Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop, held in Warwick, Coventry, U.K., 30 September-3 October 2003

The design and study of materials is a pivotal component to new discoveries in the various fields of science and technology. By better understanding the components and structures of materials, researchers can increase its applications across different industries. Electronic Nose Technologies and Advances in Machine Olfaction is an academic scholarly resource that examines the emerging applications of odor-sensing devices as well as a better understanding of the designing process with the aid of neural networks and various other technologies. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics including food spoilage detection, chemical sensing, and olfactometer, this book is a vital resource for engineers, academicians, researchers, students, and practitioners seeking current research on the advancements in applications of odor-sensing devices.

This book aims to discuss the basic principles of an electronic nose, and to provide an account of recent developments in this field, with practical examples of its application. It seeks to review the field together with the many new developments that have occurred since the first meeting was held on electronic noses in Iceland in 1991. It will be essential reading for anyone who is working, researching or simply interested in electronic noses or machine olfaction. A comprehensive appendix is provided at the end of the book.

The book "Technology in Forensic Science" provides an integrated approach by reviewing the usage of modern forensic tools as well as the methods for interpretation of the results. Starting with best practices on sample taking, the book then reviews analytical methods such as high-resolution microscopy and chromatography, biometric approaches, and advanced sensor technology as well as emerging technologies such as nanotechnology and taggant technology. It concludes with an outlook to emerging methods such as AI-based approaches to forensic investigations.

The fast detection of explosives from the vapor phase would be one way to enhance the protection of society against terrorist attacks. Up to now the problem of detection of explosives, especially the location of explosives whether at large areas e. g. station halls, theaters or hidden in cars, aircraft cargo, baggage or explosives hidden in crowds e. g. suicide bombers or bombs in bags has not been solved. Smelling of explosives like dogs do seems to be a valuable tool for a security chain. In general different strategies can be adopt to the basic problem of explosive detection: • bulk detection • vapor detection Normally meetings cover both aspects and applications of the detection. Even though both methods might fulfill special aspects of a general security chain the underlying scientific questions differ strongly. Because of that the discussions of the scientists and practitioners from the different main directions are sometimes only less specific. Therefore the NATO Advisory Panel in Security-Related Civil Science and Technology proposed a small series of NATO ARW's which focuses on the different scientific aspects of explosives detection methods. This book is based on material presented at the first NATO ARW of this series in Moscow which covered the topic: Vapor and trace detection of explosives. The second ARW was held in St. Petersburg and treated the topic Bulk detection methods. The third workshop was held in Warwick and focused on electronic noses which cover a somewhat different aspect of vapor detection.

The “bioelectronic nose”, the device which has a similar function to the human smell sensing system, can be realized by combining the olfactory cells or receptors with nanotechnology. In the last two decades, much has been learned about the smell sensing mechanism in biological systems. With knowledge about the biological olfactory system and the techniques for the expression of biological receptor proteins, we are able to utilize biological materials and systems to mimic the biological olfactory system. In addition to the advances in biological and biotechnological area, nanotechnology has progressed to a great degree. The bioelectronic nose is a good example of the integration of biotechnology and nanotechnology. This book describes basic biological sciences of the olfactory system, biotechnology for the production of olfactory biological elements, and nanotechnology for the development of various sensing devices. The purpose of this book is to provide the reader with a concept, basic sciences, fundamental technologies, applications, and perspectives of the bioelectronic nose.

Existing and Potential Standoff Explosives Detection Techniques examines the scientific techniques currently used as the basis for explosives detection and determines whether other techniques might provide promising research avenues with possible pathways to new detection protocols. This report describe the characteristics of explosives, bombs, and their components that are or might be used to provide a signature for exploitation in detection technology; considers scientific techniques for exploiting these characteristics to detect explosives and explosive devices; discusses the potential for integrating such techniques into detection systems that would have sufficient sensitivity without an unacceptable false-positive rate; and proposes areas for research that might be expected to yield significant advances in practical explosives and bomb detection technology in the near, mid, and long term.

Das erste Buch, das forensische und umweltspezifische Aspekte von Explosivstoffen miteinander verbindet! Dieser Leitfaden für Polizei, Umwelt- und gerichtsmedizinische Labors und fortgeschrittene Studenten der einschlägigen Fachrichtungen beschäftigt sich mit dem Nachweis von Explosivstoffen in Luftfrachtgütern, Gepäck, Fahrzeugen, verdächtigen Personen sowie in Boden- und Wasserproben. (08/99)