Military Research Articles

Study of Association of PPH due to Uterine Atonicity and Serum Calcium levels

Background: Uterine atonicity stands out as a primary and leading factor contributing to maternal morbidity and mortality. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) resulting from uterine atony poses a life-threatening risk. Oxytocic drugs, by elevating intracellular calcium, enhance uterine tonicity, with optimal calcium levels playing a crucial role in facilitating effective uterine contractions. The study aimed to explore the relationship between the concentration of calcium in the bloodstream and the occurrence of PPH associated with inadequate uterine contractions admitted during the 1st and 2nd stages of labour at a tertiary care facility such as the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka. The study likely involved analyzing data to identify any patterns or connections between serum calcium levels and the incidence of uterine atony-related PPH. Methods: The study follows a randomizing controlled trial (RCT) design within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka. The study duration spans from January 2016 to January 2019, involving a total of 306 subjects. Group A includes those with serum calcium levels between 8-10.4 mg/dl without uterine atonicity, while Group B comprises individuals with serum calcium levels below 8 mg/dl experiencing uterine atonicity, either post cesarean or vaginal delivery. Atonicity features include a soft, distended uterus with a lack of muscle tone. Results: A total of 306 patients were included in the study, with 153 having serum calcium levels exceeding 8 mg/dl and another 153 having levels below 8 mg/dl. Among women with serum calcium levels below 8 mg/dl, 37 patients experienced uterine atonicity. In contrast, it was observed that among women with serum calcium levels exceeding 8 mg/dl, only one patient experienced uterine atonicity. This highlights a potential association between higher serum calcium levels and a reduced likelihood of developing uterine atony in the studied population. Conclusions: The study findings indicate a strong association between low calcium levels and reduced uterine tonicity, establishing low calcium as a significant risk factor for uterine atony. Bangladesh Armed Forces Med J Vol 57 No (1) June 2024, pp 28-34

Association between Birth Weight of the Babies and Mode of Delivery: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Birth weight has significant short and long-term effects on health and survival and is a useful predictor of prenatal and postnatal development. Birth weight is likely to play a key role for the infant’s survival because it is one of the strongest predictors of infant mortality risk. The aim of the study was to find out the association between birth weight and mode of delivery. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Combined Military Hospital, Ghatail from 15 March 2019 to 30 June 2019. Secondary data were used, which were collected from hospital register during the period of 01 January 2018 to 31 December 2018. The study population was all the newborn babies delivered in CMH, Ghatail during that period and mothers of the newborn babies were respondents of the study. Results: Out of 526 respondents majority (64.83%) were in the age group of 23-32 years with mean age 25.14(range: 18-40) years. Of the newborn babies around half (48.3%) were male. The mean birth weight was 2.92 kg with minimum weight 1.2 kg and maximum 4.2 kg. The data showed that the prevalence of Low Birth Weight (LBW) 13.1%. Majority (84.6%) of the mothers didn’t have any comorbidity, few (15.4%) suffered from comorbidity. 53.8% babies were born by caesarean section (CS) and 46.2% were delivered by normal vaginal delivery. Among the low birth weight babies 65.2% were born by CS. Statistically significant association was found between birth weight of the babies and mode of delivery (p<0.05). Conclusion: Caesarean section cannot be routinely recommended, unless there are other obstetric indications. Bangladesh Armed Forces Med J Vol 57 No (1) June 2024, pp 8-13

Obstetric Outcome and its Relationship with Mode of Delivery in Preterm Labour- A Study of 86 Patients in Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka

Background: Caesarean section in preterm pregnancy may add further pressure to the already existing poorly developed facilities for intensive perinatal care in low resource countries. The objective of the study was to determine the feto-maternal outcome and its relationship with mode of delivery in preterm labour. Methods: This was a descriptive type of cross-sectional study conducted at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka, during March to August 20l8. The study population was total eighty-six patients having 28 to 36 weeks of gestation who were admitted in the above department and were in labour. Data were edited and analyzed by using computer-based software, statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: Majority of the patients belonged to 26-30 years age group and were from low socioeconomic family (71.4 to 72.7) % and had below average nutritional status (88.1 to 93.2) %. The mean gestational age was 31 weeks and 35 weeks. Nulliparous (77.3 to 85.7) % and patients taking irregular antenatal check-up (69.0 to 72.8) % were predominant. About (59.1 to 66.7) % patients had vaginal delivery and (33.3 to 40.9) % patients had undergone caesarean section. Maternal morbidity was more in caesarean section (37.5%) than vaginal delivery (33.3%). Live birth babies were found 100% in caesarean section and 94.4% in vaginal delivery and among them 95.7% were from group I and 97.6% were from group ll. Perinatal mortality was higher in vaginal delivery than caesarean section (7.40% vs 2.7%) and also higher in group I than group ll (8.3% vs 2.3%). But late perinatal complications were more in caesarean section (47.2%) than vaginal delivery (45.1%) baby, and majority (60%) of them were from group l. Conclusion: Preterm pregnancy when leads to an early delivery, brings a grave consequence for both the mother and foetus. After birth, the premature newborn is at risk for complications related to incomplete development of its organ system. Caesarean section delivery in preterm labour improves foetal outcome to some extent, but not significantly, and leads the mother to more maternal morbidity. Perinatal mortality and morbidity is also inversely related to the gestational age at the time of delivery, in preterm labour - more the gestational age, less the perinatal mortality and morbidity. Bangladesh Armed Forces Med J Vol 57 No (1) June 2024, pp 43-49

Screening of Pre-Diabetes and Type-II Diabetes Mellitus Among the Personnel of Bangladesh Air Force

Background: Medical Squadron (Med Sqn) of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) Base Bashar (BSR) has been providing medical support for BAF Base BSR, Air Headquarters, most of the retired officers and their families. It has been observed that the number of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patient is increasing day by day, and now it becomes a major health problem among the members of BAF, even among the young age group. In view of above, a study was conducted among the BAF uniform members who reported for laboratory investigation to Med Sqn BAF Base BSR. Assessing prevalence of DM among BAF personnel will also help for overall assessment of health problem of BAF personnel to make a preventive guideline. Methods: A descriptive type of cross-sectional study was conducted with available data in the pathological laboratory of Med Sqn BAF Base BSR during the period from 01 July 2021 to 30 Jun 2022. Within this period a total 9269 Air Force uniform members reported for routine as well as diagnostic purpose of checking blood sugar. Associated risk factor like overweight or obesity was also assessed by latest data from personal documents. Age and job pattern wise data were also analyzed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0 was used to analyze data. Results: Out of 9269 BAF members a total 683 persons (7.36%) had high (above normal) plasma glucose. Of these 413(60.46%) were diabetic and 270(39.53%) were pre-diabetic (IFG/IGT). Among the 413 diabetic patients 292(42.75%) had fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥7 mmol/L as well as post prandial plasma glucose (PPPG) level ≥11.1 mmol/L. Among the 270 pre-diabetic patients 205(30.01%) had FPG level between 6.1-6.9 mmol/L with PPPG level <7.8 mmol/L (Impaired Fasting Glucose/IFG) and 65(9.51%) had FPG level <7 mmol/L with PPPG level between 7.8-11 mmol/L (Impaired Glucose Tolerance/IGT). Conclusion: DM has become a major health concern all over the world. This study attempted to identify the prevalence of age-related factors for DM among BAF uniform members between the ages 30 to 60 years. It has been observed that the prevalence of pre-diabetes is more among the 41 to 45 years age group and Type-II DM among the 46-50 years age group. Bangladesh Armed Forces Med J Vol 57 No (1) June 2024, pp 22-27

Knowledge and Awareness on Swine Origin Influenza A(H1N1) Among Health Care Providers and Civil Employees in a Tertiary Level Hospital, Dhaka Bangladesh

Background: Swine Origin Influenza A(H1N1) viruses create yearly epidemics and rarely pandemics that cost millions of lives worldwide. Health care providers and civil employees at hospital can help in prevention of transmission of influenza by acquiring knowledge and awareness. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Combined Military Hospital Dhaka from July to December 2023. Total 213 participants were interviewed that comprises doctors, nurses, medical assistants and civil employees. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect data. Face to face interview was done through a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Informed consent were obtained from the respondents addressing proper ethical issues. Results: In this study out of total participants 70.4% had previously heard about H1N1 influenza A. Total 38% participants said that internet was found as major source of information. Among the participants 64.3% told fever was common symptom and use of facemask at duty hour was consented by 33.8% as an important means for prevention. Maximum (66.3%) civil employees do not know about washing hand after contact as a preventive procedure leading to spread of infection. Maintaining distance as preventive measures observed by 13.6% participants. Moreover, all participants were aware of transmission through droplet infection except civil employees. In the present study, 50% doctors and 38.1% nurses had knowledge that drug Oseltamivir is very effective against swine Influenza A(H1N1). Remarkable differences were identified among doctors, nurses, medical assistants and civil employees regarding knowledge of quarantine and availability of vaccine. RT-PCR laboratory test is the confirmatory method to defect swine influenza A(H1N1) were exactly known by 9.9% participants, while 70.9% participants don't know the confirm diagnostic method. Conclusion: Knowledge and awareness regarding swine influenza A(H1N1) was low among study participants. For controlling epidemic or even pandemic, awareness by mass media is important. Remarkable gap observed regarding knowledge and awareness about swine influenza A(H1N1) among the health care providers and civil employees, needs to be addressed by proper training and motivation. Bangladesh Armed Forces Med J Vol 57 No (1) June 2024, pp 1-7

Self-compassion as a protective factor against post-traumatic stress symptoms induced by adverse childhood experiences: A cross-sectional study among Japan air self-defense force new recruits

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may result in long-term mental health complications, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ACEs are known to be more frequent among military personnel, despite their need to maintain their mental health to accomplish their missions. Self-compassion, or treating oneself with kindness and understanding, can mitigate the psychological effects of adversity but is also affected by adversity. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the complex relationships between ACEs, self-compassion, and PTSD symptoms among 752 new recruits of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, of whom 537 with ACEs completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine the independent effect of self-compassion, measured using the Self-Compassion Scale, on PTSD symptoms. Mediation effect analysis with self-compassion as a mediator was conducted on the relationship between ACEs and PTSD symptoms. We confirmed high levels of ACEs among our participants compared to a healthy population of a previous study, and approximately 6% presented PTSD symptoms above a threshold. Self-compassion was significantly negatively associated with PTSD symptoms (β = −.22, 95% confidence interval [CI], −.34 to −.11). Mediation effect analysis revealed that self-compassion partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and PTSD symptoms, explaining 6.9% of this effect, and ACEs were negatively associated with self-compassion (β = −.13, 95% CI, −.22 to −.04). These findings suggested that self-compassion is a protective factor against PTSD symptoms, whereas ACEs can decrease self-compassion. Further research should explore educational interventions to enhance self-compassion among individuals with ACEs to mitigate PTSD symptoms.

The right to education under the conditions of martial state

The right to education is one of the fundamental human rights approved in the Constitution of Ukraine. However, the war conditions taking place on the territory of Ukraine create significant challenges for ensuring this right. In this article, we analyze the problems that arise in the context of ensuring the provisions of Article 53 of the Constitution of Ukraine in conditions of war and offer ways to solve them. This article highlights the importance of ensuring the right to education under martial law in Ukraine and suggests practical measures to achieve this goal. The study of this topic contributes to the development of effective strategies for managing educational processes in wartime conditions. Ensuring the right to education in the conditions of martial law in Ukraine becomes a particularly acute problem due to active hostilities and occupation of territories. Military operations are accompanied by violations of human rights, including the right to education, which is contrary to international standards. Military aggression forces the evacuation of schools, universities and other educational institutions, which disrupts the educational process and creates difficulties for obtaining an education. The results of military operations have serious psychological consequences for children, youth and teaching staff, which negatively affects their learning and work capacity. The article analyzes the problem of ensuring the right to education under martial law. The challenges faced by Ukraine in providing educational opportunities during the war are investigated. Special attention is paid to strategies for protecting the right to education, including the role of international law, humanitarian aid programs and innovative approaches to education. Based on this analysis, recommendations are provided to improve the situation with the right to education in the conditions of military conflict. The problems of education during the legal regime of martial law are analyzed, the need to continue measures to guarantee the constitutional right to education is emphasized, since education is considered extremely important for the progress of society, the future of the country directly depends on the level of education, talents, culture and consciousness of the young generation.

Career transitions from work-to-entrepreneurship

Moving from a traditional career to entrepreneurship is a significant shift. It means taking on new responsibilities and dealing with uncertainties. Our research examined what motivates people and the skills they need to make this change. We used career identity theory to understand how people match their motivations, interests, and abilities with their chosen careers. By thematically analyzing 21 in-depth interviews conducted with military veterans and career transition organizations, we find that transition barriers and challenges embedded in career contexts can be overcome by leveraging career capital and social capital through a series of adjustments. The value of career transitions to entrepreneurship was linked to improved well-being, increased autonomy, and satisfaction. We contribute to the entrepreneurship and career literature by proposing an integrative model of work-to-entrepreneurship career pathways, which aids in explaining how occupation contexts shape career aspirations, highlighting the importance of career and social capital and identifying career transition pathways. We propose direction for future research and offer practical implications for employers’ talent management practitioners, individuals considering work-to-entrepreneurship career transitions and interorganizational talent management practices in entrepreneurship ecosystems.

Key features and applications of military drones: a case study from the Portuguese military ground forces

PurposeThe rapid advancement of new technologies necessitates the adaptation of existing resources to address the evolving demands of contemporary conflicts among nations. As exemplified by the emergence of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), these technologies have become indispensable components of military drone operations. This study investigates the role of innovation models in driving Portuguese Innovation and Development, focusing specifically on military drones.Design/methodology/approachThrough an examination of existing scientific and doctrinal literature, this research establishes a connection between theoretical concepts and the practical deployment of drones within the Portuguese ground forces. Employing a qualitative approach, this study follows a case study, with data collection following the principle of triangulation.FindingsThe findings of this research reveal several attributes crucial to drone utilization, such as optronic capability and drone range. These attributes are vital for ensuring high-quality, real-time imagery transmission and operational effectiveness in military activities.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the understanding of the implications of drone attributes for the Command, Control, Communications and Information Systems (C3IS) capabilities of the Portuguese ground forces. It highlights the importance of continued emphasis on drone development and innovation as a key priority for the Portuguese Army.

Otherness at war: Poles and World War II British Indian Army

ABSTRACT This essay investigates the representation of Indians and Nepalese Gurkhas of the British Indian Army in Polish Second World War memoirs. It argues that by focusing on the Other’s social, religious, and physical differences, the authors constructed an exoticised image of the South Asians that contributes to the perception of war as a site of Orientalism. Since the Poles faced the British imperial army apparatus that manipulated the relations with the Other through its hierarchical organisation, the analysis explores the power relations implicated in the Polish-South Asian encounters. The study is based on excerpts from twenty memoirs written by soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces who cooperated with the British Indian Army in North Africa, the Middle East, and Italy. It is primarily concerned with manners, customs, and appearance of the South Asians to reflect the authors’ emphasis on those components of their Otherness.

Poor long-term outcomes and abnormal neurodegeneration biomarkers after military traumatic brain injury: the ADVANCE study

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is common in military campaigns and is a risk factor for dementia. ArmeD SerVices TrAuma and RehabilitatioN OutComE-TBI (ADVANCE-TBI) aims to ascertain neurological outcomes in UK...

Legal mechanism for securing humanitarian assistance by Ukrainian defense forces during the initial phase of the full-scale Russian invasion

Purpose This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal status and mechanisms involved in the receipt and registration of humanitarian aid by Ukrainian defense forces. The study aims to highlight the importance of proper control and accountability by military unit commanders, addressing the challenges and responsibilities associated with the management of humanitarian aid during the initial phase of the full-scale Russian invasion. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative approach, analyzing legal documents, organizational procedures and case studies related to the receipt and registration of humanitarian aid by Ukrainian defense forces. The research involves examining the actions of military unit commanders, identifying gaps in existing legislation and proposing improvements based on observed challenges and best practices. Findings The study finds that the legal status and proper accounting of military property received as humanitarian aid are critical for ensuring its effective use. It identifies significant challenges in the organizational and legal mechanisms, including issues of non-receipt and non-registration of aid. The findings emphasize the need for improved legislation, better control measures and increased accountability of military unit commanders to enhance the efficiency and transparency of humanitarian aid management during conflict situations. Research limitations/implications The research is primarily limited by the availability and reliability of data due to the ongoing conflict, which may affect the comprehensiveness of the analysis. Additionally, the dynamic nature of the legal and organizational environment during wartime poses challenges in maintaining updated information. Future studies could benefit from longitudinal data and comparative analysis with other conflict zones to enhance the robustness and applicability of findings. Practical implications This study provides actionable recommendations for improving the legal framework and organizational processes related to humanitarian aid in military contexts. It offers guidance for military unit commanders on best practices for receiving, accounting and preserving aid. The findings aim to inform policymakers and military officials to ensure more effective and transparent management of humanitarian resources, ultimately enhancing the operational capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Social implications By addressing the legal and organizational challenges in managing humanitarian aid, this research contributes to the overall welfare of military personnel and affected civilians. Ensuring the effective use of humanitarian aid can improve the living conditions and morale of soldiers and support communities impacted by the conflict. The study also highlights the importance of accountability and transparency, fostering trust among international donors and encouraging continued support for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Originality/value This study provides a novel and comprehensive examination of the legal mechanisms and organizational practices involved in the receipt and registration of humanitarian aid by the Ukrainian defense forces during the initial phase of the Russian invasion. By focusing on the unique challenges faced in this conflict, the research offers original insights into the legal status of military property received as aid and the accountability of military commanders. The findings contribute valuable recommendations for policy and practice, aiming to enhance the effectiveness and transparency of humanitarian aid management in conflict situations.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Cyclin D1 in Invasive Breast Carcinoma

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the immunohistochemical expression of cyclin D1 in invasive breast carcinoma and its association with already established prognostic parameters like estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2/Neu, and Ki67 status. Study Design & Setting: Cross sectional Observational. Department of Pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi Methodology: The study included 350 cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed between January 2023 and December 2023. Data collected included patient age, histological subtype, molecular subtypes, tumor size, and the presence of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors, as well as HER2/Neu and Ki67 status. Patients who had undergone chemotherapy, received radiation to the breasts, or experienced relapse were excluded from the study. Immunohistochemistry was conducted using a Cyclin D1 antibody to assess Cyclin D1 expression in tissue samples. The expression levels were categorized as negative, weak, moderate, strong staining in tumor cells. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 29.0, and statistical comparisons were made between Cyclin D1 staining and ER, PR, HER2/Neu, and Ki67 status. Results: Cyclin D1 moderate to strong staining was seen in 173/352 (49.14%) cases of invasive BC. Cyclin D1 expression was slightly statistically significantly associated with ER (x2 = 7.78, P value <0.051) and Ki67 positivity (÷2 = 7.27, P value <0.064). Conclusion: Cyclin D1 has the potential to serve as a prognostic marker. Incorporating it into the routine IHC workup for breast cancer could enhance patient management, especially with the development of new targeted therapies that inhibit the Cyclin D-CDK4/6 axis.

Analysis of Early Surgical Treatment of Incorrectly Consolidated Gunshot Fractures of the Scapula

Objective. The objective of our study was to analyze the structure of incorrectly consolidated gunshot fractures of the scapula and early outcomes of surgical treatment. Material and Methods. We analyzed 10 cases of incorrectly consolidated gunshot fractures of the scapula in Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen, received as a result of combat operations, and early outcomes of surgical treatment. The main indications for surgical treatment were as follows: severe impairment of function of the upper limb due to pain, fractures of the articular surface of the scapula with displacement of fragments over 2 mm, fractures of the acromion with displacement of more than 8 mm, and damages to muscles and skin. In addition to radiography in standard projections, preoperative examination included computed tomography (CT). Evaluation of functional outcomes was carried out within 1 to 4 months according to the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) scale. The average period of postoperative survey was 2.6 months. Results. Incorrect consolidation of fractures was caused by a long period of preoperative preparation and conservative treatment of wounds in patients due to openness and infection of bullet wounds in 2 patients and shrapnel wounds because of mortar, artillery, tank and rocket attacks in 8 patients. Staged treatment until wound healing was carried out in hospitals and military hospitals of Ukraine using VAC (Vacuum-Assisted Closure) devices. Four cases were right-sided and six were left-sided; 7 of 10 cases were intra-articular fractures with displacement of fragments of the articular surface by 2 mm or more. The average duration of injury at the time of surgery was 4.2 months (range from 2 to 8 months). In addition to eliminating displacements and deformities of incorrectly consolidated fractures and osteosynthesis of fragments, the treatment included replacing the soft tissue defect of the shoulder and shoulder girdle with a non-free thoracodorsal musculocutaneous flap on a neurovascular pedicle in 3 of 10 patients. Seven patients had an isolated wound to the scapula area. Three of 10 patients had a combined wound to the scapula with a defect of the humeral head, upper third of the humerus, and acromial end of the clavicle. These patients underwent implantation of an articulating spacer, restoration of the configuration of the proximal end of the humerus, and reconstruction of the rotator muscles to make possible the shoulder joint arthroplasty. The average value according to the results of a survey of patients on the OSS scale was 20.2 (±4.39) points before surgery and 34.1 (±7.56) points after surgery, which can be considered a good result according to the OSS scoring system. Conclusions. The analysis of the early outcomes showed that reconstructive treatment of gunshot old fractures of the scapula creates biomechanical prerequisites for restoring the function of the upper limb, reduces pain syndrome, and allows for active postoperative rehabilitation.

Prevalence of Dentine Hypersensitivity in Vital Abutment Teeth being prepared for Fixed Partial Dentures or Crowns

Objective: To determine the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity during the preparation of vital abutment teeth for Fixed Partial Dentures or Crowns and its association with patient’s gender, age, and location of tooth. Study Design & Setting: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of patients with 150 abutments of either crown or fixed partial dentures, carried out in the department of Prosthodontics at Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry (AFID) Rawalpindi from June to December 2021. Methodology: The Dentine Hypersensitivity was recorded on a VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) of 0-10 after the patient reported pain during exposure to thermal stimulus i.e. cold water from a 5cc syringe at 1cm distance during or just after the tooth preparation. Results: In this study, the prevalence of Dentine Hypersensitivity was 13.3% with a mean dentine hypersensitivity score (VAS) for cold water test (Mean ± SD) of 0.61±1.756. Independent samples t-tests were used to determine the difference in hypersensitivity between genders, two age groups, and type of tooth (anterior/ posterior). It showed significant results with p-values of 0.002, 0.002, and 0.003 respectively. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it was highlighted that the preparation of vital teeth for conventional porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crown or fixed dental prosthesis results in dentine hypersensitivity in a considerable number of cases, with a higher incidence in women, younger patients, and vital anterior abutments.

Effect of hyperbaric exposure on cognitive performance: an investigation conducting numerical Stroop tasks during a simulated 440 m sea water saturation diving

BackgroundSaturation diving (SD) is useful and safe in deep diving for long durations. Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Undersea Medical Center (UMC) maintained safely deep 45 ATA SDHowever, cognitive performance was reportedly impaired by hyperbaric exposure in over 31 atmosphere absolute (ATA) SD. This study investigated the effects of hyperbaric exposure during 45 ATA deep SD on expert divers’ cognitive function using Stroop tasks, a useful method to examine cognitive function, especially in narrow spaces such as SD chambers.MethodsTwo numerical Stroop tasks were utilized to create two magnitude comparisons of a pair of single-digit numerical and physical tasks. Both numerical Stroop tasks were examined twice, at 1 and 45 ATAs, during a simulated 440 m of sea water depth for SD. Participants were 18 male expert JMSDF SD divers (age 36.58 ± 4.89 years).ResultsIn the numerical task, reaction time (RT) was significantly delayed at 45 ATA compared with 1 ATA in the incongruent condition. In the physical task, RT at 45 ATA was significantly delayed under all the conditions (congruent, incongruent, and neutral). The correct rates (CR) in both numerical Stroop tasks significantly decreased at 45 ATA compared with 1 ATA in the incongruent condition.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that divers’ cognition is impaired during 45 ATA deep SD. These results emphasize the importance of monitoring cognition in deep sea SD and highlight the need to educate and train for SD. Further examination combining Stroop tasks with other analyses such as event-related potential (ERP) is expected.

Complexities and Possibilities of Strengthening the Social Inclusion of Military Women in the Netherlands Armed Forces: Findings From an Action Research Project

The social inclusion of military women is negatively affected by dominant masculine norms. Often, military organizations try to promote inclusion through top-down policies. However, little is known about solutions military personnel themselves propose, and what is needed to implement those. Drawing on an action research project in the Netherlands Armed Forces, we identify four systemic collaborative requirements to implement initiatives aimed at improving inclusion: (a) awareness and recognition of women’s (negative) experiences, (b) a safe environment for dialogue and joint ownership, (c) organizational trust, support and mandate, and (d) the implementation of interventions in the organizational structure. We discuss two paradoxes we identified (a) addressing inclusion in unsafe workplaces requires safety and (b) creating awareness about women’s social inclusion without putting women in the spotlight. Our results show that a dialogic and collaborative approach is promising, especially to address the complexities that arise when trying to strengthen inclusion.

Securitization of the 2017 Kurdistan independence referendum

The Kurdish right to self-determination within Iraq has consistently been framed as a security issue by successive Iraqi governments. This paper applies securitization theory to analyze the Iraqi Government’s response to the Kurdistan Region’s unilateral independence referendum held on September 25, 2017. The referendum, which resulted in a strong vote in favor of independence, was viewed as a serious threat to Iraq’s unity by Iraqi Arab political and military forces, as well as Turkmen groups. In response, the Iraqi Government chose to take military action. On October 16, 2017, the Iraqi military, along with Popular Mobilization Forces (PM), launched an attack on Kurdish Peshmerga forces in the disputed territories, taking control of them. While many studies have explored various aspects of the Kurdistan referendum, including its timing, motivations, and consequences, there has been limited focus on how the Iraqi federal government’s securitization of the referendum facilitated military interventions in the contested territories. This article explores how Iraqi leaders’ rhetoric and securitizing language framed the referendum as an existential threat.

Multirotor drone noise: numerical approach for aeroacoustics and in-flight noise prediction

Nowadays, multirotor drone usage has become widespread for various purposes: amateur or professional videos, building inspection, civil security, military defense, etc. But this usage increase has also seen growing concerns about community noise annoyance in inhabited areas, acoustic detectability for security and military purposes, or remote wildlife monitoring. Predicting the drone noise can now be accurately achieved thanks to computational aeroacoustics (CAA). The present work deals with the aeroacoustic simulation and measurement of a quadcopter drone and in-flight condition prediction. The CAA simulation of a single rotor is first compared with test bench measurements in an anechoic room. Comparison for the full drone is then derived from this single-rotor comparison. Finally, the study is further extended to in-flight comparisons, in order to show that CAA simulation can help design quieter drones in real operating conditions.

Distributed Ledger-Based Authentication and Authorization of IoT Devices in Federated Environments

One of the main security challenges when federating separate Internet of Things (IoT) administrative domains is effective Identity and Access Management, which is required to establish trust and secure communication between federated IoT devices. The primary goal of the work is to develop a “lightweight” protocol to enable authentication and authorization of IoT devices in federated environments and ensure the secure communication of IoT devices. We propose a novel Lightweight Authentication and Authorization Framework for Federated IoT (LAAFFI) which takes advantage of the unique fingerprint of IoT devices based on their configuration and additional hardware modules, such as Physical Unclonable Function, to provide flexible authentication and authorization based on Distributed Ledger technology. Moreover, LAAFFI supports IoT devices with limited computing resources and devices not equipped with secure storage space. We implemented a prototype of LAAFFI and evaluated its performance in the Hyperledger Fabric-based IoT framework. Three main metrics were evaluated: latency, throughput (number of operations or transactions per second), and network resource utilization rate (transmission overhead introduced by the LAAFFI protocol). The performance tests conducted confirmed the high efficiency and suitability of the protocol for federated IoT environments. Also, all LAAFFI components are scalable as confirmed by tests. We formally evaluated LAAFFI security using Verifpal as a formal verification tool. Based on the models developed for Verifpal, we validated their security properties, such as message secrecy, authenticity, and freshness. Our results show that the proposed solution can improve the security of federated IoT environments while providing zero-day interoperability and high scalability. Compared to existing solutions, LAAFFI is more efficient due to the use of symmetric cryptography and algorithms adapted for operations involving IoT devices. LAAFFI supports multiple authorization mechanisms, and since it also offers authentication and accountability, it meets the requirements of Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA). It uses Distributed Ledger (DL) and smart contracts to ensure that the request complies with the policies agreed between the organizations. LAAFFI offers authentication of devices belonging to a single organization and different organizations, with the assurance that the encryption key will be shared with another device only if the appropriate security policy is met. The proposed protocol is particularly useful for ensuring the security of federated IoT environments created ad hoc for special missions, e.g., operations conducted by NATO countries and disaster relief operations Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) involving military forces and civilian services, where immediate interoperability is required.