Current Threats Research Articles

A Path Forward: Addressing Current Issues in Campus Racial Climate Research and Practice

Abstract: Attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion threaten to undo much of the work of creating and maintaining diverse learning and working environments for students, faculty, and staff. In honor of ACPA's 100th anniversary, we reflect on the current threats to the campus racial climate, highlight research that informs our scholarship and practice, and offer strategies for resistance. We close with a consideration of critical hope as necessary to the pursuit of equity-centered work during this turbulent period in higher education.

Model of current threats to security of confiden-tial data in divisional information systems

The paper proposes a model for determining actual threats to the information security of distributed information systems, based on algorithms of fuzzy inference and the theory of fuzzy neural systems, unlike known ones, uses sufficient and necessary indicators, excludes expert errors, increases the detection of the number of actual threats to information security of distributed systems by 5 %, reduces the cost of purchasing information protection equipment from 15 to 30%. It takes into account the following factors: the IT infrastructure of the distributed information system, the capabilities of attackers and their level of motivation in the distributed information system, the list of existing protection tools in the distributed information system.
 The proposed approach differs from existing ones in the following: lack of involvement of highly qualified specialists in the field of information security; the process is automated, has a low computational complexity; absence of deficiencies in expert assessments; allows you to determine the list of current information security threats in information systems of various classes and types.
 The task of ensuring the security of confidential information becomes the most urgent, which is due to the growth of computer attacks and leaks of information, which are reflected in the statistical data on the commission of crimes in the field of high technologies, the growth of criminal activity using modern communication devices and the Internet.
 Existing methods of modeling current threats to information security and assessing the effectiveness of the information protection system cannot be used at all stages of the life cycle of distributed information systems - they do not take into account the following indicators in the complex: IT infrastructure of distributed information systems, current threats to information security, security requirements for confidential information, a list of means of protecting confidential information and their value as important indicators when solving these problems.
 In order to achieve the goals of ensuring the security of confidential information, it is necessary to: organize the effective creation of an information protection system (information security system), effective modeling (identification of the list) of current threats to information security, identification of the current violator, and also provide the opportunity to conduct a qualitative assessment of the effectiveness of the information security (protection) system.
 One of the most important tasks of ensuring the security of confidential information is the assessment of the effectiveness of the protection (security) system. In this regard, the goal of the work (research) is to improve the quality of the evaluation of the effectiveness of the protection (security) systems of distributed information systems by determining sufficient and necessary evaluation indicators using modern (promising) information technologies that allow the most effective solution of the following tasks: determination operating parameters of adaptive production fuzzy neural systems, which are most suitable for solving the tasks, application of Data Science technologies in data processing, fuzzy output algorithms.

Assessing the Conservation and Management Status in the Archaeological Site of Pella (Tabaqat Fahl) in Jordan

The archaeological site of Pella (Tabaqat Fahl) in Jordan is a unique heritage site that represents a rich historical chronology and is listed on UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites under criteria (i), (iii), and (iv). Pella is currently under the administration and management of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MOTA) and the Department of Antiquities (DoA) respectively. This paper assesses the site’s status of conservation and management through investigating the current physical conditions, threats, managerial constraints, and opportunities. The paper explores the annual work carried out in the site over the past 15 years, including foreign missions, as well as the new visitor centre that the MOTA has established in the site recently. In addition, all stakeholders that have cross responsibilities in the site are identified. The results of this research highlight strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities that face the site. It is evident that the site requires efficient conservation and management processes, as Pella has slowly deteriorated over the years, which has left it in a vulnerable and neglected state. Overall, the archaeological site of Pella holds immense opportunities for improvement and strengthening its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) that can aid in inscribing it on the list of World Heritage Sites.

Intrusion Detection System using Blockchain

Abstract: This paper investigates the integration of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) within the context of blockchain technology. The objective is to enhance the security posture of blockchain networks by detecting and mitigating potential intrusions. Through a meticulous examination of the current threat landscape and the unique challenges posed by blockchain systems, this research proposes a robust IDS framework tailored to the specific requirements of decentralized and distributed ledger environments. The study employs [specific methodology/approach] to assess the effectiveness of the proposed IDS, presenting conclusive findings that contribute to the ongoing discourse on securing blockchain ecosystems. The implications of this research extend to bolstering the resilience of blockchain networks against emerging threat.

How Parties and Ambitious Politicians Undermined American Democracy—and the Reforms that Might Save It

Abstract Asserting that American checks and balances have broken down, Lawrence Jacobs asserts that parties must filter out dangerous candidates such as Donald Trump. To do so requires a number of reforms to undo several wrong turns in the evolution of the party system. Ambitious political elites including Jefferson, Jackson, LaFollette, and McGovern introduced changes in the name of greater equality that served their own interests but also had a number of harmful consequences. Reforms are needed to expand and reinvigorate citizen political participation along many dimensions and curb elite influence. In his book Democracy Under Fire: Donald Trump and the Breaking of American History, Lawrence Jacobs offers a robust vision of democracy and argues democracy is incompatible with entrenching minority control of electoral outcomes or political decision-making. Yet some of the failures and changes that gave rise to current threats to democracy, including authoritarian candidates, have affected other nations and have causes that go beyond remedies considered here. Some of the modest reforms proposed by Jacobs seem unlikely to achieve the purposes he envisions. However, reforms that do not require constitutional amendments and broader citizen political engagement that extends beyond election season are welcome proposals.

Distribution, diversity and diversification from DNA barcoding perspective: The case of Gammarus radiation in the ancient Lake Ohrid

AbstractAimA detailed, comparative DNA‐barcoding and morphospecies‐based overview of the vertical and horizontal distribution of Lake Ohrid's endemic Gammarus species flock is provided. Re‐evaluation of the time frame for the onset of the species flock and identification of events that putatively influenced diversification processes.LocationLake Ohrid, Balkan Peninsula, Europe.TaxonGammarus species flock (Amphipoda, Crustacea).MethodsExtensive sampling and DNA barcoding of 600 individuals was carried out. DNA sequences were analysed using species delimitation methods, haplotype network reconstructions, Bayesian molecular dating and demographic analyses. The COI‐based species delimitation results were validated with nuclear 28S RNA data.ResultsThe species flock distribution has a weak horizontal but clear vertical structure. The diversity along bathymetric gradients correlates with temperature and salinity; and the highest diversity is observed in sublittoral and springs on the lake's shore. Two new molecular units representing putatively new species are revealed and supported also by the nuclear marker. The onset of flock radiation overlaps with the time of lake formation. The COI gene shows signs of positive selection and an acceleration in substitution rate. The demographic changes within the flock happened during the last thousands years.Main ConclusionsDistribution of the Gammarus species flock is vertically structured, reflecting habitat zonation. Parapatric speciation is one of the possible mechanisms behind the flock's diversification. Detection of new MOTUs suggests that the flock's diversity is still not fully revealed. Simultaneously, failure to collect three previously known MOTUs suggests a loss of gammarid diversity in the lake. This represents, together with the current threats to the lake ecosystem (i.e. climate changes, development of tourism), a clear call for conservation efforts. The speciation events and demographic changes within the flock relate presumably to glacial and postglacial water level changes and to the colonisation of new depth ranges and the associated springs.

Freshwater mussel conservation in southern South America: update on distribution range and current threats

Freshwater mussel conservation in southern South America: update on distribution range and current threats

Identification of clobromazolam in Australian emergency department intoxications using data-independent high-resolution mass spectrometry and the HighResNPS.com database.

The proliferation of novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) continues to challenge toxicology laboratories. In particular, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime considers designer benzodiazepines to be a current primary threat among all NPSs. Herein, we report detection of a new emerging designer benzodiazepine, clobromazolam, using high-resolution mass spectrometry and untargeted data acquisition in combination with a "suspect screening" method built from the crowd-sourced HighResNPS.com database. Our laboratory first detected clobromazolam in emergency department presenting intoxications included within the Emerging Drugs Network of Australia-Victoria project in the state of Victoria, Australia, from April 2022 to March 2023. Clobromazolam was the most frequent designer benzodiazepine detected in this cohort (100/993 cases, 10%). No patients reported intentional administration of clobromazolam, although over half reported exposure to alprazolam, which was detected in only 7% of cases. Polydrug use was prevalent (98%), with phenazepam (45%), methylamphetamine (71%) and other benzodiazepines (60%) most frequently co-detected. This is the first case series published in the literature concerning clobromazolam in clinical patients. The identification of clobromazolam in patients presenting to emergency departments in Victoria demonstrates how high-resolution mass spectrometry coupled with the HighResNPS.com database can be a valuable tool to assist toxicology laboratories in keeping abreast of emerging psychoactive drug use.

Rediscovery of the waterlilyNymphaea thermarumEb. Fisch. in Rwanda

AbstractNymphaea thermarumEb. Fisch. (family Nymphaeaceae) is a small waterlily endemic to Rwanda that has been categorized as Extinct in the Wild since 2010. We report the rediscovery ofN. thermarumin July 2023, not far from its locus classicus, identify the current and potential threats to the wild population (mining and overharvesting by collectors, respectively) and recommend the urgent conservation measures and research required to save the species from extinction. The species occupies small muddy ditches fed by hot spring water used for avocado plantations and fish pools. The population comprises hundreds of individuals, including reproductive adult plants, and seedlings. In the short term, conservation actions should include land protection, negotiation to ensure that sufficient water is reaching the habitat ofN. thermarumand the reassessment of the species on the IUCN Red List, probably as Critically Endangered. In the medium term, the creation of a nature reserve, the restoration of the areas already affected by mining, and the reintroduction ofN. thermarumto its original site would support long-term in situ conservation of the species. Further research should clarify the total and effective population size, population structure, ecology and genetics of this species.

Возможности и угрозы применения искусственного интеллекта (ИИ) в политических коммуникациях

The article examines aspects related to the opportunities and threats of using artificial intelligence (AI) in politi-cal communications. The conclusion is drawn about the dual nature of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in political communications. Attention is drawn to the key current threats to the use of AI in political communica-tions – the spread of deepfakes and the use of AI algorithms in disinformation, manipulation of public con-sciousness or gaining advantages in the selective delivery of information to recipients. A comprehensive ar-gument is given for the depth of the problems associated with the potential use of AI in electoral communica-tions and the difficulties that arise in overcoming them. Practical measures are proposed to level out the nega-tive aspects of the potential use of artificial intelligence in political and, above all, electoral communications in the Russian Federation.

Spatial and Temporal Assessment of Land Use and Land Cover in Wilpattu National Park Restricted Zone, Sri Lanka


 
 
 The Wilpattu National Park (WNP) is the country's oldest and largest National Park. Aside from the direct destruction of plant and fauna ecosystems that sustain humans with vital resources, removing forest cover throws many crucial natural processes out of balance, which could have several detrimental effects. It is still unknown how the various management alternatives will affect the economic, ecological, and social elements of sustainable forest management and planning. Sustainable development and environmental protection are aided by wise land use and resource management. Many of the farmers reside in these marginal, underproductive forest communities. Through scenario analysis and using a forestry decision support system, this study evaluated the effects of several management approaches on crucial aspects of sustainable forest management. Geographical Information System (GIS), such as participatory online mapping, GPS mapping, and satellite image classification (Remote Sensing Technology), was used. The study employs an evaluation model for land use that considers biophysical and human-related variables as part of an integrated land use assessment. Based on the classification of the images, the environment's impact has been evaluated. Forty-nine Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions are in the influenced zone in the national park. Eight sample GN divisions were selected for detailed assessment based on the area's different landscapes and ecological and cultural settings. The current situation and encroachment were studied in each sample GN division. Also, Current threats, land use, and pressure activities were studied. The land use analysis of the Wilpattu restricted zone revealed the area of encroachment. Analyses conducted in the human village clearly show that the restricted area for human settlement is being encroached upon 2019, permanent building/housing units were found in 2003 satellite image categorization within the 1.6 km restricted zone. By 2021, the number mentioned above will be 3,810 instead. The past 20 years have seen an 89% growth in housing units. Land use analysis indicates nine zones of encroachment. Zones are dominant in encroachment in 19 GN Divisions in total. The Wilpattu forest village's Mullikulam and Eluwankulam GN Divisions are the most crucial and quickly encroaching areas. The highest percentages of restricted zone, land use analysis contain Paddy cultivation, and Chena cultivation shows the second highest value. Minimum land used is utilized for abandoned Chena cultivations. The highest percentage of land use agriculture is Kudawilachiya, Dematamalagama, and Nelumvila. In addition, the lowest agricultural land use was utilized in Horawila, Thalgaswewa, Helabawewa, Mirichchukaadi, and Adiyapualwakkulam.
 
 
 
 Keywords: Sustainable, Deforestation, Forest management, GIS, Restricted zone
 
 
 
 
 

Probabilistic modeling the protection system of spiritual and moral values. Part 1. The general approach

The protection of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values belongs to the strategic national priorities of the Russian Federation. According to the "National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation", the main goal in the implementation of national strategic priorities for the protection of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values, culture and historical memory is to strengthen the unity of peoples on the basis of all–Russian civic identity, preservation of primordial universal principles and socially significant guidelines for social development. The "Strategy ..." identifies current threats and tasks to be solved in Russia. In order to solve the tasks effectively in conditions of uncertainties and heterogeneous threats, special models and methods are required that allow not only to assess risks, but also to justify proactive measures to counter threats for the protection system of spiritual and moral values. However, today there are no such models and methods. A critical methodological contradiction has arisen between the objective needs for an effective solution of the tasks of the "Strategy ..." and the real possibilities in assessing the risks to the protection system of spiritual and moral values. This work is devoted to solving the problem of creating probabilistic models and methods (by adapting existing ones) that allow not only to predict the risks of destruction of the protection system of spiritual and moral values in conditions of uncertainties and heterogeneous threats, but also to justify proactive measures to counter threats. The main purpose of the work (in two parts) is to create a scientifically based methodological approach to the analytical predicting the risks of destruction of the protection system of spiritual and moral values in conditions of uncertainties and heterogeneous threats. The purpose of the 1st part of the work is to develop a general approach to system modeling. In the first part of the work, mathematical models and methods for predicting compound and integral risks of destruction of the protection system of spiritual and moral values in conditions of uncertainties and heterogeneous threats with the possibility of traceable analytical dependence on influencing factors are proposed. An example of a rough modeling the protection system of spiritual and moral values is given, when the essence of each element manifests itself without taking into account any additional interrelated support from the state, communities, and family. In the 2nd part, five additional examples of predicting risks are presented, illustrating the probabilistic modeling of the main essences of the protection system of spiritual and moral values as a system of systems with varying degrees of detail of eight constituent elements: element 1 – life, dignity, human rights and freedoms; 2 – patriotism, citizenship; 3 – service to the Fatherland and responsibility for its fate; 4 – high moral ideals, a strong family; 5 – creative work (including science and creativity); 6 – the priority of the spiritual over the material, humanism (including art and literature); 7 – mercy, justice, collectivism, mutual assistance and mutual respect; 8 – historical memory and continuity of generations, unity of the peoples of the country. The proposed approach to modeling the protection system of spiritual and moral values provides opportunities not only for analytical predicting of compound and integral risks in conditions of uncertainties and heterogeneous threats, but also for rationale proactive measures to counter threats.

Privacy-Aware Remote Identification for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Current Solutions, Potential Threats, and Future Directions

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently introduced a new standard, namely, remote identification, to improve accountability for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operations. This rule requires UAV operators to broadcast messages revealing sensitive data, such as identity and location on the wireless channel. However, this leads to security and privacy concerns among UAV operators. Unauthorized parties may easily discover the location and identity of a UAV flying in a specific area and launch attacks on it such as using wireless jamming or tracking its activity. This review investigates and systematizes the main weaknesses affecting the Remote ID capability required of modern UAVs, and the approaches through which attackers can exploit these weaknesses to disrupt safety and accountability. Moreover, this article analyzes current solutions that mitigate privacy issues associated with Remote ID. Finally, we identify multiple challenges that require to be addressed by both industry and academia, and we propose future research directions to improve the security and privacy of UAVs.

A Case Study on Current Disease Threats Faced by Vannamei Shrimp Farmers in South-East India

A Case Study on Current Disease Threats Faced by Vannamei Shrimp Farmers in South-East India

The History of Controlling and Treating Infectious Diseases in Ancient China.

Infectious diseases are the common enemies of mankind. In the course of historical development, they persistently threaten human health and safety. Even today, despite the developments in medical science, we cannot escape the fear and suffering caused by infectious diseases. Whether in ancient or modern times, the source of infection, route of transmission, and a susceptible population are the three key conditions for the prevalence and spread of infectious diseases. All factors closely related to these three conditions can affect the prevalence of infectious diseases. China is one of the cradles of world civilization. The ancient people accumulated a great deal of experience and lessons in the long struggle against infectious diseases. In the face of the current threat posed by widespread infectious disease, it is imperative to review and summarize ancient Chinese ideas and health policies on epidemic prevention and control to inspire contemporary efforts in the prevention and control of infectious disease. The combination of prevention-oriented epidemic prevention ideology and traditional medicine provides valuable insights, especially for impoverished and medically underserved regions.

Fishes of Cocibolca, the great Central American lake

The diversity of freshwater fish species from Lake Cocibolca (Nicaragua) is presented, describing the history of biological explorations in the lake from the first record in 1519, to the 52 species that are listed today. Information on current and future threats is also included.

Increased the Role of Defense Human Resources in Facing of the Threats

National defense is all efforts to defend state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of the entire nation from threats and disturbances to the integrity of the nation and state. The problems of national defense, which are increasingly varied in the development of the threat spectrum, certainly require reliable human resources for implementing or making national defense policies. Indonesia with a large population certainly has great potential in the procurement of defense resources. However, if the quality cannot keep up with current threat dynamics and technology then the number is meaningless. The purpose of this research is to find out how to increase the role of Indonesian defense human resources to deal with threats that occur to realize national security. The research method used in this study is a qualitative descriptive analysis method with data collection techniques through literature and library studies. The results of this study are that the government’s role is very important in increasing the superiority of defense human resources. Such as providing training, education, providing motivation, and synergizing with institutions and parties related to the defense industry to improve HR capabilities in dealing with technological advances

Nesting trends and predation risks among yellow-spotted river turtles in Essequibo River Basin

The yellow-spotted river turtle (Podocnemis unifilis), inhabiting Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo River basins, is classified as vulnerable due to historical exploitation and current threats. Efforts have been made throughout the Amazon basin to understand the ecology of yellow-spotted river turtles and implement conservation measures, but the Essequibo River basin located in Guyana, remains the least studied part of the geographical range of the species. In this study we present data collected over a three-year period from 2020 to 2023, as part of a community driven conservation program by Yupukari village, in the North Rupununi, Guyana. We describe the nesting behavior of P. unifilis,and assess predation of eggs in the wild. A total number of nests in 9 beaches ranging from 59 (in 2021) to 76 (in 2023) (in averge 6.68 nest/beach, and 14.2 nests per ha) with an average number of 20.45 eggs per nest. Nesting locations were found to be predominantly situated within 1–20 m from the river, in proximity to vegetation, and on fine sand, with temperatures consistently falling within the 27–29 degrees Celsius range. Importantly, this study unravels the critical issue of nest predation, with lizards, human, and the birds emerging as the primary culprits, impacting nests located closer to vegetation to a greater extent. All nests in sites which potentially would be flooded were moved for a hatchery in the community of Yupukari in which the hatching success reached 83%.

On certain aspects of standardization and operating conditions of automated systems

Objective. In this paper, the main aspects of the operating conditions of the AS are considered, as well as the issues of standardization of the stages of the life cycle of the AS (creation, commissioning, maintenance, etc.) at the state level. In this subject area, the technological features of building an AS based on various technical architectures are briefly considered, since both foreign processors based on x86-64 architectures and processors of domestic development based on the Advanced RISC Machine architecture are currently applicable. The use of various components of the AS requires additional study in terms of ordering the composition and configuration of specific SPI. Since each processor has a multi-level architecture, this fact objectively complicates the possibilities for full security testing and detection of all vulnerabilities. Method. In the course of the work, the threats and vulnerabilities of individual components of the AS from the point of view of intentional and unintentional threats are considered. The information on the main state standards applied to ensure the protection of information in the AS at the present time is summarized. Result. The main features of the operating conditions of the AS are considered and it is determined that the vulnerabilities of the components are due to the imperfection of the procedures for developing and covering testing of hardware and software. It is determined that in order to protect information in the AS, it is necessary to build a multi-level protection system with state accreditation. Conclusion. Proposals are presented for the application of state standardization for the protection of information in the AS, taking into account the current and prospective threat landscape, including taking into account the design features (undeclared capabilities) of the components. Overcoming threats is possible with the creation of a multi-level information protection system with state accreditation.

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.