University of Miami physicist Neil Johnson has led a team of researchers to develop a mathematical model that works to identify patterns in the online activity of Islamic State sympathizers in efforts to predict attacks by the Islamic State organization, the New York Times reported Thursday.Johnson and the team published a study based on research of pro-IS posts Russia-based social network Vkontakte between mid-2014 and August 2015, Pam Belluck wrote.
Researchers focused on small groups to monitor new activities that could possibly lead to information on future acts of terrorism, the study said.
The study further revealed the formation of small groups accelerated prior to an attack on the Syrian town of Kobani which could set a precedent for future prediction of ISIS-related incursions.
Johnson told the Times the equation used data on small groups to predict the Kobani attack.
