National Counter Terrorism Security Office

Communities have the potential to function effectively and adapt successfully in the aftermath of disasters. Drawing upon literatures in several disciplines, we present a theory of resilience that encompasses contemporary understandings of stress, adaptation, wellness, and resource dynamics. Community resilience is a process linking a network of adaptive capacities (resources with dynamic attributes) to adaptation after a disturbance or adversity. Community adaptation is manifest in population wellness, defined as high and non-disparate levels of mental and behavioral health, functioning, and quality of life. Community resilience emerges from four primary sets of adaptive capacities--Economic Development, Social Capital, Information and Communication, and Community Competence--that together provide a strategy for disaster readiness. To build collective resilience, communities must reduce risk and resource inequities, engage local people in mitigation, create organizational linkages, boost and protect social supports, and plan for not having a plan, which requires flexibility, decision-making skills, and trusted sources of information that function in the face of unknowns.

This article argues that there has been an increasing convergence of the discourses of terrorism, radicalization and, more lately, extremism in the UK and that this has caused counterterrorism to lose its focus. This is particularly evident in the counterterrorism emphasis on non-violent but extremist ideology that is said to be ‘conducive’ to terrorism. Yet, terrorism is ineluctably about violence or the threat of violence; hence, if a non-violent ideology is in and of itself culpable for terrorism in some way then it ceases to be non-violent. The article argues that there should be a clearer distinction made between (non-violent) extremism of thought and extremism of method because it is surely violence and the threat of violence (integral to terrorism) that should be the focus of counterterrorism. The concern is that counterterrorism has gone beyond its remit of countering terrorism and has ventured into the broader realm of tackling ideological threats to the state.

This study presents American state police agencies' perceptions about three significant terrorism and public safety issues. First, we asked about the threat posed by specified extremist groups nationally and to their state. We asked about the number of such groups and their supporters, and the number of activities each group participates in during a typical year in their state. We also asked about the number of criminal incidents each group commits and the number of their supporters arrested in a typical year. Second, we asked the agencies to rate the usefulness of fifteen specified terrorism sources. Third, we queried the agencies about their views of eight terrorism definitions. These data were collected by surveying the fifty state police agencies in the United States. We discovered widespread concern about the criminal activities of various extremist groups, with a particular concern about the threat of Islamic jihadists. Interestingly, although the top rated threat was Islamic jihadists, the respondents indicated that other types of groups were much more criminally active. Further, respondents indicated that various open and non-open sources were valuable terrorism sources. Finally, most respondents reacted more favorably to official terrorism definitions—especially the FBI's—as opposed to academic definitions. We conclude with a discussion of the policy implications of our findings and we outline directions for future research.

Refugee studies have examined both resilience and adverse outcomes, but no research has examined how different outcomes co-occur or are distinct, and the social-contextual factors that give rise to these diverse outcomes. The current study begins to address this gap by using latent profile analysis to examine the ways in which delinquency, gang involvement, civic engagement, political engagement, and openness to violent extremism cluster among Somali refugees. We then use multivariable regression analyses to examine how adversity (e.g., discrimination, trauma, and marginalization) is associated with the identified latent classes. Data were collected from 374 Somali refugee young adults (Mage = 21.30 years, SD = 2.90, range 18-30, 38% female) from 4 different North American communities. Participants completed a structured survey assessing their experiences of adversity, delinquent and/or violent attitudes and behaviors (e.g., attitudes toward violent extremism, participation in delinquent behaviors, involvement in gangs), and positive outcomes (e.g., civic and political engagement). Our findings indicate that participants fall into 5 distinct groups, and that social-contextual and individual factors are uniquely related to those groups. Specifically, strong social bonds seem to be associated with positive outcomes. These findings point to the need to further examine both positive and negative outcomes, paying special attention to social-contextual factors. (PsycINFO Database Record

Abstract A clear definition of system dynamics modeling can provide shared understanding and clarify the impact of the field. We introduce a set of characteristics that define quantitative system dynamics, selected to capture core philosophy, describe theoretical and practical principles, and apply to historical work but be flexible enough to remain relevant as the field progresses. The defining characteristics are: (1) models are based on causal feedback structure, (2) accumulations and delays are foundational, (3) models are equation‐based, (4) concept of time is continuous, and (5) analysis focuses on feedback dynamics. We discuss the implications of these principles and use them to identify research opportunities in which the system dynamics field can advance. These research opportunities include causality, disaggregation, data science and AI, and contributing to scientific advancement. Progress in these areas has the potential to improve both the science and practice of system dynamics. © 2024 The Authors. System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.

The Global Terrorism Database (GTD) is an open-source database including information on terrorist events around the world from 1970 through 2010 (with annual updates planned for the future). Unlike many other event databases, the GTD includes systematic data on domestic as well as transnational and international terrorist incidents that have occurred during this time period and now includes more than 98,000 cases. For each GTD incident, information is available on the date and location of the incident, the weapons used and nature of the target, the number of casualties, and—when identifiable—the group or individual responsible.

Abstract Providing information to help individuals cope physically and psychologically with a disaster is critical in crisis communication. However, how individuals cope is relatively understudied. In particular, researchers have examined how people emotionally cope during different types of crises, but not in a natural disaster context and not religiosity. Yet, religiosity can be important during disasters, given that about 89% of adults in the United States believe in God (Pew Research Center, 2014). Through ten focus groups ( N = 77) and a survey ( N = 1,484), this study examines how residents of the Southeast United States cope in response to tornadoes. Findings indicate that participants experience anxiety and fear during a tornado, but fear and hope trigger physical action taking (e.g., sheltering in place or collecting supplies). Prayer during a tornado does not significantly predict action taking. Religiosity significantly predicts physical action taking.

<p>\n\tConverts to Islam represent a small percentage of the Muslim community in Western countries. Yet when it comes to Islamist extremism and terrorism, research has suggested that converts are considerably overrepresented. This ICCT Policy Brief serves as an introduction to this topic by providing an overview of what is known about converts’ involvement in homegrown jihadism and the foreign fighter phenomenon. Notwithstanding considerable reservations about the quantity and quality of the available data, this Policy Brief finds support for the notion of convert overrepresentation in these activities. This is especially so in the case of foreign fighters. What little data was found on converts’ involvement in homegrown jihadism provided a more nuanced picture, emphasizing that overrepresentation may not be the norm in all Western countries and that it may be a relatively recent development. Numerous explanations for converts’ involvement in Islamist extremism and terrorism have been provided, running the gamut from structural-level explanations to distinctly personal motives. At present, however, a comprehensive, theoretically sound and empirically grounded understanding of how and why converts become involved in Islamist militancy is absent. The Policy Brief concludes by stressing the need to develop our understanding of this important yet under-researched topic.</p>

In recent years, much of the literature on terrorist pursuits and use of unconventional weapons has focused on al-Qaeda and other Islamic extremist groups. Some scholars posit lone actors may differ from organizations when it comes to the observation that larger organizations are more likely to engage in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) activity, but leave this as an open question because of a prior lack of data on lone actors. Furthermore, new technologies and expanding networks may also spawn more deleterious lone actors, including what have been referred to as “super-empowered individuals.” This article utilizes the Profiles of Incidents Involving CBRN by Non-State Actors Dataset and the Radiological and Nuclear Non-State Actors Database to illustrate the characteristics of CBRN pursuit by lone wolves and autonomous cells over time. Initial findings confirm the general perceptions that, historically, lone actors have engaged in cruder, smaller scale, and less frequent CBRN plots and attacks than their formal terrorist organization counterparts, but suggest that such actors do present a genuine threat, at least in terms of the potential for mass disruption. Additionally, while they share several similarities with more formal organizations, lone actors and autonomous cells tend to be motivated less by collective religious or ethno-nationalist concerns than larger organizations, focusing more on narrow or solipsistic drivers. Lone actors and autonomous cells also appear to largely calibrate their CBRN ambitions to their capabilities and their CBRN actions tend to receive better media coverage than formal terrorist organizations.

Doxycycline hyclate drug product impurities and rapid quantification using a validated UPLC method.

This article uses a game-theoretic approach to analyze the risk of cross-milieu terrorist collaboration-the possibility that, despite marked ideological differences, extremist groups from very different milieus might align to a degree where operational collaboration against Western societies becomes possible. Based upon theoretical insights drawn from a variety of literatures, a bargaining model is constructed that reflects the various benefits and costs for terrorists' collaboration across ideological milieus. Analyzed in both sequential and simultaneous decision-making contexts and through numerical simulations, the model confirms several theoretical arguments. The most important of these is that although likely to be quite rare, successful collaboration across terrorist milieus is indeed feasible in certain circumstances. The model also highlights several structural elements that might play a larger role than previously recognized in the collaboration decision, including that the prospect of nonmaterial gains (amplification of terror and reputational boost) plays at least as important a role in the decision to collaborate as potential increased capabilities does. Numerical simulation further suggests that prospects for successful collaboration over most scenarios (including operational) increase when a large, effective Islamist terrorist organization initiates collaboration with a smaller right-wing group, as compared with the other scenarios considered. Although the small number of historical cases precludes robust statistical validation, the simulation results are supported by existing empirical evidence of collaboration between Islamists and right- or left-wing extremists. The game-theoretic approach, therefore, provides guidance regarding the circumstances under which such an unholy alliance of violent actors is likely to succeed.

A trusted vehicle such as an ambulance could be used as part of a terrorist plot to help deliver a vehicle borne improvised explosive device to its intended target. Such a vehicle being used in this manner is called a ‘Trojan’ vehicle. Examples of such use exist from other countries worldwide and it is not unreasonable to think that this type of terrorism attack could be used in this country. Drastic mitigation measures have been used abroad to prevent this form of terrorist attack from occurring; however, these can cause delay to patient care and hospital access. In this country more simple security measures (such as those used to prevent theft of property) can be utilised to mitigate against this type of attack, and paramedics, along with the wider ambulance sector, have a role to play in implementing such security measures and preventing such an attack.

This research scrutinizes the challenges faced by Pakistan's law enforcement agencies in effectively countering the escalating threats of terrorism and extremism. It identifies both the manifestations and root causes of these challenges, underscoring the imperative need for a refined legislative framework. This article proposes the enactment of a "National Counter Terrorism Department Act" designed to enhance the nation's control mechanisms, curtail the surge of extremist tendencies, and uphold the rule of law. Drawing from a comparative analysis of various enforcement strategies in Pakistan, this paper suggests that the existing "National Counter Terrorism Authority Act, 2013" requires legislative intervention. While it lays down comprehensive guidelines, its operational efficiency is marred by the absence of a singular unified department, inadequate service structures, and constrained powers. By assimilating insights from the Department of Homeland Security with its mandate vis-à-vis model organizational websites, books, journals, acts of various law enforcement agencies, scholarly articles and newspaper articles, the paper underlines the ineffectiveness of the National Counter Terrorism Authority Act, 2013, in its current form. It has been recommended that the envisioned "National Counter Terrorism Department Act" would not only bolster Pakistan's counterterrorism capabilities, but it will also ensure a standardized, cohesive approach nationwide. References Abrahamsen, R., & Leander, A. (Eds.). (2016). Routledge handbook of private security studies. London: Routledge. Afridi, S. A. (2018). Pakistan Counterinsurgency Doctrine and Practice in Swat (2007-2015) (Doctoral dissertation, University of Peshawar, Peshawar.). Afzal, M. (2021). Terrorism in Pakistan has declined, but the underlying roots of extremism remain. Afzal, S., Iqbal, H., & Inayay, M. (2012). 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PPT-US includes detailed information on organizations known to have engaged in terrorist activity against targets on the U.S. homeland between 1970 and 2016. Data included for each organization includes information on its terrorist attacks, its history and base of operations, its ideology and goals, its engagement in political and criminal activities (other than terrorism), its alliances, its network and structure, and its financial resources. PPT-US includes information on the source used to code each variable in the data set, and also includes a confidence indicator for each variable (high v. medium v. low), which reflects the reliability of the source upon which coding was based. PPT-US will be updated on a regular basis, as new information on terrorist attacks in the United States becomes available.

This study investigated the concentrations of selected heavy metals—zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and arsenic (As)—in four smoked-dried fish species widely consumed in southeastern Nigeria: catfish (Clarias gariepinus), mackerel (Scomber scombrus), bonga fish (Ethmalosa fimbriata), and asa fish (Gymnarchus niloticus). Samples were obtained from Eke-Awka Market and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Results, expressed in mg/kg dry weight, revealed statistically significant interspecies variations (p < 0.05). G. niloticus exhibited the highest concentrations of Zn (5.47 ± 0.71), Cd (0.25 ± 0.01), and As (0.04 ± 0.02), while S. scombrus contained the highest Pb level (0.16 ± 0.01). Conversely, C. gariepinus recorded the highest Cu concentration (0.74 ± 0.05). Although all concentrations were below the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Federal Ministry of Environment (FME), the health risk assessment revealed that the target hazard quotients (THQs) and the cumulative hazard index (HI = 0.362) were below 1, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic risk. However, the lifetime cancer risk (LCR) for cadmium (1.2 × 10⁻³) exceeded the acceptable USEPA threshold, suggesting a potential long-term carcinogenic concern from continuous dietary exposure. These findings indicate that while the smoked-dried fish are generally safe for consumption in the short term, routine monitoring is essential, with particular attention to G. niloticus, which demonstrated higher accumulation of several metals. Improved hygienic smoking practices and strengthened regulatory oversight are recommended to safeguard public health.

This study examined the concentrations and toxicological risks of four priority heavy metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) in blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) collected from oil-affected creeks in Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 90 crabs were gathered from Bodo, Ataba, and Okpoka creeks, and metal analysis was conducted using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES 4200) after acid digestion. One-way ANOVA revealed significant site-related variations for all metals (p < 0.001) and significant gender effects for Pb and Hg (p < 0.05), with Tukey’s post-hoc tests indicating that crabs from Ataba and Bodo contained significantly higher concentrations than those from Okpoka (p < 0.05). Human health risk indices, including Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR), were calculated for both adult and child consumers based on mean metal concentrations. Results indicated that mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, and Hg in crab tissues exceeded permissible limits set by the World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (WHO/FAO), with the highest values recorded in Ataba and Bodo creeks. THQ and HI values for Pb and As surpassed the acceptable threshold of 1 in both adult and child groups, signalling potential non-carcinogenic health risks. LCR values for As and Pb also exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) acceptable range (10⁻⁶–10⁻⁴), suggesting carcinogenic potential with prolonged exposure. These findings highlight critical environmental and public health concerns linked to seafood consumption from oil-contaminated ecosystems in the Niger Delta and underscore the need for continuous ecological monitoring, stricter seafood safety regulations, and targeted community health awareness programmes.

In their article, the authors present – using a comparative approach – the current issue of security awareness. In doing so, they start from the concept of security, then move on to the concept of security awareness, and outline the significant moments of its development concerning national security services. They then briefly flash police crime prevention and then move on to the security awareness presentation from a counterterrorism perspective. The article concludes with a presentation of the topic from a private security perspective and a case study from an international context. In the summary, the authors believe that, in addition to a similar methodology, national security, counterterrorism, and private security security awareness support and complement each other.

Pharmaceutical residues are increasingly recognised as critical emerging contaminants due to their persistence, bioactivity, and incomplete removal in conventional wastewater treatment systems. In this study, TiO₂ nanomaterials doped with Fe, Cu, and Zn were synthesised via a sol–gel route and comprehensively characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Their photocatalytic performance was evaluated under solar-simulated irradiation for the degradation of diclofenac, paracetamol, and sulfamethoxazole. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and total organic carbon (TOC) analysis were employed to quantify pollutant degradation and mineralisation, respectively. Metal doping reduced crystallite size, enhanced surface area, and narrowed the TiO₂ bandgap, thereby extending visible-light absorption. Among the catalysts, Fe–TiO₂ at 5% doping exhibited the highest activity, achieving >90% degradation of all three pharmaceuticals and >70% TOC removal within 120 minutes. Kinetic analysis confirmed pseudo-first-order behaviour (R² > 0.95), with Fe–TiO₂ showing the fastest rate constants (0.024–0.030 min⁻¹). Scavenger experiments identified hydroxyl (•OH) and superoxide (O₂•⁻) radicals as the primary reactive species. These findings highlight the promise of solar-assisted photocatalysis with metal-doped TiO₂ as a sustainable and efficient strategy for removing pharmaceutical residues from wastewater, with strong potential for practical application in regions with abundant solar resources.

The changing landscape of the global terrorism threat coupled with increasing concern about home grown extremism means that the need to tackle the root causes of radicalisation across the European Union has never been greater. The pathway to violent extremism and terrorism is, however, undeniably complex. Frontline practitioners working with those vulnerable to radicalisation need to have the right tools to allow them to recognise, respond to and challenge ideologies and narratives associated with any form of terrorism. A pioneering EU Commission funded project is the first of its kind designed to offer consistency around, and increase awareness of, counter radicalisation specifically for frontline practitioners. Improving Security by Democratic Participation (ISDEP) is a two year programme based on the EU Commission’s Prevent strand of the Counter Terrorism Strategy. Training themes focus on helping practitioners to identify the influences and vulnerabilities that shape an individual’s thought processes towards violent extremism.

A survey of residents of the area impacted by a large-scale 2009 wildfire revealed that just over 60% of respondents who received an evacuation order during this fire actually evacuated from their home. The focus of the survey was to understand the impact of public warnings on the behaviors and actions of individuals in the midst of a natural disaster. The survey instrument and interview protocol were designed by the project research team to gauge several factors, including how respondents were individually impacted by the Station Fire; their attitudes toward formal evacuation messages and procedures as spearheaded by local, state, and government entities; how they responded to said evacuation messages and procedures; what they perceive to the most effective media for dispensing emergency evacuation information; as well as standard demographic questions. These analyses reveal that frequency, communication channels, and content of public warnings, such as evacuation orders, have a significant impact on public protective-action taking.