Defence

Border clashes between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have left dozens dead and thousands of civilians displaced. This territorial dispute ranks among Central Asia's most serious conflicts. The situation between these former Soviet republics has intensified a lot. Both countries now deploy military forces and regularly clash over disputed border areas. Several complex issues fuel this conflict. The problems started with Soviet-era border disputes and grew worse due to fights over water resources and ethnic tensions. The increasing military presence along the borders threatens regional stability and disrupts local communities. Both countries don't deal very well with these challenges. Peace in the region needs multinational support through diplomatic, economic, and security measures. Root Causes of the Border Tensions Soviet-era boundary demarcation mechanisms continue to fuel border tensions between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, where 471 kilometers of shared territory remains disputed. [1] This unresolved territorial status has created a complex crisis that affects both countries' stability and growth.

Plants can detect cues associated with the risk of future herbivory and modify defence phenotypes accordingly; however, our current understanding is limited both with respect to the range of early warning cues to which plants respond and the nature of the responses. Here we report that exposure to volatile emissions from plant tissues infested with herbivore eggs promotes stronger defence responses to subsequent herbivory in two Brassica species. Furthermore, exposure to these volatile cues elicited an apparent shift from growth to reproduction in Brassica nigra, with exposed plants exhibiting increased flower and seed production, but reduced leaf production, relative to unexposed controls. Our results thus document plant defence priming in response to a novel environmental cue, oviposition‐induced plant volatiles, while also showing that plant responses to early warning cues can include changes in both defence and life‐history traits.

Launch vehicle projects now depend on software, more than ever before, to ensure safety and efficiency. Such critical software syfiems, which can lead to injury, destruction or loss of vital equipment, human lives, and damage to environment, must be developed and verified with high level of quality and reliability. An overview of current quality practices pursued in launch vehicle projects is presented in this paper. These practices have played a vital role in the successful launch vehicle missions of Indian Space Research Organisation. As complexity of software increases, the activity that gets affected is nothing but, software quality assurance (SQA). The SQA team is facing a lot of challenges in current practices. This paper brings out such challenges in different phases of software life cycle. A set of key points to some techniques and tools, that could contribute to meet the software quality 'assurance challenges in launch vehicle projects, are also discussed.

Launch vehicle projects now depend on software, more than ever before, to ensure safety and efficiency. Such critical software syfiems, which can lead to injury, destruction or loss of vital equipment, human lives, and damage to environment, must be developed and verified with high level of quality and reliability. An overview of current quality practices pursued in launch vehicle projects is presented in this paper. These practices have played a vital role in the successful launch vehicle missions of Indian Space Research Organisation. As complexity of software increases, the activity that gets affected is nothing but, software quality assurance (SQA). The SQA team is facing a lot of challenges in current practices. This paper brings out such challenges in different phases of software life cycle. A set of key points to some techniques and tools, that could contribute to meet the software quality 'assurance challenges in launch vehicle projects, are also discussed.

The martial law imposed in Ukraine has become a litmus test for a record increase
in military crime, and as a result, against the background of a general decrease in crime in the State,
the commission of military criminal offenses has rapidly increased.
In 2023, the total number of criminal offenses committed amounted to 475,595, which is a
quarter (24.8%) higher than last year. Of these, 28,666 were military criminal offenses, which is more
than 2 times higher than last year's figures for this type of crime in the country.
The main negative factors that make up the system of determinants of military criminal
offenses in Ukraine, and especially under martial law, include constant expectation of a threat to life
and health; high risk of death or injury; real possibility of being taken prisoner, taken hostage with
further torture and abuse; direct vision of the death of colleagues, close friends, civilians; growing
fear of being killed or wounded when the rotation period approaches; uncertainty about favorable
developments influenced by military leadership and the level of discipline in the military unit; a sense
of uncertainty due to a lack of personally relevant information; disruption and/or change in diet, rest
and sleep, water and food quality, exposure to unusual or unfavorable climatic and geographical
factors that generate feelings of uncertainty and anxiety; isolation of servicemen and their forced
loneliness during prolonged stay at combat posts while guarding areas, roads, and districts in unclear
conditions, with unstable communication, without constant close contact with the main groups;
distance from loved ones and anxiety about them.
In the context of studying the general social prevention of military criminal offenses under
martial law in Ukraine, the author proves that the formation of patriotism of servicemen of the Armed
Forces of Ukraine and other military formations is impossible without ensuring an appropriate set of
state and social measures aimed at the consciousness and behavior of the personality of a future serviceman, aimed at developing high civil, socio-psychological, moral, physical, military
professional and volitional qualities aimed at ensuring both the constitutional duty of Ukrainian
citizens to protect the Motherland and the proper performance of combat missions in any conditions.
Within the framework of special criminological prevention of military criminal offenses under
martial law in Ukraine, the author substantiates and proves the need to establish mental health
departments at the level of divisions and brigades, which should be headed by psychiatrists and
include mental health officers (licensed psychologists and/or social workers with specialized
education who have at least one year of experience in relevant medical institutions).
The author establishes that the main purpose of individualized preventive measures to prevent
the commission of military criminal offenses in Ukraine is a positive correction of a serviceman's
personality aimed at changing his behavior from anti-social to law-abiding.
The analysis of court verdicts has confirmed that criminal punishment for committing military
criminal offenses as the main means of combating deviations in the lawful behavior of servicemen
does not prove to be effective.

A pesar del discurso pro militar que exhibe el Gobierno del ultraderechista Javier Milei, el proyecto de Ley de Presupuesto 2025 que se discute en el Congreso desfinancia a la herramienta institucional más importante para el reequipamiento de las Fuerzas Armadas argentinas. Al mismo tiempo, se busca tomar deuda para compras en el extranjero

Метою дослідження є висвітлення особливостей охорони військової таємниці та відображення воєнної тематики в матеріалах радянських органів, які виконували функцію політичного контролю за інформаційними потоками протягом 1920–1940-х років. Задля досягнення поставленої мети застосовано метод джерелознавчого аналізу, історико-генетичний, проблемно-хронологічний, ретроспективний та аналітичний методи. Доведено, що цензура була одним з основних засобів політико-ідеологічного контролю в СРСР. З’ясовано, що нормативна база, якою керувалися цензори у своїй роботі, була досить широкою, однак найбільше значення мали спеціальні переліки заборонених для публікації тем, зміст яких указує на політичний характер радянської цензури у цілому. Розглянуто зміст та підходи до упорядкування переліків відомостей, які не підлягали оприлюдненню. Доведено, що список таємниць державні структури розробляли під керівництвом партії. Зазначено, що роки Другої світової війни є особливим періодом в історії радянської цензури, адже в умовах війни охорона державної та військової таємниць набула величезного значення. Аналіз наказів Головліту, які доповнювали та роз'яснювали зміст «Переліку відомостей, що становлять військову та державну таємницю, на воєнний час», дав змогу простежити механізми дозування та висвітлення в потрібному контексті інформації про події на фронті та в тилу. Установлено, що під керівництвом партії система займалась як забезпеченням захисту військових таємниць, так і приховуванням масштабів воєнних

This paper explores the complex Franco-German relationship in European defence and security, focusing on how their strategic divergences have shaped Europe's defence landscape. It traces the historical evolution of their cooperation from the post-World War II period, marked by key agreements such as the Élysée Treaty and the creation of the Western European Union, which laid the foundations for joint defence initiatives. However, despite these efforts, France and Germany have developed contrasting strategic visions: France champions strategic autonomy, favouring military interventionism and European independence, while Germany prioritises multilateralism, with a stronger reliance on NATO and a cautious approach to military engagements. These differing defence cultures have led to operational challenges, particularly evident in recent crises such as the conflict in Ukraine, where their varied responses have impeded Europe's ability to act cohesively and swiftly. The paper argues that these ongoing strategic differences undermine Europe’s potential to develop a unified defence strategy and highlights the need for deeper Franco-German alignment to ensure a stronger, more coherent European defence posture in the face of evolving security challenges.

Pravica do odklopa je namenjena zaščiti delavcev in njihovega nemotenega počitka izven delovnega časa. Gre za novo zakonsko obveznost delodajalca, da uredi ukrepe za uresničevanje pravice do odklopa v svojih internih aktih, saj v kolektivnih pogodbah te tematike še niso bile urejene, določbe pa že veljajo in lahko privedejo do plačila visokih glob, če delodajalec bodisi opusti obveznost urejanja ukrepov bodisi krši pravico do odklopa. V primeru spora mora delavec le zatrjevati kršitev pravice do odklopa, s tem pa na delodajalca pade breme dokazovanja, da do kršitve ni prišlo. Saj je ureditev zelo stroga do delodajalcev, je ključno, da je pravica do odklopa urejena jasno, pravilno in natančno s strani pravnih strokovnjakov.

This article provides an historic-theoretical understanding of civil-military relations in South Africa and an outline of important influences on South African civil-military relations at present. Historically, a well-developed professional officer corps shaped South African civil-military relations. Africa's post-independence history, though, is full of examples indicating that neglect of the military often translates into domestic risk and a dwindling of military professionalism. Post-apartheid South Africa seems to emulate this example. The South African military may be in the barracks at present. However, there are clear indications that, in the longer term, the military risks promotion of elite interests, patronage and uncompetitive practices rooted in a single political party. This tendency is rooted in a general decline of military professionalism due to factors such as a declining defence budget, obsolete military technologies, a diminishing role of Parliament in oversee...

In this paper, Marek Gallo analyses the implications of the newly created post of Defence and Space Commissioner (DaSC) for the European security architecture. The appointment of Andrius Kubilius reflects a strategic shift aimed at bolstering the EU’s defence industry and achieving greater strategic autonomy in response to Russian aggression and global instability. However, this paper argues that while the DaSC role emphasises joint procurement and enhanced interoperability, the portfolio lacks the authority to drive substantial defence reforms. At the same time, Kubilius' success depends on securing resources, overcoming institutional hesitancy, and fostering collaboration with NATO. Additionally, the EU’s cost-effective space policy focuses on regulatory leadership and space programmes continuity, rather than militarisation. This paper constructively highlights the challenges Kubilius will face in aligning immediate security concerns with long-term strategic objectives, positioning the DaSC as a symbolic yet limited step in strengthening Europe’s defence posture.

Le scandale de Hockey Canada a révélé des problèmes systémiques au sein de l'organisation, soulevant des questions critiques sur l'éthique et la responsabilité dans le sport. Ce travail analyse les faits entourant l'utilisation d'un fonds controversé destiné à couvrir des abus sexuels, mettant en lumière les conséquences de ces actions sur les victimes, les athlètes et l'image du hockey canadien. En appliquant des principes éthiques, nous examinons les manquements dans la gouvernance et la culture organisationnelle qui ont permis de tels abus. Enfin, des recommandations sont proposées pour favoriser la transparence, renforcer la protection des victimes et promouvoir une culture d'intégrité au sein des sports au Canada.

How are extra costs resulting from the occurrence of unanticipated risks allocated in a procurement setting ? This paper develops a theoretical framework combining transaction cost economics with equity theory in order to explain why parties endorse cooperative strategies, basically a 50-50 sharing rule, that prevail over their propensity to behave opportunistically. We derive two propositions that we test on a dataset of 48 contracts in the French defense procurement. We find that perception of equity turns out to be a key factor in the contractual relationship. This interpretation challenges the prevailing interpretation of a key assumption in transaction cost economics.

India's Defence system is dedicated to safeguarding the nation's integrity, sovereignty, and geo-economic interests. With the President as the supreme commander, the Ministry of Defence oversees the armed forces, comprising the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. This robust structure ensures India's preparedness and strategic advantage in both regional and global contexts.

This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. Highlights • A comprehensive review on state-of-the-art information visualisation methods and techniques Information Visualisation Methods and Techniques: State-of-the-art and Future Directions

Introduction. The environmental development of air transport and the reduction of atmospheric and noise pollution have also had a significant impact on airports in recent decades. Airports are vital national resources for the national economy. They play a key role in the transport of people and goods, as well as in regional, national and international trade. These are the places where the country's air transport system connects with other modes of transport, and where international responsibilities related to the management and regulation of air traffic meet with those of the state and local governments that own and operate most airports. In connection with this, Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) was created, the only institutionally supported, global carbon dioxide management certification program that provides airports with certified compliance and certification to prove their environmentally friendly operation. In addition, it makes visible the possibilities and ways forward that can ensure the realization of the long-term goal of "zero emissions".

The paper investigates the strategic issues that should be addressed in a partnership between the Armed Forces (AFs) and a private maintenance contractor based on a model structured to present the importance of the investments undertaken by the contractor. The Hellenic Vehicle Industry (ELVO) maintenance proposition, to the Hellenic Air Force (HAF), will serve as a case study.

The model is the equilibrium between the optimised functions of the effectiveness of maintenance and the savings that the military customer would benefit from and the partner's profit. The model that incorporates preventive and corrective maintenance, in-home, outsourcing, and maintainer’s costs, military savings, and partner’s profits, risks, and effectiveness, addresses the influence of investments on reliability and logistics support that would reduce costs. Therefore the model provides the theoretical background to develop a win-win partnership for the AFs and the industry.

The strategic issues that arise from ELVO’s proposition and are examined in the framework of the model are integrated logistics support as a whole instead of fragmented maintenance activity and investments and equipment and facilities acquisition. These are among those that the Hellenic Air Force has to include in the Strategic Partnership Negotiations Agenda.

BRI is a non-profit think-tank launched by independent experts aiming to provide a local and international audience with analysis, opinion, surveys, and research on a variety of issues in Azerbaijan, including social and religious issues, the economy, and history. BRI collaborates with both local and international experts specializing in Azerbaijani studies and those interested in the region.

Článok je zameraný na zhodnotenie aplikovateľnosti Spoločnej bezpečnostnej metódy, ktorá je zameraná na oblasť železničnej dopravy a jej podsystémy. Cieľom príspevku je analyzovať metódu z právneho pohľadu a určiť vhodné metódy, ktoré by mohli byť využité v konkrétnych krokoch určeného postupu. Porovnáva podobné metódy určené na posudzovanie rizík so Spoločnou bezpečnostnou metódou a následne identifikuje výhody a nevýhody jej praktického použitia.Article is aimed to evaluate the applicability of the SBM, which is focused on area of rail transport. The aim of this paper is to analyze the method of legal point of view and identify appropriate methods that could be used in specific specified procedure. Compares similar methods for risk assessment of common safety methods and subsequently identify the advantages and disadvantages of its practical using

"Air Commodore Zafar Masud: The Legend Behind Pakistan Air Force Day" by Nasim Yousaf

During the 1965 Pakistan-India war, the legendary Group Captain (later Air Commodore) Mohammad Zafar Masud served as the commander of the Pakistan Air Force’s Sargodha Base. While the performance of other PAF bases was notable, it was Masud's strategic insight and inspirational leadership at Sargodha that played a particularly pivotal role in Pakistan's aerial victories. In recognition of Sargodha’s significant contribution to the war effort, Pakistan Air Force Day was declared on September 7, and the Hilal-i-Istaqlal award was introduced in 1966 to honor the PAF’s bravery. Masud later opposed the use of force in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and subsequently resigned.

The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine is entering its third year, and the debate around aiding the war-torn country is increasingly shifting towards empowering Ukraine’s domestic defence industry, to make it more autonomous against a larger and more resourceful opponent. At the same time, in 2023 the former Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin suggested that the EU could also benefit from this process by learning from the evolution of Ukraine’s defence industry (EDA, 2023). This paper will thus give a brief overview of the condition of the country’s industry before and after the war with Russia and summarise the main lessons that the EU can incorporate from the Ukrainian experience.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Poland has been among the most active countries in supporting its eastern neighbour to halt the advance of Russian forces and to conduct its counteroffensive. This decision was consistent with Polish strategic objectives, allowing Poland to launch its modernisation project and expand its military capabilities. Although Poland’s strategic rationales vary depending on the political stance of its elites (Pawłuszko, 2022), there are three common denominators: the intent to deter Russia, the need to secure US support, and the ambition to become the Central-Eastern European region’s leading power.
Poland considers strengthening its armed forces as essential for achieving these goals. In fact, Warsaw aspires to build the most potent European land force by the beginning of 2026 (Tilles, 2023). While this objective is ambitious, the Russian invasion has catalysed the modernisation of the Polish military and its arms industry (Cucino & Scarazzato, 2023).This paper will address Poland’s recent strategic investments, aimed at developing multiple components of its armed forces, including land, air, sea, drone, and anti-missile forces, and analyse the potential challenges that such a rapid upgrade and amplification of its military capabilities entail.

Sebuah gagasan menyambut kebijakan mewujudkan visi Indonesia Emas muncul dengan keyakinan bahwa teknologi masa depan dapat diramalkan melalui analisa yang sistematik dan komprehensif. Peramalan Teknologi atau dikenal dengan istilah technology forecasting dapat diaplikasikan untuk menentukan tren teknologi masa depan, khususnya untuk menentukan alat utama sistem senjata (alutsista) TNI Angkatan Udara (TNI AU). Hal ini sangat penting untuk dipahami karena TNI AU harus bersifat adaptable terhadap kemajuan ilmu teknologi di tengah situasi keamanan global yang berpotensi memicu peperangan di masa mendatang. Seiring dengan teknologi yang semakin mutakhir dan meningkat kemampuannya, kualitas Sumber Daya Manusia (SDM) tidak dapat bekerja sendiri, namun memerlukan kolaborasi tim yang tersusun dari pemangku kebijakan, industri dan para akademisi yang dikenal dengan triple helix. Pada lingkup AAU, tim terdiri dari pimpinan dan pejabat terkait, mitra kerja AAU dan Taruna sebagai akademisi yang berkolaborasi menuangkan ide dan gagasan dalam mengkaji, meneliti, dan membentuk Forum Group Discussion. Melalui analisa dan pemikiran yang merujuk pada perkembangan lingkungan strategis serta direktif dari pimpinan, hasil dari proses technology forecasting berupa memprediksi teknologi masa depan diharapkan dapat menjadi masukan dan saran kepada TNI AU dalam menentukan alutsista di masa mendatang

Sebuah gagasan menyambut kebijakan mewujudkan visi Indonesia Emas muncul dengan keyakinan bahwa teknologi masa depan dapat diramalkan melalui analisa yang sistematik dan
komprehensif. Peramalan Teknologi atau dikenal dengan istilah technology forecasting dapat
diaplikasikan untuk menentukan tren teknologi masa depan, khususnya untuk menentukan alat utama sistem senjata (alutsista) TNI Angkatan Udara (TNI AU). Hal ini sangat penting untuk dipahami karena TNI AU harus bersifat adaptable terhadap kemajuan ilmu teknologi di tengah situasi keamanan global yang berpotensi memicu peperangan di masa mendatang. Seiring dengan teknologi yang semakin mutakhir dan meningkat kemampuannya, kualitas Sumber Daya Manusia (SDM) tidak dapat bekerja sendiri, namun memerlukan kolaborasi tim yang tersusun dari pemangku kebijakan, industri
dan para akademisi yang dikenal dengan triple helix. Pada lingkup AAU, tim terdiri dari pimpinan dan pejabat terkait, mitra kerja AAU dan Taruna sebagai akademisi yang berkolaborasi menuangkan ide dan gagasan dalam mengkaji, meneliti, dan membentuk Forum Group Discussion. Melalui analisa dan pemikiran yang merujuk pada perkembangan lingkungan strategis serta direktif dari pimpinan, hasil dari proses technology forecasting berupa memprediksi teknologi masa depan diharapkan dapat menjadi masukan dan saran kepada TNI AU dalam menentukan alutsista di masa mendatang

The aim of this paper is to substantiate that the National Defence requires a communication strategy that makes the most of its objectives, gives crucial coherence to communication, increases awareness of the role of the Defence and lifts the reputation of the National Defence and Armed Forces with the latter having a key role in the national unity and Portugal's affirmation to the world.

Tehnološki višek pomeni, da delodajalec ne potrebuje več delavca zaradi zmanjšanja obsega poslovanja ali preoblikovanja delovnega procesa (če bo npr. določeno delo namesto delavca opravljala naprava). Pravno se v takšnem primeru lahko uporabi odpoved iz poslovnega razloga, vendar je situacija v praksi marsikdaj vse prej kot preprosta. Še posebno, kadar so morda v igri osebni razlogi ali celo diskriminacija.

Technological developments and sophisticated hostile Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) capabilities have pushed the modern battlefield outside its traditional boundary. The NATO Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) doctrine aims to fully leverage and integrate capabilities in the five operational domains, and thus to deter enemies below the threshold of conflict and defeat them when necessary. Nevertheless, European Land Forces have to overcome cultural, institutional, technological, and structural hurdles to effectively adopt the doctrine.

Carl von Clausewitz (1780–1831) is one of the best-known and most influential theorists of war. He gained enduring fame for On War,[1] which provides deep insight into the theory and conduct of war. The book has influenced military thinkers and practitioners as diverse as Sir Julian Corbett,[2] Vladimir Lenin,[3] Mao Zedong,[4] Harry Summers,[5] and Colin Powell.[6] Since the publication of On War in 1832, soldiers and scholars the world over have proclaimed it a fundamental resource. On War is a basic text at institutions of professional military education around the globe. It is thus fair to say that no serious thinker of military and strategic affairs is ignorant of Clausewitz. While war planners, military historians, and strategists draw heavily from Clausewitz, International Relations (IR) scholars find a place for him in their writings much less often. Aside from reproducing a famous quote or two, many IR scholars pursue their professional enterprise as if Clausewitz never exi...

An experimental investigation is presented into the explosive blast response of fibrereinforced polymer laminates used in naval ship structures. Blast tests using plastic explosive charges were performed in air on square target plates made of carbon-polyester, glasspolyester, carbon-vinyl ester or glass-vinyl ester laminates, which are composite materials used in naval ships. The laminates were dynamically loaded by shock waves of increasing pressure and impulse, and the deformation, damage and residual mechanical properties were determined. The amount of blast-induced damage and the post-blast mechanical properties depend on both the fibre reinforcement and polymer matrix. E-glass laminates have higher resistance to blast-induced delamination cracking and tow rupture than carbon fibre composites. Furthermore, glass or carbon fibre laminates with a vinyl ester matrix have superior blast damage resistance compared to composites with a polyester matrix. The higher damage resistance is attributed to the higher flexural strain energy capacity and interlaminar fracture toughness properties of laminates containing glass fibres or vinyl ester matrix.

This report shows that different states have different approaches to climate change and security. It suggests that some states still consider climate change effects on security of less importance than traditional considerations, or perhaps that some states believe that adapting their war fighting ability to the effects of climate change is detracting from its primary responsibility of protecting and defending the state.

Sebagai mahluk individu, manusia mempunyai kemampuan berupa akal pikiran dan perasaan dalam memenuhi kebutuhan dirinya. Sedangkan sebagai mahluk social, manusia memiliki dorongan kebutuhan untuk berinteraksi. Untuk memenuhi kebutuhan untuk berinteraksi, manusia melakukan komunikasi untuk menyampaikan informasi. Begitu juga dalam olahraga, diperlukan penyampain informasi secara tatap muka. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui komunikasi antar pribadi terhadap tingkat keberhasilan defense pada tim putri bola basket Universitas Negeri Jakarta pada kejuaraan mahasiswa campus league DKI Jakarta. Metode penelitian menggunakan metode deskriptif dengan tehnik yang digunakan survei. Adapun instrument yang digunakan adalah kuesioner dengan menggunakan skala likert. Sampel penelitian ini sebanyak 15 sampel dari jumlah populasi seluruh peserta campus league DKI Jakarta. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa: dimensi keterbukaan memiliki persentase sebesar 46,67%, sedangkan dimensi em...

This article investigates how the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 22, 2024, has influenced the perception of the Baltic States’ security and their interest and engagement in supporting and aiding Ukraine. Divided into four sections, the article presents the importance of military aid of the Baltic States to Ukraine as it helps to repel Russian attacks and strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

The amphibious landing of troops at Bonny during the Nigerian Civil War is often described as a landmark feat accomplished by the military of a modern Black African state. It was the first of five landings which along with the instituting of a naval blockade formed the basis of the encirclement and eventual defeat of secessionist Biafra. This article captures the transformation of an erstwhile civilian marine department into a naval force which endured sabotage and defection prior to successfully transporting, landing, and affording covering fire for the federal Third Infantry Division. The article explains the military and political objectives, and also reveals the pivotal role played in its planning and execution by James Rawe, an expatriate British naval officer who was a veteran of the Normandy landings.

The loss of body weight due to suppressed appetite at high altitude is very common. The hormone leptin and trace metal zinc have key roles in appetite regulation. In the present study, changes in leptin and zinc status of female mountaineers with and without supplementation with zinc have been investigated. Plasma leptin, zinc and enzyme activities of alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.5) and 5 nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.1) of 25 women mountaineers between age gmup 17-25 yr were studied. The women mountaineers were divided into two groups, i.e., placebo control (n = 7) and supplemented with zinc at dose 15 mg/day for 21 days (n = 18) and all variables were analysed initially at 1981 m, at high altitude (4572-5182 m) and on rehun to initial altitude. The basal leptin level for both the groups combined was 3.12 + 0.57 ng/ml (mean * SD). Plasma leptin levels were found increased by 24 per cent and 58 per cent, respectively at high altitude and after rehlm in case of control group, whereas in case of zinc-supplemented group, there was a statistically non-significant decrease of 20 per cent at high altitude in comparison to basal values. Thereafter, levels were maintained at baseline. There was no significant change in zinc status of control group as indicated by plasma zinc as well as maintained activities of alkaline ohosohatase and 5 nucleotidase in the oresent studv. On the other hand. zinc-suoolemented emuo. .-. showed kcre&e in zinc status at high altitude, ihich was evident by inneased plasma zinc levels. On return from high altitude, plasma zinc levels were low in comparison to high altitude but still higher than that of basal. Results indicate beneficial effects of zinc supplementation by decreasing leptin levels at high altitude.

The influence of seawater absorption on the explosive blast response of a woven carbon-vinyl ester laminate is experimentally investigated by immersing the laminate in artificial seawater (2.9% salinity) at a temperature of 30 o C for up to three months. The laminate was then subjected to increasing shock wave impulse loads by varying both the mass and stand-off distance of plastic explosive (PE) charges. High-speed digital image correlation (DIC) during explosive blast testing revealed significant variations in dynamic deflections for the laminate following seawater immersion, particularly at high blast impulse levels. Non-destructive evaluation of the laminate using through-transmission ultrasonics, X-ray computed tomography (CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that blast induced-damage such as fibre-matrix debonding, matrix cracking, delamination and fibre rupture occurred irrespective of the amount of absorbed water. However, greater amounts of damage were observed in the seawater saturated panels, most notably for the low blast impulses. This was due to softening and weakening of the polymer matrix and the fibre-matrix interface by the absorbed water.