Introduction The challenge to identify, mitigate, and eliminate terrorist threats continues to overwhelm governments throughout the world. The number and breadth of such threats requires solutions that are far more complex than any past human undertaking. The threats span the complete range of human imagination from bullets to dirty bombs, from eliminated diseases to biological attacks on the food supply, and from attacks on our cyber infrastructure to attacks using our transportation infrastructure. Multifaceted solutions with technical, government, cultural, and economic components are essential.
Previous editions of Sigma examined the threats of cyber attacks in networks,critical infrastructure protection, and port security as well as investigated a number of critical response technologies, including biometrics, underwater sensors, knowledge management, and information technology. In this edition, guest editor Robert Clerman, with the assistance of several Noblis authors, addresses the problem of biodefense. The presented articles-spanning biological surveillance, detection, operations, and response-are based on Noblis' contributions to numerous federal and state government programs, as well as insights gained from our internal research program.
This edition inaugurates a new look for Sigma. Visual cues and focused text help you quickly understand the problems and technologies being explored. In this edition, the visual clues begin on the cover and lead you to the feature article and on to the supporting articles. New features are included as well. The "Sigma Spotlight" feature highlights one of our advanced technology projects addressing significant public interest challenges. In this edition, we highlight RASMAS which is applying information push technology to improve patient safety and healthcare quality. The new "In Addition" feature points you to papers by Noblis authors in other publications. In this edition, "In Addition" points you to other homeland security-related papers. Future editions will incorporate other features, such as "In Depth," which will take a detailed look at one aspect of that issue's theme.
All these changes are aimed at continuing Sigma's responsiveness to our readers' information needs.
H. Gilbert Miller, Ph.D.
Corporate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
hgmiller@noblis.org