Mass Displacement Research Articles

Religion and Migration in Iraq: Investigating the Reasons for Return of Internally Displaced Christians to Baghdeda

The emergence of the terrorist group, Daesh in 2014 and the international military campaign against it caused both a humanitarian crisis and mass displacement in Iraq. About 5.8 million people became internally displaced, and as of 2021, 1.2 million of them still remain in displacement. This article engages with the question of what motivates people to return from displacement to their area of origin. It investigates the role that religion played in the decision of internally displaced Christians to return to Baghdeda in the Ninewa Plain, Iraq's largest Christian town. Based on qualitative interviews, the article examines the factors influencing people's decisions to return. We find that religion contributes to an array of pull factors positively influencing the decision to return, within the nexus of other considerations such as security, reconstruction, and economic opportunities. Religion was found to contribute to the return decision through the respondents' Christian identity, the encouragement to return by religious leaders, and the reconstruction efforts led by the churches. However, while these factors contributed to motivating people to return, these alone are not sufficient to motivate Christians to stay in Baghdeda in the long-term if other important conditions like the security situation and economic opportunities are not in place.

The effect of total ankle arthroplasty on mechanical energy exchange

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a common surgical solution for patients with debilitating arthritis of the ankle. Prior to surgery patients experience high levels of pain and fatigue and low mechanical energy recovery. It is not known if TAA restores healthy levels of mechanical energy recovery in this patient population. This study was designed to determine whether mechanical energy recovery was restored following TAA. Ground reaction forces during self-selected speed walking were collected from patients with symptomatic, unilateral ankle arthritis (N = 29) before and one and two years after primary, unilateral TAA. The exchange of potential (PE) and kinetic (KE) energy was examined, and direction of change (%congruity) and energy exchange (%recovery) between the two curves was calculated, with those subjects with low congruity experiencing high energy recovery. Linear regressions were used to examine the impact of walking speed, congruity, and amplitude of the center of mass (COM) displacement on %recovery, while ANOVA and ANCOVA models were used to compare energy recovery and congruity across the three time points. Gender, BMI, and age at surgery had no effect in this study. TAA improved walking speed (p = 0.001), increased energy recovery (p = 0.020), and decreased congruity (p = 0.002), and these levels were maintained over at least two years. Differences in congruity were independent of walking speed. In some patients, especially those who are severely debilitated by ankle arthritis, TAA is effective in restoring mechanical energy recovery to levels similar to an asymptomatic population of a similar age recorded by other studies.

Influence of Perturbation’s Type and Location on Treadmill Gait Regularity

Background: This study aimed to investigate how —external perturbations caused by a treadmill belt’s acceleration (Acc) and deceleration (Dec) during the Initial-Contact (Initial), Mid-Stance (Mid), and Pre-Swing (ToeOff) phases affect gait regularity in young adults. Methods: Twenty-one healthy young females walked on a treadmill in a virtual environment (Motek GRAIL), in which four unexpected perturbations were applied to the left belt at the Initial, Mid, and ToeOff stages. Sample entropy (SampEn) was calculated for the center of mass (CoM) displacements for six perturbation scenarios in three directions—anterior–posterior (AP), medial–lateral (ML), and vertical (vert)—with SampEn vector lengths (m) ranging from 2 to 10. Results: The CoM displacement exhibited its highest regularity (low SampEn values) in the AP and vert directions during Dec–ToeOff, across all m values. Similarly, this pattern was observed in the ML direction, but exclusively for m = 2 and 4. The least-regular CoM trajectories (high SampEn values) were for Dec–Mid in the AP direction, across all m values. This trend persisted in the ML direction only for m = 2 and 4. However, the most irregular CoM displacements in the ML direction occurred during Dec–ToeOff for the remaining m values. Vertical CoM displacements exhibited the highest irregularities during Dec–Initial for m ≥ 4. Conclusions: Evaluating the regularity of CoM displacements using SampEn can be a useful tool for assessing how gait perturbations are handled.

A novel frog-like meta-structure with linkage mechanism for low-frequency vibration isolation

Structures with linkage mechanism, which could be widely seen in engineering, usually need to bear a certain load and exhibit ideal vibration isolation performance. One of the key factors affecting the mechanical and vibration properties is the connection behavior of the linkage mechanism. To clarify its influence on the vibration characteristics, a novel frog-like meta-structure by introducing a linkage mechanism into the conventional locally resonant metamaterial with a mass-spring resonator is proposed in the present paper, in which the linkage connection is considered as three types of hinged, fixed and elastic, respectively. The equivalent dynamic model of the meta-structure is established theoretically to calculate the effective material properties, which is then validated numerically through band gap and vibration analysis. The results show that the hinged linkage offers equivalent mass and free vertical displacement, while the fixed linkage provides supporting stiffness, shifting the band gap towards higher frequencies. An appropriate elastic connection can enhance the ‘spring-vibrator’ effect, which in turn can significantly expand the low-frequency vibration suppression range of the structure. Experiments are also conducted corresponding to the different linkage mechanisms, and the dynamic model is verified. This study could provide a new idea for promoting the application of the locally resonant meta-structure with a linkage mechanism in the field of low-frequency vibration isolation.

Local impacts, global consequences: assessing the mass displacement and migration tied to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

ABSTRACT Since Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the region’s dynamics have shifted considerably calling for an interdisciplinary assessment of the reverberating effects at home and abroad. This special issue of Canadian Foreign Policy Journal contributes to contemporary public affairs, refugee, migration, and diaspora studies by offering an overview of the broad impacts underway. The issue’s international authors give readers an opportunity to listen to voices addressing all levels of the invasion’s challenges–socially, politically, and economically–uniting thematic and regional expertise on this urgent topic while making linkages between Canada and the region. Their contributions bridge the disciplines of history, geography, political science, architecture, sociology, public policy, and philosophy. This introductory text provides an initial reflection on the pressing issues, summarizing the broad consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while outlining each author’s distinct contribution. In addition to discussions of the invasion's consequences, it also begins to frame the resultant openings—and challenges—of greater regional pluralism moving forward, as refugees and internally displaced persons leave their homes and interact with new host societies, both domestically and internationally. This special issue looks across the affected region while offering a unique view overseas into the impacts here in Canada.

The Effect of Boko Haram Insurgency on Health and Nutrition among the Residents of Bolori 2 of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council of Borno State, Nigeria.

The Effect of Boko Haram Insurgency on Health and Nutrition among the Residents of Bolori 2 of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council of Borno State, Nigeria.

Acute effect of short-duration static stretching exercises on dynamic balance in U-14 female athletes

Purpose The acute effects of static stretching (SS) on dynamic balance, a key fitness component that contributes to injury prevention, has been and is still a subject of significant debate. This study aimed to investigate the acute effect of short-duration SS exercises on dynamic balance following different recovery durations in youth female volleyball players. Methods Thirteen volunteers U-14 female players were included. Eight random assessments were carried-out on separate days. They consisted of 2D-kinematic analysis of frontal and/or sagittal balance of the center of mass (COM) displacement, velocity, and acceleration on wobble board conducted without SS, immediately after and following 2 and 10 minutes of SS. Results Repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant difference between conditions in the velocity (p=0.002 to 0.049; d=0.844 to 2.200) and the acceleration (p=0.014 to 0.021; d=1.532 to 1.657) of the COM in both frontal and sagittal planes sway. Post-hoc analysis revealed decreased COM velocity (p=0.001 to 0.030; d=2.501 to 6.750) and acceleration (p=0.001 to 0.030; d=2.501 to 6.750) in the frontal plane, regardless of the recovery time. The most prominent decrease in both parameters was observed immediately after SS (p=0.001 to 0.013; d=2.907 to 6.750). However, in the sagittal balance, we observed an immediate increase in COM acceleration following SS (p<0.001; d=4.223). Conclusions Short-duration SS leads to improved dynamic balance, particularly on the frontal plane, with the most favorable effect observed immediately after stretching. Practically speaking, short-duration SS appears to be an effective exercise modality for inducing acute enhancements in dynamic balance among youth female volleyball players.

Comparative Study Probabilistic Seismic Risk Assessment for Regular and Irregular RCC Buildings

In the study numerous buildings exhibit irregularities of their architectural plans, a feature that could render them susceptible to excessive seismic activities in the future. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the seismic vulnerability and response of regular and irregular shaped multi-storey building of identical weight in context. Both static and dynamic (response spectrum) analysis has been done to observe the influence of shape of a building on its responses to various loading. G+12 storied regular (rectangular) and irregular shaped buildings have been modeled using program staad pro for seismic zone III. Impact of wind and static load on exclusive formed shape along with dynamic response spectrum has been meticulously analyzed considering the mass of each shaped is identical. A comparative analysis of the center of mass and maximum displacement overstorey of variously shaped buildings under static loading and dynamic response spectrum has been conducted. All form buildings react nearly in sync if the total mass fluctuates only little. But as the end result indicates, a structure's irregular dimensions are what expose it to its vulnerable direction. It is possible to build an irregularly shaped structure that might act more like a rectangular building while keeping the total mass the same.

Can a Well-Being Economy Save Us?

The COVID-19 pandemic led many countries to consider reforms to their economic policies, in part to better deal with global warming, mass population migration and displacements, and worsening global inequalities. Some health progressive changes have been made, but the world still confronts the contradiction between economic growth and the need to reduce aggregate global consumption. Well-being economies based on valuing human and planetary health have been proposed as a viable option, with more appeal than concepts such as degrowth or postgrowth economics. Some governments are moving in a "well-being economy" direction, but are they moving far and fast enough? What are the policy actions governments must take, and how will they overcome powerful interests opposed to any economic changes that might challenge their privileges? The idea of well-being economies resonates strongly with most cultures; and therein lies its civil society activist potential.

The Investigating Image Registration Accuracy and Contour Propagation for Adaptive Radiotherapy Purposes in Line with the Task Group No. 132 Recommendation.

Image registration is a crucial component of the adaptive radiotherapy workflow. This study investigates the accuracy of the deformable image registration (DIR) and contour propagation features of SmartAdapt, an application in the Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) version 16.1. The registration accuracy was validated using the Task Group No. 132 (TG-132) virtual phantom, which features contour evaluation and landmark analysis based on the quantitative criteria recommended in the American Association of Physicists in Medicine TG-132 report. The target registration error, Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and center of mass displacement were used as quantitative validation metrics. The performance of the contour propagation feature was evaluated using clinical datasets (head and neck, pelvis, and chest) and an additional four-dimensional computed tomography (CT) dataset from TG-132. The primary planning and the second CT images were appropriately registered and deformed. The DSC was used to find the volume overlapping between the deformed contours and the radiation oncologist (RO)-drawn contour. The clinical value of the DIR-generated structure was reviewed and scored by an experienced RO to make a qualitative assessment. The registration accuracy fell within the specified tolerances. SmartAdapt exhibited a reasonably propagated contour for the chest and head-and-neck regions, with DSC values of 0.80 for organs at risk. Misregistration is frequently observed in the pelvic region, which is specified as a low-contrast region. However, 78% of structures required no modification or minor modification, demonstrating good agreement between contour comparison and the qualitative analysis. SmartAdapt has adequate efficiency for image registration and contour propagation for adaptive purposes in various anatomical sites. However, there should be concern about its performance in regions with low contrast and small volumes.

Vibration Analysis of Suspension System for 3DOF Quarter Car Model with Tire Damping

Quarter car model is the simplest way for the analysis of vehicle suspension system. The objective of this study is to propose the natural frequency and to identify the displacement analysis of 3 Degree of Freedom (3DOF) suspension system using Matlab software. Research methodology are state space modelling method and logarithmic decrement method. From the state space modelling, seat mass, sprung mass and unsprung mass displacement have been calculated. Logarithmic decrement method is a time domain technique to obtain experimental damping ratio. The novelty of this research has demonstrated the experimental approach by using Quantum X (catman AP v5 software). Natural frequency and acceleration results are obtained from the time domain response of experimental data. The value of sprung mass natural frequency for theoretical (1.23 Hz) and experimental (1.134 Hz) result are within 1Hz to 2Hz. The maximum displacement transmissibility values for theoretical (2.7) and experimental (2.54) approach are less than the reference value (3.5) at the resonance point. The findings demonstrated that the results of natural frequency and damping ratio are within the acceptable limit. So, the obtained results are validated the suspension system of Nissan Sunny model for vehicle safety and passenger comfort.

Systemic Peacebuilding in Mozambique: MOZ2050 Strategic Plan

Mozambique, a nation with a tumultuous history marked by colonization, civil war, and ongoing socio - economic challenges, stands at a critical juncture in its development trajectory. Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, Mozambique has grappled with political transitions, armed conflict, and the exploitation of its abundant natural resources. Despite its mineral wealth, particularly in the Northern region, the country continues to face pervasive issues of poverty, inequality, and social injustice. The signing of the Peace Agreement in 1992, which brought an end to the civil war between the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) and the National Resistance of Mozambique (RENAMO), marked a pivotal moment in the nation's history. However, the aftermath of conflict has left deep scars on Mozambican society, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and fostering conditions conducive to violent extremism. Cabo Delgado Province, renowned for its mineral riches yet plagued by poverty and instability, has become a focal point of violent extremism, notably with the emergence of the self- proclaimed Islamic State. The region has witnessed a wave of terrorist attacks, leading to mass displacement, loss of life, and profound psychological trauma among its inhabitants, particularly women, children, and persons with disabilities. In response to this complex crisis, the Mozambique 2050 (MOZ2050) Strategic Plan has been formulated, representing a holistic and innovative approach to peacebuilding and resilience-building. Grounded in extensive contextual analysis and stakeholder consultations, this multifaceted strategy aims to address the root causes of extremism while fostering social cohesion, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.

Towards Better (Territorial) Solutions for Displaced People: The Tibetan Model

This article envisions alternatives for refugee camps, detention centres and precarious encampments by exploring the management of Tibetan refugee settlements, particularly in India. They have developed from encampments to unique settlements, forming a community some call the world’s most successful refugee community. In terms of existing alternative ideas to provide better placements for the displaced, these settlements share similarities with a vision of Refugia, which aims to increase refugees’ agency and end mass displacement through a network of autonomous places. The Tibetan model can predict some challenges and possibilities of Refugia and suggest improvements to the current refugee protection system.

The Value of 3D SPACE MRI in Differentiating between Sequestrated Lumbar Disc Herniation and Tumors: Two Cases and Literature.

Intervertebral disc herniation, defined as the protrusion or extrusion of the disc mass outside the disc space, is common and easy to diagnose on conventional Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scans. However, the sequestrated disc fragments are challenging to detect, and intervertebral disc mass displacement into the dural sac, which can lead to serious neurological problems such as Cauda equina syndrome (CES). The sequestrated disc fragments do not have specific clinical or radiological characteristics that can differentiate an atypical disc mass from a tumor, making the diagnosis difficult preoperatively. Herein, we describe the use of Sampling Perfection with Application Optimized Contrast using different flip angle Evolution in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (3D SPACE MRI) in the diagnosis of the intervertebral disc fragment that mimicked a tumor. In this study, we report two cases of sequestered lumbar disc herniation. The first case was a 37-year-old patient with a 2-year history of intermittent left lower limb pain that aggravates with exercise and is relieved at rest, while the second case was a 42-year-old patient with a history of 40 days of numbness and pain in the left lower limb. 3D SPACE MRI is a beneficial diagnostic imaging tool for discriminating between disc mass that mimics a tumor and a tumor before surgery. If the disc fragment mimicking a tumor can be identified before the operation, open surgical treatment won't be necessary for all patients.

Measles Outbreak in Lebanon: July 2023.

After the beginning of the Syrian crisis, increased rates of infectious diseases were reported. Lebanon, a neighboring country with a major socioeconomic crisis, witnessed a measles outbreak since July 2023, with 519 reported suspected cases. Half of the cases were under 5 y of age, most of them were unvaccinated. The mass displacement of refugees from conflict areas in Syria to Lebanon and the low vaccination coverage have made the situation more challenging. Further efforts are required in Lebanon to address identified gaps to prevent or at least better control future outbreaks.

Analysis of the Dependency Theory Concerning India's Rise in Global Politics and Pakistan's Underdevelopment

The 1947 partition of British India gave rise to India and Pakistan, both grappling with similar socio-economic and political challenges. Despite shared beginnings, India has outpaced Pakistan in development, emerging as a significant global player. India's success is attributed to its commitment to democracy and secularism, economic progress, strategic positioning, and military prowess. Its diverse population, stable democracy, and expanding middle-class position India as a responsible global actor and a trusted ally for democratic nations. Meanwhile, Pakistan faces hurdles such as mass displacement, ongoing tensions with India, political instability, and societal unrest. Factors like military rule, corruption, inefficiency, and lagging development impede democratic and civil growth. Sectarian tensions, violence, and ties with the United States contribute to Pakistan's slower progress. Dependency theory elucidates Pakistan's underdevelopment and India's ascent, highlighting India's pursuit of economic autonomy and a robust domestic industrial base.

Characterization of a dual system of hydraulic cylinders to originate tilting movement and column support in an industrial furnace

The controlled displacement of large masses or response to loads is guaranteed by implementing hydraulic systems. The capacity of these systems implies the cylinders' design and the pump power that drives the working fluids. In this regard, the reference to the construction planning of an industrial melting furnace is an example of analysis. Before determining the characteristics of the implicit hydraulic systems, the required element displacement magnitudes were determined. In addition to the load profiles according to the geometric and density characteristics of the materials used to consolidate the equipment during operating conditions, the data obtained by applying reaction analysis and the concept of force multiplication (Pascal's law) determined the equipment characteristics. Likewise, these characteristics are used to select the commercial elements, considering a safety factor for good performance.

Збурені рухи твердого тіла з рухомою масою в середовищі з опором

Various cases of the rigid body motion having internal degrees of freedom was studied. In particular, the motions of a body carrying masses which are attached to it by means of elastic forces with linear damping was investigated. This situation simulates the presence of loosely fixed components on a spacecraft, having a significant influence on its motion about its center of mass. The development of research in dynamics of rigid body motions about its center of mass goes in the direction of taking into account the fact that these bodies are not perfectly rigid but are rather close to perfect models. The need for the analysis of the influence of various deviations from perfectness is caused by growing accuracy requirements in space exploration, gyroscopy, etc. The influence of imperfections can be revealed using asymptotic methods of nonlinear mechanics (averaging, singular perturbations and others). This influence reduces the additional terms in the Euler equations of motion of a fictitious rigid body. In the space flight, there arises sometimes a necessity to suppress the chaotic rotation that occurs for one reason to another. Тo this end, the relative displacements of movable masses are used. A number of works are devoted to the analysis of various problems of the dynamics of space vehicles containing internal masses. The issues of stability and instability and the problems of control and stabilization of motions have been studied. In [1, 6] vector equation which describes the change of vector in the system of coordinates connected with the body was obtained. Function in the right-hind side of this equation is a polynomial containing the fourth and fifth powers of . We study the problem of the motion in a resistive medium of a dynamically symmetric rigid body carrying a movable point mass, connected with the body by an elastic coupling in the presence of viscous friction. By means of asymptotic approach equations of motion of body with mass are simplified. Nonlinear evolution of angular motions of the body is analyzed using averaged equations and numerical integration. Results summed up in this paper make it possible to analyze angular motions of artificial satellites under the influence of small internal perturbation torques.

Dynamic analysis of novel bionic piezoelectric vibration energy harvester for power transformer

Inspired by the morphological transformation of spiders during motion, a novel bionic spider-type piezoelectric vibration energy harvester is proposed. By observing the movement of spiders in nature, we simulated their skeleton structure and constructed a model collection structure using three pairs of symmetrical flexible beams with rods corresponding to the pinholes. The displacement of the middle mass at the free end causes the substrate beam to bend and deform, thereby driving the piezoelectric element to generate voltage. The detailed descriptions of the design steps and principles is provided. We also developed a concentrated mass-spring model for theoretical analysis, which is verified through numerical simulation. We investigated the dynamics of the bionic piezoelectric energy harvester under swept frequency and harmonic excitation. The results demonstrated that the harvester experiences localized vibrations, including broadband high-frequency oscillations. We evaluated the energy harvesting performance of the harvester under different excitations in the frequency range of 108–115 Hz. At a frequency of 111 Hz and an acceleration of 1 g (=9.81 m/s2), the average power output is 0.63 mW. The maximum power output of 5.66 mW can be achieved at an excitation acceleration of 3 g and an operating condition of 111.5 Hz.

Not Just Witnesses: The Efforts of Polish Jewish Survivors and Organizations to Achieve Justice after the Holocaust

The article explores the role of Polish Jewish organizations in investigations and trials of Holocaust perpetrators. It contributes a study of Jewish survivors’ agency in pursuing justice, their relationships with non-Jewish institutions and authorities, and the role of the international networks in these processes. At the center of the article are the Jewish national institutions operating in Poland in the 1940s, which represented the survivors and served as intermediaries between them and the authorities. In the conditions of anti-Jewish hatred, mass displacement, and the strengthening of communism in Poland, Jews treated collecting evidence and pursuing justice as a national mission, and perceived Jewish institutions, in this case the Central Committee of Polish Jews, as representatives of the victims and the Jewish people. The exchange of information between survivors, domestic and foreign Jewish communities, and lobby with national and international authorities, have provided a chance to supply lacking documentation and witness accounts, potentially increase the rate of punishment for perpetrators in Holocaust-related trials, and allow survivors to fulfill their moral obligation.