Environmental Security Research Articles

Optimizing Kubernetes Environments: Best Practices for Configuring and Managing Admission Webhooks

Abstract: Kubernetes has emerged as the leading platform for container orchestration, offering a robust framework for automating the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. As its adoption increases, managing diverse workloads across various environments becomes increasingly complex, necessitating mechanisms for policy enforcement, compliance assurance, and dynamic configuration management. In Kubernetes, admission webhooks provide a means to intercept requests, enabling the mutation and validation of these requests to enforce custom policies. This paper presents comprehensive guidelines for configuring and operating admission webhooks to enhance security, consistency, and operational efficiency in Kubernetes environments. Through this paper, readers will gain hands-on experience in implementing best practices, thereby optimizing the use of admission webhooks to effectively maintain organizational policies and standards.

Risk factors threatening children’s safety in the school environment

School safety encompasses risk reduction efforts to ensure that children act in an environment that is safe and promotes the well-being of the students to achieve their full potential. Therefore, a safe and secure environment is a prerequisite for effective teaching and learning. This scoping review aims to address a range of school safety risk factors and introduce the complexity of school safety. School is believed to be a safe learning and growing environment; however, various conditions can threaten children’s safety in a school setting and lead to injuries caused by accidents, risky or/ aggressive behavior, or environmental exposure. In addition to the physical, psychological, and behavioral characteristics of children that make them particularly vulnerable to accidents, there are several unpredictable risks associated with natural or man-made conditions or disasters that can also put children at extreme risk. A balance between safety, surveillance, and emergency preparedness measures may be beneficial to create a safety culture in schools that will enable student behavioral and intervention support.

Enhanced object detection in videos using bio vision

Video surveillance systems enhance security and monitor various environments. They act as a deterrent to potential threats and provide vital surveillance to maintain safety. A key component of these systems is object detection, which identifies objects of interest and generates critical data for tracking and analysis. However, detecting objects in low-light conditions is particularly challenging due to reduced visibility, low contrast, and shadows, which can obscure objects or cause them to blend into the background. To address these challenges, this research introduces an enhanced object detection model that combines bio-inspired vision techniques with traditional object detection methods. The YOLO model is augmented with bio-vision principles, and specialized CNN models are developed to improve detection accuracy, particularly in low-light scenarios.

Privacy, confidentiality and ethical concerns in audio ai assistants: A comparative study of North American, European, and Asian Markets

This study examines the ethical, privacy, and confidentiality issues with audio AI assistants in the markets of North America, Europe, and Asia. Understanding the ramifications of data collecting, storage, and usage is crucial as the use of technologies like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa grows. The study highlights significant regulatory differences between the areas; North America offers a fragmented landscape, and many Asian nations are still developing their data protection legislation, while Europe leads with strong frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Key challenges identified include a lack of user awareness regarding privacy rights, extensive data collection practices, unauthorized listening, data breaches, and cultural differences influencing attitudes toward data protection. The findings reveal that these challenges impact user trust and hinder the responsible innovation of AI technologies. Recommendations for improvement include establishing global regulations to promote consistency in data protection, adopting best practices such as privacy-by-design principles, and enhancing user education initiatives. Additionally, the study identifies critical areas for future research, particularly the role of AI assistants in sensitive sectors like healthcare and education, where privacy concerns may differ significantly. Overall, this comparative analysis provides a foundational understanding of audio AI assistants' ethical landscape and underscores the importance of addressing these issues to foster a secure and trustworthy digital environment.

Improving health workers’ well-being in Cittadella Hospital (Province of Padua)

Abstract Issue A healthy workplace increases productivity, creativity and decreases absenteeism and turn-over. It also contributes to creating a more secure work environment with fewer risks of violence. In the past 3 years, the healthcare system has suffered the psychological, economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, the healthcare staff reductions determine high levels of work related stress that are often unsustainable. Description In an effort to improve staff well-being, in the Hospital of Cittadella, which counts nearly 1,250 employees, a wide range of activities have been initiated. A questionnaire was submitted to the hospital’s staff and the results showed that nearly 10% of workers had experienced physical symptomatology related to work. The most commonly experienced symptoms included: anxiety, nervousness, headache, stomach ache, excessive fatigue and insomnia. Participants also indicated feeling excessive mental fatigue and emotional overload at the end of their work shift. Results Psychomotor practice, held according to the Aucouturier method, is one of the projects intended especially for the staff operating in Intensive Care, Emergency and Pneumology Units. This method brings focus to controlled breathing, posture, muscle work and movement that help manage stress and fatigue. A Qigong course, which is an ancient Chinese practice designed to optimize the energy within the body reducing the stress levels and increasing general wellbeing, was held every two weeks for 5 months. And finally, Tibetan singing crystal bowls sessions consisted of monthly guided meditation sessions using the sounds of the crystal bowls. Lessons In conclusion, well-being and organizational performance are closely related to each other. It is crucial for any organization to encourage and maintain better physical and mental health of the healthcare staff as it directly affects productivity and consequently user’s satisfaction of the services provided. Key messages • Stress management is important amongst healthcare professionals as they are continuously exposed to different job stressors. • Promoting self awareness and self care can help create a healthier work environment.

Adopting Digital Tools in Higher Education: Opportunities, Challenges and Theoretical Insights

ABSTRACTThe digital transformation of higher education, driven by technological advancements and evolving societal needs, presents both significant opportunities and critical challenges. This study integrates the technology acceptance model (TAM), diffusion of innovations (DOI), comprehensive literature review, in‐depth case studies and empirical survey data to explore these dynamics. The findings reveal the potential of digital technologies—such as online platforms, adaptive learning tools and immersive technologies—to expand access, personalise learning and foster collaboration. However, the research also identifies major barriers, including the digital divide, faculty resistance and data privacy concerns. By combining qualitative thematic analysis and quantitative statistical analysis, this study underscores the importance of strategic planning, inclusive policies and ongoing professional development in maximising the benefits of digital education. The paper contributes to the field by offering actionable insights, theoretical implications and practical recommendations for institutions to implement adaptive pedagogical strategies, ensure equitable access to technology and build robust, secure digital learning environments.

The influence of educational transitions on loneliness and mental health from emerging adults’ perspectives

ABSTRACT Educational transitions can influence loneliness and increase mental health issues for young people transitioning between educational stages. The aim was to explore the link between educational transitions and emerging adults’ loneliness and mental health and how they perceive they can alleviate and/or improve these issues. Semi-structured qualitative interviews with a total of 12 emerging adults, 10 females and two males aged 18–29 (mean age, 22.91) were conducted. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Emerging adults’ loneliness and mental health across educational transitions could be influenced by changes to their sense of security, for example concurrent transitions, increased academic demands, changed social network, insufficient attachment, lack of community, or changed physical environment. Transitions can be associated with positive expectations and self-development but also worry, emotional turmoil, loneliness, and mental health issues. A better transition experience can be enabled by increasing resources and activities and promoting a secure environment.

DESAFIOS JURÍDICOS NA REGULAMENTAÇÃO DAS CRIPTOMOEDAS SOB A CONSTITUIÇÃO BRASILEIRA

The research addresses the "Legal Challenges in the Regulation of Cryptocurrencies under the Brazilian Constitution", with the objective of analyzing the legal difficulties related to the regulation of cryptocurrencies in the country. In addition, it seeks to investigate how these digital currencies align with constitutional principles, examine their impact on the Brazilian economy and the security of the business environment, and propose recommendations for adequate regulation. The research problem can be summarized in the following question: In what way does the regulation of cryptocurrencies, in light of the Brazilian Constitution, influence the individual guarantees of citizens and the legal security of the system? The regulation of cryptocurrencies in Brazil presents significant challenges in the legal and constitutional context. Although these virtual currencies play a growing role in the global economy, their decentralized nature, lack of state control, and volatility generate uncertainties that directly affect the Brazilian legal system. The research uses a bibliographical approach, based on academic studies, doctrines, and legislation, aiming to offer a critical view on the subject and contribute to the legal debate around cryptocurrencies in the national scenario.

Decentralized Machine Learning Framework for the Internet of Things: Enhancing Security, Privacy, and Efficiency in Cloud-Integrated Environments

The Internet of things (IoT) presents unique challenges for the deployment of machine learning (ML) models, particularly due to constraints on computational resources, the necessity for decentralized processing, and concerns regarding security and privacy in interconnected environments such as the Internet of cloud. In this paper, a novel decentralized ML framework is proposed for IoT environments characterized by wireless communication, dynamic data streams, and integration with cloud services. The framework integrates incremental learning algorithms with a robust decentralized model exchange protocol, ensuring that data privacy is preserved, while enabling IoT devices to participate in collaborative learning from distributed data across cloud networks. By incorporating a gossip-based communication protocol, the framework ensures energy-efficient, scalable, and secure model exchange, fostering effective knowledge sharing among devices, while addressing the potential security threats inherent in cloud-based IoT ecosystems. The framework’s performance was evaluated through simulations, demonstrating its ability to handle the complexities of real-time data processing in resource-constrained IoT environments, while also mitigating security and privacy risks within the Internet of cloud.

Designing a secure title deed registration model for land transactions in Kenya based on blockchain

The purpose of this study was to design a secure title deed registration model for land transactions in Kenya based on Blockchain. Blockchain technology creates a publicly accessible distributed database that keeps track of all land transaction records, allowing confirmation of land ownership at any given point in time with the aim of creating a secure and transparent environment that guarantees the much-needed confidentiality and integrity of land transactions. Design Science research methodology was adopted by the research to provide an overall scope in the model design and development requirements, while the Proof of Concept (PoC) research methodology was used to design and develop the essential modules for the model. The research employed subjective sampling to select users to perform a criteria-based model evaluation approach against the evaluation metrics (persistence, time stamping, transparency and decentralisation) set out by the research. Results were presented in the form of a descriptive summary of the users' feedback. From the results, the study established that the model could effectively execute immutable, time-stamped, transparent and decentralised land registration and land transaction processes that can be used as authentic proof of land ownership. The study concluded that the proposed model enhances transparency and security, contributing to a more reliable system that fosters public confidence. The study recommends that future research may focus on the integration of Blockchain with land taxation systems as well as the adoption of cryptocurrency as a legal tender to facilitate the execution of smart contracts for properties in Kenya.

Surface modification of cotton fabric by kaolin-derived zeolite N to enhance efficient removal of particulate matter

Reducing the amount of fine particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere is essential for preserving a secure and healthy environment. Here, we synthesized zeolite N (potassium ion form, KN) from kaolin clay minerals, coated it on cotton fabric using a simple refluxing method and then removed PM from the air. The following conclusion can be drawn. The average cation exchange capacity (CEC) of KN was 512 meq/100 g, and a CEC value > 400 meq/100 g indicated pure zeolite with a Si/Al ratio of approximately 1.0. The synthesized KN, containing a high proportion of Al, proved highly effective in removing particulates. For instance, KN/cotton (746 GSM (weight of fabric in g/m2) cotton, coated with approximately 1.46 wt% KN) demonstrated an 8-times higher removal efficiency (RE) for PM2.5 and PM1.0 than bare 746 GSM cotton, with only a 7 Pa increase in the pressure drop. PM may have been removed by electrostatic interactions between the charged PM and KN (with charge-balancing cations) owing to the charges and polarity of the outer layer of PM particles. According to the increases in RE and the quality factor, KN/cotton (746 GSM) was the most effective in removing PM from the air compared to other materials. The results suggested that KN, when applied to the surface of cotton fabric, is highly efficient due to its EDI framework structure and high Al content. Finally, biodegradation tests revealed that used filters disintegrated into pieces after being buried for one month in soil, indicating their environmental friendliness.

Component structure of economic security of an agricultural enterprise

The article examines the component struc­ture of economic security of an agricultural enterprise. The main components of economic security and their interrelation are analyzed. The peculiarities of ensuring economic security in the agricultural sector are revealed. A comprehensive approach to the formation of the economic security system of an agricultural enterprise is proposed, taking into account the specifics of the industry. The necessity of integ­ra­ting various security components to achieve sustainable development of agricultural enter­prises is substantiated. The research hypothesis is that an effective economic security system of an agricultural enterprise should be based on the integration of various security components, considering their interconnection and mutual influence. The methodological basis of the research is a systematic approach, methods of analysis and synthesis, comparison, and gene­ralization. Based on the analysis of scientific sources and considering industry specifics, a component structure of economic security for agricultural enterprises is proposed, which includes financial, production and techno­logi­cal, market, personnel, innovatve investment, environmental, and information security. The necessity of a comprehensive approach to for­ming the economic security system of an agricultural enterprise is substantiated, taking into account the interconnection and mutual influ­ence of its components. The proposed approach allows for a systematic assessment of the economic security level and the development of strategies for its provision in agricultural enterprises. It can be used in forming a monito­ring system for economic security and making management decisions to improve it. The research results create a theoretical foundation for developing a methodology for integrated assessment of the economic security level of an agricultural enterprise and forming an organi­zational and economic mechanism for its provi­sion in modern economic conditions, which defines prospects for further research in this direction

Assessing the Diffusion of Military Power Capacity of Middle Powers: The Case of Turkey

ABSTRACT Great powers’ military power diffusion (MPD) is superior to Middle Powers (M.P.) in technology acquisition, military innovation, and state & financial capacity. However, M.P.s have started to enhance their MPD thanks to their growing impact on international politics. In this vein, this paper aims to offer an alternative explanation of MPD by introducing a novel theoretical framework, Military Power Diffusion Capacity (hereafter MPDC), to assess how M.P.s’ MPD influences the balance of power and warfare at both regional and international levels. In doing so, this article is structured into three sections. First, we investigate the existing theoretical frameworks on military power diffusion and the spread of military power by middle-ranking states. Second, we examine the historical evolution of Turkey’s defence industry. Third, we introduce our MPDC framework and test it to the Turkey’s case. Here, we propose a five-layered MPDC framework based on the following determining factors: 1) Sustainable Financial & State Capacity, 2) Geopolitical and strategic rivalries, 3) Domestic conditions, 4) Civil-Military bargaining levels, and 5) regional and global power status-driven aspirations. Then, we scrutinize Turkey’s MPDC since the 1990s within our five-layered framework to assess the implications of its MPD on the changing international security environment.

No Eye for the I-Word: The State of Research on Intelligence in India

Intelligence forms a core research area of Strategic Studies. The dynamic security environment and technological transformations demand cross-disciplinary insights from cognate fields to develop a nuanced understanding in intelligence studies. The scholarly reflection is largely confined to the West whereas research from the Global South remains abysmal. This article explores factors hindering the emergence of Intelligence Studies in India, both as an academic discipline and a potential research area, by analysing course syllabi of select universities and legal provisions. It reiterates the need for a systematic study of the subject to develop academic analytical precision and cater to new demands of policymaking.

The Many Faces of Environmental Security

This review surveys recent evidence on environmental security, bringing diverse approaches to the subject and evidence relating to different environmental issues into conversation with one another. We focus on the five environmental issues most commonly viewed as having conflict or security effects: climate change, water, forests and deforestation, biodiversity and conservation, and mining and industrial pollution. For each issue, we consider evidence along three dimensions: the impacts of environmental variables on violent conflict, the conflict impacts of policy and development interventions vis-à-vis these environmental issues, and their global policy framing and institutionalization. Through this, we draw particular attention to the poverty and/or inconsistency of the evidence relating to environmental variations, which stands in stark contrast to the extensive evidence on policy and development interventions; noting that policymakers have been much more concerned with the former theme than the latter, we call for this imbalance to be addressed.

The critical cognitive analysis of “hyper-securitization” strategy: A case study of China’s official discourse on the “Japan nuclear contaminated water discharge incident”

On August 24, 2023, Japan began discharging nuclear contaminated water into the ocean, drawing global attention. Environmental security, closely tied to human well-being, has become a critical issue in both academic and public discourse, particularly amid recurring challenges like climate change, water scarcity, and pollution. This study employs the proximization theory and its derivative theory of distanciation to conduct a critical cognitive analysis of “hyper-securitization” in environmental security discourse, using China’s official discourse surrounding the “Japan Nuclear Contaminated Water Discharge Incident” as the corpus. The analysis focuses on the discursive strategies employed by China before and after Japan’s discharge, revealing how these strategies aim to achieve the objectives of “hyper-securitization.” The discourse features identified in this study provide new perspectives for research on “hyper-securitization” in the fields of environmental security and international politics.

Caring in crisis: addressing patient safety, burnout, and long hours in healthcare

Madam, The World Health Organization defines patient safety as preventing errors and adverse effects to patients associated with health care and “to do no harm to patients”. Specifically, in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), about 134 million adverse events occur each year due to unsafe care in hospitals, resulting in 2.6 million deaths annually. [1] Along with other determining factors, professional well-being, long hours, and burnout syndromes also influence patient care. [2] Burnout is a condition directly linked to workplace environment, stemming from occupational stress and extended working hours. Garcia, C.L. et al., through meta-analysis, found a relationship between the development of burnout and patient safety actions, with a probability of superiority of 66.4%. High levels of burnout and worsening patient safety are related to external factors such as high workload, long working hours, lack of a secure environment, and interpersonal relationships. [3] These findings raise concerns, particularly in a country like Pakistan, where the extent of understaffing and high workload can be inferred from the following statistics: The doctor-to-population ratio in Pakistan was 1:1000 in 2018 [4]. In contrast, the doctor-to-population ratio in Malaysia was 2.2:1000 in 2018 [5]. As a result of this shortage, the current workforce in Pakistan is negatively affected. In a study by Kasi PM et al. on postgraduate trainees in Pakistan, individuals under stress were more likely to report longer working hours. This increased workload made them prone to medical errors, which ultimately undermines the patient safety culture. A study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan using the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) compared the benchmarks from hospitals in the USA and discovered that high staff workload is a significant concern among staff [6] In Pakistan, where healthcare resources are limited, fostering a culture of effective work-hour management and breaks is essential for creating a healthier and safer environment for health professionals and patients. Ensuring adequate staffing levels to distribute the workload and prevent overburdening is essential. Providing designated areas for relaxation, offering mental health resources and mindfulness programmes like yoga or meditation can help doctors to cope with stress. Furthermore, promoting a culture of multidisciplinary teamwork, a mentorship program, and effective handover protocols during shift changes can ensure continuity of care. Medical institutes should invest in technology that can streamline administrative tasks and reduce paperwork burden. ---Continue

A paradigm shift in international security as a consequence of the Russia-Ukraine war

This article presents the main features of the historical genesis of the international security paradigm shift from its institutionalisation to the present day. It is shown that such genesis is sinusoidal in nature and related to the well-known 'Kondratiev waves', except that, unlike the latter, it is not economic in nature, but security in nature. In a historical and geopolitical context, five successive shifts in the international security paradigm (Pre-Systemic, Westphalian, Vienna, Versailles, Yalta-Potsdam, Unipolar) are distinguished as a normatively recognised system of international relations of war and peace, based on all countries' adherence to universally recognised principles and norms of international law, as enshrined in relevant international treaties. The main factors of the end of the era of the unipolar world and the growing role of 'fragile' states in the international security environment as potential objects of international military interventions and spaces for the deployment of local conflicts and wars were characterised. It was concluded that the war in Ukraine is a key trigger for a new paradigm shift in international security and the emergence of a new system of international relations, and that the outcome of the Russian-Ukrainian war will determine the 'starting positions' and strong arguments in the hands of the United States of America and its allies against China and its allies during the inevitable new global security conference on the creation of a new world order.

Assessment of the influence of climatic factors on the state of terrestrial ecosystems in the Northwestern region of Russia

The article analyzes the change of climatic conditions in the Northwest of Russia, including the characteristics of dangerous hydrometeorological events (cold and heat waves, strong winds, extreme rainfall, snowfall, ice-frost deposits, hail) and slow climatic changes (increase in the number of days with the transition of air temperature through 0°С, coastal abrasion) in connection with their negative impact on terrestrial ecosystems. It was found that the influence of meteorological and climatic factors on terrestrial ecosystems is most pronounced in the northern part of the studied region, especially on the coast of the Barents Sea. Towards the south, the values of all indicators gradually decrease, and their structure changes. In the northern part of the study area (Murmansk and Arkhangelsk oblasts, the Nenets Autonomous Okrug), phenomena associated with strong winds and intensive ice-frost deposition, which contribute to the formation of an ice crust on the Earth’s surface, prevail. As one moves away from the coast, severe frost is observed more often (Komi Republic). In the center and south of the region, heavy rainfall, severe frost, and intense heat are the most frequent, resulting in a high fire hazard. The study carried out the ranking of the subjects of the Northwestern Federal District according to the degree of intensity of this process. Comprehensive assessments of the negative impact of changing climatic conditions on terrestrial ecosystems can be used to make decisions on the development of a strategy for environmental security of the regions of the Russian Federation.

Advanced Encryption Techniques for Database Security in Cloud Environments

This technical article explores advanced encryption techniques for enhancing database security in cloud environments, addressing the growing need for robust data protection as organizations increasingly migrate to cloud-based solutions. The article covers encryption standards such as AES-256, RSA, and Elliptic Curve Cryptography, as well as key management approaches using Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) and Key Management Services (KMS). It also delves into cutting-edge concepts like homomorphic encryption and quantum-resistant algorithms. The discussion encompasses performance optimization strategies and regulatory compliance considerations, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and future trends in cloud database security.