We present epoch 1996, high-quality radial velocity data for HDE 226868, the optical counterpart of Cygnus X-1. Combining our results with all published historical data, we have derived a new ephemeris for the system of HJD2450235.29 +n×5.5998, which allows accurate orbital phase calculations to be made for any X-ray observations over the last 30 years. We find no evidence for any period change...

Introduction Emergencies include natural disasters such as earthquakes and severe meteorological events, but also armed confl ict and its consequences, such as civil disruption and refugee crises (sometimes termed chronic emergencies). The health component of the humanitarian response to emergencies has traditionally focused on management of acute conditions such as trauma and infectious illnes...

After a brief introduction to Humanitarian Demining we will review the basic principles of the electromagnetic detection of metallic objects, especially induction devices (“metal detectors”), and see how they are applied in Humanitarian Demining and Civil Engineering, with emphasis on visualization techniques. We will then report on tests of a commercial “imaging metal detector” aimed at trying...

The relief organizations work in volatile environments involving a variety of actors with different skills and knowledge. The service of emergency for victims of natural disasters requires a rapid decision-making. The objective of the approach presented in this paper is to develop a Systemic Process Model (SPM) for procurement decisions in humanitarian logistics. The SPM aims to support procure...

The author analyses the new international context in which humanitarian action is being undertaken. He raises the problem caused by the diverging objectives of impartial, neutral humanitarianism and politically motivated actions that implement strategies of prevention and conflict resolution. He reviews the criticism that humanitarian has come under in recent years and that has resulted in esta...

Since the end of the Cold War, states have increasingly come under pressure to intervene militarily and, in fact, have intervened militarily to protect citizens other than their own from humanitarian disasters. Recent efforts to enforce protected areas for Kurds and no-fly zones over Shiites in Iraq, efforts to alleviate starvation and establish some kind of political order in Somalia, the huge...

Fostering community resilience in the aftermath of a disaster constitutes a significant challenge and requires an adequate understanding of the community’s specific capabilities and vulnerabilities. We carried out a field study in Nepal as a multi-disciplinary research team that explored how the humanitarian response enabled community resilience after the devastating earthquakes. We explored th...

The scale, scope, and significance of humanitarian action have expanded significantly since the late 1980s. This article reflects on two ways in which humanitarianism has been transformed. First, its purpose has been politicized. Whereas once humanitarian actors attempted to insulate themselves from the world of politics, they now work closely with states and attempt to eliminate the root cause...

As disaster response becomes more complex, entities involved in humanitarian operations also increase in numbers and sophistication. Humanitarian actors are beginning to see the value that an efficient supply chain can bring. However, participating actors are faced with competition for funding and often do not cooperate with each other, which produces inefficient outcomes at the expenses of the...

Donors have expressed disappointment in the performance of humanitarian organizations in responding to recent unprecedented disasters. Efforts to restore confidence have focused in part on improving transparency, accountability and capability through implementation of supply chain management information systems. This paper explores issues of trust, control and confidence in partner cooperation ...