An explosive ordnance is a munition that is either launched or fired with the intent of detonation at a specified target. An unexploded ordnance (UXO) is an explosive ordnance that, due to some malfunction, remains undetonated. As a result, the ordnance can be found at the ground surface, partially buried, or buried at a depth of up to 8 m beneath the surface. Practical and cost-effective strat...

CONTEXT Afghanistan is one of the countries most affected by injuries due to landmines and unexploded ordnance. OBJECTIVE To understand the epidemiological patterns and risk factors for injury due to landmines and unexploded ordnance. DESIGN AND SETTING Analysis of surveillance data on landmine and unexploded ordnance injuries in Afghanistan collected by the International Committee of the R...

We reviewed the surveillance database on injuries due to unexploded ordnance and landmines maintained by the United Nations Mine Action Center for Afghanistan. About 70% of records in the database came from the clinic based surveillance system operated by the International Committee of the Red Cross, which, in 2002, included 390 health facilities. Other data were collected through mine clearanc...

The accurate discrimination of unexploded ordnance from geophysical signals is very difficult. Research has demonstrated that using a machine learning technique known as linear genetic programming in concert with human expertise can extend the accuracy of unexploded ordnance discrimination past currently published results. This paper describes how linear genetic programming offers the promise o...

We describe a method for recognizing surface-lying ordnance in test ranges using stereo range information and image edge maps. This method is to be used by an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) surveying the test range for autonomous clearing of ordnance. We concentrate on a particular type of cylindrical ordnance (BLU-97) in current usage in U.S. military test ranges. In order to locate instances o...

We describe a method for recognizing surface-lying ordnance in test ranges using stereo range information and image edge maps. This method is to be used by an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) surveying the test range for autonomous clearing of ordnance. We concentrate on a particular type of cylindrical ordnance (BLU-97) in current usage in U.S. military test ranges. In order to locate instances o...

INTRODUCTION Due to several decades of armed conflict and civil unrest, Afghanistan is one of the countries most affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance worldwide. OBJECTIVE The study was performed to assess the magnitude of injuries due to landmines and unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan during 2002-2006 and to describe epidemiological patterns and potential risk factors for these even...