Ultra reliability and massive connectivity provision in integrated internet of military things(IoMT)based on tactical datalink

One of the major challenges arising in internet of military things(IoMT)is accommodating massive connectivity while providing guaranteed quality of service(QoS)in terms of ultra-high reliability.In this regard,this paper presents a class of code-domain nonorthogonal multiple accesses(NOMAs)for uplink ultra reliable networking of massive IoMT based on tactical datalink such as Link-16 and joint tactical information distribution system(JTIDS).In the considered scenario,a satellite equipped with Nr antennas servers K devices including vehicles,drones,ships,sensors,handset radios,etc.Nonorthogonal coded modulation,a special form of multiple input multiple output(MIMO)-NOMA is proposed.The discussion starts with evaluating the output signal to interference-plus-noise(SINR)of receiver filter,leading to the unveiling of a closed-form expression for overloading systems as the number of users is significantly larger than the number of devices admitted such that massive connectivity is rendered.The expression allows for the development of simple yet successful interference suppression based on power allocation and phase shaping techniques that maximizes the sum rate since it is equivalent to fixed-point programming as can be proved.The proposed design is exemplified by nonlinear modulation schemes such as minimum shift keying(MSK)and Gaussian MSK(GMSK),two pivotal modulation formats in IoMT standards such as Link-16 and JITDS.Numerical results show that near capacity performance is offered.Fortunately,the performance is obtained using simple forward error corrections(FECs)of higher coding rate than existing schemes do,while the transmit power is reduced by 6 dB.The proposed design finds wide applications not only in IoMT but also in deep space communications,where ultra reliability and massive connectivity is a keen concern.

MTTSNet:Military time-sensitive targets stealth network via real-time mask generation

The automatic stealth task of military time-sensitive targets plays a crucial role in maintaining national military security and mastering battlefield dynamics in military applications.We propose a novel Military Time-sensitive Targets Stealth Network via Real-time Mask Generation(MTTSNet).According to our knowledge,this is the first technology to automatically remove military targets in real-time from videos.The critical steps of MTTSNet are as follows:First,we designed a real-time mask generation network based on the encoder-decoder framework,combined with the domain expansion structure,to effectively extract mask images.Specifically,the ASPP structure in the encoder could achieve advanced semantic feature fusion.The decoder stacked high-dimensional information with low-dimensional information to obtain an effective mask layer.Subsequently,the domain expansion module guided the adaptive expansion of mask images.Second,a context adversarial generation network based on gated convolution was constructed to achieve background restoration of mask positions in the original image.In addition,our method worked in an end-to-end manner.A particular semantic segmentation dataset for military time-sensitive targets has been constructed,called the Military Time-sensitive Target Masking Dataset(MTMD).The MTMD dataset experiment successfully demonstrated that this method could create a mask that completely occludes the target and that the target could be hidden in real time using this mask.We demonstrated the concealment performance of our proposed method by comparing it to a number of well-known and highly optimized baselines.

Pushing the frontiers of military medical excellence:updates,progress and future needs

Since its establishment in 2014,Military Medical Research has come a long way in becoming a premier journal for scientific articles from various different specialties,with a special emphasis on topics with military relevance.The field of military medicine may be obscure,and may not be readily encountered by the typical clinician on a day-today basis.This journal aims not only to pursue excellence in military research,but also to keep current with the latest advancements on general medical topics from each and every specialty.This editorial serves to recap and synthesize the existing progress,updates and future needs of military medical excellence,discussing foremostly the unique traits of literature published in this journal,and subsequently presenting the discourse regarding wartime and peacetime medicine,the role of the military in a public health emergency,as well as wound healing and organ regeneration.Special attention has been devoted to military topics to shed light on the effects of Chemical,Biological,Radiological and Explosive warfare,environmental medicine and military psychiatry,topics which rarely have a chance to be discussed elsewhere.The interconnectedness between military combat and soldier physical and mental well-being is intricate,and has been distorted by pandemics such as coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).This journal has come a long way since its first article was published,steadily contributing to the existing knowledge pool on general medical topics with a military slant.Only with continuous research and sharing,can we build upon the work of the scientific community,with hopes for the betterment of patient care.

Research of vibrations effect on hydraulic valves in military vehicles

The paper discusses minimizing the effect of external mechanical vibration on hydraulic valves in different military hydraulic drive systems.The current research work presents an analysis of the potential to reduce vibration on the valve casing by installing a valve flexibly on a vibrating surface,i.e.,by introducing a material with known stiffness and damping characteristics between the valve casing and the vibrating surface-a steel spring package or special cushions made of elastomer material or of oilresistant rubber.The article also demonstrates that elastomer cushions placed inside the valve casingbetween the casing and the centering springs-can be used as a supplementary or alternative solution in the analyzed method for mitigating the transfer of vibrations.By using materials with appropriately selected elastic and dissipative properties,the effectiveness of vibro-isolation can be increased.The presented theoretical analyzes by linear and non-linear mathematical models have been verified experimentally.

Masquelet technique in military practice:specificities and future directions for combat-related bone defect reconstruction

Because of its simplicity,reliability,and replicability,the Masquelet induced membrane technique(IMT)has become one of the preferred methods for critical bone defect reconstruction in extremities.Although it is now used worldwide,few studies have been published about IMT in military practice.Bone reconstruction is particularly challenging in this context of care due to extensive soft-tissue injury,early wound infection,and even delayed management in austere conditions.Based on our clinical expertise,recent research,and a literature analysis,this narrative review provides an overview of the IMT application to combat-related bone defects.It presents technical specificities and future developments aiming to optimize IMT outcomes,including for the management of massive multi-tissue defects or bone reconstruction performed in the field with limited resources.

Lethal means and suicide prevention among military veterans

Dear Editor,Suicide amongst the military veteran population is a significant publichealthproblemintheUnitedStates.TheNational VeteranSuicidePreventionAnnualReportrevealedthat6261 died by suicide in 2019[1]. The lingering effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may account for an increase in veteran suicide rates[1].

Could Military Commanders’ Good LeadershipInfluence Subordinates’ Smartphone Overdependence? A Serial Mediation Analysis

Owing to the ubiquitous use of smartphones by soldiers, military researchers have an increasing interest in potentially problematicside effects such as smartphone overdependence. This raises a question regarding the psychological mechanisms underlying thepotentially self-damaging use of smartphones. Here, we address this question by analyzing how heterogeneity in commander’sgood leadership explains subordinate soldiers’ differences in self-control and smartphone use. Specifically, we found thatsubordinate soldiers who thought their commander's leadership was good were self-regulated, less dependent on smartphones,less stressed, and finally had good mental health. This result indicates that commander’s good leadership can be used toestimate whether subordinate soldiers exert control over their impulses and use their smartphones properly. Thus, the currentfindings help to identify external factors that lead to a better understanding of problematic smartphone use and can potentiallyhelp to design appropriate preventive mechanisms or interventions that target commander’s good leadership.

High risk for obstructive sleep apnea and risk of hypertension in military personnel: The CHIEF sleep study

BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies have revealed an association between obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)and hypertension in the general population,while the association in military personnel was rarely investigated.AIM To examine the association between high risk for OSA and hypertension by phenotypes in military young adults.METHODS A total of 746 military personnel,aged 27.9 years,were included in the cardiorespiratory fitness and health in armed forces(CHIEF)-sleep study in Taiwan in 2020.Antihypertensive medications were not used by the subjects.High risk for OSA was assessed using the Berlin Questionnaire.Hypertension was defined using the 7th Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention,Detection,Evaluation,and Treatment of High Blood Pressure(JNC 7)and the 2017 American College of Cardiology(ACC)/American Heart Association(AHA)guidelines.The cutoff levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure(SBP and DBP)for the 2017 ACC/AHA-and JNC 7-based guidelines were 130/140 mmHg and 80/90 mmHg,respectively.Hypertension phenotypes included isolated systolic and diastolic hypertension(ISH,high SBP only and IDH,high DBP only)and combined hypertension(both high SBP and DBP).Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for demographics,lifestyle and metabolic biomarkers.RESULTS The prevalence of high risk for OSA,JNC 7-based hypertension and 2017 ACC/AHA-based hypertension were 8.0%,5.2%and 22.0%,respectively.Those with a high risk for OSA had a higher probability of JNC 7-based overall and combined hypertension(odds ratios(ORs))and 95%confidence intervals:2.82(1.07-7.42)and 7.54(1.10-51.54),although the probabilities of ISH and IDH were unaffected by a high risk for OSA(ORs:1.96 and 2.35,respectively,both P>0.05).In contrast,no associations for any hypertension phenotypes were found according to the 2017 ACC/AHA criteria.CONCLUSION A high risk for OSA was associated with severe hypertension and combined hypertension among Asian military young adults.

Epidemio-Clinical Profile of Psychotrauma in Military Victims of Terrorists Attacks in Benin in December 2021

Introduction: In December 2021, Beninese soldiers were victims of armed terrorist attacks. This study aims to determine the psychological impact of the events experienced on the victims in order to better prevent post-traumatic stress disorder. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from December 13 to 14, 2021, i.e. 12 days after the oldest event and 4 days after the most recent. The experience of the event was assessed with the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory and the Peritraumatic Dissociation Experiences Questionnaire. Symptoms experienced in the hours and days after the event were assessed with the Revised Event Impact Scale. Results: 36 soldiers were included out of the 38 survivors, i.e. 94.73%. They were 51.43% victims of the night assault, 37.14% of the ambush on patrol and 11.43% of the explosion of vehicle on mine, all male. The average age was 31 years with extremes of 25 and 49 years. The 25 - 30 year olds predominated, 52.78%. 100% of soldiers had significant peritraumatic dissociation, of which 94.44% also had significant peritraumatic distress. 100% of the soldiers had manifestations of intrusion, 89% of manifestations of avoidance and 83% of manifestations of hyperexcitation. 88.89% had an index for acute stress including 100% of victims of night assault and vehicle explosion on mine. Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of peritraumatic reactions, recognized factors favoring post-traumatic stress disorder, and the interest of their evaluation for medical and psychological help adapted to the victims.

Discursive Construction of Chinese Military Image in the British Media

This study takes the image of China’s military as c onstructed in the British media’s military coverage of China as an object of study,and creates two reference corpora for comparative research.It is used to better analyse and compare the ideologies hidden in the British media’s coverage of China’s milita ry.From the analysis of the corpus,it is concluded that due to China’s rapid military and economic development,Western countries have developed a sense of crisis and have used media reports to instigate China’s foreign relations and mislead public think ing.

A Panorama of the Urological Diseases at the Former Military Teaching Hospital of Cotonou

Background: Urological care has been advancing quickly over the last ten years in Benin. In order to conveniently support that trend towards better urological care standards, decision-makers need sound data on urological diseases in the country. Objective: To determine the prevalence of urological diseases in the former Military Teaching Hospital of Cotonou. Patients and Method: We retrospectively collected the urological diseases that the institution had managed from January 2012 to December 2020. We used Excel© 2010 and SPSS© to analyze the collected data. Results: 4244 patients, i.e. 3717 males (87.58%) and 527 females (12.42%) were managed during the study period. The main diseases diagnosed were benign prostatic hyperplasia (32.61%, n = 1384), erectile dysfunction (10.44%, n = 443), chronic prostatitis (5.94%, n = 252), prostate cancer (4.03%, n = 171), and ejaculatory disorders (3.44%, n = 146). In patients ≤ 15 years, predominant diseases were peritoneal vaginal canal (15.9%, n = 43), circumcision (15.6%, n = 42), testicular dystopia (10.7%, n = 29), hydrocele (7.8%, n = 21), and hypospadias (5.6%, n = 15). Wilms tumor (1.9%, n = 5) was the first cancer, testicular (0.4%, n = 1) and para-testicular (0.4%, n = 1) tumors were the next. In patients > 15 and ≤40 years, the main diseases were infertility (14.1%, n = 189), chronic prostatitis (12.9%, n = 173), erectile dysfunction (10.1%, n = 135), ejaculatory disorders (6.2%, n = 83), genital infections (6.2%, n = 83) and urinary stone (4.9%, n = 66). The first cancer was kidney cancer (0.97%, n = 13) followed by bladder cancer (0.3%, n = 4) and testicular tumor (0.3%, n = 4). In patients >40 years, the most prevalent diseases were BPH (52.0%, n = 1370), erectile dysfunction (11.7%, n = 308), prostate cancer (6.5%, n = 171), inguinal hernia (5.1%, n = 134), and urinary stone (3.9%, n = 102). Prostate cancer is the first cancer;the next were bladder (0.95%, n = 25) and kidney (0.68%, n = 18) cancers. Conclusion: Benign prostatic hyperplasia and urological cancers (prostate, bladder and kidney cancers) were the main urological diseases at the former Military Teaching Hospital of Cotonou. Urological malformations and Wilms tumor were the main diseases in the children.

Legacy of Conflict and Controversy

As the alliance celebrates its 75th anniversary,it is facing increasing scrutinyfor itsviolations of international law and its failure to protect civilians in numerous conflicts.The North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO),widely regarded as the most notorious and venomous military alliance in history,celebrated its 75th anniversary in Washington D.C.on July 9-10,amid claims of establishing global peace.However,NATO's actions have often spread war across continents in pursuit of supremacy.Following a disastrous performance in the presidential debate,President Joe Biden unsurprisingly announced increased military aid to Ukraine,using the small European nation to target their "designated enemy."NATO's ambitions are clear:to weaken Russia through proxy wars and to provoke China into potential conflict in Asia.

A Sobering Reminder

The three-day North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO)summit concluded on July 11 in Washington D.C.,the U.S.During the summit,members stated that they would provide more military assistance to Ukraine and support its joining of NATO.It also hyped up tensions in the Asia-Pacific region by continually referring to China as a"challenge."The NATO summit,which fuels the flames in Europe and interferes in the Asia-Pacific,once again exposes the alliance's nature of inciting confrontations and even wars.

An Exploration of the British Army Female Nursing Service during World War I

After the outbreak of World War I,the British War Office decided to dispatch female nursing personnel to the front lines due to the severe casualties among soldiers,the underdeveloped military medical services of the allied forces,and the maturity of the British Army female nursing service.Despite the harsh working conditions and the complexities of nurse-patient relationships under wartime restrictions,the female nursing staff also experienced moments of leisure that allowed them to relax and recuperate.The wartime British Army Female Nursing Service had a positive effect in reducing casualties and promoting the development of the official nurse registration movement.

Noninvasive Respiratory Strategies in Patients with Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure and COVID-19 in Gabon: A Prospective Observational Study

Importance: The best respiratory support technique to reduce intubation and mortality in patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19 is controversial. Objective: To determine the respiratory support technique that could reduce the need for tracheal intubation and mortality in patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19 admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) of Military’s Hospital (HIAOBO) in Gabon. Design, Setting, and Participants-Methodology: Prospective observational study over 10 months (January 2021-October 2021). We included patients admitted to intensive care for SARS Cov2 pneumonia who had benefited from available ventilatory support: high concentration face mask, High Flow Nasal cannula (HFNC), NIV (Non Invasive Ventilation), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). The choice was guided by the clinical condition, and the choice of the prescribing physicians. Recourse to mechanical ventilation was decided when faced with a Glasgow score of less than 13, an SpO2/FiO2 ratio ≤ 300, a FR ≥ 35/min, the impossibility of drainage of secretions. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the proportion of patients requiring intubation. The secondary outcomes were mortality in ICU. Results: The sample included 97 patients, the average age was55.6 years, hypertension was the main comorbidity (51.1%). Mean respiratory rate (RR) was 30.8 cycles/min, admission SpO2 was 83%, respiratory alkalosis was present in 63% of patients, mean CT involvement was 51%.Respiratory support was NIV (56.7%), CPAP (21.65%), high concentration face mask (18.55%). Sixteen percent (16%) of patients were intubated, 93% of them following failure of NIV. Mortality was 30%, mechanical ventilation was an independent risk factor for mortality. Conclusions: Non Invasive Ventilation, CPAP, and high-concentration face mask were frequently used in patients with COVID-related acute respiratory failure. The CPAP has reduced the need for intubation. Mechanical ventilation is a risk factor for death.

Thomas Cleary's Translation of Chinese Military Classics & Its Implication for Translation Teaching

No research has been done to explore how the Chinese military classics have been studied and translated in the west.In order to fill the void,this paper tries to study Thomas Cleary’s translation of Chinese military classics.

Military traumatic brain injury:a challenge straddling neurology and psychiatry

Military psychiatry, a new subcategory of psychiatry, has become an invaluable, intangible effect of the war. In this review, we begin by examining related military research, summarizing the related epidemiological data, neuropathology, and the research achievements of diagnosis and treatment technology, and discussing its comorbidity and sequelae. To date, advances in neuroimaging and molecular biology have greatly boosted the studies on military traumatic brain injury(TBI). In particular, in terms of pathophysiological mechanisms, several preclinical studies have identified abnormal protein accumulation, blood–brain barrier damage, and brain metabolism abnormalities involved in the development of TBI. As an important concept in the field of psychiatry, TBI is based on organic injury, which is largely different from many other mental disorders. Therefore, military TBI is both neuropathic and psychopathic, and is an emerging challenge at the intersection of neurology and psychiatry.

Relationship between acute stress and sleep disorder in grass-root military personnel:Mediating effect of social support

Background: To explore the relationship between acute stress, social support and sleep disorder in grass-root military personnel, and construct the relational model through structural equation modeling. Methods: A total of 2,411 grass-root military personnel were randomly selected by cluster sampling, and administered the Chinese Military Personnel Sleep Disorder Scale, Military Acute Stress Scale and Social Support Rating Scale.Results: The total score of acute stress scale was positively correlated with the total score and factor scores of sleep disorder scale(r=0.209~0.465, P<0.01); The total score of social support scale was positively correlated with the total score of acute stress scale and the total score and factor scores of sleep disorder scale(r=0.356~0.537, P<0.01). The analysis of mediating effects showed that lack of social support partially mediated between acute stress and the factors of sleep disorder. The analysis of structural equation model showed that acute stress not only had a direct effect on sleep disorder(the path coefficient was 0.29, P=0.000), but also on lack of social support(the path coefficient was 0.39, P=0.000); lack of social support had a direct effect on sleep disorder(the path coefficient was 0.48, P=0.000).Conclusions: Acute stress and lack of social support are two significant factors of sleep disorder in grass-root military personnel. Well-established social support could alleviate sleep disorder induced by acute stress. Lack of social support was a partial mediator between acute stress and sleep disorder.

Incidental finding of Zinner syndrome in a Greek military recruit: a case report of a rare clinical entity

Background: Zinner syndrome represents a rare congenital malformation of the urinary tract. It comprises a constellation of Wolffian duct anomalies and is almost exclusively encountered as a classic triad of seminal vesicle cysts, ejaculatory duct obstruction and renal agenesis. Patients can be either asymptomatic or symptomatic. Recently, minimally invasive surgical techniques have emerged, superseding traditional surgery for select symptomatic cases. Our case highlights the finding of a rare clinical syndrome that was incidentally detected during a routine mass screening of military recruits in the Greek Armed Forces.Case presentation: Herein, we present a case of a 19-year-old male who reported having a solitary right kidney when examined in a military training center of Northern Greece. No additional clinical information was available;thus, referral to a tertiary urology department for further investigation ensued. Imaging studies, namely, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, revealed left renal aplasia, multiple left seminal vesicle cysts, and ejaculatory duct obstruction. Laboratory values and urinalysis were within normal range. Semen analysis was significant for cryptozoospermia. Our patient remained asymptomatic during the entire hospitalization. Long-term follow-up was recommended. Nevertheless, he declined further investigation and sought treatment in a private practice setting.Conclusions: This article aims to present the incidental diagnosis of a rare syndrome in a military setting. Population screening conducted in the armed forces permits the identification of undiagnosed diseases that warrant further investigation. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first report of Zinner syndrome in a military recruit and the second case cited of a Greek patient in the published literature. Regular follow-up is the key to timely intervention in conservatively managed cases.

Olfaction as a soldier——a review of the physiology and its present and future use in the military

Olfaction is one of our 5 main qualitative sensory abilities. In this review, we have examined the physiology of olfaction from the olfactory receptor to the brain. Through analyzing the physiology of olfaction, we have found that the biochemistry of olfactory nerve stimulation is unique from that of other similar pathways. Upon receiving large amounts of input from the olfactory nerve, the olfactory bulb, followed by several layers of centrifugal and centripetal processing in the brain, has to sort the information from the input as well as integrate it with other inputs from the brain to develop a coherent understanding of the input. We then examined the implications of olfaction in the military, the practical applications of electronic noses and problems associated with injury to olfaction that could affect compensation and combat worthiness of a soldier following injury. In the military, olfaction can allow the army to perform at its best through 4 main methods, namely ensuring olfaction is consistent with other dimensions of perception(ensuring optimal olfaction ability in all soldiers in combat), understanding the impact of different common combat environments on the sense of smell, utilizing odor as a defense mechanism and using olfactory aids when necessary. Electronic noses are olfactory aids that have a large potential in the military ranging from saving lives through the detection of explosives to potential methods for improving combustion efficiency. There are several problems associated with injury to olfaction that should be considered when deciding on compensation and combat worthiness of the soldier following an injury.