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The trebuchet, in all its forms, was very much in vogue in the reenactment and research community in the 1980s and 1990s. Several museums around the world have also built their own, with Middelaldercenteret in Nykøbing Falster in Denmark as one of the first modern examples of counterweight trebuchet (Hansen, 1989). Despite the multitude of builds, very little has been published about the process. When it comes to the traction machines, the authors are only aware of Tarver’s influential article (1995). From the historical perspective, Paul Chevedden (1998; 2000), amongst others, brought focus to the traction-based version of the machine, which is more commonly considered as an introductory note of the more awe-inspiring counterweight. At the Tower of London, a traction trebuchet clearly modelled on counterweight machines uses a pulling crew of about 4 people, throwing across the grass along the length of the outer walls (This seems to be their standard number, based on a range of YouTube videos taken by members of the public). This is the beginning of our work to change this state of the evidence of traction trebuchets, and attempt to see what the results of our experiments can do to help understand the physical realities of traction trebuchets at war. While those who specialize in traction trebuchets often have some tactical knowledge of its attributes, many historians of siege warfare more generally rely heavily on historical assumptions that do not necessarily stand up to critical evaluation. “While somewhat simpler to construct than its ancient predecessor, the logistical requirements of the traction trebuchet were just as great or even greater, and it needed even more trained crews and engineers to operate effectively, as well as a large number of expert craftsmen.” is only the most recent statement by Petersen (2013, p.409) of commonly accepted attributes. This is primarily accurate for traction trebuchet based on counterweight designs, principles and purposes. In this paper, we aim to illustrate why this is, in our experience, an inaccurate view of the smaller scale machines.

Black powder hand grenades are ubiquitous for several European archaeological sites between 1600 AD and 1900 AD. Unfortunately, many archaeological reports only note the presence of hand grenades in artifact inventories, perhaps denoting some minor measurements. Only one report contains a full assessment of grenades, but this was performed by treasure hunters who excavated the pirate ship Whydah. No known primary historical sources describe grenade production, size regulation, storage, or shipping practices. For this study, a system of measurement was developed to compare three collections. Measurements from those collections were used to replicate hand grenade shells, the focus of this paper. Two types were made, one glass and the other cast iron. These replicas will later be used in controlled detonations on a federal blast range to record the blast in full spectrum. That analysis will be used for a comprehensive medical evaluation to determine the lethality of these types of hand grenades.

The present prospective autopsy study was carried out during the period July 2009 to May 2012 in Kingston, Jamaica. A total of 74 cases of cut throat injury were studied. All the cut throat injuries irrespective of those directly or indirectly contributing to the death were studied. Males dominated the list of victims, contributing to 71.62% (n = 53). Majority of those were in the age group 21–30 (n = 25) and 31–40 (n = 26) which contributed to 33.78% and 35.13% respectively. Majority of the cases were homicides contributing to 97.29% (n = 72) of cases, only 2.7% were suicides and accidental cut throat were never reported. Males dominated the homicides category contributing to 72.22% (n = 52) of the cases. Gang and relationship crisis (homosexual and heterosexual) were the major motivating factors, each contributing to 39.19% (n = 29) and 32.43% (n = 24) of the cases, respectively. The disease suffered by individuals were the least motivating factors contributing to 1.35% of cases (n = 01). The most common cause of death was exsanguinations in 49.95% (n = 34) of cases followed closely by asphyxia due to aspiration of blood i.e. 36.49% (n = 27) of cases and air embolism was the least cause of death, contributing to 4.05% (n = 03) of cases. Cut throat injury was associated with other injuries like gunshot wound, chop wounds and stab wounds in 13.52% of (n = 10) autopsies. Chop injuries contributed to maximum number of other injuries in homicides (n = 46). The most preferred place for the crime was an open field or farm (n = 26). Majority of the cut throat wounds were situated in zone II level contributing to 66.21% (n = 49) of cases. Majority of the wounds were directed from left to right in 75.68% (n = 56) of cases and the cervical vertebra was affected in 8.11% (n = 06) of cases. Major weapon of choice was machete contributing to 83.78% (n = 62) of injuries. The low income group was the most affected group contributing to 91.89% (n = 68) of cases.

It has been suggested that a CEW (conducted electrical weapon) exposure could elicit a stress response that could cause ExDS (excited delirium syndrome). There are some parallels between the signs of ExDS and serotonin syndrome (SS). Electroconvulsive therapy raises serotonin levels and therefore provides a plausible link between CEW applications and elevated serotonin levels. This study was designed to determine whether a CEW exposure elevates serum serotonin. A total of 31 police academy cadets were exposed to a very broad-spread 5-s CEW stimulus from a TASER brand X26 CEW. Blood was drawn before and after the exposure and at 24 h post exposure to measure serum serotonin levels. Lactic acid and cortisol levels were also compared. Median serum serotonin levels were 30 IQR (21,46), 36 IQR (22,50), and 32 IQR (21,45) ng/mL before exposure, after exposure, and 24 h after exposure (NS by pooled comparisons). The increase from baseline to post-test serotonin (∆ median = +6, ∆ mean = +2.7) ng/mL was not significant by a paired T-test (p = .29) but was significant by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p = .037). The increase to post-test log serotonin was not significant by a paired T-test (p = .13) but was significant by the Wilcoxon test (p = .049). All serotonin levels remained within the normal reference range of 0-200 ng/mL. Post-hoc analysis demonstrated that the study was powered to detect a ½ SD change, in log serotonin, with a 90% likelihood. With a very-broad electrode spread, CEW exposure did not significantly raise serum serotonin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weapon has always been not only a means of warfare, but also the subject of the historical, cultural, technological heritage of any nation. Scientific achievements, technological and cultural innovations are realized in the weapon. Medieval Europe is rich in technological invention in the field of gunsmiths. Especially a lot of inventions relate to the manufacture of cold blade weapons. Through attempts and mistakes, medieval gunsmiths found the best possible variants of the material from which the weapon was made. Perhaps in the greatest degree this concerns the production of swords. In the Middle Ages, the sword was something more than a weapon. It was still a subject of status, prestige and art. Therefore, the gunner paid special attention to its manufacture. The sword provides the key to understanding the emergence and further evolution of all medieval weapons, and even more– phenomenon of European militaristic cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Since 2015, the Israeli military has been implementing a series of new counter-insurgency tactics in Palestinian territory in which urbanism and architecture are its main weapons. Of these diverse procedures, so-called "concrete sealing" stands out as one of the most controversial punishments: it consists of pouring concrete into the house of a Palestinian attacker, rendering the domestic space useless for its inhabitants. In the following essay, we will investigate the complexity of this new deterrence tactic that has already filled nearly 1000 square meters of Palestinian domesticity. The essay is accompanied by the first published photographs of this new practice, from the residences of Mu'taz Hijazi and Udai Abu Jamal. We will examine the historical background and precedents of this punitive action, as well as breaking down concrete punishment into its most fundamental features (communication, affect, monumentality and domesticity) in order to prove the hypothesis that the resulting architectural object represents a more refined tactic than those seen previously because it uses art and aesthetic result as tools to transform time and durability into an effective weapon and reinforces the pre-existing asymmetry of space/time relationships of Israeli and Palestinian populations. Highlights • Architecture and urbanism are increasingly used as weapons in military conflicts. • Art technics are being explored as military tactics in East Jerusalem. • The domestic environment is being transformed into permanent punishment in East Jerusalem. • Concrete Punishment transforms homes into propaganda monuments to create toxic environments for inhabitation. • Time is at the core of the new counter-insurgency tactics of the army. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The tests reported in this paper were carried out to evaluate the exposure of soldiers to noise at operator and control positions during military field exercises. The tests were conducted during firing from a T-72 tank, a BWP-1 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, antitank guided missiles, a ZU-23-2K anti-aircraft gun, and a 2S1 GOZDZIK howitzer. The evaluation of noise exposure showed that the limit values of sound pressure level, referred to by both Polish occupational noise protection standards and the Pfander and Dancer hearing damage risk criteria developed for military applications, were repeatedly exceeded at the tested positions. Despite of the use of tank crew headgear, the exposure limit values of sound pressure level were exceeded for the crew members of the T-72 tank, the BWP-1 infantry fighting vehicle, and the 2S1 GOZDZIK howitzer. The results show that exposure of soldiers to noise during military field exercises is a potentially high hearing risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Le matériel du Paléolithique supérieur façonné sur ivoire de mammouth comporte de nombreuses armes de chasse, principalement des armatures de sagaies et quelques grandes lances, provenant essentiellement d’Europe Orientale notamment de Pologne, de République tchèque et de Russie… Deux objets se singularisent par leur statut d’ unicum . Le premier, un fragment de propulseur en ivoire, le seul pris sur ce matériau, est orné d’une semi ronde-bosse figurant un jeune boviné, sans doute un bison, daté du Magdalénien moyen et provenant de l’Abri de la Madeleine, en Dordogne (France). Le second est un boomerang non retournant, à la poignée striée, datée du Gravettien ancien et provenant de la grotte d’Obłazowa, en Pologne. Il est morphologiquement et morphométriquement très proche de certains exemplaires australiens. The Upper Palaeolithic material made from mammoth ivory comprises many hunting weapons, mostly spear points and a few big hand spears, mainly from Eastern Europe notably Poland, the Czech Republic and Russia… Two objects stand out through their uniqueness. The first one is a fragment of a spearthrower, the only one made in ivory, decorated in semi round, in the shape of a young bovid, probably a bison. It dates to the Middle Magdalenian and comes from the La Madeleine shelter in Dordogne (France). The second one is a non-returning boomerang with a striated handle, dating to the Early Gravettian and coming from the Obłazowa cave in Poland. Its morphology and morphometry are very like some Australian examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Computer Measurement & Control is the property of Magazine Agency of Computer Measurement & Control and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The constant presence of various forms and makes of firearm has turned it into an everyday item among some Lebanese. For Hezbollah militants, the AK-47 is an object of humour and fun despite its lethal potential. The weapon is saturated with representative qualities – both material and semiotic, so the author explores its materiality as a crucial nodal point from which to sketch the difficult terrain of subject–object relationship in the life of Lebanese Shi’i Hezbollah militants. He seeks to identify the material culture of a weapon that consolidates myths, reifies identities, stages propaganda and advertises threats. With this in view, the author follows the AK-47 to explore its ‘enchanting’ qualities and speak of the relationship it forms with a militant’s body. He locates the body of militants between three questions: what does the AK-47 signify, how does it arrive at that signification, and finally, how have its materiality and dynamic physicality made it the weapon of choice? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective study over a period of six years where the pattern and nature of injuries by sharp forces were evaluated and compared with the weapon used for infliction. The influence of the action of the weapon on the nature of the wound inflicted was also observed. The objective of the study also included an attempt to retrospectively evaluate the nature of the weapon during examination of injury at Medicolegal autopsy. Permission was obtained from institutional Ethics and research committee. The study concluded by evaluation of defence wounds, incised wounds, punctured wounds, their pattern and distribution, internal organs involved, injuries to underlying bones and nature of weapon used for infliction of injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Overkilling • Forensic medicine • Perpetrator • Weapon • Circumstances Overkilling in the Forensic Medicine is known as a specific type of homicide where the number of inflicted injuries greatly surpasses the number of fatal ones. Conducted research aimed to create a unified definition of the phenomenon and its classification criteria by analysing a vast majority of variables concerning its various characteristics. From the population of homicide victims autopsied in the authors' research facility a number of 167 cases were chosen consisting of both overkilling and other homicides. 70 cases were thoroughly analysed based on the completed court files, autopsy protocols and photographs. Second part of the research concerned the facts regarding the perpetrator, used weapon and the circumstances of the act. Conclusions of the conducted analysis allowed to add further characteristics to the overkilling definition: the perpetrators were almost exclusively men, around 35 of age, not related to the victim but might have been in a close relationship with them, often a conflicted one. They did not threaten the victim before the incident. Mostly perpetrators were not intoxicated, and they tried to cover up the homicide in various ways. Perpetrators of overkilling were in most cases mentally disturbed (and thus stated insane), had different levels of intelligence but also a low level of planning before the act – rarely taking actions as preparing the weapon in advance, choosing the scene or luring in the victim. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Homicide is the death of one human being as a result of conduct of another. Multiple assaults on the body are seen in 70% cases, which indicate determination on the part of the accused to end the life of the victim. Aim: To identify the pattern, distribution and means of inflicting fatal isolated mechanical injury on the body in cases of homicide. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on total 728 homicide deaths, out of which 63 cases had an isolated fatal mechanical injury over the body and the rest 665 cases had multiple injuries. The data collected from the study sample were recorded in a case record form and was analysed using Graphpad Prism 5.0. Results: Homicidal deaths occurring due to an isolated bodily injury were 8.65%. Most of the victims (82%) were males. Those in the age group more than 60 years and less than 10 years together constituted 38% of the cases having isolated fatal homicidal injury. Sharp cutting weapons were used in most of the cases (46.03%) followed by use of hard and blunt weapon in 20.63%. The most common site of isolated injury causing homicide was head (41.26%) followed by the neck in 31.74%. The least common site of injury was the groin/scrotum (7.93%). The leading mode of death was coma (38.09%) followed by haemorrhagic shock in 34.92%. Conclusion: Victims of homicidal deaths with isolated bodily injury showed a distinct pattern in comparison to deaths due to homicide with multiple injuries, which can be an indicator of the degree of aggression, magnitude of violence and the determination or intention of the assailant to kill.

The book consists of the rewritten essay of a master thesis. The author got his master's degree as a battlefield and conflict archaeologist from the Centre of Battlefield Archaeology at University of Glasgow founded by Professor Dr. Tony Pollard in 2006. I myself have studied at the Centre of Battlefield Archaeology back in 2007, and it was a pleasure to dive back into my old field. It was especially a pleasure as this book is very well written and well researched.

The submitted document opens the debate on the future of European defence. In the present geostrategic context, it is advisable that the European Union should increase its military potential by, inter alia, reducing the number of weapon systems, strengthening cooperation regarding defence industry, increasing operational interoperability and achieving strategic autonomy. The authors point out that the implementation of these goals may be difficult due to the fact that they assume, to a lesser or greater extent, limiting t defence autonomy of member states, as well as due to the controversy that would arise around a "fair" distribution of costs and profits among individual states related to the process of integration of the European defence industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]