Western Countries Research Articles

Impact of High-Voltage Device Implantation in Elderly Japanese Patients With Heart Failure as Primary Prevention - Post Hoc Analysis of HINODE.

Despite an increased incidence of chronic heart failure (HF) and sudden cardiac death (SCD), the use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is much lower in Japan than in Western countries. The HF Indication and SCD Prevention Trial Japan (HINODE) prospectively assessed the mortality rate, appropriately treated ventricular arrhythmias (VA), and HF in Japanese patients with a higher risk of HF.Methods and Results: HINODE consisted of ICD, CRT-defibrillator (CRT-D), pacing, and non-device treatment cohorts. This subanalysis evaluated the impact of the implantation of high-voltage devices (HVD; ICD and CRT-D) in 171 Japanese patients. We compared all-cause mortality, VA, and HF events between elderly (age >70 years at study enrollment) and non-elderly HVD recipients. The estimated survival rate through 24 months in the HVD cohort was 85.8% (97.5% lower control limit 77.6%). The risk of all-cause mortality was increased for the elderly vs. non-elderly (hazard ratio [HR] 2.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-7.91; P=0.039), but did not differ after excluding ICD patients with CRT-D indication (HR 2.32; 95% CI 0.79-6.78; P=0.11). There were no differences in VA and HF event-free rates between elderly and non-elderly HVD recipients (P=0.73 and P=0.55, respectively). Although elderly patients may have a higher risk of mortality in general, the benefit of HVD therapy in this group is comparable to that in non-elderly patients.

University Administrators, Leadership, and Faculty Views on the Internationalization of Curriculum (A Perspective Through Decolonial Lenses From the Global South)

Using a qualitative single case study approach this paper explores the views of academics which ultimately impact their actions to implement international curriculum within one institutional context in South Africa. The results show that a tailored IoC at an institution situated at the peripheries of the Western world is a policy that advances diversity of thought, decolonization of curriculum content, and appreciation of indigenous cultures and languages. The theory that emerged in this study underscores that IoC is a bottom-up customized policy as it applies to the needs of the students to become wider thinkers and professionally integrated in the intercontinental and global job markets. Further recommendations for future theory and practice suggest IoC as an educational approach that accounts for the geographic positionality of the institution, and all aspects of diversity, rather than for a collective institutional identity.

Unnecessary Pancreatic Resection for Non-cancerous Lesions Masquerading as Pancreatic and Peri-ampullary Cancers: An Inevitable Circumstance

Background: Pancreatic and peri-ampullary cancers are deadly and require surgery. Some non-cancerous conditions, especially those that do not require surgery, have imaging findings similar to pancreatic and peri-ampullary carcinoma. The proportion of non-cancerous lesions that undergo pancreatic resection for suspected pancreatic or peri-ampullary cancer is scarce in eastern countries, especially when bile duct tumors are common. This study examined the proportion of non-cancerous lesions removed during pancreatic resection for suspected pancreatic or peri-ampullary cancer. Materials and Methods: The retrospective study included January 2013–December 2017. We investigated the medical and pathological data of 148 pancreatic resection patients at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University. Results: Nine patients (6.1%) had postoperative pathology diagnoses that did not require surgery. The discordant group was significantly larger among distal pancreatectomy or enucleation patients (15%, 4/27) than pancreaticoduodenectomy patients (4.1%, 5/121). The concordant and discordant groups had similar clinical features for pancreaticoduodenectomy, except for gender (p=0.031). There were no clinical differences between concordant and discordant patients after distal pancreatectomy or enucleation. Conclusion: Pancreatic excision for non-cancerous conditions may be inevitable. Western and Eastern countries have different non-cancerous disorders that mimic pancreatic or peri-ampullary cancer. Western countries had more pancreatic conditions, especially inflammatory ones, but Eastern countries had more ampullary and bile duct conditions in pancreaticoduodenectomy patients and benign cystic lesions in distal pancreatectomy patients.

SEOM-GEMCAD-TTD clinical guidelines for the management of hepatocarcinoma patients (2023).

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy in the liver and is the third cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Surveillance with abdominal ultrasound should be offered to individuals at high risk for developing HCC. Accurate diagnosis, staging, and liver function are crucial when determining the optimal therapeutic approach. The BCLC staging system is widely endorsed in Western countries. Managing this pathology requires a multidisciplinary, personalized approach, generally with a multimodal strategy. Surgery remains the only curative option, albeit local and systemic therapy may also increase survival when surgery is not suitable. In advanced disease, systemic treatment should be offered to patients with ECOG/PS 0-1 and Child-Pugh class A.

Some issues of Russia's transport policy in the context of Western sanctions

The aspects of Russia's transport policy at the present stage in the context of the tightening of Western sanctions pressure are considered. The project of the North-South international transport corridor is considered as a transport response to attempts to push Russia away from the global South. Particular attention is paid to the political and technological aspects of the formation of the international transport corridor of the North-South project, the negative consequences of the sanctions imposed by Western countries against the transport industry of Russia are shown. An assessment of the actions of the United States and partners to counteract the creation of the North-South international transport corridor through the formation of alternative transport projects of the Lapis Lazuli Corridor and the Zangezur land transport corridor is given. Showing actions of the Government of the Russian Federation to defend the North-South project. In order to counter the threats from Britain and Great Britain, Russia and its partners in the formation of the North-South International Transport Corridor need to preserve sovereignty in international relations, counteract the interference of third countries in their plans, and strengthen the collective military security of their countries. It is important not to succumb to provocations, to show flexibility and mutual willingness to cooperate. This will not only help to overcome obstacles to the implementation of the North-South ITC project, but will also help the participating countries to move forward on integration issues, strengthening their relations.

Use of AI artificial intelligence chatGPT for arabic language learning media

The existence of AI (artificial intelligence) has helped and solved many problems faced by humans, including in the world of learning Arabic. Currently, AI is mostly produced and developed by Western countries, but Islamic countries have become consumers and markets for AI products. If AI is not utilized in various areas of life, including the world of Arabic language learning, then the development of human resources, especially Arabic language experts, will certainly be hampered in the future. Therefore, in the world of Arabic language learning, useArtificial Intelligence It is very necessary for the teaching and learning process to be effective and efficient and to achieve the learning objectives. This is what underlies the discussion of this research. This research uses qualitative methods and the type is library research. In the context of ChatGPT which is part of information technology, it is necessary to briefly discuss IT which provides advantages such as speed, consistency, accuracy and reliability so that the learning process runs well and results are obtained. Fundamentals of AI also provides insight into the basic principles of AI development itself, starting from a problem and working to develop a solution. In general, the presence of ChatGPT as an AI product has recently become very important in the world of learning because it helps teachers and makes their work easier, especially in implementing learning strategies in schools. Even if we can utilize the sophistication of AI, of course it should be operated by humans who have a strong understanding of the basics of learning science in detail and in depth. Technology that is part of a scientific application is independent of the values of its users. This means that the benefits of technology depend on the producers and users of each technology. Islam itself strongly recommends its followers to utilize technology in managing the natural resources that Allah has given to their people. Utilization of artificial technology in the form of chatGPT is an inseparable part of the world of learning to facilitate the teaching and learning process and motivate students to study hard and achieve quality results in the future

Genotype-phenotype correlations in chronic granulomatous disease: insights from a large national cohort

AbstractNeutrophils are the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Neutrophils execute and modulate immune responses by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immune deficiency disorder of phagocytes, caused by inherited mutations in the genes of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced oxidase enzyme. These mutations lead to failure of ROS generation followed by recurrent bacterial and fungal infections, frequently associated with hyperinflammatory manifestations. We report a multicenter cumulative experience in diagnosing and treating patients with CGD. From 1986 to 2021, 2918 patients experiencing frequent infections were referred for neutrophil evaluation. Among them, 110 patients were diagnosed with CGD, 56 of Jewish ancestry, 48 of Arabic ancestry, and 6 of non-Jewish/non-Arabic ancestry. As opposed to other Western countries, the autosomal recessive (AR) CGD subtypes were predominant in Israel (71/110 patients). Thirty-nine patients had X-linked CGD, in most patients associated with severe infections (clinical severity score ≥3) and poor outcomes, presenting at a significantly earlier age than AR-CGD subtypes. The full spectrum of infections and hyperinflammatory manifestations is described. Six patients had hypomorphic mutations with significantly milder phenotype, clinical severity score ≤2, and better outcomes. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was implemented in 39 of 110 patients (35.5%). Successful engraftment was achieved in 92%, with 82% long-term survival and 71% full clinical recovery. CGD is a complex disorder requiring a multiprofessional team. Early identification of the genetic mutation is essential for prompt diagnosis, suitable management, and prevention.

From Civil Society Organisations to Pirate Parties to Digital Democracy

Reshaping our political and social systems for a sustainable future requires a multifaceted approach that addresses several key areas, such as: political reform, social change, economic development, environmental preservation, or technological innovation. In order to achieve a sustainable future, we need to implement its ideals in every societal sector. When dealing with the political system, we cannot ignore the antidemocratic tendencies arising or taking over our everyday life even in the Western World. Under these circumstances, political reform is a must and we have to admit that one of its most important tasks is strengthening democracy. The actual political discourse is full of ideas like proportional representation, direct democracy, sustainability-focused governance, transparency, accountability, and equity. Among the many actors that try to solve these problems there is a group that proposes some new solutions, based on the means of Information Society, Pirate Parties. Emerging from the digital world, they are a fresh wave of political movements with deep roots in online activism. These parties, some born from anti-establishment protests, have rapidly spread across the globe in just two decades. Their journey is one of transformation, from grassroots movements to established political players. Pirate Parties have a clear digital agenda, focusing on issues like copyright reform, open access to information, and online privacy. They champion net neutrality and the free flow of knowledge. However, most of them have recognized the importance of broader democratic values for political success. Beyond their digital focus, Pirate Parties also advocate for traditional democratic ideals, including civil rights, transparency, and combating corruption. They promote free speech, direct democracy, and exploring alternative forms of citizen participation in government, often leveraging technology (e-democracy). The future impact of Pirate Parties remains uncertain, but their influence is undeniable. They’ve challenged traditional political norms and brought issues of the digital age to the forefront. Pirate Parties have reshaped the European political landscape and inspired similar movements around the world. My paper aims to briefly present these political formations, with special regard to their origins in and their relations with civil society. After outlining the broad framework, I present some of the most notorious of these formations.

Détente, the rebirth of anti-communism, and the rise of a transatlantic ‘neo-conservative’ network: the case of the Cercle

AbstractThe so-called Cercle, Cercle Pinay or Cercle Violet emerged in the 1960s as an informal discussion group of senior politicians, publicists, businessmen and intelligence officers from France, Germany and other Western European countries. A secret meeting place for conservative elites, the Cercle was initially based on the transnational network of the French lawyer, political advisor and anti-communist activist Jean Violet. In the second half of the 1970s, in reaction to Détente, the Cercle turned into a transatlantic forum with close personal ties to Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. The Cercle thus became both a catalyst and a typical example of a ‘neo-conservatism’ that combined classical conservative positions with neoliberal principles. What was ‘new’ about this ‘neo-conservatism’ was above all that it overcame the contradictions between different national currents of conservatism. Its representatives saw themselves as part of a transnational community and emphasized the global dimension of their political thought and action. Within this transatlantic conservative alliance, the fight against communism served as both a means of integration and an overarching goal. Nevertheless, the Cercle survived the collapse of communism and the end of the Cold War. It has remained a transnational meeting place for conservative elites to this day, although its focus seems to have shifted from anti-communism to anti-terrorism.

Aerosols and black carbon variability using OMI and MERRA-2 and their relationship to near-surface air temperature.

An extinction of incoming solar radiation is taking place by absorption and scattering by dust, water droplets, and gaseous molecules. Such phenomena are responsible for altering meteorological variables. In the present study, temporal analysis of the aerosol optical thickness (AOT) and black carbon (BC) surface mass concentration was undertaken using an ozone monitoring instrument (OMI) and modern-era retrospective analysis for research and applications, version 2 (MERRA-2) satellite from the year 2018 to 2022. The study was mainly focused on the western states of India which are Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. The correlation of AOT and BC surface mass concentration with near-surface temperature (2m above ground level) was analyzed. BC and temperature shows strong negative correlation as BC is known for its absorption of radiation. It accumulates in the atmosphere and contributes to atmospheric warming while simultaneously bringing down the near-surface air temperature due to the reduced sunlight reaching the ground. Also, seasonal analysis was conducted for winter, summer, monsoon, and post-monsoon, which shows the higher values of AOT in monsoon; however, seasonal average BC surface mass concentration was found high in winter in each year for all three states. AERONET data from Jaipur, Rajasthan, and Pune, Maharashtra for the year 2021 was used to further evaluate the AOT generated from OMI. The results demonstrated a significant connection, with R2 values of 0.62 and 0.69, respectively. The temperature retrieved from MERRA-2 was also validated with ground truth data of the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) at both stations showing high agreement with R2 > 0.70.

Activating the long-term inactive: Labor market and mental health effects

In many Western countries, a sizeable group of people live on welfare benefits for a long time. Many of them suffer from mental health issues. This paper studies the labor market and mental health effects of an activation program targeting these long-term inactive people. We exploit the staggered implementation of the program in a difference-in-differences design. We find that the activation program does not affect labor market outcomes of men and women. However, among men who were on mental health medication prior to the start of the program, we find a substantial drop in mental health drug prescriptions in the years following the start of the program.

Validating the caregiving experiences questionnaire (CEQ) in a Turkish setting: Understanding attachment and parental care in diverse contexts

Despite the universal significance of secure attachments, differences exist in parental responses to children’s signals of need across cultures. While much research has focused on Western countries, there is a growing recognition of the need to explore cultural variations in parental ideologies and caregiving practices. However, limited assessment tools exist for evaluating caregiving experiences, particularly in non-Western contexts. This present design study aims to explore the Turkish validity of the Caregiving Experiences Questionnaire (CEQ), specifically tailored to assess the self-reported caregiving experiences of parents with young children within the attachment system. The Turkish-CEQ was administered to 339 Turkish mothers with children attending preschools. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was employed to assess the congruence of the Turkish data. The results showed that the CEQ is a relevant construct in Turkish culture. The CEQ successfully adapted to Turkish, resulting in a questionnaire comprising 34 items organized into four factors namely maintaining warm parental bond, suffering from separation concerns, struggling with parenting challenges, and imposing emotional parentification on the child. The internal consistency of each factor demonstrates satisfactory reliability, with Cronbach Alpha coefficients ranging between 0.71 and 0.80. Finally, we assessed the criterion validity of the CEQ by examining its relationships with the Parental Burnout Assessment and Parenting Stress Scale. The results support the criterion validity of the Turkish-CEQ. The study provides Turkish researchers with a new instrument for assessing caregiving experiences and paves the way for future cross-cultural studies on caregiving experiences among parents from diverse backgrounds in Turkey.

“She is finally home”: feminist storytelling, family imaginaries and transnational solidarity in Irish abortion activism

ABSTRACT Across the so-called West, feminist storytelling positions reproductive justice and the often-twinned issue of women’s place within the family as a progressive issue. This conveniently ignores the inherent contradictions of the existence of only limited access to abortion in many Western nations, as well as parallel histories of access to reproductive justice in non-Western countries. Postcolonial Ireland, as an apparently Western country with a renowned history of anti-feminist legislation, has existed as one of these contradictions. In this article, we examine Irish feminists’ familial storytelling to reveal how they managed their contradictory position in a teleological narrative that positioned Western feminism as the epitome of progress. We adopt a comparative approach – looking at the lead up to the introduction of the Eighth Amendment of the Irish Constitution in 1983, which awarded the foetus constitutional rights, and then the high profile Repeal the 8th movement that successfully revoked that amendment in 2018 – to understand reproductive rights activists’ changing uses of “the family” to effect intergenerational and transnational solidarity. Applying Sara Ahmed’s concept of “sticky” emotions, we examine how feminists transformed “the Irish family” from a site of coldness and despair to one of hope, dignity, humanity and happiness.

Navigating the Cyber Front: Belarus' State Control and Emerging Cyber Threats

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the cyber landscape in Belarus, with a focus on the Belarus government's use of cyber activities from an offensive and defensive context, the emergence of opposition cyber activities, and the broader implications for cybersecurity and legal compliance. In the course of the research, researchers try to assess Belarus as a source of cyber-threats, both domestically and to neighbouring states (especially those supporting Ukraine). The first section of the paper outlines the Belarusian government's engagement in cybercrimes against its citizens, especially under President Lukashenko's regime, highlighting extensive online surveillance, repression, and the escalation of these activities following the 2020 presidential elections. In this political context, Belarus is also examined as a country initiating and/or contributing to Information Warfare activities, which are mainly directed at western countries. The second section of the paper delves into Belarus's cybersecurity legal framework, examining various national strategies and concepts, the absence of a formal cybersecurity strategy, and the focus on 'information security' as part of national security. The third section presents case studies of cyber activities in Belarus, contrasting government-backed hacking efforts with those of opposition groups like the Belarus Cyber Partisans. It explores the Partisans' attacks on state infrastructure and information leaks as a form of protest against the government, and the pro-government hackers' disinformation / information campaigns website defacements, and data breaches, particularly targeting Ukraine. This section highlights the evolving nature of cyber conflict in Belarus, where both government and opposition forces use cyber tools for political ends, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions in the region. This part of the report compares the Belarusian pro-government hacktivist and Cyber Partisans groups, their activities and manifestations within the country (inside), as well as the cyber threats they pose to foreign countries. The article attempts to answer the question of what kind of threat Belarus as a country poses in the context of cybersecurity, hybrid-cyber threats. This country is often included in Russian hybrid-cyber threats strategies, Belarus entities also work with Russian and sometimes Chinese groups in undertaking cyber activities against other countries.

Religion, spirituality, and responding to guilt among Muslim women

ABSTRACT Commitment to culturally sensitive practice is an ethical obligation that requires knowledge and skills specific to the practice context. Research shows that incorporating religion and spirituality into mental health practice is central to working effectively with Muslim communities. Practitioners need to consider the unique positionality and intersectionality when promoting mental health among Muslim women living in Western countries. This paper explores the trauma-informed, counseling approach and the integration of spirituality and religion when working with Muslim women living in Western Australia. Using the critical reflection approach, the research focuses on the concept of guilt about mental health and summarizes the main points considered in the counseling framework such as the centrality of spirituality and religion in perceiving guilt. The paper presents some practical strategies to incorporate cultural, religious, and spiritual concepts into the counseling relationship.

Enhanced Liver Fibrosis Score for Diagnosing Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis.

Background and aims: The enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score is a blood test that combines three markers linked to liver fibrosis. The utility of the ELF score has been demonstrated primarily in Western countries, but whether it is useful in areas with a high number of elderly people suffering from chronic liver disease has yet to be determined. Methods: This is a prospective study that included 373 consecutive patients who underwent a liver biopsy and had their ELF score measured on the same day. The diagnostic accuracy of the ELF score for liver fibrosis and the effect of age on the ELF score were investigated. Results: The median (interquartile) ELF scores in F0, F1, F2, F3, and F4 are 8.7 (8.2-9.2), 9.3 (8.8-10.0), 10.1 (9.4-10.7), 10.7 (9.9-11.2), and 12.0 (11.2-12.7), respectively. ELF scores increased with increasing liver fibrosis stage (p < 0.001). The diagnostic accuracy of the ELF score and FIB-4 for significant fibrosis (F2-4) and advanced fibrosis (F3-4) was comparable, but the ELF score had a higher diagnostic accuracy for cirrhosis (F4) than FIB-4. When patients were stratified by age of 60 years, the median ELF score did not differ by age in F2, F3, and F4. However, the median FIB-4 increased in patients with ≥60 years compared to those with <60 years in all fibrosis stages. Conclusions: ELF score has high diagnostic accuracy for liver fibrosis, regardless of age, and it could be used as a primary screening method.

Lethal injuries in single stabs to the trunk – A study on homicides and suicides in Sweden

IntroductionHomicides using knives or other sharp objects are the most common type of homicide in Europe, and the second most common type of homicide worldwide. In contrast, suicides using sharp objects are rarer, constituting only a few per cent of all suicides in western countries. We investigated single stab injuries to the trunk in both homicides and suicides to assess differences in extent of injuries and in medical care, which could be of value for trauma management, public health and forensic assessment. MethodsWe identified all cases in Sweden between 2010 and 2021 that died of a single stab to the trunk, in either a homicide (n = 94) or a suicide (n = 45), and that were the subject of a forensic autopsy. We obtained data on demographics, hospital care and injured structures. To assess the severity of injuries, we applied AIS (Abbreviated Injury Score) and NISS (New Injury Severity Score). The inter-rater reliability of NISS between two raters was evaluated with intra-class correlation (ICC), with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). The data was analysed using Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression models. ResultsThe inter-rater reliability between the two NISS raters showed an ICC of 0.87 (95 % CI 0.68−0.95). We observed a larger variation of injuries in suicides, with a higher proportion of both unsurvivable (NISS 75) and minor injuries (NISS ≤ 8) (66.7 % and 8.9 % respectively) compared to in homicides (46.8 % and 0 % respectively). We observed a larger proportion of injuries to the heart in suicides (68.9% vs. 46.8 %, p = 0.018). In homicides, injuries involving vessels (52.1% vs. 13.3 %, p < 0.001) and hospital care (56.4 % vs. 8.9 %, p < 0.001) were significantly more common compared to suicides. Discussion and conclusionCausation (self-inflicted or assaults) seems to be associated with characteristics of injury and the likelihood of receiving hospital care. These findings could potentially be valuable for trauma management and forensic assessment of manner of death, however, determining the mortality of the injuries would require a comparison group comprising injured survivors.

Pharmaceutical Potential of Remedial Plants and Helminths for Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Research is increasingly revealing that inflammation significantly contributes to various diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a major medical challenge due to its chronic nature, affecting at least one in a thousand individuals in many Western countries, with rising incidence in developing nations. Historically, indigenous people have used natural products to treat ailments, including IBD. Ethnobotanically guided studies have shown that plant-derived extracts and compounds effectively modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation. Similarly, helminths and their products offer unique mechanisms to modulate host immunity and alleviate inflammatory responses. This review explored the pharmaceutical potential of Aboriginal remedial plants and helminths for treating IBD, emphasizing recent advances in discovering anti-inflammatory small-molecule drug leads. The literature from Scopus, MEDLINE Ovid, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science was retrieved using keywords such as natural product, small molecule, cytokines, remedial plants, and helminths. This review identified 55 important Aboriginal medicinal plants and 9 helminth species that have been studied for their anti-inflammatory properties using animal models and in vitro cell assays. For example, curcumin, berberine, and triptolide, which have been isolated from plants; and the excretory-secretory products and their protein, which have been collected from helminths, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity with lower toxicity and fewer side effects. High-throughput screening, molecular docking, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have been engaged in compound identification, while clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) gene editing and RNA sequencing have been employed to understand molecular interactions and regulations. While there is potential for pharmaceutical application of Aboriginal medicinal plants and gastrointestinal parasites in treating IBD, there is an urgent need to qualify these plant and helminth therapies through reproducible clinical and mechanistic studies.

Imaging findings in Giant Cell Arteritis: Don't Turn A Blind Eye To The Obvious!

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common primary large vessel systemic vasculitis in the western world. Even though the involvement of scalp and intracranial vessels has received much attention in the neuroradiology literature, GCA, being a systemic vasculitis can involve multiple other larger vessels including aorta and its major head and neck branches. Herein, the authors present a pictorial review of the various cranial, extracranial and orbital manifestations of GCA. An increased awareness of this entity may help with timely and accurate diagnosis, helping expedite therapy and preventing serious complications.ABBREVIATIONS: ACR= American College of Rheumatology, AION= Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy, EULAR= European League Against Rheumatism, GCA= Giant Cell Arteritis, LV-GCA= Large vessel GCA, PMR= Polymyalgia Rheumatica, US= Ultrasound, VWI= Vessel Wall Imaging.

The Impact of Operational Technology Requirements in Maritime Industries

The maritime ecosystem and industry require more efficient and coordinated cybersecurity governance. No common cybersecurity mechanism in the maritime sector may steer the whole supply chain management, for example, in the port areas and fairways. Cyberthreat prevention mechanisms in harbor areas and port terminals must be standardized more in the Western world. It has been recognized that understanding cybersecurity of operational technology in the harbor area is based on a more traditional experience of what it requires. The overall security of the maritime ecosystem requires more than random checks of passengers and vehicles and customs functions on cargo and passenger transportation, which are mainly physical security service routines. Traditional physical threats have changed to a combination of threat types. Hybrid threats may prevent everyday harbor activities so that damage can become long-lasting and harm overall business continuity management. It is crucial to prevent cyber threat factors in the maritime domain. The research provides transnational and EU-level cyber security assessments regarding cyber security regulation. The findings determine where to direct and concentrate a focus maritime domain and why it is essential to survey cyber security requirements set for member states to apply. In Finland, this research belongs to the cybersecurity governance of operational technology in the sector connected to the smart energy networks (CSG) research program. The project aims to develop a common cybersecurity governance model for operational technology.