Detection of Terrorist Preparations by an Artificial Intelligence Expert System Employing Fuzzy Signal Detection Theory SUMMARY

Terrorist actions are often preceded by preparatory activities that are at least slightly anomalous compared to the activities of the general population (such as unusual purchasing patterns). Analysis of patterns of such anomalies will detect potential preparations for terrorist activity. However, each such anomaly is what is known technically as a “fuzzy signal”: each anomaly taken individually might indicate terrorist preparations, but usually does not. This paper describes the hypothetical computer system FUSEDOT (FUzzy Signal Expert system for the Detection Of Terrorism preparations). As the name suggests, FUSEDOT applies artificial intelligence expert system technology to the fuzzy signals presented by certain anomalous data, such as interpersonal relationships, financial relationships, travel patterns, purchasing patterns, patterns of Internet usage, and personal background. The components of the system—data acquisition, data processing, report generation, and feedback and further system development—are described in outline. System limitations are described. FUSEDOT is compared with other systems for the analysis of massive amounts of data to detect terrorism, specifically the Novel Intelligence from Massive Data program, and the Terrorist Information Awareness program. In comparison with these programs, FUSEDOT will implement some superior technology, will be easier to develop, and poses fewer privacy concerns. NATO member nations would do well to consider the development of FUSEDOT, which can be a valuable asset in the defence against terrorism

Why And How Hfe Professionals Can Better Use Theory (Metatheory Included; Some Assembly Required)

The relationship between theory and discipline is problematic for human factors and ergonomics (HFE). We address the following constituent issues: (a) the present state of theory usage in HFE; (b) the reasons underlying this state; (c) the need for theory in HFE; (d) what HFE professionals (including educators, journal editors, and individual researchers) should do to encourage the proper use of theory; and, (e) the outlines of a metatheory of HFE. A metatheory is a general framework that may help professionals to construct more useful specific theories. Our metatheory of HFE involves five basic units, or classes of variables: task, environment, personnel, tool, and performance. Each unit in turn has multiple components (i.e., specific variables). Use of the metatheory is illustrated with specific examples. Our hope is that researchers will be motivated to make explicit and useful connections between their research and necessary theory, to the improvement of both; the metatheory may be useful in this endeavor

The Peacekeeper: How The Role Of The Modern Soldier Has Changed And How That Affects Workload

Our objective is to make human factors scientists aware of the need for research regarding military peacekeeping. Little research has focused on the soldier as peacekeeper, even though a growing percentage of U.S. soldiers\u27 time is being spent in peacekeeping operations. The combat soldier faces a binary friend/foe discrimination task, and a mission involving the destruction of the enemy and the enemy\u27s warfighting capacity, with relatively less restrictiver ules of engagement. The peacekeeper soldier faces a fuzzy friend/foe/non-foe discrimination task, and a mission involving negotiation among disputing factions and preservation of life, with relatively more restrictive rules of engagement. Today\u27s American military forces often must shift between both these roles, resulting in stress that impacts performance in either role. These two roles probably make different workload demands on their operators, suggesting a need for focused research on combat versus peacekeeper workload; some current research programs into these issues are outlined

Affect As An Aspect Of Workload: Why And How To Address Affect In Automation And Simulation Studies

Affect is a much-neglected moderator of workload and performance. Research literature demonstrating affect\u27s influence on cognitive and physical tasks is summarized. In terms of cognitive performance, affect has been shown to influence memory function, decision making, problem solving, risk assessment, and performance on other cognitively loaded tasks. In terms of physical performance, affect has been shown to influence physical perceptions and interpersonal functioning, and to moderate performance on tasks that are heavily loaded for strenuous physical activity. Methodological suggestions are given regarding induction of affect in experimental studies, and assessment of affect. This paper presents the researcher in human performance, automation, and simulation with several resources: a rationale for including affect in the conceptualization of every study; a list of studies that demonstrate affect\u27s role in moderating cognitive and physical performance; references to theoretical models for affect, performance, and workload; references for induction of effect; references for assessment of affect

Professional Services Group

Affect is a much-neglected moderator of workload and performance. Research literature demonstrating affect’s influence on cognitive and physical tasks is summarized. In terms of cognitive performance, affect has been shown to influence memory function, decision making, problem solving, risk assessment, and performance on other cognitively loaded tasks. In terms of physical performance, affect has been shown to influence physical perceptions and interpersonal functioning, and to moderate performance on tasks that are heavily loaded for strenuous physical activity. Methodological suggestions are given regarding induction of affect in experimental studies, and assessment of affect. This paper presents the researcher in human performance, automation, and simulation with several resources: a rationale for including affect in the conceptualization of every study; a list of studies that demonstrate affect’s role in moderating cognitive and physical performance; references to theoretical models for affect, performance, and workload; references for induction of effect; references for assessment of affect

How Ecotheological Beliefs Vary Among Australian Churchgoers and Consequences for Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors

A growing literature has sought to understand the relationships between religion, politics and views about climate change and climate change policy in the United States. However, little comparative research has been conducted in other countries. This study draws on data from the 2011 Australian National Church Life Survey to examine the beliefs of Australian churchgoers from some 20 denominations about climate change—whether or not it is real and whether it is caused by humans—and political factors that explain variation in these beliefs. Pentecostals, Baptist and Churches of Christ churchgoers, and people from the smallest Protestant denominations were less likely than other churchgoers to believe in anthropogenic climate change, and voting and hierarchical and individualistic views about society predicted beliefs. There was some evidence that these views function differently in relation to climate change beliefs depending on churchgoers’ degree of opposition to gay rights. These findings are of interest not only for the sake of international comparisons, but also in a context where Australia plays a role in international climate change politics that is disproportionate to its small population

Unethical and Unwell: Decrements in Well-Being and Unethical Activity at Work

well-being, ethics, workplace,