different cooperative localization algorithms. A centralized extended Kalman Filter (EKF) algorithm has been implemented, and the position accuracy and heading improvements are evaluated over a smoke diving operation scenario. The cooperative localization scheme reduces the position errors by up to 70% in a scenario where a three-person smoke diver team performs a search and rescue operation.