Changes In Tactics Research Articles

The Donald Trump Factor and US-Ukrainian Relations (2017-2020): From Strategic Friendship to Cold Partnership

This article analyses the dynamics of relations between Ukraine and the United States under the presidency of Donald Trump, covering the approaches of the parties to bilateral cooperation, key events and issues. It describes in detail the main features of Washington’s policy towards Ukraine during this period, the factors that shaped it and the reasons for any contradictions involved. It is noted that the course of the Trump administration’s foreign policy towards Ukraine has been shaped by three factors: strong pressure from Congress, contradictions between the president and his foreign policy team, and public suspicions of collusion between Trump’s entourage and the Kremlin in the 2016 US presidential election, which was accompanied by a bitter domestic political struggle. With no room for manoeuvre in such circumstances, the Trump administration chose the safest course of action – to continue the policy of the Obama administration with certain tactical changes designed to demonstrate a more decisive stance than its predecessor. These involved a significant increase in economic and military assistance to Ukraine, including the provision of lethal weapons and the appointment of Kurt Volker as US Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations. Based on extensive empirical evidence, this paper also highlights the progress made and achievements with regard to cooperation in four areas that made up the Ukrainian-US relations agenda during the period covered: political dialogue, security, energy projects and the fight against corruption. The author shows that the contradictory nature of US policy towards Ukraine under Trump comprised a combination of a significant increase in military assistance and a decrease in the intensity of high-level political contacts.

Male humpback whales switch to singing in the presence of seismic air guns

Ocean noise produced by seismic exploration has been implicated in causing changes in baleen whale hearing, physiology, feeding, breeding, and migratory behaviours. Here, we observed changes in the mating tactics of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) during a one-hour exposure to nearby seismic air guns. Males employ a conditional mating strategy where they switch between singing and non-singing tactics. Singing is presumably an advertisement signal, while non-singing behaviours include seeking out and joining with females as well as forming competitive groups. During periods of active air guns, the number of male singing whales increased, and singers were more likely to be observed joining females. Conversely, non-singing males were less likely to engage in joining interactions suggesting that active air guns caused a switch in male breeding tactics. Though we cannot translate these effects into changes in breeding success, this indicates that seismic exploration has the potential to alter breeding behaviours in baleen whales.

Training program for radiologists for improving the multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of rectal cancer

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis and treatment of patients with colorectal cancer is a multidisciplinary task. The transition to a new edition of clinical guidelines for the treatment of colorectal cancer in 2024, while maintaining the routine approach to MR staging of malignant neoplasms of this localization, reduces the level of continuity between medical specialists. AIM: To improve the quality and completeness of MR diagnostics of malignant neoplasms of the rectum to ensure continuity and improve the multidisciplinary approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the completeness of compliance with the parameters of TNM8 (2017) and the MRI subclassification T3 of rectal cancer was carried out on 137MRI scans of the pelvic organs and protocols with conclusions to them. Based on the results of the analysis, educational training and a conclusion template for radiologists were developed and conducted, after which the MR images were re-evaluated. Before and after the training, the most fully evaluated MRI scans by radiologists were provided to medical experts to form a "second opinion". The results obtained made it possible to calculate the absolute and relative number of consensuses (coinciding in all parameters of the conclusions) and to identify cases of rectal cancer restaging that require changes in treatment tactics. RESULTS: Before the educational training, only 11% of MRI scans and their reports met the requirements of the modern protocol. After the training, 78% of the images were completed in compliance with all requirements. Particular difficulties and the majority of "discrepancies" in conclusions arose when determining the depth of tumor invasion into the mesorectal tissue; measuring the distance from the tumor and/or affected lymph node to the mesorectal fascia or edge of the levator ani muscle and identifying signs of extramural vascular invasion. It was not possible to achieve complete consensus in all cases on these parameters. CONCLUSION: The analysis of MRI scans of the pelvic organs, the development and implementation of educational training to improve the interpretation of medical images, made it possible to significantly improve the staging of rectal cancer and ensure proper continuity in the implementation of a multidisciplinary approach

The Labour Left from Benn to Momentum: continuity and change in strategy and tactics

AbstractPrevious works have correctly highlighted the strategic and tactical convergences between the Bennite New Left and the Corbyn insurgency. However, such scholarship has underestimated the impact of the differences in the composition between the two intra-party movements. Critically, while the Benn project developed as an attempt to update Labour strategy in times of social upheaval, Momentum and the Corbyn movement emerged as a hybrid alliance between New Left veterans and the extra-parliamentary anti-austerity and libertarian left. This impacted the Left’s conceptualisation of socialist strategy and led to disagreements over tactics. This paper will explain how, despite these differences, the 2010s Left ended up reproducing the core tenets of New Left’s strategy and tactics. This outcome is explained as a consequence of a convergent conceptualisation of social change and the persistence of intra-party conflicts.

Economic and legal mechanisms of material and technical support of health care institutions

The paper shows that the formation of a network of state and communal health care institutions is a multifactorial process aimed at ensuring high quality, accessibility and efficiency of medical care for all citizens. It is shown that the state plays a key role in the organization of material and technical support of the health care system in order to guarantee the population an appropriate level of medical and rehabilitation assistance. It ensures the availability of the necessary resources to provide the population with a guaranteed level of medical and rehabilitation assistance to individuals and medical institutions, including in the form of equipment, tools, medicines and other necessary materials. The role and imperative of compliance with standards of medical care, clinical protocols, rehabilitation care protocols, as well as material and technical equipment reports in all health care institutions have been defined. It is shown that the record of material and technical equipment plays a key role in ensuring a high level of medical services, optimizing resources and increasing the efficiency of health care institutions and private medical practices. It has been proven that under the conditions of martial law, the role of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine in the logistical support of health care facilities increases, as it ensures constant monitoring of the effectiveness of approved standards and lists, as well as their regular updating in accordance with new technologies and changes in combat tactics and medical science Medical products and aids must be suitable for use in combat environments, including extreme conditions, mobility and speed of care. The functions of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine are an important component of ensuring the appropriate level of medical care for servicemen in combat conditions, which contributes to increasing their safety and effectiveness on the battlefield. A comprehensive approach to the logistical support of health care is proposed, which allows to ensure a high level of medical care, support innovations in the medical field, and promote the development of the national medical industry.

Revisiting of AlphaStar

Research on StarCraft II (SC2) is considered important due to its similarity to real-life tasks and its potential to inspire game AI design. However, the complexity of SC2 presents considerable challenges. In 2019, DeepMind proposed AlphaStar (AS), an agent that achieved Grandmaster level in SC2. Nevertheless, the reasons for AS's success remain unclear. In this paper, we revisit AS by analyzing its technical details, implementation codes, and replays. We also propose the open-sourced mini-scaled AS's new versions to do ablation studies. We classify SC2 problems by difficulty level and suggest a research path for tackling them. We then identify several limitations of AS, such as its lack of strategic view, reasoning, scouting, changes in tactics, and planning. Our paper also presents the first analysis of AS's replays. In conclusion, we emphasize that there is still a long way to solve the final SC2 problem.

Acute Cholangitis GRADE II–III. The View of an Interventional Radiologist

Aim of study To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiostomy (PTC) as a first-line intervention in the treatment of patients with acute cholangitis (AC) Grade II–III (TG 13/18).Material and methods The results of treatment of 42 patients with AC Grade II–III, who underwent PTC, were analyzed. The criteria for non-inclusion were the presence in patients of destructive cholecystitis and (or) acute pancreatitis, AC due to proximal block of the bile ducts, regardless of etiology, as well as the presence of cholangiogenic liver abscesses. Literature data were used as reference results of the use of endoscopic techniques. AC was diagnosed and its severity was determined in accordance with the diagnostic criteria TG 13/18. The control points of the study were the frequency of post-manipulation complications associated with PTC, as well as the immediate efficacy of cholangiostomy, assessed by the dynamics of Grade-status within 24 and 48 hours.Results In all 42 patients, PTC was technically successful. Major complications that might require a change in treatment tactics (significant hemobilia, bile peritonitis, bleeding into the abdominal cavity) were not observed. Two complications occurred: subcapsular hematoma (2.4%) and right-sided pleurisy (2.4%). When assessing the dynamics of Grade status, its significant decrease was found in the group of patients with initial Grade III after 24 hours (from 16 to 9 hours) and 48 hours (from 9 to 4 hours). In patients with initial Grade II status, in three cases it worsened to Grade III, which still persisted in one patient even in 48 hours. There was no in-hospital mortality in the examined patients.Conclusion Antegrade endobiliary intervention for acute cholangitis involves performing real-time monitored biliary decompression. Experience with the use of percutaneous interventions does not confirm the high risk and frequency of post-manipulation complications in comparison with endoscopic retrogradeprocedures. It seems obvious that there is a need for and the possibility of choosing both retrograde and antegrade methods of emergency biliary decompression in the arsenal of treatment for patients with acute cholangitis.

The evolution of views on the complex treatment of esophageal cancer

INTRODUCTION. Currently, the choice of tactics in the treatment of esophageal cancer remains an urgent problem. Important factors are: the stage of the disease, the functional state of the patient, as well as the morphological type of tumor. An integrated approach is today the standard for this pathology. However, after radical treatment, a significant number of complications are observed, in particular, the development of leakage of esophagogastroanastomosis. Today, according to world literature, it is generally accepted that the development of anastomotic leakage is associated with the detection of the disease in late stages, the consequences of radiation during combined chemoradiotherapy, and extensive surgical intervention for esophageal cancer.The OBJECTIVE was to improve the results of treatment of patients with malignant neoplasms of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction, through the use of an integrated approach.METHODS AND MATERIALS. During the period of 1988–2022, treated 2784 patients with cancer of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction were treated at the Republican Clinical Oncology Dispensary named after Prof. M. Z. Sigal. The study group included 1,799 patients who received surgical treatment, combined chemoradiotherapy in combination with surgery, and external beam radiation therapy in combination with surgery.RESULTS. Due to changes in treatment tactics for patients with cancer of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction, postoperative mortality after surgical complications decreased from 24.3 % to 6.2 %, and anastomotic leakage in the postoperative period decreased from 27.0 % to 8.1 %.CONCLUSION. Changes in the treatment of patients with cancer of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction made it possible to reduce the development of postoperative complications and increase life expectancy. The molecular genetic approach allows for effective analysis of screening, early diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.

Using combat simulations to determine tactical responses to new technologies on the battlefield

Although military technology can provide a tactical edge in combat, its efficacy often diminishes once the opposing force adapts. To address this issue, the study proposes a systematic approach to predict, model, and quantify the responses of soldiers on the battlefield to new technology. The method uses virtual simulations to identify changes in behavior and tactics, which are then modeled in constructive simulations to quantify lethality, survivability, and mission effectiveness. The approach is demonstrated through a case study on grenade-equipped quadcopters using the Infantry Warrior Simulation, a constructive simulation, and Virtual Battlespace 3.0, a virtual simulation. The study found that this tactic was initially successful at disrupting operations of soldiers. However, after seven iterations, the soldiers implemented changes in their tactics to minimize the effects of the drone. This process provides insight into better understanding the dynamic, responsive nature of the modern battlefield.

Dramaturgy of Discourse: Cognitive-Pragmatic Potential of Metamarker ‘V TAKOM TONE’ [in such a tone

The phenomenon of discursive dramaturgy is interpreted in the article as the planning and construction of an effective communicative strategy by the linguistic persona in specific socio-cultural conditions. The methodological basis for this study is provided by the concepts of A. V. Olyanich, I. Hoffman, J. Habermas, and V. I. Karasik. The phrase ‘v takom tone’ [in such a tone] is examined as a pragmatic metamarker of discursive dramaturgy tactics. The research material consists of textual excerpts from literary works in the National Corpus of the Russian. 74 excerpts describing communicative situations representing genres of conflict or potentially conflictual interactions were selected. In 26 of them, the metamarker ‘v takom tone’ [in such a tone] was used to model situations related to genres of personality-oriented discourse. In 16 excerpts, this metamarker models situations related to genres of status-oriented discourse. In 32 excerpts, the phrase was used as a cognitive plan metamarker. The results of the study allow us to conclude about the frequency of marking with the phrase ‘v takom tone’ [in such a tone] of social roles, tactics of maintaining social face, “sincere misunderstanding,” threat, and conflict avoidance. The metamarker ‘v takom tone’ [in such a tone] helps the interaction addressee to explicitize the addressee’s cognitive plan — to identify intentions and desires, predict a change in tactics.

Impact of the war in Ukraine on the law enforcement system in general and the National police of Ukraine in particular

The article is devoted to defining the essence and peculiarities of the law enforcement system of Ukraine and the National Police of Ukraine, as well as the impact of the war on the development of the activities of these bodies. Attention was drawn to the mechanism of law enforcement agencies, namely the ways and methods of ensuring their activities. The principles on which the activity of the National Police of Ukraine is based are also analyzed, taking into account all the changes that were introduced due to the war. Studying changes in the National Police of Ukraine in the context of the full-scale Russian invasion is crucial for several reasons.
 Firstly, it provides insights into the adaptability and resilience of law enforcement agencies in the face of unprecedented challenges. Understanding how the police force responds to such a crisis can offer valuable lessons for other nations dealing with similar threats.
 Secondly, research in this area sheds light on the effectiveness of reforms and training programs implemented to enhance the capabilities of the National Police. Analyzing the changes in strategies, tactics, and overall performance can help identify areas of improvement and refine future initiatives.
 Furthermore, studying the National Police's response to the Russian invasion contributes to a broader understanding of the role of law enforcement in conflict zones. It allows for an evaluation of the challenges faced by the police force, such as maintaining public order, ensuring civilian safety, and combating organized crime in a volatile environment. In a geopolitical context, this research becomes a part of the global conversation on security and stability. It highlights the importance of international support and cooperation in strengthening the capacities of national law enforcement agencies during times of conflict.
 Ultimately, examining the shifts in the National Police of Ukraine amid the Russian invasion not only provides valuable insights for the country itself but also contributes to the global discourse on security, resilience, and the role of law enforcement in times of crisis.

Changing tactics in negotiating refugee assistance policies and practices: A case study of an asylum seeker-led organization in Hong Kong

Abstract This article examines the tactical changes made by the asylum seeker community in Hong Kong in negotiating local refugee assistance policies and practices. The analysis presented in this paper is grounded in my ethnographic fieldwork with an asylum seeker-led organization and supplemented by archival study and informal interviews. In recent years, the asylum seeker community has adopted a pragmatic approach to advocacy, increasingly asking the local community for support in providing humanitarian aid rather than calling for changes to the assistance system, a tactic that this group used in the past. I argue that these tactical changes cannot be separated from the social and political contexts of Hong Kong. The presence of stimulating events, particularly those involving local and global refugee and migrant communities, the space available for voicing dissent, and the level of institutional responsiveness, all affect how the asylum seeker community in Hong Kong participates in policy discussions.

Sergei Chakhotin against the Swastika: Mass Psychology and Scientific Organization in the Iron Front's Three Arrows Campaign

Abstract This article details the influence of Russian psychologist Sergei Chakhotin on the propaganda of the Iron Front, an antifascist organization that resisted the rise of the Nazis in the dying days of the Weimar Republic. Notably the creator of the Three Arrows symbol, Chakhotin espoused theories and methods that used Ivan Pavlov's notion of the conditioned reflex and Fredrick Taylor's theory of scientific management to transform socialist propaganda to better combat the rise of fascism. By scrutinizing Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) periodicals and Iron Front propaganda, I argue that Chakhotin's ideas played a crucial role in catalyzing changes in the form and content of street campaigning throughout 1932. Chakhotin provided a scientific lens through which his allies in the SPD could view and understand the mass appeal of the Nazis, as well as the necessary changes in party tactics that were required in the age of mass media, popular spectacle, and emotional struggle.

Cybersecurity In The Digital Age: Developing Robust Strategies To Protect Against Evolving Global Digital Threats And Cyber Attacks

In today's digital era, cyber security is a growing challenge, considering increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks and increasing global digital threats. These threats not only pose risks to individual privacy but also to the security of critical infrastructure and the country's economic interests. The need to develop a robust and adaptive cybersecurity strategy is critical to protecting digital assets and maintaining information security. This research aims to analyze the global cyber threat landscape and develop effective cyber security strategies to counter evolving digital threats. The method used is a descriptive qualitative approach by collecting and analyzing data from relevant previous studies. The results of the research show that an effective cybersecurity strategy requires an adaptive and innovative approach, utilizing the latest technology and cross-sector collaboration. The importance of international collaboration and human resource development in the field of cyber security was emphasized as a key factor in building stronger defenses against cyber attacks. Analysis of global cyber threats and their threat actors provides insight into the importance of cybersecurity education and awareness at all levels of organizations and society. The security strategy developed must be able to adapt to changes in technology and attack tactics to ensure effective protection. Cross-sector collaboration and the development of a strong cybersecurity ecosystem are the foundations for facing future cybersecurity challenges.

Modelling tactical changes in association football using a Markov game

Abstract Accepted by: Phil Scarf We model tactical changes in association football as a Markov game. The pitch is discretized into nine zones and the states of the Markov game are defined according to the zone in which the ball is located in-play, the team in possession and the score. We first model tactical changes in a Markov decision process framework, wherein one team maximizes their probability of winning. Then, we model tactical changes in a two-person zero-sum Markov game framework, wherein both teams maximize their probability of winning. Fundamental to our modelling is the notion that tactical changes impact upon transition rates. We verify the models using data from matches in a season of the Japan Professional Football League. We define a change in transition rates that can be realized by changes in tactics, and illustrate an example of optimal tactical changes when both teams can vary their tactics. The models we develop in the paper can support managers who are considering important decisions about substitutions and changes to formation, for example, when a match is in-play.

Effect of COVID-19 on Key Performance Indicators of Spanish Professional Soccer League.

The unprecedented COVID-19 health crisis severely disrupted global sports in 2020, prompting lengthy suspensions followed by resumed competitions under abnormal behind-closed-doors conditions without fans. These disruptions necessitated tactical adaptations by coaches and teams, attempting to still achieve successful outcomes. This study investigates the pandemic's impacts on performance metrics and indicators within Spanish professional soccer. Utilizing systematic notational analysis, 760 match cases from the 2019-2020 La Liga season were examined, comprising 27 matchdays from the pre-COVID context and 11 after resumption. Multivariate tests identified significant pre/post differences and interactions for various technical indicators including shots, cards, corners, and offside calls. The pandemic was associated with a reduction from 12 to just 5 identifiable playing styles, suggestive of increased conservatism featuring more passive play, limited attacking depth, and horizontal ball movement. Such tactical changes appear provoked by condensed fixture scheduling post-lockdown, the lack of supportive crowds, and compromised player fitness/recovery. By quantifying these COVID-precipitated changes, the analysis provides tangible evidence for coaches to make informed adjustments in training and preparation for functioning effectively in disrupted environments. The findings emphasize that versatility and flexibility will be vital to optimize performance during times of unprecedented uncertainty.

Changes in Red Army tactics during the Battle of Stalingrad

Importance. The topic of the Battle of Stalingrad is investigated, the relevance of which is beyond doubt, since any study in our country devoted to the Great Patriotic War was and remains important both for preserving historical memory and for educating the younger generation. The relevance of the study is enhanced by the fact that the stated scientific problem – the peculiarities of the tactics of the Soviet troops in the autumn-winter period of 1942 – is practically not disclosed in the scientific literature. The purpose of the study is to show how the Wehrmacht characterized the changes that occurred in the tactics of the Red Army during the Battle of Stalingrad.Materials and Methods. The research and its source base are captured documents from the funds of the Central Archive of the Ministry of Defense (CAMO). Research methods: attribution of captured documents from the CAMO funds, comparison, content analysis, microhistoric analysis. The object of the study is the tactics of offensive and defensive battles of the Red Army in autumn– winter 1942.Results and Discussion. The specific author’s results of the study are that it shows how Stalin’s order No. 306 on improving offensive combat tactics and combat formations was characterized in the General Staff of German Ground Forces; data on the main changes in the tactics of defensive combat of Red Army are given; it shows what importance artillery was assigned in offensive and defensive battles, what changes occurred in the tank forces.Conclusion. The changes in the tactics of the offensive and defensive battles of Red Army during the Battle of Stalingrad were timely, it was constantly improved and adapted to specific combat conditions, which eventually ensured the final transition of the initiative to the Soviet troops at the front.

The Epidemic Situation of Tularemia in Karelia at the Present Time

Tularemia is a natural focal infection, characterized by the ability to maintain epizootic and epidemic potential for decades and periodically become more active. Since 2016, an increase in the incidence of tularemia has been observed in the Republic of Karelia.Aims. To evaluate the epidemiological situation with tularemia in the Republic of Karelia to determine the directions of preventive work in modern conditions.Conclusions. Analysis of the epizootic and epidemiological situation regarding tularemia in the Republic of Karelia demonstrates the possibility of intensifying the epizootic process after decades of relative prosperity. The increase in the incidence of the population was not only the result of the activation of natural foci of infection, but also of improved diagnosis of the disease and change in tactics for using vaccines in areas enzootic for tularemia.

Politics of Knowledge in Conservation: (De)valued Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Bote in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Political ecology studies have mostly explored the conflicts that arise between local communities and Indigenous peoples' (IPs') vulnerability to sustainable livelihoods based on nature and conservation regimes. Even in the context of the change in conservation tactics towards active community involvement and socioeconomic development, which has reinforced the fortress conservation strategy, traditional ways of life and the lived traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of IPs are under jeopardy. Nevertheless, the studies give little consideration to the way in which TEK is (de)valued for bolstering fortress conservation at the expense of IPs' livelihoods unsustainability. This study investigates the (de)valuation of TEK of Bote embedded in their traditional livelihoods through conservation management, based on a critical ethnographic investigation carried out in two villages of Bote IPs (in the Buffer Zone area) of Nawalparasi district of Chitwan National Park (CNP) –southern lowlands of Nepal. We argue that TEK is paralyzed by a conservation regime without acknowledging the symbiotic relationship between IPs and biodiversity. Therefore, in order to conserve biodiversity and support the mutual sustainability of biodiversity and local livelihoods, there needs to be active guardianship and stewardship of IPs.

Synthesis of 5-phenyl-1,8-naphthalic anhydrides: An exercise in acenaphthene chemistry

The synthesis of phenylnaphthalic anhydrides, including substitution patterns typically found in the Haemodoraceae and Pontederiacea family of plants, was explored using Suzuki and Ullmann-type aromatic substitutions on acenaphthene. Synthetic challenges were surmounted by tactical changes to determine the order of events.