War Zone Research Articles

The efficacy and safety of the training process in sumo through autogenic training for professional wrestlers

Background and purpose of the study. Considering the high demands for physical and psychological preparedness in sumo, the implementation of comprehensive approaches to training becomes relevant. Such an approach ensures the improvement of sports results and the health maintenance of athletes. The study is aimed at analyzing the effectiveness of autogenic training in the educational and training process among experienced sumo wrestlers. Materials and Methods. The analysis is based on the observation of 10 experienced sumo wrestlers from the "Adrenaline" sports club in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Methods used to assess the psycho-emotional and physical state of athletes included the SAN test, heart rate measurement, the Stange and Genchi tests, reaction time measurement, and the Romberg test. Mastery of autogenic training techniques took place in a group over 5 weeks at the end of each training session. After the first week, a visualization technique was added to the autogenic training. For the analysis and visualization of the obtained data it was used the integrated development environment PyCharm Community Edition. The programming code was written in Python. The experiment was conducted in Kharkiv (Ukraine), which has been located in a war zone since February 2022. The requirements of the military administration for ensuring the safety of the experiment participants were observed. Results. Significant improvements were observed in the psycho-emotional state of athletes, including a reduction in anxiety levels by 6.5 points (p<0.01) and an improvement in reactionmetry indicators by 3.4 cm (p < 0.05). Improvements were also noted in the well-being, mood, and activity of athletes. At the end of the experiment, no significant changes were observed in heart rate and the Stange and Genchi tests. A noticeable improvement was shown in the Genchi test, although these changes did not reach statistical significance. The results of the reactionmetry significantly improved, confirming the effectiveness of the training in enhancing the athletes' reaction speed. Conclusions. The study confirmed that autogenic training is an effective means of improving not only the psycho-emotional state but also the physical readiness of sumo wrestlers. The implementation of such methods can contribute to increasing the safety and effectiveness of the educational and training process, as well as achieving higher sports results while maintaining the health of athletes.

Features of the development of coordination abilities in young schoolchildren

Background and Study Aim. The development of coordination abilities in young schoolchildren is crucial for their physical and psychological health, as well as academic success. In the contemporary educational environment, there is insufficient attention to the systematic and targeted development of these abilities through the integration of physical activity into the learning process. The purpose of this study is to develop and test a comprehensive program aimed at developing the coordination abilities of young schoolchildren through the use of rhythmic and choreographic means. Materials and Methods. The study involved fourth-grade students (n=40), including 20 girls and 20 boys. All participants were divided into two groups: a control group (CG, n=20) and an experimental group (EG, n=20). Both groups attended two choreography lessons and one physical education lesson weekly. The study lasted 10 weeks. The experiment was conducted in the city of Zmiiev (Kharkiv region, Ukraine), located in a war zone since February 2022. The requirements of the military administration for ensuring the safety of the experiment participants were observed. Results. Data analysis revealed significant statistical differences between the control and experimental groups across all applied tests (p<0.05). In the experimental group of girls, there was a significant improvement in the "Rhythmic Movements of Upper and Lower Limbs" test (p<0.01). These results were consistent with improvements in other coordination ability tests in the experimental group (p<0.05). Improvements in strength ability indicators were observed in both groups. However, no statistically significant differences between the CG and EG were recorded. Conclusions. The study confirmed that a specially designed program with elements of dance and choreography significantly positively affects the development of coordination abilities in young schoolchildren. Such a program contributes to the physical development of children, improves their emotional state, stimulates activity, and develops a sense of responsibility.

Balancing physical development and health in adolescents through controlled High-Intensity Training

Background and Study Aim. Considering the growing interest in high-intensity training (HIT) among the youth, it is crucial to explore its impact not only on improving physical fitness but also on the overall health of adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess how HIT can contribute to the development of physical qualities in adolescents while minimizing the risks of excessive strain. Materials and Methods. The study encompassed 28 students (14±0.9 years) from a lyceum in Kharkiv, Ukraine. The participants were divided into a control group (CG, n=14; including boys - n=7 and girls n=7) and an experimental group (EG, n=14; including boys - n=7 and girls n=7). The EG participated in high-intensity training sessions twice a week, with each session lasting 20 minutes. The program's effectiveness was evaluated using a series of physical ability tests. PyCharm Community Edition integrated development environment was used for the analysis and visualization of the obtained data. The software code was written in Python. The experiment was conducted in Kharkiv (Ukraine), located in a war zone since February 2022. The requirements of the military administration for ensuring the safety of experiment participants were observed. Results. After the training program, boys from the EG showed improvement in tests on speed, coordination, and motor skills (p<0.05). Girls in the EG demonstrated significant improvement in the "Sit-up from a sitting position in 30 seconds" test (p<0.05), as well as improvements in speed and coordination tests. Conclusions. High-intensity workouts can be effectively integrated into the physical education program for teenagers, provided that caution is exercised and the workload is monitored. The results confirm that such an approach contributes to the development of physical qualities and supports the health of teenagers. This suggests a nuanced understanding of how such programs can be optimized for different genders to enhance physical education outcomes.

The individualization of the educational and training process in fencing in the context of improving efficiency and health of young athletes of different ages

Background and Study Aim. Optimizing the training process in fencing for athletes of different ages, genders, and levels of preparedness is key to achieving high results without compromising health. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a physical and technical-tactical readiness program for young fencers in mixed age groups. Materials and Methods. The study involved 22 epee fencers, aged between 6 to 17 years. Athletes were divided into two groups by age and level of preparedness: group 1 (10-16 years) and group 2 (6-12 years). The training program lasted for 12 months, including specialized exercises and tests to evaluate progress in physical and technical-tactical readiness. The experiment was conducted in Kharkiv, Ukraine, located in a war zone since February 2022. Requirements of the military administration for ensuring the safety of the experiment participants were met. Results. As a result of the study, both groups showed significant improvement in physical fitness and technical-tactical skills. In group 1, improvements were identified in the "Shuttle Run" and "Standing Long Jump" tests (p < 0.05), while in group 2, there was an alignment among participants in test indicators (p < 0.05). The increase in the level of technical-tactical preparedness and coordination abilities was also confirmed by the improvement in test results (p<0.01). Conclusions. The proposed program underscores the importance of adapting the training process to the individual needs of fencers from various age groups. Such an approach not only facilitates their athletic development but also enhances health levels and overall physical fitness. These results offer valuable insights for coaches aiming to maximize their students' potential while simultaneously reducing health risks.

Enhancing physical fitness through Crossfit for 15-16-year-old high school students

Background and Study Aim. CrossFit represents a high-intensity functional training that has recently gained popularity among the youth. At the same time, restrictions imposed by military actions require different approaches to organizing CrossFit sessions. The most acceptable solution in such a situation is online education and training. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of CrossFit sessions within the framework of remote physical education on the physical fitness indicators of high school students. Materials and Methods. The study involved 27 students (aged 15-16 years) from a 10th-grade class at a school located in a war conflict zone (Kharkiv, Ukraine). The group consisted of 11 boys and 16 girls. Due to the military conflict and corresponding restrictions, physical education was conducted remotely. Physical education classes were held three times a week, lasting 45 minutes each. The structure of the lesson included 30 minutes of synchronous online work with the teacher and 15 minutes for independent task completion. Tests aimed at measuring strength, endurance, flexibility, and speed were used to assess the impact of CrossFit programs on physical fitness. Data were collected at the beginning and end of the experiment. The experiment was conducted over 8 weeks. Testing was carried out at home by students under the control and guidance of the teacher via video link during the first three lessons. Results. The test results confirm improvement in all indicators. The boys increased their plank hold duration from 48 seconds to 53 seconds, and the girls from 46 seconds to 52 seconds. In the squat series, an increase in indicators was noted: for boys from 21 to 25 in the third series. Girls also showed significant improvement across all squat series. The boys' speed-strength indicators improved from 43 cm to 46 cm. Girls demonstrated improvement in performing "Burpees" within 60 seconds, increasing the number of repetitions from 8 to 12. Conclusions. The study results indicate that CrossFit effectively enhances the physical fitness of high school students. However, the improvement in girls occurs to a slightly lesser extent compared to boys. This may be due to the initial level of physical fitness and individual physiological characteristics.

Assessing the effects of targeted soccer exercises on the physical fitness of 15-16-year-old schoolchildren

Background and Study Aim. Soccer activities are a good means of physical activity for high school students. However, the living conditions of teenagers in war zones necessitate organizing education in an online format. Overall, this affects the physical fitness of adolescents. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of soccer exercises on the physical fitness indicators of high school students under the conditions of online learning. Material and Methods. The study involved 21 high school students (15-16 years old, n=16 boys; n=5 girls). To assess physical fitness indicators, standardized tests were used, including the Bondarevsky test and the Yarotsky test. Results. A significant improvement in coordination abilities was observed in boys: according to the Bondarevsky test (t=2.16, p<0.05) and the Yarotsky test (t=2.18, p<0.05). There were also statistically significant changes in the level of endurance: in the "running around the perimeter of a 15 x 15 m square" test (t=2.08, p<0.05) and when performing the "Burpee" test (t=2.45, p<0.01). The abilities of girls almost did not change, which may be related to their low interest in football. Conclusions. The introduction of specific football exercises in remote physical education lessons can contribute to the improvement of the physical fitness of high school students, especially boys. Results confirm and expand existing knowledge about the positive impact of participation in football activities on the physical and social well-being of students. It emphasizes the importance of implementing sports programs in the educational process, especially in situations where traditional forms of physical education are limited.

Psychological and gender specific correlates of aggressive behaviour in military personnel

Participation in conflicts can have a significant impact on the manifestation of aggression among military personnel, especially those who have had intensive combat experience in war zones. The key aspects of gender psychology and the influence of military factors on aggressive behaviour are considered. The term “gender-based aggression” in military personnel is proposed, which reflects the concept that describes the difference in the manifestations of aggressive behaviour depending on the gender characteristics of a person. It is used to analyse and understand how gender and psychological factors influence the perception and expression of aggression among men and women, particularly in the context of military settings. The purpose of the study is to identify and analyse the psychological and gender factors associated with aggressive behaviour of military personnel. The study was conducted with 89 combatants, including 47 men (first group) and 42 women (second group). To achieve this goal, the Aggression Level Questionnaire by A. Bass and A. Darkey. The mathematical and statistical processing of the results was carried out using Student's t-test for independent samples and Fisher’s angular transformation criterion (φ). It has been empirically found that men have a higher tendency to indirect aggression and a high level of mistrust, while women show less physical and verbal aggression. The aggression index scores of both groups of servicemen are within acceptable norms, which indicates that the overall level of aggression among them is satisfactory. However, the hostility index score was higher than the normative values in both groups, indicating an increased tendency to hostile behaviour and conflict among servicemen. The results emphasise the importance of an individual approach to psychological support for servicemen and women, taking into account their gender identity. The findings of the study can serve as a basis for developing effective strategies for managing stress and conflict in the military environment and are an incentive for further research in the field of gender psychology.

PROBLEMS OF SOCIALIZATION OF DISPLACED CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

The REACH project at Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University is a unique experience that has created a model of educational space and programs for displaced children with disabilities. The children’s parents, school teachers, school psychologists, and volunteers took part in the project and provided methodological support. The purpose of the article is to identify the problems of socialization of refugee children with special educational needs on the basis of the research conducted in the framework of the research project. In the framework of an international partnership project for 2021-2024, scientists from Simon Fraser University (Canada), Yarmouk University (Jordan), and Canakkale University (Turkey) carried out significant work with displaced children from the war zone for their successful socialization, education, and provision of necessary educational resources. Project participants from Atyrau University (RK) conducted a series of research activities with special children from several refugee families who returned from Syria. On the base of Kids University (Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University) student volunteers demonstrated the effectiveness of introducing elements of fine art into the learning process for displaced children with disabilities. In addition, the use of musical and dramatic elements enhances interest in learning and motivates the expression of immediate emotions, contributing to the overall therapy of students. This article emphasizes the importance of advisory and methodological support for refugee children, and the results of the scientific research will become valuable material for scientists in this field.

The influence of internal personal conflicts on the formation of personality in adolescent age

The article examines and analyzes modern and foreign research on the influence of intrapersonal conflicts on personality formation in adolescence. The factors that contribute to the emergence of intrapersonal conflicts, including physiological changes, social pressure and the search for self-identity, are analyzed. The positive and negative effects of intrapersonal conflicts on the formation of a teenager's personality are determined. Insufficient understanding of the nature and consequences of intrapersonal conflicts in adolescence makes it difficult to develop effective strategies to support young people. Internal conflicts in adolescence are usually associated with contradictions between the desire for independence and the need for support, the search for one's own identity and pressure from peers and society, as well as with changes in physiological development. These conflicts can lead to emotional stress, increased anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. Effective overcoming of such conflicts contributes to the formation of a healthy, mature and stable personality. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and hostilities have a profound effect on the psychological state of teenagers. War creates a constant state of danger, uncertainty, and stress that exacerbates intrapersonal conflicts. Adolescents who live in a war zone or have lost loved ones face additional emotional and mental challenges. Intrapersonal conflicts in adolescence are an inevitable part of the growing up process and have a significant impact on personality formation. This emphasizes the need to conduct a comprehensive study aimed at studying specific aspects of the influence of these conflicts on the formation of the personality of teenagers in the conditions of modern Ukraine. The results of such a study can become the basis for the development of recommendations for psychologists, teachers and parents on supporting adolescents in overcoming internal contradictions and promoting their positive development.

Post-traumatic stress disorders and coping resources of internally displaced persons

The article analyses post-traumatic stress disorders and resources for coping with stress in internally displaced persons. The analysis of literature sources has led to an understanding of the consequences of experiencing forced migration as a state of high intensity stress, which with a high degree of probability entails the development of post-traumatic stress disorders. The author describes a psychosocial situation that is of particular interest due to the complex nature of the impact of stress on the personality of an internally displaced person: their life story often contains, along with the experience of being in a war zone, repeated traumatisation due to living in new places, which sometimes causes no less powerful distress (culture shock, acculturation stress, migrantophobia). When analysing migrants' resources for coping with stress, we should rely on the three-level approach to the structure of human personality, which is established in psychology. The success of migrants' adaptation is correlated with individual characteristics, including gender, ethnic minority, age, neuroticism and extraversion, therefore, the focus on the middle level is designated as cognitive-personal and operationalised through the construct of basic beliefs of the individual, which are generally defined as global, stable ideas of the individual about the world and about himself/herself that influence thinking, emotional states and behaviour; higher - described by the system of meaningful life orientations of a person, which characterises a person as a subject of life-creation, and is an integral systemic characteristic that reflects the actual attitude of a person to a situation, understood as meaningful life orientations of a person.

Coping strategies of internally displaced persons and the host community in a region of armed conflict: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundConflict leads to the displacement of people, making it more difficult for them to cope with increasing stress. In war-affected regions, people use different strategies to cope with their stress. This study examines the coping strategies of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and those in host communities in war zones. MethodsPeople living in the IDP camp and host communities in Maiduguri, Nigeria were recruited using a convenient sampling strategy. A 28-item Hausa version of the Brief COPE Scale wasused for data collection. Data were analyzed using linear regression and presented as unstandardized beta (B) and standard error (SE). ResultsA total of 562 participants were recruited (IDPs, n = 281; and the host communities, n = 281). Problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies were identified as the most common approaches used in host communities; however, dysfunctional strategies were morecommon among the IDPs. Age (younger or older adulthood) was identified as a predictor forthe use of emotion-, problem-, and dysfunctional-focused coping strategies. ConclusionHost communities were more likely to use a problem-and emotion-focused approach to coping, while IDPs were more likely to use dysfunctional strategies. Location and demographic factors (being single, aged 18–29years, >50 years and older) also influenced coping.

Powers of the Gun: On Violence, Frontier and Community

ABSTRACT Since the mid-1990s, the Free Burma Rangers (FBR) – a self-defined ‘multi-ethnic humanitarian movement’ operating in Myanmar, Iraq, Syria, and South Sudan – has supported and trained rebel movements and civil society organisations to create spaces of relief and rescue in war zones at the frontiers of their polities. Central to the FBR’s logic and praxis is the use and governing of weapons as military means in order to ‘immunise’ communities of the oppressed from violence. Aside from their politically disputed character, this article takes the activities of the FBR as an entry point to ask: how are the relations between weapons and humans governed in war frontiers? And how does the management of military means reproduce different forms of political community with their political space? Situating these questions in political geography’s literature on frontiers, the article brings in dialogue Roberto Esposito’s analysis on the relationship between violence and (political/impolitical) community with critical approaches on weapons in security studies to show how violence, frontier, and community stand in a co-constitutive relation. Rather than looking at violence and military means as an instrument for the territorialisation of an ideological-political project at the frontier, I analyse the frontier as a politico-military device consubstantial to a political community with its biological body and political space. Drawing from fieldwork methods, I argue that the governing of human-firearms relations constitutes the political community and the human subjectivities part of it by producing frontiers as zones of distinction and encounter between the civilised and the ‘not yet’. The paper contributes to the literature in three ways. First, it empirically substantiates the co-constitutive rather than instrumental relation between violence and the frontier. Second, it shows how the immunitary apparatuses that govern the encounters between humans and weapons, in shaping the political community, shape also ‘the dehumanisation of Man’s human Others’. Third, zooming onto the life experiences of activists taking part to FBR and resistance forces, it differentiates between the political and impolitical forms of community produced by managing violence.

Concepts of Unification and Cooperation between the Autonomous Region of Krajina and the Serbian Autonomous District of Krajina in 1991 and 1992

The authors of this paper analyze the relationship between the two regions from their unilateral declarations until the second half of 1992. The Serbian Autonomous Region of Krajina (later the Republic of Serbian Krajina) in Croatia and the Autonomous Region of Krajina (ARK) in the northwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina were the first, as formal-legal successors of municipal communities, to be unilaterally formed autonomous regions based on ethnic principles in the process of the dissolution of Yugoslavia. Both were proclaimed by unilateral decisions of the republican organizations of the Serbian Democratic Party (SDS) both in Croatia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina before Slovenia and Croatia declared independence. Immediately after these declarations, politicians from both Krajinas analyzed and publicly presented their views on the future status of the newly formed regions. One of the options was the unification of these two regions into one administrative unit or state, with the most prominent advocates being the leading politicians from both regions. In order to justify the formation of such an administrative unit, reports were published on the necessity of its formation as a separate entity within the “fragmented Yugoslavia” or Greater Serbian state. However, the question arose of how much such unification would diminish the influence of SDS political leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina and who would actually be the new national leader among the Serbs west of the Drina River? This question, as it turned out, burdened the entire relationship between the political and military leadership in both the Republic of Srpska (RS) and the Republic of Serbian Krajina (RSK) in various phases of the dissolution of Yugoslavia. Despite disagreements and different positions on the unification of the two Krajinas and the question of their status, political and military cooperation was unquestionable in the first two years of aggression against the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Cooperation was particularly intense in the second half of 1992 when the 1st and 2nd Krajina Corps of the Army of the Serbian Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina/Army of the Republic of Srpska, in cooperation with the police structures of the RSK and the Serbian Army of Krajina (SAK), were jointly tasked with implementing the Six Strategic Goals of the Serbian Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina/Republic of Srpska. This cooperation was particularly evident in the “battle for establishing the corridor” between Krajina and Semberija as the Second Strategic Goal, or joint action in Operation “Corridor '92”. In this paper, we will analyze the period from the end of 1990 and the first half of 1991 when the unilateral declarations of the Serbian Autonomous Region of Krajina and the Community of Municipalities of Bosnian Krajina (ZOBK), later ARK, occurred, until September 1992 when the decision was made to cease the existence of autonomous regions in the RS. This is the period when mass atrocities were committed against Bosniak and Croatian civilian populations in the RSK and RS. In the second half of 1991, the Bosnian Krajina was a direct war zone from which units of the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) carried out aggressive operations against Croatia, and in 1992, it became a symbol of crimes against civilians in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Areas under Serbian control became “ethnically cleansed”, and Bihać, as a city under continuous military action from the RS and RSK military forces, became one of the symbols of the siege. The question arises as to whether the strategic goals of the RS could have been realized if the two Krajinas had not closely cooperated? This is precisely one of the questions we will answer. In order to answer such and similar questions, an analysis of the role of military and police structures of both regions is necessary, both in crimes and in military operations in the Bihać region.

Forensic characteristics of injuries from thermo-baric explosive device

Since the beginning of the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, explosive trauma has become an extremely urgent problem, as the main source of bodily injury among both the military in the combat zone and the civilian population in cities has been the impact of explosive devices. The aim of the study is the examination of the forensic characteristics of damage to biological objects that were formed from thermal exposure and shock wave as a result of the explosion of a cumulative munition and in the conditions of an experimental explosion model. The objects of the study were the materials of two examinations on the death of Ukrainian soldiers who died in the war zone (archival "Conclusions of the medical examination" of the Kyiv City Clinical Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination in 2023). Under the conditions of the experiment, studies of pathomorphological changes in the liver and small intestine of 30 white outbred rats from the action of an artificially created air shock wave with an overpressure of 31.62±4.84 kPa were carried out. The injuries were examined macroscopically and using standard laboratory histological techniques. Microscopy of histological sections was performed using an Axio Imager 2 microscope (Zeiss, Germany) at magnifications of ×200 and ×400. Statistical processing of the obtained quantitative results was carried out using the STATISTICA 6.1 software product. Under the condition of the explosion of the ammunition with the cumulative effect of the rocket-propelled infantry flamethrower "Bumblebee" on sectional incisions of the skin and muscles of the thigh in the projection of areas of redness, a picture of a gelatinous consistency of bright red color was macroscopically determined due to abundant blood impregnation of muscles and subcutaneous fat and partial loss of muscle structure with the release of myoglobin. The bright red color of the skin of the thigh and pelvis without burning the hair may indicate the superficial thermal effect of the explosive device and the protection of the skin by clothing. Diffusely located numerous both paired and single abrasions and shallow wounds, small rounded, oblong, circular in shape, which are the result of fragments of a rocket-propelled grenade equipped with a fire mixture, were also determined. The effect of an air shock wave with an overpressure of 31.62±4.84 kPa on the liver parenchyma of rats was determined by focal hemorrhages with rupture of the terminal central vein of the hepatic lobule, edema of the parasinusoidal spaces, and sludges in the sinusoids. In the wall of the small intestine, acute hemodynamic disorders occurred in the form of vasodilation of arterial vessels, venular and capillary stasis. There was layering and swelling of the small intestine wall, rupture of veins, focal hemorrhage. Thus, the revealed characteristic pathomorphological signs of the destructive effect of overpressure as a result of a blast wave (barotrauma) are typical and common both in the areas of the human thigh and pelvis, and in biological objects of experimental animals. The obtained results are consistent with the pathomorphological manifestations of barotrauma in areas of the human body as a result of the action of an explosive device with a cumulative effect.

“I Rationed Food, Water, and my iPod Battery”: Canadian Army Veterans on Music “In Theatre”

Background: While a small number of scholars explore how contemporary American soldiers consume music “in theatre” (in a war zone) to motivate themselves and protect their mental health, little research addresses how music functions for Canadian combatants. Analysis: Case studies of two Canadian veterans illuminate the varied ways they used music to protect their mental health during their deployments in Afghanistan. Conclusion and implications: This article demonstrates that Canadian soldiers listened to a wide range of music to cope while on tour and argues for music as a unique portal through which to understand soldiers’ deployment experiences.

FEATURES OF BANK LENDING OF AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES IN MODERN CONDITIONS

The specifics of providing loans to agricultural enterprises in Ukraine have been studied. The largest volume of loans received by farmers in 2024 by region under various programs was considered. It is proposed to resume crediting for agricultural producers in the territories close to the war zone. Unique and beneficial for agricultural borrowers lending programs developed by banks that actively lend to agricultural producers are considered. An important aspect of the work is taking into account the impact of military actions on the financial condition of the agricultural sector, in particular on credit provision, as well as proposals for improving the credit system and increasing the efficiency of state financing of agricultural producers. The main problems of the agricultural sector of Ukraine are substantiated, taking into account the full-scale military aggression of Russia against Ukraine.

Relationships between trauma types and psychotic symptoms: A network analysis of patients with psychotic disorders in a large, multi-country study in East Africa

BackgroundThe link between trauma exposure and psychotic disorders is well-established. Further, specific types of trauma may be associated with specific psychotic symptoms. Network analysis is an approach that can advance our understanding of the associations across trauma types and psychotic symptoms. MethodsWe conducted a network analysis with data from 16,628 adult participants (mean age [standard deviation] = 36.3 years [11.5]; 55.8% males) with psychotic disorders in East Africa recruited between 2018 and 2023. We used the Life Events Checklist and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview to determine whether specific trauma types experienced over the life course and specific psychotic symptoms were connected. We used an Ising model to estimate the network connections and bridge centrality statistics to identify nodes that may influence trauma types and psychotic symptoms. ResultsThe trauma type “exposure to a war zone” had the highest bridge strength, betweenness, and closeness. The psychotic symptom “odd or unusual beliefs” had the second highest bridge strength. Exposure to a war zone was directly connected to visual hallucinations, odd or unusual beliefs, passivity phenomena, and disorganized speech. Odd or unusual beliefs were directly connected to transportation accidents, physical assault, war, and witnessing sudden accidental death. ConclusionSpecific trauma types and psychotic symptoms may interact bidirectionally. Screening for psychotic symptoms in patients with war-related trauma and evaluating lifetime trauma in patients with odd or unusual beliefs in clinical care may be considered points of intervention to limit stimulating additional psychotic symptoms and trauma exposure. This work reaffirms the importance of trauma-informed care for patients with psychotic disorders.

Obscenity Factories: Profanity and Community in Workgroup Cultures

How does profanity contribute to community at work? While obscene talk might be viewed as contrary to the establishment of collegial ties, such discourse can, under the right circumstances, reinforce group sociality as well as challenge hierarchical control. In some sites of labor, participants are permitted—even expected—to use “bad language.” Rather than undermining local culture, this form of communication supports it by revealing the intensity of salient moments. We situate profanity as a means of deepening group membership (affiliation), defining a status hierarchy (division), and delineating boundaries (distinction). Not all workplaces are characterized by profanity, but those that are we label “obscenity factories,” emphasizing the production of community through conversational deviance. To examine this process, we utilize descriptive ethnographies of trauma doctors in war zones, restaurant cooks, wildland firefighters, and correction officers.

Third-party countries in cyber conflict: Public opinion and conflict spillover in cyberspace

The transnational nature of cyberspace alters the role of third-party countries (TPCs) in international conflict. In the conventional environment, military operations are primarily confined to the boundaries of the combatants or a designated war zone. However, during cyber conflicts, operations may occur on the digital infrastructure of states not otherwise involved in the dispute. Nevertheless, within the cyber conflict literature, little is said about TPCs who, by virtue of interconnectivity, may find themselves involved in a conflict not of their own making. Consequently, we examine the political and diplomatic hazards of cyber operations involving these actors. Through survey experiments involving participants from the United Kingdom and Canada, we assess the public opinion impact of an offensive cyber operation’s revelation on a TPC population. We find that while these incidents are viewed negatively, prior authorization and the involvement of an ally reduces this tendency. Such conditions lead the public to perceive these operations as corresponding with their national interest while suppressing fears of the possible consequences following their indirect involvement.

Food security and livelihoods in protracted crisis: the experience of rural residents in Syria’s war zones

Food insecurity is an increasingly pressing and grave issue in contemporary Syria. The ongoing crisis has severely affected agriculture in a country which used to be food-producing and self-sufficient. This study addresses the factors that impact household-level food security in Syria. Our analysis is based on 1,381 household surveys using a structured questionnaire in 12 governorates of the country. We followed a two-stage least square regression (2SLS) approach to analyse the interconnected factors of food security. We use three different indicators to capture different dimensions of food security: the Food Consumption Score (FCS), the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS), and the Reduced Coping Strategy Index (rCSI). Our findings underscore the vital role of aid programs and post-crisis remedial assistance in bolstering farmers' resilience and enhancing their food security. Despite adverse constraints generated by the prolonged crisis, continued reliance on agricultural activities continued having a positive contribution to food security. Female-headed households experience higher food insecurity than their male-headed counterparts (MHHs). However, Female-headed households excel in nutritional diversity. Both results should be approached carefully due to data limitations. Addressing the repercussions of conflict-induced food insecurity requires mitigating the effects of the proximity of conflict zones and reducing disruptions in food value chains. Future research should consider how food security relates to gender and intra-household gender inequalities during protracted crises.