Common Threats Research Articles

The role of the UN in ensuring the rule of law

The methods of effective support of international peace and security directly depend on the features of the global and regional security environment. The nature of current challenges and threats determines the format and directions of international security cooperation. Faced with the modern challenges and threats of the globalized world, no state is able to ensure its own security solely by its own efforts, without relying on the help of the international community and collective security structures. Each country independently determines the degree of its participation in certain international events in the field of international security. In this vein, various forms of international cooperation and cooperation in the field of security are formed in accordance with countries’ perceptions of common threats and their own national interests. In the conditions of the current level of globalization, international cooperation covers almost all spheres of social activity and requires the establishment of generally accepted and understandable “rules of the game” and certain regulation at the supranational level. These functions are assigned to international institutions and the system of international treaties. The transition to the information society, the processes of globalization, the development of the latest technologies and the new challenges of modernity have led to the emergence of new ways of waging war and have radically changed the international security system. The principles, resources and means of warfare have changed significantly. Modern challenges and threats to the global security system have led to a rethinking of the conceptual and practical foundations of international security cooperation. In order to maintain security and stability in the modern world, uniform rules, principles and standards of responsibility must be adopted. The UN acts as a universal and unique platform for consolidating positive trends in the development of the international security system.

National Map of Security Threats as a Citizen Involvement Tool for Planning Safer Urban Public Spaces

The National Map of Security Threats (NMST) implemented in Poland in 2016 is a GIS-based tool for digital crime and threat mapping involving citizens in the processes of shaping local security by reporting hazards in their neighbourhood (volunteered geographic information). The map—open for external users—is a source of information about common threats to the safety of human life and health, property, and public order, taking into account their spatial distribution, in the opinion of its users. Among 26 reportable hazards, there are categories related to (1) Traffic, (2) Greenery, (3) Water, (4) Demoralisation and Vandalism, (5) Poverty, (6) Alcohol and Drugs, and (7) Animals. The study aims to investigate which threats reported by citizens are the most represented on the NMST. The study covered data collected based on public access to the map in the period from January–December 2022. The analysis of the results allowed us to conclude that the most common threats belong to the following categories: (1) Traffic, (2) Alcohol and Drugs, and (3) Greenery. While the first two categories are not a surprise for researchers, and their importance is confirmed by other studies, the category of Greenery—its condition, damage, etc.—becomes more and more important, which was not confirmed in previous studies. Recognizing this is crucial to support processes of planning and designing more secure public spaces.

Prospects for the development of interreligious dialogue as a way to counter common threats

This article examines some of the main threats faced by Islam and Orthodoxy that need to be addressed together in order to preserve the unity of Russian civil society. One of the ways to deal with immediate threats is the development of interreligious dialogue. The topic of interreligious interaction is a dialogue between the largest traditional religions (Islam and Orthodoxy) that is relevant for our country. This question has been studied from different sides – political, philosophical, sociological. However, the relationship between representatives of these religions has not been fully investigated from a theological point of view. The prospects for the development of a dialogue between Islam and Orthodoxy considered in this article will contribute to achieving social stability and to strengthening the national and spiritual security of our country.

Quasi alliance explanation for the fluctuating ROK-Japan relationship: analysing friction in 2019 and cohesion in 2023

ABSTRACT The ROK-Japan relationship, characterized as a quasi alliance, has oscillated between moments of friction and cohesion. This study endeavours to pinpoint the explanatory variables responsible for these fluctuations and to articulate a coherent causal mechanism. Drawing upon alliance theories and the quasi alliance model, two hypotheses centred on external factors – common threats and common allies – are posite. In 2019, divergent threat perceptions between the ROK and Japan, coupled with doubts about the US's reliability, strained their quasi alliance. Yet, as the prospects for North Korea's denuclearization grew murky, both the ROK and Japan began to share heightened threat perceptions. Concurrently, the US's commitment and credibility were reestablished, bolstering the cohesion of the quasi-alliance. This study strengthens the quasi-alliance model both theoretically and empirically. Furthermore, the study's findings suggest the necessity for more direct and binding bilateral ties between the ROK and Japan to ensure greater stability in future relations.

The genome of the black-footed cat: Revealing a rich natural history and urgent conservation priorities for small felids.

Habitat degradation and loss of genetic diversity are common threats faced by almost all of today's wild cats. Big cats, such as tigers and lions, are of great concern and have received considerable conservation attention through policies and international actions. However, knowledge of and conservation actions for small wild cats are lagging considerably behind. The black-footed cat, Felis nigripes, one of the smallest felid species, is experiencing increasing threats with a rapid reduction in population size. However, there is a lack of genetic information to assist in developing effective conservation actions. A de novo assembly of a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome of the black-footed cat was made, and comparative genomics and population genomics analyses were carried out. These analyses revealed that the most significant genetic changes in the evolution of the black-footed cat are the rapid evolution of sensory and metabolic-related genes, reflecting genetic adaptations to its characteristic nocturnal hunting and a high metabolic rate. Genomes of the black-footed cat exhibit a high level of inbreeding, especially for signals of recent inbreeding events, which suggest that they may have experienced severe genetic isolation caused by habitat fragmentation. More importantly, inbreeding associated with two deleterious mutated genes may exacerbate the risk of amyloidosis, the dominant disease that causes mortality of about 70% of captive individuals. Our research provides comprehensive documentation of the evolutionary history of the black-footed cat and suggests that there is an urgent need to investigate genomic variations of small felids worldwide to support effective conservation actions.

The Implications of Cybercrime on Economic Security: The Case of Kenya

The research study examined the evolving landscape of cybercrime and its significant implications on economic security within Kenya. As the digital economy rapidly grows, cyber threats have become increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, posing significant risks not only to individual entities but also to national security. In Kenya, a nation at the forefront of digital transformation in Africa, these threats have escalated, challenging the ability to safeguard vital economic infrastructures. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques to analyze Kenya’s cybercrime landscape. The theoretical framework was based on securitization, deterrence, and routine activity theories, offering a strong foundation for understanding cybercrime’s impact on economic security. Data was collected through an extensive literature review and engagement with professionals from various sectors, including government, security agencies, and academia. Participants, with 1 to 30 years of experience, provided key insights into Kenya’s cybersecurity state. An 80% response rate was achieved, ensuring the findings were valid, reliable, and representative of the broader cybersecurity landscape. The study reveals critical issues in Kenya’s cybersecurity landscape. Despite digitalization efforts and security policies, there remains a significant gap in public cyber threat awareness, leaving many vulnerable to attacks. The 2017 cyber-attack on the National Bank of Kenya, resulting in the theft of KES 29 million ($280,000), highlights the need for stronger cybersecurity measures and public education. The study also identifies the asymmetric nature of cybercrime, which, unlike traditional crimes, transcends borders, making it harder to predict and mitigate. The global interconnectedness of the internet exacerbates this challenge, necessitating a shift from reactive to proactive cyber threat strategies. The study recommends immediate implementation of comprehensive cyber literacy programmes for the public, focusing on common threats, safe practices, and basic cybersecurity, with tailored content for different demographics. Cybersecurity education should be integrated into the national curriculum from the primary level to foster early awareness. It also highlights the need for collaboration among all stakeholders – government, private sector, academia, and civil society to share information and best practices. Organizations, especially in critical sectors like banking, healthcare, and government, should adopt robust security measures, including advanced detection systems and regular audits. The study also suggests further that the government should consider employing local ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities and counter cyber threats, particularly in government and critical infrastructure.

Mapping the changing role of expertise in COVID-19 politics in Europe

During major national crises countries experience a ‘rally round the flag’ effect, where citizens, societal groups and politicians put aside mundane conflicts to stand united against a common threat. This shift to depoliticised policymaking was indeed observed in many European countries during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 onwards. Subsequently it noted how politics involving COVID-19 were then (re)politicised, typically when lockdowns were lifted. This article sets out to explore the role of expertise in shaping policy responses during politicised/depoliticised processes. It offers a new typology, classifying four different ideal types of roles for experts as leading, antagonistic, managerial, and auxiliary. Using survey data from political science experts across 31 European countries it analyses knowledge exchanges at different stages throughout the pandemic, and finds a shift from normal policymaking conditions to conditions of politicisation/depoliticisation triggered by the pandemic. The findings demonstrate that the role of experts oscillates depending on the issue at hand and the way that either political actors utilise expertise to legitimise decisions or experts themselves turn into political actors within politicised decision environments. During the pandemic, a dramatic shift of the expert’s role occurred where even in countries whose experts previously had an auxiliary role, leading policy decisions became the norm.

THE INFLUENCE OF US POLICY ON THE FORMATION OF A COMMON APPROACH BETWEEN IRAN AND RUSSIA TO RESOLVE THE SYRIAN CRISIS

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the US has always played the most important and influential role in the Iran-Russia relations. From the second half of the 1990s, one of the US foreign policy priorities has constantly been on the separation and divergence in the Iran-Russia relations, for which the US spared no efforts. Since the synergy of powers between the two countries and their anti-unipolar policies have always been a serious threat to the US hegemony at a global level, by the beginning of the Syria crisis in late 2010, following the Arab Spring, the US interests and goals were directly at odds with Iran’s and Russia’s political and security interests. The goals of Washington in the Syria crisis included: the decline of the Syrian government, the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, and an effort to establish a pro-Western government to eliminate the sole ally of Russia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and also to prevent Iran’s regional penetration, particularly its proxy groups like Hezbollah. For achieving these goals, Washington has profited from its allied countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, as a front line. The US strategy in Syria not only exacerbated the crisis but also provided a situation in which Iran and Russia achieved their highest level of military and security cooperation in the past three decades. And it was precisely the same incident that the US considered a serious threat to its national interests and policies. Although Iran and Russia have pursued specific and sometimes contradictory interests, in the end, focusing on common goals and threats – arising from the Syrian crisis – they were able to cooperate effectively and take a new step in building a strategic unity.

Severe Convective Storms in Limited Instability Organized by Pattern and Distribution

Abstract Severe convection occurring in high-shear, low-CAPE (HSLC) environments is a common cool-season threat in the southeastern United States. Previous studies of HSLC convection document the increased operational challenges that these environments present compared to their high-CAPE counterparts, corresponding to higher false-alarm ratios and lower probability of detection for severe watches and warnings. These environments can exhibit rapid destabilization in the hours prior to convection, sometimes associated with the release of potential instability. Here, we use self-organizing maps (SOMs) to objectively identify environmental patterns accompanying HSLC cool-season severe events and associate them with variations in severe weather frequency and distribution. Large-scale patterns exhibit modest variation within the HSLC subclass, featuring strong surface cyclones accompanied by vigorous upper-tropospheric troughs and northward-extending regions of instability, consistent with prior studies. In most patterns, severe weather occurs immediately ahead of a cold front. Other convective ingredients, such as lower-tropospheric vertical wind shear, near-surface equivalent potential temperature (θe) advection, and the release of potential instability, varied more significantly across patterns. No single variable used to train SOMs consistently demonstrated differences in the distribution of severe weather occurrence across patterns. Comparison of SOMs based on upper and lower quartiles of severe occurrence demonstrated that the release of potential instability was most consistently associated with higher-impact events in comparison to other convective ingredients. Overall, we find that previously developed HSLC composite parameters reasonably identify high-impact HSLC events. Significance Statement Even when atmospheric instability is not optimal for severe convective storms, in some situations they can still occur, presenting increased challenges to forecasters. These marginal environments may occur at night or during the cool season, when people are less attuned to severe weather threats. Here, we use a sorting algorithm to classify different weather patterns accompanying such storms, and we distinguish which specific patterns and weather system features are most strongly associated with severe storms. Our goals are to increase situational awareness for forecasters and to improve understanding of the processes leading to severe convection in marginal environments.

Linking Sediment and Water Column Phosphorus Dynamics to Oxygen, Temperature, and Aeration in Shallow Eutrophic Lakes

AbstractWater quality improvements in shallow eutrophic lakes are commonly delayed due to loading from legacy phosphorus (P)‐enriched sediments, even with reduced external nutrient loads. It is critical to understand the drivers of internal P loading to suppress or remove this source of P and meet water quality goals. We contrast the drivers of internal P loading in two shallow eutrophic systems (Lake Carmi and Missisquoi Bay). Legacy P dynamics in the unmanipulated systems were compared to Lake Carmi during aeration. In‐situ high frequency water column monitoring along with water and sediment sampling was used to study P dynamics in response to changing lake conditions and aeration. Despite both systems exhibiting P mobility controlled by iron redox cycling, we observed distinct differences in the spatial extent and drivers of internal P loading. Legacy P loading was controlled by seasonal drivers in Lake Carmi, but by spatially variable and highly transient wind driven forcing of hydrodynamics in Missisquoi Bay. Aeration altered the mixing regime of Lake Carmi and shifted loading dynamics to frequent wind‐driven pulses of legacy P to surface waters akin to those of Missisquoi Bay. Mean hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen increased with aeration, but greater oxygen demand rates and periods of anoxia under transient stratification still resulted in internal P loading. Surface P concentrations were higher in summer months with aeration compared to previous years. This research illustrates the dynamic nature of legacy P behavior within and between shallow eutrophic lakes and the challenges in addressing this common water resources threat.

Improving cybersecurity measures in academic institutions to reduce the risk of foreign influence

Academic as well as scientific institutions are essential for advancing knowledge and innovation, but they are increasingly susceptible to foreign interference, which can compromise research integrity, academic freedom and national security. Increased remote work and study, large data volumes and disruptive technologies like Artifitial intelligence I have created new avenues for cyber threats. This article aims to explore the cyber risks associated with foreign influence on academic institutions specifically and suggest effective mitigation strategies. Foreign interference can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive research data, resulting in espionage, manipulation and lost commercialization opportunities. Dependence on foreign digital systems heightens these risks, including the potential loss of access to research data stored in third-party clouds. Furthermore, cyber interference can disrupt academic work, impacting online learning platforms and administrative systems. Common cyber threats, such as cyber-technology attacks and insider threats, underscore the need for strong cybersecurity measures. Keywords: academic institutions; cybersecurity; foreign interference.

Terrorism; Common Threat for Afghanistan and Central Asia

Terrorism; Common Threat for Afghanistan and Central Asia

Survey on IoT Privacy, Data Protection and Security Concerns

Abstract: The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has transformed the way we interact with the digital world, offering unprecedented connectivity and convenience. However, this rapid expansion brings forth profound challenges concerning privacy, data protection, and security. This survey paper comprehensively explores the multifaceted landscape of IoT, dissecting its architecture, and delving into the intricate web of concerns surrounding user privacy, data safeguarding, and system security.Beginning with an examination of the IoT architecture, we dissect the interconnected layers, ranging from sensors to cloud platforms, illustrating the intricate pathways of data flow. The survey meticulously unfolds the privacy challenges embedded in the constant data collection, tracking, and profiling mechanisms intrinsic to IoT devices. Drawing on real-world examples, we underscore the tangible consequences of privacy breaches and the potential erosion of user trust.In the realm of data protection, we delve into the complexities of safeguarding data integrity, confidentiality, and availability within the IoT ecosystem. Regulatory frameworks, notably the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), are scrutinized for their impact on shaping data protection practices. Concurrently, the paper uncovers common security threats in IoT, emphasizing vulnerabilities in devices and the looming risks associated with unauthorized access and data breaches.Navigating through the regulatory landscape, the survey provides an overview of existing standards and regulations governing IoT. Case studies spotlight instances of privacy breaches, data protection lapses, and security vulnerabilities, offering practical insights into the implications of these incidents. Mitigation strategies, encompassing encryption, authentication, and access control, are explored to address the identified concerns.As the paper concludes, it synthesizes the key findings, emphasizing the urgency of continued efforts to fortify IoT against privacy, data protection, and security challenges. The survey anticipates future trends and challenges, offering a roadmap for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to collectively forge a secure and privacy-aware IoT landscape.

Confidence Building Measures Among East African Community for Strengthening Peace in the Region

The East Africa Community (EAC) comprises various instabilities, including violence, humanitarian crises, environmental issues, and conflicts, both within and between states. In response, these countries have established defense diplomacy, which involves the non-violent utilization of military resources to pursue peace and stability in the area. Their goal is to create a unified force to address common threats that endanger peace and stability within the region. Defense diplomacy encompasses a strategic engagement, Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), Capacity Building, and the cultivation of international reputation. The fundamental question arises: How can the EAC engage in security cooperation amid the multitude of issues faced within the region? Our article aims to comprehend the implementation of CBMs among member states, focusing on enhancing interoperability within a case study of regional security cooperation aimed at implementing peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Our research employs qualitative analysis using the concept of Confidence and Security Building Measures (CSBM) and applies DIME theory to illustrate the process of establishing and strengthening trust among member states in the region. The primary outcome of this study underscores the critical role played by diplomacy and military strategies in resolving peace and security issues in the DRC

Turkey’s Role in South Caucasus

This paper will study Turkey’s influence in South Caucasus. The study applies Barry Buzan and Ole Waever’s Regional Security Complex Theorem (RSCT) to understand Turkey’s politics in the region since the end of the Cold War. The author of this paper shares the belief with the coiners of the RSCT that it is necessary to combine systemic, regional, national, and domestic factors to provide the most accurate description and prediction of potential developments in international politics. Importantly, it is crucial to wisely combine the age-old tenets of Realist theory with important constructivist concepts to better explain security. In this regard RSCT, in the humble opinion of the author, is the most complete theorem in the field of international relations to analyze the behavior of any particular state and/or dynamics of global and regional interaction among states. For the purposes of the research it is important to place Turkey correctly in the framework of Buzan and Waever’s theory and concepts - that is, classify Turkey correctly according to their taxonomy and fortunately, they help me with this. They have devoted important part of their work to insulator states such as Turkey. Turkey’s role as an insulator state is particularly interesting to me. To paint a comprehensive picture of the geopolitics in Caucasus the roles of the US, Russia and EU will be investigated from the perspective of RSCT. Again, the investigation will be detailed and hopefully, productive. Theoretical Framework: Following theories will be presented before the author suggests the goggles that should be fashioned for the purpose of this research: "Political realism theory", whose main subject is the state; The theory of "cooperative security" - Cohen's concept, which includes recognition of common threats by states and joint efforts on it; Complex theory of regional security - RSCT, which is also related to the Copenhagen school.

Enhancing Cooperation for Interconnected Regional Security: Central Asian Countries and Afghanistan

Objectives: This article aims to delve into the evolving dynamics of cooperation between Central Asian countries and Afghanistan, particularly within the context of interconnected regional security challenges. The strategic significance of Central Asia as a crossroads of major geopolitical and economic interests sets the stage for understanding the transformations in this region, especially following the withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan.
 
 Methods: To achieve the stated objectives, the article employs a multifaceted approach. It begins by examining the historical context of Central Asia's relationship with Afghanistan, tracing the developments to the post-withdrawal era. The analysis encompasses shared security concerns, potential spillover effects of instability, and the rise of extremism. The research emphasizes the significance of regional cooperation as a viable mechanism to address common threats and foster stability.
 
 Results: The findings of this study shed light on the key drivers and impediments to cooperation in the Central Asian region. Historical rivalries, border disputes, and divergent interests among regional actors are thoroughly analyzed. The existing cooperative frameworks, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), are scrutinized, and the role of external stakeholders, including major powers and international organizations, is examined in supporting and facilitating regional cooperation.
 
 Conclusion: In conclusion, the article synthesizes the analysis by outlining potential areas of cooperation between Central Asian countries and Afghanistan. It highlights crucial areas such as border security, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism efforts, trade, economic cooperation, and infrastructure development. Emphasizing the need for trust-building measures, diplomatic dialogue, and mutual understanding, the conclusion underscores the importance of these elements for the successful implementation of cooperative initiatives. Overall, this article makes a significant contribution to the scholarly discourse on regional security in Central Asia and Afghanistan, providing a foundation for further research and policy discussions aimed at fostering a sustainable and resilient security architecture in the region.

Ризик-орієнтоване оцінювання кібербезпеки додатків доповненої реальності з використанням ІМЕСА-аналізу

The subject of this study is a method for analyzing threats and vulnerabilities and selecting countermeasures to ensure cybersecurity in augmented reality (AR) applications. The goal of this study is to increase the completeness of cybersecurity assessment of AR applications by using a formalized procedure for identifying and analyzing the risks of common threats, vulnerabilities, and types of attacks. This study is based on the well-known IMESA method (analysis of types, consequences and criticality of interventions), which structures the procedure for analyzing and minimizing risks by introducing appropriate countermeasures to ensure acceptable cybersecurity risks. Objectives: to substantiate the set of major cybersecurity threats specific to AR applications; to identify and describe download vulnerabilities in AR systems; to provide a detailed classification of various cyberattacks aimed at AR platforms, considering the results of a study of recent incidents; to use the IMECA method to describe and analyze cybersecurity issues in a structured manner and to propose reliable countermeasures. According to the tasks, the following results were obtained: 1) a classification of threats with a detailed description of how each of them can affect AR applications, namely threats such as software interference, unauthorized access, and malicious hardware embedding; 2) a critical analysis of weaknesses in AR systems, in particular, insecure data storage and insufficient authentication before using sensors, which provides an understanding of possible attack vectors; 3) a detailed description of various attack methodologies, including AR phishing, AR malware, and man-in-the-middle attacks, each illustrated with real-world examples or hypothetical scenarios. A systematic approach using the IMECA framework was used to identify, assess, and ensure the cybersecurity of AR applications using a set of proposed countermeasures. Conclusions. AR technology, despite its revolutionary nature and great potential, poses a unique set of cybersecurity challenges. These challenges are related to the immersive nature of the technology, dependence on real-time data, and integration with the physical world. The study emphasizes that an understanding of the threat landscape, combined with an IMESA-structured approach to risk management, is crucial for the secure development of AR applications. Developers, users, and managers responsible for security policies need to be proactive, innovative, and aligned in their approach to cybersecurity in AR systems.

Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy and Disaster Preparedness Cooperation: The Cross-Sectoral Partnership in Practice

Natural disasters are common challenges faced by Asian countries and seriously threaten people’s lives and social stability. Therefore, more adequate regional cooperation is needed to jointly respond. As Taiwan has actively promoted the people-centered New Southbound Policy (NSP) since 2016, various initiatives and plans to strengthen social resilience and common interests have been implemented one after another. Among them, the NSP cooperation with specific focus on disaster prevention and HADR is of specific importance. The initiative is a positive and pragmatic move to promote partnership between Taiwan and its neighboring countries. This article delineates the common challenges and threats facing the Asian region - natural disasters. It - with the analysis of how the NSP serves as a facilitator for Taiwan’s cooperation with partner countries in disaster prevention thereby fostering forge resilient partnerships. In fact, academic research on this critical topic remains relatively scarce. Since the NSP’s cooperation on disaster preparedness encompasses the cross-sectoral partnership, mirroring the essence of the identical to the P-P-P-P modality. This aspect merits thorough investigation and deeper exploration, it is indeed worthy of in-depth investigation. Hence, this article is structured into four parts. The first part works as the introduction, the second part delves into introduces the rationale behind the NSP, focusing on that is, the P-P-P-P cross-sectoral partnership., while the third part addresses how the

Strength in Numbers: A SWOT Analysis of Plastic Surgery.

Plastic surgeons comprise the minority of practicing surgeons, with an even smaller minority practicing in an academic setting. As the practice of medicine and the systems in which we operate continue to evolve, it is essential that plastic surgeons have a say in the changing landscape. This study conducted a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of plastic surgery to identify unifying strengths and common threats. An electronic survey was distributed to American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons' Winter Meeting attendees on three separate occasions preceding the meeting. Respondents were asked to provide demographic information and to identify the top three strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis) for the specialty. Subgroup analyses were performed based on demographic characteristics. A total of 187 responses were received from meeting attendees, representing an 89.0% response rate. Most respondents were non-Hispanic (78.6%), White (66.8%), women (59.5%), and faculty/independent physicians (65.8%). The most identified strength in plastic surgery was our problem-solving abilities (62.0%). The most identified weakness was poor public perception of plastic surgery (54.0%). The most identified opportunity was demonstration of value to health systems (67.9%), and the most identified threat was scope of practice creep by other specialties (78.1%). The SWOT analysis identified lack of surgeon diversity as a key weakness, improvement of surgeon diversity as a key opportunity, and lack of diversity among plastic surgeons as a key threat to the specialty. Only through a diverse but united front can we effectively use our strengths to face our threats and employ opportunities to overcome our weaknesses.

Machine learning-based PortScan attacks detection using OneR classifier

PortScan attacks are a common security threat in computer networks, where an attacker systematically scans a range of network ports on a target system to identify potential vulnerabilities. Detecting such attacks in a timely and accurate manner is crucial to ensure network security. Attackers can determine whether a port is open by sending a detective message to it, which helps them find potential vulnerabilities. However, the best methods for spotting and identifying port scanner attacks are those that use machine learning. One of the most dangerous online threats is PortScan attack, according to experts. The research is work on detection while improving detection accuracy. Dataset containing tags from network traffic is used to train machine learning techniques for classification. The JRip algorithm is trained and tested using the CICIDS2017 dataset. As a consequence, the best performance results for JRip-based detection schemes were 99.84%, 99.80%, 99.80%, and 0.09 ms for accuracy, precision, recall, F-score, and detection overhead, respectively. Finally, the comparison with current models demonstrated our model's proficiency and advantage with increased attack discovery speed.