Critical Level Research Articles

Synchronizing the Supply of Components for Automotive Assembly amid Chip Shortages and Other Supply Delays

The push for more battery-powered electric vehicles, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other global supply chain destabilizing events (e.g., the war in Ukraine) have made it necessary for manufacturers to consider innovative approaches to sourcing and materials management. This study assesses the value of sharing delivery due date updates, which are then used to convert spent time into a fraction of the expected total time for order fulfillment (i.e., progress updates), to synchronize the delivery of components for an automotive manufacturer who, amid long and variable lead times for semiconductor chips, maintains a strategy of waiting for the delivery of all needed parts before commencing production. Having progress updates in a fractional form puts numerical bounds (i.e., 0% to 100%) on the shared information, and this facilitates closed-form analytical comparisons. We develop analytical models to show decreases in expected assembly-related costs based on the progress update information shared between two suppliers—one supplier has a shorter and more reliable order fulfillment lead time than the other. When there are more than two suppliers, we use a simulation model to estimate the expected value of sharing progress updates. Our results show that increasing the frequency of shared progress updates, and having more suppliers share progress updates, results in increased cost-savings percentages. However, the opposite occurs with increasing uncertainty in suppliers’ delivery lead times. The computational study provides support for the existence of a critical mass level of suppliers needed to achieve a given percentage cost saving. This study can help automakers to make informed decisions on encouraging information sharing among suppliers, by first creating a critical mass of suppliers to share progress updates. Our investigations also help show the conditions in which to best leverage such information sharing strategies while waiting for the delivery of all needed components prior to production.

Critical points for the processing of personal data by the government: An empirical study in Brazil

The General Law for the Protection of Personal Data (LGPD), issued in Brazil in August 2018, establishes as one of the legal bases for the processing of personal data the execution of public policies by the State. A systematic review of the literature identified the existence of six critical points that represent challenges for public managers in the elaboration and implementation of policies that require the processing of personal data. The objective of this research is to establish the levels of criticality of the factors identified by the literature review, as well as to verify the existence of other critical points on which the literature has not yet advanced. To this end, a group of 11 specialists was selected to participate in the research that used the Delphi Method, a technique that consists of applying a set of questionnaires sequentially and individually, in order to establish a dialog between the participants and build a collective response. The results indicate a coherence between what was verified in the theory and the perception of the specialists. Another 10 critical points for the processing of personal data by the government were mentioned by the participants. In general, the main elements of tension identified addressed the lack of training of public officials and the sharing of personal data.

Within – Country diversity and economic output: The role of financial development

This study investigates the relationship between within-country diversity, financial development, and economic output with a particular focus on the moderating role of financial development. Analyzing data from a diverse set of countries, we find that both religious and language diversity exhibit negative associations with economic performance. However, in emerging economies, a positive interaction between linguistic and religious diversity emerges. Notably, robust financial development positively moderates the relationship between diversity and economic output, with identified thresholds indicating a critical level necessary to mitigate the adverse consequences of cultural diversity. Our findings highlight the essential role of financial systems in fostering trust and promoting economic growth, particularly in high-diversity contexts. Our findings are robust to a battery of alternative tests. By emphasizing the importance of financial development in navigating within-country heterogeneities, this study offers valuable insights for policymakers seeking to foster inclusive and sustainable development strategies.

EFFECTS OF SYMBIOTIC BACTERIA IN PATHOGENIC INTERACTIONS: THE CASE OF BATRACHOCHYTRIUM DENDROBATIDIS AND PSEUDOMONAS SP. IN AMPHIBIAN POPULATIONS

The decline in amphibian populations in recent decades may be linked to the occurrence of infectious diseases such as chytridiomycosis, which is caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). It is known that symbiotic bacteria protect the host due to their inhibitory nature. However, how the population dynamics of amphibians is affected by additional effects provided by symbiotic bacteria has not been analyzed in depth. In this paper, a model is proposed to describe the interaction among susceptible amphibians, susceptible amphibians with symbiotic bacteria and amphibians with chytrid fungus. When the modeling takes into account the additional reproductive benefits that the symbiont Pseudomonas sp. grants to the host, multiple endemic equilibrium points can exist if [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] is the basic reproduction number for Bd). In this scenario, the existence of a subcritical bifurcation at [Formula: see text], which can occur in two different disease-free equilibrium points, gives rise to complex dynamics and stability scenarios. Particularly, the analysis of the model shows that a sudden increase of fungus-infected amphibians can occur even when [Formula: see text] due to bistability phenomena. In this scenario, the existence of a subcritical bifurcation, which translates for the fungus into colonization even for values of [Formula: see text] less than one, represents an advantage for the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis since the pathogen should benefit from remaining as close as possible to an endemic equilibrium. To control the fungal infection, [Formula: see text] must be reduced to a value below one until the endemic equilibrium points disappear. Finally, we show that the amphibian population can reach a critical population level close to an extinction scenario when [Formula: see text] increases.

“We’re All in This Together”: Farmers’ Reactions to the Farmer Suicide Crisis

ABSTRACT Farmer suicide rates continue to increase, with levels being 1.5 times higher than the national rate. This has led agricultural and public health groups to craft and distribute farm stress and suicide messages to help farmers. However, suicide rates remain at critical levels indicating that there may be a disconnect between existing efforts and farmer sensemaking of the crisis. Utilizing the Theory of Memorable Messages (ToMM), this study explored how farmers are reacting to messages and conversations about the farmer suicide crisis. Interviews with 25 participants found most had heard about farmer suicide concerns. When asked about their memorable conversations, farmers reflected a complex sensemaking process that included themes of memorable conversation types ranging from externalization to acceptance and message themes oriented around concern for self and others within these conversation types. Overall, most farmers externalized the risk of suicide to other farmers. However, even though participants did not see themselves at risk, their responses often showed deep concern for helping other farmers. These results are discussed in light of sensemaking and memorable conversations, with practical implications for future messaging efforts around farmer suicide.

Seasonal variation effect on water quality and sediments criteria and its influence on soil pollution: Fayoum Governorate, Egypt

BackgroundIrrigation with low-quality water without considering the acceptable levels negatively impacts not only humans, but also extends to the whole surrounding ecosystem. The current research is a comprehensive-integrated appraisal of the irrigation water quality gathered from El-Batts drain in Fayoum Governorate, from September 2021 to June 2022, together with the drain sediments and the soils adjacent to it. The characteristics (physical, chemical and biological), and the risk fate of some heavy metals (As, B, Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Fe and Mn) were measured. Moreover, the risks of the studied pollutants were assessed using many indices: irrigation water quality index (IWQI), contamination factor (Cf), degree of contamination (Cd), Salinity indices and Zn equivalent (ZE). Additionally, kinetic studies of the inorganic pollutants were evaluated to determine their availability and impact on the surrounding environment.ResultsData from IQWI showed that water in all five sites was assumed to be very bad and unsuitable for usage with a general average (14.62 and 25.35) in all four seasons. ZE exceeds the critical level of 250, which means there is a risk of soil contamination.ConclusionsThe elevated levels of heavy metals, microbial enzymes, pathogenic fecal coliform and Salmonella reflect bad and direct risk of dealing with such water in irrigation and its effect on the soil ecosystem and the growing crops. Most of the tested parameters exceeded the acceptable levels of the Egyptian Governmental Law Guidelines, WHO and FAO, which may threaten aquatic life. Best managements practices and remediation techniques should be applied to minimize the hazards in such waters.

System Design Based on Biological Olfaction for Meat Analysis Using E-Nose Sensors.

The deterioration of food, especially in meat products, can lead to serious health problems. Even with modern preservation technologies, a significant amount of food is lost due to microbial deterioration. As the very first step of the preservation process, the microflora that grows during the storage time and in spoiling foods should be well-known to identify critical levels. Electronic nose and gas chromatography analysis systems can provide sensitive and promising results. Similarly, bacterial analysis is an important process for determining bacterial groups that result in the emergence of such gases in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis during the degradation time. This study aims to determine the degradation levels for some meat types under different environmental conditions, such as temperature and duration, to compare with other measurement techniques for evaluating the verification of data. E-nose device, developed in this study, can detect carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), ethanol (C2H5OH), and ammonia (NH3) using metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors. In order to test sensory measurements during this period, GC-MS and microbial measurements were used. E-nose measurements show that the results are in accord with each other. This system can easily be made portable, occupying very little space.

FOOD AND COOKING AS COMIC RELIEF IN IRIS MURDOCH’S THE SEA, THE SEA

As a literary term, comic relief is the appearance of humorous and funny episodes or scenes in otherwise serious literary works. The aim of comic relief is to reduce the anxiety or distress that the audience feels as a result of the depiction of the painful and pitiful events or incidents. The joy and laughter that comic relief provides balance the intensity of the misery and sadness which are inherent in the narrative. Although comic relief is mostly associated with dramatic works, the scenes of food and cooking in Iris Murdoch’s 1978 Booker Prize winner novel The Sea, the Sea illustrate some proper examples of the term. Murdoch’s protagonist, the retired playwright and director Charles Arrowby, cheerfully cooks and eats whenever the mental anxiety rises to a critical level. Charles displays his enjoyment of preparing and having food so intensely that his happiness and thrill easily neutralise the uneasiness of the reader. This paper aims to illustrate how a protagonist’s delight at food and cooking serves as comic relief which reduces the intensity of the unease caused by a sad story.

THE PREVALENCE OF STRESS LEVEL AND BURNOUT AMONG PRACTICING VASCULAR SURGEONS IN PAKISTAN

Vascular surgeons in Pakistan confront challenging work conditions that can lead to a high incidence of burnout, a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and intense stress. With the specialty still emerging in Pakistan. Objective: This study sought to quantify the prevalence of stress levels and burnout among these surgeons. Methods: Conducted by the Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma, Karachi, this cross-sectional electronic survey included all practicing vascular surgeons. Non-probability convenience sampling was employed, and data were collected over two weeks using Google Forms. The Maslach Burnout Inventory—Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel was incorporated to measure burnout. Results: The survey found a significant presence of high-level burnout symptoms among vascular surgeons, particularly in emotional exhaustion and personal achievement domains, with lesser but still notable levels among orthopedic and general surgeons. A substantial number reported low job satisfaction and experienced family conflicts. Conclusion: The study highlights the critical levels of burnout among vascular surgeons in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for interventions to mitigate stress and improve job satisfaction.

Analysis of Obstacles For Mangosteen Agro-Industry Revitalization In Karacak Agropolitan Area, Indonesia: An Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach

<p>This study aims to identify and propose solutions to the obstacles faced in the study of Karacak Agropolitan Revitalization based on Mangosteen agroindustry in Bogor Regency as outlined in a structural model. The revitalization of agro-industry-based agropolitan areas is studied through science, technology, and innovation which are then formulated and analyzed with the Interpretive Structural Modeling Method. Primary data were collected through expert-based surveys and questionnaires from seven relevant and representative government agencies to formulate policy studies. This research resulted in a study of 9 sub-elements of constraints and found 1 key sub-element, arrange hierarchically based on its importance. At the most critical level, we identified the government's political will towards agro-industrial development incentives and disincentive programs in agropolitan areas. This study recommends the government start an integrated agropolitan area revitalization program by utilizing local biological resources. The systems model approach will facilitate sustainable development at the village level, promoting inclusive economic growth and resilience.</p><p> </p>Keywords: Agropolitan, Barriers, Interpretive Structure Modeling, Mangosteen Agroindustry.

Matching Characteristics of Refrigerant and Operating Parameters in Large Temperature Variation Heat Pump

Characterizing the optimal operating parameters for a heat pump with a specific refrigerant is paramount, as it provides valuable guidance for refrigerant selection. The temperature mismatch between cold and hot fluids in the evaporator and condenser can lead to degraded thermal performance in heat pumps with large temperature variations. To address these two key issues, we selected several pure refrigerants with varying critical temperature levels for use in a large temperature variation heat pump configuration. The corresponding thermal performance was then investigated using the Ebsilon code under fixed temperature lift conditions as the operating temperature varied. It indicates that the maximum coefficient of performance (COP) is typically achieved when the deviation factors of temperature and pressure from their critical parameters fall within the ranges of 0.62~0.71 and 0.36~0.5, respectively. Our research recommends the binary refrigerant mixture of R152a/R1336mzz(z) (COP = 3.54) for the current operating conditions, as it significantly improves thermal performance compared to pure R1336mzz (z) (COP = 2.87) and R152a (COP = 3.01). Through research on the impact of the compositional ratio of R152a/R1336mzz(z) on the thermal performance of the heat pump, we found that that the optimal ratio of R1336mzz(z) component to R152a component is 0.5/0.5. This study offers valuable guidance for selecting the most suitable refrigerants for heat pumps in practical engineering design scenarios.

Reduced seagrass resilience due to environmental and anthropogenic effects may lead to future die-off events in Florida Bay

Coastal systems often depend on foundation species such as seagrasses that are supported by self-facilitation. Seagrass meadows, however, are threatened worldwide due to climate change and local human impact, disrupting self-facilitation leading to system instability. Florida Bay is a large seagrass dominated coastal ecosystem that suffered from multiple seagrass mortality events over the last half century driven by hypoxia, high water temperatures, hypersalinity, and high biological oxygen demand. These conditions reduce the amount of photosynthetically-derived oxygen in the plant causing sulphide intrusion into meristematic tissues. Using a bay-wide sampling design and long-term monitoring trends of seagrass condition, we investigated the current state of the meadows, sediment characteristics (e.g., organic matter, sulphide, nutrients) and discuss how climate stressors interact with plant and sediment oxygen dynamics. Our survey revealed that at sites where seagrass had been previously denuded by die-off, the dominant seagrass Thalassia testudinum had not recovered, while the pioneering seagrass Halodule wrightii recolonized the impacted areas. Organic matter and sulphide levels were higher at the impacted sites, apparently a persistent characteristic of the formerly dense T. testudinum meadows in central and western Florida Bay. These sediment conditions promote sulphide intrusion of T. testudinum belowground tissue under anoxic conditions. Plant oxidation initially buffers sulphide intrusion, but disruption of this oxidation mechanism due to changing environmental conditions results in widespread mortality and seagrass community collapse. Climate change cannot be fully mitigated by local management, however, attempts can be made to control critical salinity and oxygen levels by increasing freshwater input, reducing hypersalinity and aiming to keep the internal seagrass oxidation feedback intact. Our study shows that the Florida Bay seagrass ecosystem is still recovering four years post die-off and continues to be susceptible to future climate change and system degradation.

Compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND) applied to strawberry soilless

Soluble fertilizers are among the main costs in strawberry production, so knowing the nutrients balance in plant tissue is essential. In this sense, the Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND) method is presented as a multivariate analysis tool for the nutritional diagnosis of the crop. The main goal of this paper was to establish CND standards and critical nutrient levels in strawberries cultivated in a soilless system. This study uses the Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND) method to analyze nutrient levels grown in a soilless system. Commercial production greenhouses were evaluated for yield and leaf nutrients contents to develop the standards. Data were collected from 52 plots, each consisting of diagnostic leaves from 10 plants, and subsequently analyzed to determine critical nutrient deficiencies and excesses. The CND methodology was sensitive in diagnosing the differences between high and low-yield populations. Thus, adjusting the critical nutrient levels for soilless strawberry cultivation was possible. Due to deficiency, the most limiting nutrients for strawberry production were N, Mg, and S, and Zn and Cu due to excess. Results indicate specific nutrient thresholds, with significant findings from the integration of all indices, it was possible to calculate the sufficiency ranges for soilless strawberry: N = 26–31, P = 4–7, K = 8–11, Ca = 10–15, Mg = 3–4, S = 0.3–0.5 in g kg−1, and B = 18–95, Cu = 1–2, Fe = 46–96, Mn = 80–203, Zn = 1–40, Mo = 1.3–2.7, Ni = 0.1–0.4 in mg kg−1.

Changes in Sleep Quality, Sleep Duration, and Sickness Absence: A Longitudinal Study with Repeated Measures.

Sickness absence has been linked to short and long, as well as poor, sleep in a few studies. Such studies have started from a baseline measurement and followed up on subsequent sickness absence. In the present study, however, we focused on the change in biennial reports of sickness absence and sleep measures (using work-related variables as possible modifiers). We also searched for an interaction between predictors and gender since women report more sleep problems. A total of 5377 individuals (random sample from the Swedish working population) participated across five biennial points of measurement. Data were analyzed using mixed-model logistic regression. The multivariable analysis of variation across the five time points showed that the significant sleep-related predictors of sickness absence (at least one occurrence during the preceding year) were sleep duration during days off (OR = 1.16, 95% Cl = 1.08;1.24) and sleep problems (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.33;1.51). These also remained significant after the addition of psychosocial work factors. Sensitivity analyses indicated that a 9 h sleep duration during days off may represent a critical level in terms of increased sickness absence and that late rising contributed to the association between sickness absence and long sleep duration during days off. Women reported a higher sickness absence than men (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.74;2.68) and had a higher probability of sickness absence for long sleep during days off and during the workweek than men. It was concluded that increases in sleep problems and sleep duration during days off are longitudinally associated with changes in sickness absence and that women have a closer link between the two. This suggests that treatment for sleep problems may reduce the risk of sickness absence.

Genomic Characterization and Antimicrobial Resistance of Four Mcr-1 Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Human and Environment Sources, Hainan Province, Tropical China

Background: The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria, particularly the increase in carbapenem-resistant strains, has led to a critical level of resistance in clinical settings. Colistin is considered to be the last line of defense against these gram-negative bacteria. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the genetic characteristics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of four mcr-1 (mobile colistin resistance) Escherichia coli isolates from various sources in Hainan Province, tropical China, and to determine their genetic relationships with both domestic and global strains. Methods: Samples were collected from swimming pools, marine beaches, and beach personnel in Haikou and Sanya, Hainan Province, China. E. coli isolates were obtained, multilocus sequence typing was performed, and the mcr family resistance genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. The mobile sequences, AMR genes, phenotypes, and virulence genotypes of the mcr-1 strains were analyzed. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to investigate the relationships between the mcr-1E. coli strains and those in the NCBI database. Results: In the current study, the mcr-1 resistance gene was detected in 4 strains, accounting for 2.94% (4/136) of the total. The 4 strains of E. coli were isolated from a freshwater swimming pool, a pool wall, seawater, and a human body. Among the four strains, the minimum inhibitory concentration of polymyxin was 8 mg/L, except for one strain, which showed low-level resistance at 4 mg/L. All four strains showed complete resistance to ampicillin, three were resistant to compound sulfamethoxazole and chloramphenicol, and all strains were sensitive to other common antibiotics. The virulence genes cfaA, cfaB, cfaC, and cfaD/cfaE were detected in all E. coli strains. The insertable sequence IS3 was the most widely distributed type. Three isolates were identified as ST987, whereas the isolate from marine sources was identified as ST24. Comparison of the core genes of the strains indicated that the four strains were closely related to the Chrysomya sp. from Northern Thailand. Conclusions: The four mcr-1 genes can mediate low to medium levels of colistin resistance, facilitating their dissemination within the population and the environment. It is crucial to trace the source of multidrug-resistant bacteria in recreational water, which is in direct contact with humans, and to reduce the risks to human health through effective supervision.

Development of problem-based learning worksheets combined with the make a match cooperative model to enhance students' critical thinking skills in biology

This study aims to (1) produce Problem Based Learning-based Learning Worksheets combined with Make A Match which is feasible to use based on expert judgment assessment (2) to determine the effectiveness of Problem Based Learning-based Learning Worksheets combined with Make A Match and (3) to determine the practicality of Problem Based Learning-based Learning Worksheets in training students' critical thinking skills in the biology subject X-MIA virus material at MA Laboratorium Uinsu. This research is a development research with the 4-D model which consists of four stages, namely, define (defining), design (planning), develope (development), and disseminate (dissemination). Data collection was obtained through product feasibility validation results, student and teacher responses, as well as pretest and posttest with N-Gain analysis. The results showed that: (1) Problem Based Learning Learning Worksheets combined with Make A Match to train critical thinking skills is declared feasible to be used by students as learning media with a 99% media validation score, 91% material validation score. (2) The effectiveness of Problem Based Learning Learning Worksheets combined with Make A Match in training students' critical thinking skills based on the results of the N-Gain analysis obtained a result of 0.7 with a high critical thinking level category with the criteria "very effective" problem-based Learning Worksheets is effective in training critical thinking skills. (3) The practicality of Problem Based Learning Learning Worksheets combined with Make a Match in training critical thinking skills based on the results of questionnaire responses by students and teachers shows that student responses obtained a final result of 90% in the "very practical" category and teacher responses obtained a final result of 91% in the very practical category.

Study on bubble behaviors and heat transfer at shallow liquid boiling over open rectangular microchannels

The heat transfer performance of shallow liquid boiling differs from that of deep liquid boiling owing to distinct bubble venting mechanisms. Since the liquid level is of the same order of magnitude as the bubble departure diameter, bubble detachment is restricted by the surface tension of the free interface, which causes an untimely liquid reflux toward the nucleate site. Consequently, shallow liquid boiling has a high heat transfer coefficient (HTC) at a liquid height below the critical liquid level but at the expense of limited critical heat flux (CHF). This study aims to improve the CHF of shallow liquid boiling by utilizing open rectangular microchannels surface (ORMS), which can provide separated vapor–liquid pathways to facilitate the liquid return. The boiling heat transfer curves and bubble behavior of distilled water at shallow liquid levels are investigated using the ORMS. A critical liquid level of 5 mm was achieved with heat fluxes of approximately 15 W/cm2, 25 W/cm2, and 35 W/cm2 over ORMS. Compared to a plain copper surface (PCS), ORMS improves the upper limit of the heat flux for the critical liquid level. A simplified and efficient analytical model with two-sphere bubble is established to predict the critical liquid level for the ORMS by considering the dynamic and static force balance. The critical liquid level is approximately twice the bubble departure diameter, which may aid in designing the liquid filling rates for phase-change heat sinks for HTC improvement.

Unraveling the difference of sensitivity to ozone between non-hybrid native poplar and hybrid poplar clones: A flux-based dose-response analysis

Poplars are economically important tree crops and biologically important model plants, which are known to be sensitive to ozone (O3). Although surface O3 is considered as a significant global environmental issue because of its phytotoxicity and greenhouse effect, the knowledge of the dose-response (DR) relationships in poplars for the assessment of O3 risk is still limited. Hence, this study aimed at collecting data of studies with manipulative O3 exposures of poplars within FACE (Free Air Concentration Enhancement) and OTC (Open-Top Chamber) facilities. The datasets contain studies on hybrid poplar clones and a non-hybrid native poplar (Populus nigra L.) reporting both AOT40 (Accumulated exposure Over a Threshold of 40 ppb) and POD1 (Phytotoxic Ozone Dose above a threshold of 1 nmol m−2 Projected Leaf Area [PLA] s−1) to compare exposure- and flux-based indices. As a result, linear regression analysis showed that the flux-based POD1 was better than the exposure-based AOT40 to explain the biomass response of poplars to O3. From the DR relationships, a critical level (CL) of 5.7 mmol m−2 POD1 has been derived corresponding to 4% biomass growth reduction for hybrid poplar clones, which can be considered very sensitive to O3, while the non-hybrid native poplar was less sensitive to O3 (CL: 10.3 mmol m−2 POD1), although the potential risk of O3 for this taxon is still high due to very high stomatal conductance. Moreover, the different experimental settings (OTC vs. FACE) have affected the AOT40-based DR relationships but not the POD1-based DR relationships, suggesting that poplar responses to O3 were principally explained by stomatal O3 uptake regardless of the different experimental settings and exposure patterns. These results highlight the importance of the flux-based approach, especially when scaling up from experimental datasets to the O3 risk assessment for poplars at the regional or global scale.

Providing spatial isolation for Mixed-Criticality Systems

Hard real-time systems, characterized by stringent timeliness requirements, occur in an increasing variety of industrial sectors. Some such domains carry important safety-critical concerns, notably avionics, space, and automotive. One common design trend across those domains seeks to reduce the number of computing devices embedded in them by integrating software applications of different criticality levels into one and the same onboard computer. A safety-savvy design approach however requires isolation among components of different criticality, to prevent unintended reciprocal interference across them. Isolation is traditionally achieved through partitioning. Partitioning, however, incurs low resource utilization as cautionary margins are used to inflate partition budgets over their anticipated needs. This situation has prompted research into alternative ways to integration that can safely afford higher levels of utilization. The Mixed-Criticality (MC) approach, which concentrates on the CPU scheduling problem, has yielded a large body of research results that show considerable gains in sustained utilization, but it has yet to meet all of the isolation requirements of safety-critical systems. This work presents a solution to augment a state-of-the-art MC solution with efficient and effective spatial isolation capabilities. Experimental results show that our solution provides adequate guarantees of temporal and spatial isolation with very small runtime overhead.

THE RISK THRESHOLD LEVEL JUSTIFICATION METHOD OF THE CRISIS SITUATIONS IN ORDER TO PREVENT ARMED AGGRESSION

The risk threshold level method of the crisis situations justification to prevent armed aggression against targeted state (with elements of artificial intelligence technology) has been developed, that ensures the integrated risks of crisis situations threshold levels determination. The method is based on the expert assessment and forecasting technologies and allows to track the dynamics of growth of destructive risks factors of negative trends in the development of the security environment and preventive response to the processes of ensuring the national security of the State in its defining areas by reducing the risks of the most dangerous negative trends that can provoke crisis situations in the targeted State. It is noted that since the target State has limited resources allocated to ensure national security, it makes no sense to fully consider all the identified negative trends (not all of them are aimed at the use of military force). Therefore, the method provides for the establishment of two threshold (critical) levels for each negative trend. The first level is the level of fixing the integral risk (if the negative trend has two or more destructive factors), upon reaching that the national security system organizes detailed monitoring of such a trend. The second level is the threshold level of of a crisis situation risk, at which crisis management is engaged in the system of ensuring national security. Practical implementation of the developed method will ensure a faster response to the risks of certain destructive factors for national security, which will make it possible to increase the efficiency of national security management under conditions of limited resources and expand preventive response to a wider range of negative trends in the geopolitical and military-political situation in the regions where targeted State's national interests are realized.