|
|
Means for automatic administration of antidotes (autoinjectors)against nerve agents
JONÁŠ, Jindřich
This thesis is dedicated to the topic of the nerve agents with special emphasis on antidotal treatment utilizing application of the auto-injectors. Two methods were used ? literature research and quantitative research. Since this topic covers plenty of information as regards chemical warfare agents and in particular nerve agents these issues were addressed in the theoretical part of the thesis. In the chapter on current status based on literature resources a summary of evolution of the auto-injector is presented; from firsts notes until the situation today. Practical part of the thesis is concentrated on University of Southern Bohemia in ČeskéBudějovice, Faculty of Health and Social Studies students' knowledge in the area of nerve agents. The results of the research were acquired by the method of quantitative research ? questionnaires with 18 questions. With respect to each of the questions a selection of the 2 to 7 answers was offered to the students, whereas in every case only 1 answer was correct. The results were analyzed both with reference to each of the questions and with reference to each of the students. By this method it has been discovered that the respondents have a good knowledge in the area of nerve agents. Furthermore, the practical part of the thesis included an experiment concerning speed with which the respondents were able to apply antidotum with a training auto-injector by themselves with no prior instructions in comparison to how quickly they were able to do the same after being instructed. By this method were tested the quality of the instructions provided to the auto-injectors and its ergonomic qualities (intuitiveness of its application). Recorded times were statistically analyzed and the results, although materially different, were assessed as satisfactory.
|
|
|
Usage of chemical weapons during the First World War and an edification for the present
PRAŽÁK, Marek
This thesis focuses on the description and characteristics of chemical weapons used during the First World War (WWI) and the consequences resulting from it to the present. The introductory part tries to present a comprehensive description of chemical weapons, their classification, including a basic description of their effects on the human organism. Further on, the thesis characterizes individual chemical substances used in the battles of the WWI between 1914 and 1918 and it mentions the most important and key attacks with warfare chemical substances, including a description of the development and design of chemical ammunition used. The next section of the thesis is devoted to the protection against weapons of mass destruction and, in particular, various types of protection and I assess the impact of the use of chemical weapons during the First World War to the present time. Regarding the methodology side, I gathered information from specialized sources and tried to map out clearly and in general the given issues, also based on my own knowledge and experience. The thesis is based on two basic hypotheses: 1 The First World War showed that if necessary the warring parties would resort also to the use of banned means, including chemical weapons; 2. The First World War laid the building blocks of modern protection against chemical weapons and the protection against weapons of mass destruction in general. Both of the hypotheses have been proven to be true, which I try to document in my thesis. The first hypothesis shows that even if chemical weapons were officially banned at The Hague conference, the warring parties did not hesitate, if necessary, to produce, improve and use them against their enemies. The second hypothesis is confirmed by the fact that along with the development and improvement of chemical weapons and ammunition the protection against these weapons developed and improved as well as the detection of warfare chemical substances and alerting of troops when such weapons are used. The consequence of this is the existence of current chemical protection and the emergence of a new military branch - Protection against the Weapons of Mass Destruction.
|
|
|
Chemical weapons experiments on humans
MLEJNEK, Miroslav
Chemical weapons are justly considered by the human society as the oldest type of weapons of mass destruction. Unfortunately the same human society has continued to apply and further develop the ancient principles of use of combat chemical substances. The current world, despite all the humanistic efforts to terminate the history of this type of weapons, continues to be physically threatened by their abuse. I must say that studies of the history of chemical weapons are very demanding and comprehensive. The whole process of historic development of these combat means is interconnected by multiple relations and circumstances and unfortunately has been the source of a lot of inconceivable human suffering. That is why I decided to take the courage and thread the path leading to a look back at the past, for I believe that such a retrospective not only reveals stories that are already buried in the distant past and are not needed any more, but also leads to understanding the present, learning a lesson from past mistakes and acquiring a humble approach to life. On the basis of studies of the many available resources I tried to submit in my diploma thesis a complex summary of current as well as historic knowledge of combat chemical substances, their research and testing on humans. While the issue of chemical weapons and wars as such is paid a lot of attention, the issue of chemical weapon testing on people has still been a marginal theme. The abovementioned facts inspired this thesis and I believe that my diploma theses might be beneficial for its readers. My greatest desire and aim was to present to the readers the historic path of application and the related research and testing of chemical weapons. I hope I have processed the theme to be better understandable to the reader, both professional and lay. I tried to proceed systematically and make my thesis interesting to enrich not only me but also its readers.
|
|
|
The history of chemical wars
HORKÁ, Jana
Chemical weapons count among the weapons of mass destruction. In addition to chemical weapons, also nuclear and biological weapons belong here. Historically, chemical weapons rank among the oldest ones. Their initial steps were made in the distant past, even if they were not called so then. However, the initial utilization of chemical agents against human force is more connected with fire. It was used for protection against attacks of animals as well as people. Later on it was used to protect or capture towns and fortifications. The most extensive use of chemical weapons in war occurred during World War I. A large number of chemical substances was tested, the most important being phosgene. In 1917, German army used vesicant yperite near the town of Ypres. The development of chemical warfare agents continued also after the year 1918. During World War II, chemical weapons were practically not used. If it happened, then on the secondary fronts only. The main reason was the fear of possible retaliation. From 1939 to 1945, huge amounts of chemical warfare agents were made. Towards the end of the war this stockpile amounted to approximately 400 000 tonnes. After World War II, a new stage of chemical armament has begun. The greatest attention was concentrated on nerve agents, sarin, soman and agent VX. Chemical warfare agents have been further used also after the year 1945. In the not so distant past, Iraq used nerve-paralyzing agents and yperite during the Iran-Iraq War (1980 {--} 1988). Last but not least, the use of chemical warfare agents for terrorist purposes is to be mentioned. In January 1993, the global fight against chemical weapons culminated in signing of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction. Under this Convention, chemical weapons were to be liquidated until the year 2007. States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention which did not comply with this deadline have asked for prolongation of the final deadlines for chemical weapons liquidation until 29 April 2012. The question remains if even this prolongation will fulfil the goal of the Convention {--} to ensure a world without chemical weapons. Until the time when the stockpiles of chemical weapons are completely liquidated their possible misuse cannot be excluded. The states which have not joined the Convention as yet and own limited stockpiles of chemical weapons can use them.
|
guest ::
