Military Operations Research Articles

The Role of Poetry in the Development of the Military Operations Era of Abbasid (132-232 H – 749-846 AD)

The Role of Poetry in the Development of the Military Operations Era of Abbasid (132-232 H – 749-846 AD)

Media Representation of the Russia-Ukraine War: A Comparative Discourse Analysis of Reuters and TASS

This study has examined the linguistic differences in news reports published by Reuters and TASS on four distinct incidents during the 2022 Russia-Ukraine war. Employing discourse analysis as the methodological approach and discourse theory as the theoretical framework, the study has revealed significant linguistic and rhetorical disparities between the two media outlets, highlighting divergent ideological stances and power dynamics. The study has found that Reuters and TASS have employed distinct linguistic strategies that shape public ideologies and perceptions. TASS has portrayed the war from a Russian perspective, referring to it as a "special military operation" while excluding Ukrainian viewpoints. In contrast, Reuters has depicted the war as a full-scale invasion and emphasized allegations of war crimes while also excluding Russian viewpoints. Discrepancies have also emerged in reporting casualties and territorial control, with TASS and Reuters presenting conflicting figures and narratives. Neither outlet has cross-checked information, undermining their objectivity and contributing to biased reporting. The study underscores how the language used by TASS and Reuters serves to legitimize their respective positions and influence public perception, reflecting broader geopolitical power dynamics. Both media agencies have produced misleading narratives by relying solely on official statements from both nations without independent verification.

Peacetime Maritime Law Enforcement by Warships

ABSTRACT The scope and methods of maritime law enforcement by warships in peacetime are evolving, triggering international armed conflicts. A core issue is how to distinguish between law enforcement activities and military operations at sea. The construction of an international law regime for peacetime maritime law enforcement by warships will help to reduce the incidence of armed conflicts. This is consistent with the need for a strict interpretation of the principle of prohibiting the threat or use of force under the United Nations Charter. Based on the principles of prohibiting the use of force, the peaceful use of the seas and considerations of good faith, it is possible to establish a stable international legal system for maritime law enforcement by warships. The system would be based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and would operate primarily through implementing agreements as its main model.

Ukraine’s water security under pressure: Climate change and wartime

Ukraine’s water resources depend on external water flow and are unevenly distributed across the country. Water security in Ukraine is threatened by climate-related risks, including droughts and floods, resulting in substantial economic losses. But the greatest risks to water security are posed by military operations. Russia’s occupation of the southeastern part of the territory of Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea in 2014, along with the start of a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, further worsened the state of Ukraine’s water resources. The destruction of the Kakhovka reservoir deprived Ukraine of 10% of its water resources, which were used to support the agricultural and industrial South of Ukraine. It has caused a loss of access to quality drinking water for 6 million people in Ukraine and more that 13 million people have a limited access to water for satisfying sanitary and hygienic needs. The continuation of the war will have multiple negative sustainability implications not only in Ukraine but also on a global scale, hampering the achievement of clean water and sanitation, conservation and sustainable use of water resources and energy, and food security.

An analysis of demographic, socio-economic and clinical variables for mental illness and mental illness relapse in south-east nigeria

Mental health has come into the front burner of development challenges amid declining socio-economic outcomes, especially in developing countries. Insecurity, conflicts and extremely threatening events, which trigger mental disorders, are common in South-East Nigeria, with many military operations, unknown gunmen attacks and kidnapping leading to the cold-blood assassination and kidnap of dear ones. The study aimed to analyze the demographic, socio-economic and clinical variables for mental illness in South-East Nigeria. Consecutive sampling technique was used to obtain a three-year records of the cases of 380 index and 180 post-index points data of mental illness cases that met the inclusion criteria in a purposively selected public mental health hospital. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency count, percentages, chi-square and multinomial logistic regression. Results showed that over a half (55.0%) of the patients were males, and 65.27% had post-primary education. The mean age of patients was 39.87 years. Slightly above half of the cases (55.26%) were single and 56.84% were unemployed. Schizophrenia (68.42%) topped the list of the cases. The rate of relapse was 52.1%, with males being in the majority (61.62%). About 61.62% of those who relapsed were unemployed, 9.60% were into business/trading, and 5.05% were professionals. Those with 5 years and above illness duration had a higher percentage of relapse (52.02%) as well as those with poor drug compliance (66.16%). The mean relapse age was 34.23 years. Educational status, employment status/social class, marital status, and age were socio-economic/clinical factors that associated strongly with relapse at p-value of 0.10. Patients with ≥ 5 and ≤ 3 years duration of illness were 1.17 times on the average more likely to have relapse than those with three or less than 3 years. Onset age for illness predicted 2.479 times more likelihood of relapse. Being employed and having more family support, as against being unskilled/unemployed and not having family support, reduce the likelihood of relapse by 1.110 times on the average. The study recommended policy formulation and implementation for protection against mental illness and mental healthcare provision and access; for tackling unemployment head-on; for improvement of the access to effective treatment of mental illness; and mass education, especially among unemployed, uneducated, singles, and under-35 years of age, to help reduce the high rate of relapse of mental illness in South-East Nigeria.

Forestal management based on acoustical values

Around and on military training areas there are usually a large number of forest stands. These primarily fulfil the special requirements of military use due to their special structure and tar-geted development. In particular, the dust, visual and noise protection functions of the forests protect the civilian environment from the undesirable effects of military training operations. The aim of forestal management measures in the forest stands is to provide and ensure these functions by selecting suitable tree species and optimising stand structures. A forest attenua-tion model has been developed in recent years, in which the acoustic attenuation of a forest stand can be deduced from forestal parameters. Furthermore, a method has been developed to predict the overall acoustic attenuation of several consecutive stands. For the planning and assessment of silvicultural measures in military functional forests with regard to their effects on noise attenuation, however, further definitions are necessary in order to be able to draw simple, comprehensible conclusions from the wealth of possible variations. The presentation introduces the models as well as the other necessary definitions and shows their application using an example.

Sinwar’s Rise in Hamas: An In-depth Analysis of Internal Dynamics and Regional Interactions

This commentary examines the implications of Yahya Sinwar’s election as the new head of Hamas following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh. It highlights Hamas’ internal adaptability and the significance of its electoral processes in a context marked by external pressures and regional dynamics. The assassination is analyzed not only as a tactical operation by Israeli forces but also as a strategic move aimed at destabilizing Hamas internally and undermining its regional alliances, including efforts toward Palestinian reconciliation. Sinwar’s leadership is framed within the broader historical and organizational context of Hamas, emphasizing his rise due to his involvement in key military operations and his status as a founding member. The commentary further explores the potential ramifications of Sinwar’s leadership for Hamas’ organizational cohesion and regional relations, particularly in light of Operation al-Aqsa Flood and the anticipated role of external actors like Iran and Hezbollah. Ultimately, this analysis sheds light on how Hamas navigates its internal challenges and external relationships amid ongoing conflict, underscoring the complexities that define its political trajectory in a rapidly changing regional landscape.

Optimization of paddle trajectory for fin-wheel underwater robot

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the oscillating trajectory of the paddle of a fin-wheel underwater robot to enhance its propulsion efficiency in water. This robot can be used for underwater detection and military operations. Design/methodology/approach By studying the propulsion mode of underwater fin-based robots, it is found that such robots periodically generate a large reverse thrust during the swing process, resulting in low propulsion efficiency. Therefore, according to the propulsion characteristics of the oscillating paddle in the underwater environment, the hydrodynamic model and physical constraints of the oscillating paddle are established. Then, the oscillating gait trajectory of the paddle is optimized by the trajectory optimization method. The performance of the optimized trajectory was tested in the simulation environment and the actual underwater environment. Findings The prototype of the robot was built and tested in a small swimming pool. The research results confirm that the propulsion efficiency of the optimized trajectory is higher than that of the traditional trajectory under the condition of the same amplitude and period. Specifically, the maximum speed of the robot can reach 0.24 m/s when using the optimized trajectory, which is about 50% higher than that before optimization. Originality/value The optimized trajectory with the generated impulse as the optimization target is applied to the paddle oscillation, which can improve the thrust impulse generated by the fin-wheel underwater robot during underwater motion, thereby greatly improving the underwater propulsion efficiency and moving speed.

Southern Bug River: water security and climate changes perspectives for post-war city of Mykolaiv, Ukraine

This article focuses on water security in Mykolaiv, a city of 0.5 million inhabitants in southern Ukraine, in the situation of scarcity of usable water resources caused by climate change and military operations. This problem arose after the Dnipro-Mykolaiv water pipeline was destroyed in April 2022 as a result of military operations and the supply of drinking water to the city was cut off. To ensure that the city’s population has constant access to sufficient water of acceptable quality, a search for alternative water sources and a climate risk assessment were carried out for the new municipal water supply system from the Southern Bug River. The possible change in flow and its intra-annual distribution under the influence of climate change was modeled using the WaterGAP2 hydrological model and climate projections under the SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-P8.5 scenarios. It was found that under the SSP1-2.6 scenario, the reduction in river flow will be insignificant (up to a maximum of 14% in the far future) and there will be no restrictions on the city’s water supply from this section of the river in the near (2021-2050) and far (2051-2080) period. The maximum water withdrawal for municipal water supply and the minimum environmental flow will reach their maximum value only in August (56% of the projected flow), which is not critical. Under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, in the long-term perspective of 2051-2080, the largest decrease in runoff will occur from May to October, and the water withdrawal will increase to 40-79% of the projected flow. The use of the research results not only in water management, but also in municipal administration, and their dissemination in territorial communities will contribute to the successful adaptation of socio-economic and environmental processes in the region and can bring successful benefits not only to the economy, but also to communities.

Dynamic fluid-structure interaction between the projectile and the light-thin ice under the motion state in the polar environment

The interaction between projectiles and ice during water entry is crucial for advancing polar resource exploration and military operations in polar regions. This study introduces a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model to simulate the dynamics between projectiles and light-thin ice under a motion state, validated through laboratory experiments. It examines the cavity evolution patterns during water entry and analyzes the motion states and dynamic characteristics of both the projectile and the floating ice. The influence of the horizontal-to-vertical velocity ratio (u*) and the initial pitch angle (φ) on the water entry process and collision dynamics has also been considered. The results reveal that as the projectile approaches the floating ice, it generates a wave-making effect, impacting the formation of the water entry splash crown and the deflection motion of the ice. Additionally, the hydrodynamic force acting on the projectile increases by 40 % compared to free water entry conditions. After the collision between the projectile and the light-thin ice, the pinch-off characteristics of the water entry cavity alter. This collision influences the motion state and dynamic characteristics of the projectile, while the ice experiences both collision and hydrodynamic forces, leading to passive motion. With an increasing water entry velocity ratio, the light-thin ice forms an expanding cavity during passive water entry, affecting the cavity pinch-off of the projectile. When u* > 1, the projectile exhibits circuitous motion post-collision with the ice. Variations in water entry angles of the projectile alter the collision mode between the projectile and the ice, resulting in changes to their motion states and dynamic characteristics. A critical pitch angle exists during the cavity pinch-off process.

Review of diver propulsion vehicle: A review

The ocean serves as a vital arena for resource exploitation, scientific inquiry, and strategic endeavors. Among the array of underwater propulsion technologies, diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs) stand out for their exceptional integration, concealability, and maneuverability. They hold a pivotal role in both marine scientific exploration and military operations beneath the waves, thus carrying significant research implications. However, the existing literature on DPVs remains limited, lacking comprehensive examinations of their design processes and parameters. This review systematically surveys and assesses the current landscape of DPV development and research. Three key facets—propeller design, performance assessment, and equipment engineering—are scrutinized and analyzed. By consolidating essential data from ongoing studies, this review offers valuable insights. Additionally, it forecasts potential directions and emerging focal points in the evolution of underwater propulsion for frogmen, drawing from current advancements. The objective is to furnish foundational data to support the design and study of frogman underwater propulsion systems, thereby advancing engineering applications in this domain.

Fighting and winning in the Arctic: improving polar warfare capabilities

ABSTRACT The U.S. and its Arctic allies are facing a strategic dilemma in the Arctic. With Russia having a predominance of cold weather capable forces and bases inside the Arctic Circle, and with China showing greater economic and military interest in the region, in tandem with Russia, the U.S. is failing to compete around the North Pole. However, for the United States to project effectively military force in the harsh Arctic environment, numerous lessons about polar warfare need to be relearned by the American military. This article provides context on the issues of Arctic operations, presents five historical case studies of military operations in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, and identifies how to improve U.S. military capabilities for polar warfare.

Mantas Kvedaravičius’s Mariupolis (2016) and Šarūnas Bartas’s Frost (2017): Soft Advocacy for the Ukrainians in the Russo-Ukrainian War

This article examines the visual testimonies and evidence of the Russo-Ukrainian War in its initial phase, shortly after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, in the films of two Lithuanian filmmakers, Šarūnas Bartas and Mantas Kvedaravičius, who took the stance of advocates and made their internationally acclaimed films, namely the mixed-genre feature Frost (2017, dir. Š. Bartas) and the documentary Mariupolis (2016, dir. M. Kvedaravičius), in war zones, when international media coverage of the ongoing military operations on Ukrainian territory was gradually decreasing, along with political and other support. In these films, viewers do not see the apparent warfare, the clashes between the Ukrainian army and Russian troops or separatist fighters. But they do see the testimonies of Ukrainians, captured on film and mobile phone cameras, and they see images of despair and anxiety, destroyed settlements and lives that prove that the war has been going on since 2014. The article explores what makes these films an instrument of soft advocacy for the Ukrainians in the war, drawing on the prevailing concepts of advocacy in film and media studies.

The Central Role of the Global Emerging Infections Surveillance Program in Supporting Force Health Protection.

The Global Emerging Infections Surveillance (GEIS) program is the only Department of Defense (DoD) organization that coordinates global surveillance for emerging infectious diseases that affect US military forces operating in the United States or foreign locations. Since 1997, the GEIS program has focused on surveilling pathogens likely to affect military operations and the health of service members. The foundation of the GEIS program is the long-standing, mutually beneficial relationships between the DoD overseas laboratories and their host-country partners and militaries. Through centralized programmatic support, the GEIS program provides the infrastructure needed for a rapid and scalable response to emerging threats. The GEIS program continues to enhance and evolve its initiatives to provide timely, reliable information to decision-makers in the DoD. The GEIS program has been and will continue to be a vital source of actionable biosurveillance information during infectious disease events of global public health concern.

Подготовка медицинских специалистов Всероссийской службы медицины катастроф на современном этапе: проблемы, задачи и основные направления её дальнейшего совершенствования

Summary. The purpose of the study is to analyze the problems, tasks and determine the main directions for further improvement of the training of medical specialists of the All-Russian Disaster Medicine Service (VSMK, Service) at the present stage. Materials and methods of the study. The materials of the study are regulatory legal acts, documentation and sources on the issues of training of VSMK personnel. Research methods are an analytical method and a generalization method. Research results and their analysis. The tasks and problems of training medical specialists of the All-Russian Disaster Medicine Service at the present stage are presented, the directions for its further improvement are determined taking into account new challenges and threats to the security of our country. It is noted that the modern conditions for training medical specialists of the Service are characterized by the level of their readiness for medical support of armed conflicts, which is due to the current stage of development of the system of medical support for the wounded, sick and victims. Various aspects of training medical specialists of the All-Russian Disaster Medicine Service are considered taking into account the experience of their participation in medical evacuation support of the said contingents in the context of the Special Military Operation (SMO), etc.

Research on risk management of ship maintenance projects based on multi agent swarm model simulation method

In recent years, the role of naval ship power has become increasingly prominent in regional conflicts and military operations worldwide, and the powerful capabilities demonstrated by naval forces have also been valued by countries around the world. While naval forces are frequently deployed to carry out various tasks, the intensity of equipment wear and tear on ships is also significantly increasing, posing a huge challenge to the maintenance and support capabilities of ship equipment. In the actual process of ship equipment maintenance, a series of risk factors such as cost, schedule, and quality will have a significant impact on the entire ship maintenance project, and even affect the success or failure of the entire project. This article first decomposes the project process of ship maintenance projects, further analyzes the various risk factors of ship maintenance projects based on the project decomposition situation, and then distinguishes the overall project, project process, and project risk factors to establish an intelligent agent group model for simulation analysis. Through the above simulation analysis, we will conduct in-depth research on the specific impact of project risks on ship maintenance projects, and analyze and verify the positive role and practical significance of project risk management in project risk control and project efficiency improvement. In the process of the above research content, methods and measures for risk management of ship maintenance projects are proposed, providing scientific and efficient risk management suggestions for such projects, improving the scientific management efficiency of ship maintenance projects, and contributing to the improvement of the quality and efficiency of project management.

Groundwater for urban water supply in Ukraine: a case study of Mykolaiv (Military challenges and lessons for the future)

The paper discusses the possibility of using groundwater as a source of water supply for Mykolaiv during emergencies or military operations. A hydrogeological model of the Mykolaiv groundwater field was developed to investigate the water exchange pattern and sources of operational groundwater reserves in the Upper Sarmatian aquifer, which is a primary source of drinking groundwater in the Mykolaiv area. The influence of various factors on water-bearing capacity of the Upper Sarmatian sediments was assessed, including the vulnerability of the fresh groundwater to the intrusion of brackish water from the Bug Estuary. The study also examined the feasibility of operating the aquifer under forced conditions, depending on the duration of emergency periods or military operations.

Новые данные о походе султанов Бахты-Гирея (Дели-султана) и Мурад-Гирея на Кабарду весной 1729 года

The concept, organization and conditions of the campaign against Kabarda in the spring of 1729, led by the sultans Bakhty-Giray (Delhi-Sultan) and Murad-Giray, are analyzed. The main controversial issues of the study of the topic are considered, related to the number of forces that set out on the campaign, its reasons and causes (which were of particular importance for Bakhty-Giray), the sequence of military actions, etc. New arguments are presented in support of the opinion that the army of the sultans was not many thousands strong and that the Kabardians could probably even outnumber it. New documentary sources are being introduced into scientific circulation, allowing us to clarify the assessments of military operations that have already been established in historiography, as well as the composition of the opposing forces. For the first time in historiography, the opinion about the participation of Kalmyks, who traditionally supported Bakhty-Giray, in military operations has been substantiated in detail. The thesis about the attackers storming the so-called Crimean walls and that their retreat actually took place and turned into a flight is critically examined. New information has been revealed that reports the death of the sultans Bakhty-Giray and Murad-Giray in Kabarda, whose deliberate murder, apparently, was not originally part of the plans of the princes Kurgokin.

Analysis of User Interfaces for Ground Control Stations of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Introduction. In the modern world, software (SW) is updated daily, particularly for ground control stations (GCS) of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These systems ' user interfaces (UI) ensure operator interaction with the drone, flight control, mission planning, and realtime data acquisition. These interfaces must be functional, convenient, and intuitive, allowing operators to perform their tasks effectively. Examining global experience allows for an evaluation of existing systems and the identification of areas for improvement. Important aspects include creating intuitive UIs to prevent information overload, ensuring situational awareness, adapting to extreme conditions, and integrating with other systems. The use of virtual and augmented reality technologies, as well as artificial intelligence, can enhance the functionality and convenience of GCS. Such analysis will help in creating safe, efficient, and reliable systems for UAV control. The purpose of the paper is to investigate and conduct a comprehensive analysis of existing user interfaces of software for UAV ground control stations, focusing on their functional capabilities and ease of use. Methods. The following methodological tools were used: concepts of intellectualization of information technologies, the theory of intelligent control, the methodology of building autonomous systems, decision-making theory, and artificial intelligence theory. Results. A review of global experience in user interface development was conducted. The UIs of each of the studied software were analyzed, and their functional capabilities were assessed, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. Comparative tables of interface products were compiled based on their functional capabilities and UI usability levels. Generalized recommendations were prepared for creating a unified interface that combines the best features of existing solutions and addresses their shortcomings. Conclusions. The analysis of GCS UI design for UAVs showed that all systems have strengths and weaknesses. The UI of the Mission Planner software has the most extensive capabilities, but it also requires improvement. Future development should add roles for military pilots and operators, develop a more intuitive and user-friendly interface that meets user needs, and simplify SW settings. For working in extreme conditions, the interface needs to be optimized. Enhancements in data visualization will help make information clear and easy to understand, which is critically important in fast-paced and dangerous situations. Keywords: user interface, ground control station, UAV, virtual reality, augmented reality.

Institutional transformations of civil society in Russia during the special military operation

Institutional transformations of civil society in Russia during the special military operation