Security Factors Research Articles

Role of Gardening in Mental Health, Food Security, and Economic Well-Being in Resettled Refugees: A Mixed Methods Study

Executive Summary Home and community gardening is emerging as a beneficial intervention for resettled refugee populations. Using an interdisciplinary lens, we examined whether gardening influences mental health, food security, and economic well-being. A mixed methods study ( n = 29) was conducted with quantitative surveys to assess indicators of mental health, food security, and economic well-being. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews explored gardener participants’ experience of gardening benefits ( n = 10). Participants had on average been in the United States for seven and a half years, with most having lived in refugee camps prior to arrival. Findings showed gardeners reporting fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma, and lesser food insecurity than non-gardeners, and similar indicators of economic well-being. Non-parametric regression analysis showed that being a gardener significantly predicted less psychological distress. Qualitative data substantiated these findings with gardeners reporting improved mental health, closer family, social relationships and connections with culture, and more access to fresh and organic food. The multiple, simultaneous benefits of gardening reported here provide strong support for building community-based health promotion programs to assist refugee integration, including long after arrival. The study further highlights the importance of examining these interrelated factors of mental health, food security, and economic well-being simultaneously and reevaluating the established goals of refugee resettlement, particularly in the United States. We offer the following recommendations: • Policymakers and refugee resettlement practitioners should integrate culturally appropriate community-based health promotion efforts in refugee programs long after the initial resettlement period. • Researchers on refugee integration outcomes should include interdisciplinary perspectives that offer comprehensive understanding of processes related to health outcomes. • Policymakers on refugee resettlement and integration should consider the linkages between mental health, food security, and economic well-being.

THE PROJECT OF THE UKRAINIAN CULTURAL FOUNDATION “UKRAINIAN LITERATURE IN COMICS”: IDEA, STRATEGIC GOALS, RESULTS

The article presents the results of the “Ukrainian Literature in Comics” project created with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation. The authors of the project (project manager Nadiia Hrachova, author of scripts for the online catalog Olha Khodatska, and project creative designer Olena Cherkun) created a cultural-artistic product – an online catalog in Ukrainian and English versions, which highlights the plot of the Ukrainian historical era with the help of graphic visualization. 
 The results of the project “Ukrainian Literature in Comics,” which was done during two stages (2022 and 2023), represent a new interactive study of the Ukrainian written heritage of different periods, considering modern socio-cultural and ideological challenges. Among such challenges, the current one is the development of the motivation of the younger generation to read Ukrainian fiction, the development of the interest of children and adults in reading books by Ukrainian authors as a national treasure, popularization of the Ukrainian literary heritage as a factor of the national security, the creation of reliable interactive content for teachers-philologists, students, their parents, actually for all Ukrainians living in Ukraine and abroad. The result of the project is the creation of a cultural and artistic product for those who are interested in the Ukrainian language, literature, and culture. Furthermore, it will be included in the educational process to reformat the cultural narratives and meanings of Ukrainian society nowadays in Ukraine and abroad, where children-migrants from the temporarily occupied territories study. In the long term, this project is going to have a positive cultural and educational impact on strengthening the moral and spiritual state of Ukrainians, on the development of an individual who is able to care for the spiritual and cultural revival of the country in the post-war period, which will contribute to the unification of the world community against Russian military and cultural expansion as well.

Spatial association of homicide rate with violence, sociodemographic, and public security factors: global burden of disease study 2018 for municipalities in Brazil

ObjectivesTo analyse spatial–temporal changes and spatial association of homicide rates with violence, sociodemographic, public security and human rights indicators in Brazilian municipalities. Study designAn ecological study using homicide estimates from the Global Burden of Disease and population from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, 2000 to 2018. The explanatory variables come from the systems of mortality, notifications of violence and security, and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. MethodsMoran indices and maps identified clusters of high and low risk for homicides in three trienniums (p < 0.05). Multivariate linear and spatial regressions estimated explanatory factors’ contributions for the last triennium. ResultsMunicipalities with high rates of homicides (>34/100,000) doubled, reaching 21.5 %. Those rates were concentrated in big cities, and increased in smaller municipalities. Increases in critical areas were found in the Northeast and North regions: more than 40 % in the states of Sergipe, Bahia, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte and Roraima. Decreases occurred in the Southeast and Midwest regions: more than 35 % in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states. The spatial model, with an 18.9 % higher R2 (0.706), showed a positive association for records of violence, Blacks, low-level education, municipalities >50,000 inhabitants and municipalities with homicide and municipal police. ConclusionsAn increase in and the interiorisation of homicide risk areas in Brazil was observed, with displacement among regions (from the Southeast to the North/Northeast). The level of violence was the main explanatory factor for homicides. Territorial space proved to be important to understand and prevent lethal crime.

Journalists’ Perceptions of Precarity: Toward a Theoretical Model

ABSTRACT Journalistic work has become increasingly precarious. Labor conditions in the profession meet several criteria of precarity, as established in the sociology of work. Journalists, especially freelancers, often have low and unstable incomes and only limited access to social insurance. Thus far, precarity research in journalism has primarily focused on empirical investigations of precarious employment rather than on theorizing how journalists actually perceive these working conditions. This paper proposes a theoretical model that determines the factors of security and insecurity that can lead to a stronger or weaker perception of precarity. Drawing on a review of the precarity literature, the model allows for subjectivity within the precarious experience of journalists. It shows that family responsibilities and personality traits belong to the subjective factors influencing journalists’ perceptions of precarity. In addition, perceptions of insecure employment conditions depend on the life stage of the worker. We strongly recommend a multidimensional approach that captures not only the objective conditions of work but also journalists’ subjective sense of precarity.

Providing a framework for evaluation disease registry and health outcomes Software: Updating the CIPROS checklist

Background and aimsProperly designed and implemented registry systems play an important role in improving health outcomes and reducing care costs, and can provide a true representation of clinical practice, disease outcomes, safety, and efficacy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to redesign and develop a checklist with items for a patient registry software system (CIPROS) Checklist. MethodThe study is descriptive-cross-sectional. The extraction of the data elements of the checklist was first done through a comprehensive review of the texts in PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus databases and receiving articles related to the evaluation of registry systems. Based on the extracted data, a five-point Likert scale questionnaire was created and 30 experts in this field were asked for their opinions using the two-step Delphi method. ResultsA total of 100 information items were determined as a registry software evaluation checklist. This checklist included 12 groups of software architecture factors, development, interfaces and interactivity, semantics and standardization, internationality, data management, data quality and usability, data analysis, security, privacy, organizational, education and public factors. ConclusionBy using the results of this research, it is possible to identify the defects and possible strengths of the registry software and put it at the disposal of the relevant officials to make a decision in this field. In this way, among the designers and developers of these softwares, the best and most appropriate ones are selected with the needs of the registry programs.

Sustainable Development of the Agro-Industrial Complex as a Factor of Food Security of the Country

Ensuring food security is one of the main tasks of the state, the quality of life of citizens directly depends on it. The article provides a literary review of publications and works of scientists and economists dealing with the problems of sustainable development of the agro-industrial complex (AIC) as a factor in ensuring food security. Based on the conducted research, mechanisms for strengthening the stability of the agro-industrial complex are proposed. The primary role in solving food security issues should be solved mainly on the basis of economic methods focused on the sustainable development of agro-industrial enterprises and rural areas, technological and agricultural production growth affect the economic efficiency of the industry, the main purpose of which is import substitution. The country's food security should be based on solving the problem of sustainable development of the agro-industrial complex and the economic efficiency of the farming and industrial parks. It is also necessary to monitor food security to prevent negative socio-economic phenomena, which ultimately entails the introduction of specific criteria and assessment methods. Competent and economically sound tools will help to increase the production of essential agricultural products. The authors propose to further study the problems of sustainable development of agriculture and food security in terms of learning international experience in solving problems, issues of development of own production, development of the agricultural sector of the economy and others.

Fog-based Edge AI for Robotics: Cutting-edge Research and Future Directions

The fusion of Fog-based Edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an emerging and transformative research area within robotics. This research examines the significant potential of augmenting robotic systems by integrating Edge AI and Fog Computing, aiming to enhance their cognitive abilities, independence, and operational effectiveness. The feasibility of real-time data analysis and decision-making is enhanced by deploying AI algorithms at the network edge, near the robots, and by leveraging fog computing capabilities. This study investigates the diverse implementations of Fog-based artificial intelligence (AI) in robotics. These applications encompass autonomous navigation, object detection, and human-robot interaction. By showcasing these examples, the research demonstrates the potential for a transformative impact on the capabilities of robotic systems through the integration of Fog-based AI. Additionally, this study explores the obstacles and potential advantages within this interdisciplinary field, providing valuable perspectives on the promising avenues that can facilitate advancements in robotics by leveraging the combined power of Fog-based Edge Artificial Intelligence. This study elucidates how the amalgamation of Fog Computing and Edge AI confers enhanced capabilities upon intelligent robotic systems, enabling them to operate autonomously in real time. This integration effectively addresses the obstacles commonly encountered in conventional cloud-based AI systems, such as latency, internet connectivity, and data security concerns. The study highlights the importance of architecture, security, and ethical factors in utilizing robotic intelligence. It emphasizes the need for data protection standards and transparency to ensure responsible and reliable utilization of this technology in a rapidly changing environment.

Tell Me Where You Live and I Will Tell Your P@Ssw0rd: Understanding the Macrosocial Variables Influencing Password’s Strength

Users’ habits in relation to cybersecurity are frequently examined from the micro perspective, using survey results to obtain impactful variables from individuals, focusing on usability and security factors of passwords. In this paper, the influence of macrosocial factors on password strength is studied in order to offer a global comprehension of the influence of the environment on users. Using the list of the 200 most common passwords by countries released by NordPass in 2021, logistic regression has been used to predict macrosocial variable influencing password strength. Results show that (1) Literacy level of a population; (2) Voice and accountability; (3) Level of global cybersecurity; and (4) Level of data breaches exposure significantly predict users’ password strength performance. The author discusses the impact of government on password hygiene of users hoping to influence the development of policies around cyber security configurations and investment set by nations and institutions.

Urban Defense Index for City Branding: A Case Study of Five Cities in Kalimantan

This paper proposes a new model of urban security for city branding in Indonesia, which aims to address the gap in city branding indices lacking safety and security factors. The proposed model, the Urban Defense Index (UDI), measures a region’s ability to manage risks and handle security threats in urban areas. The UDI is calculated based on three sub-indices: Threats Disruptions- Obstacles- Challenges (TDOC), Posture, and Stability, which use objective and subjective measurements. A case study uses the proposed model to measure five Kalimantan cities’ urban defense readiness levels. The study found that Stability, Posture, and TDOC are essential factors in determining the level of urban defense readiness in the cities. Future research can address the limitations of the UDI model proposed in this study and expand the UDI model to include other factors that affect urban security.

Strategy Indicators for Secure Software Development Lifecycle in Software Startups Based on Information Security Governance

The development of startup software is massive because many services have turned digital. Various applications have emerged that match their functions by taking advantage of the momentum of digital transformation. For example, applications for the Education sector, industrial sector, and economic sector. With their top priority being generating applications, the security factor becomes less of a concern. This is evidenced by the many data breaches that have caused losses to serious companies and public institutions. This is where the role of top-level management emerges in restructuring the company’s strategy, especially software startups, to support producing more secure applications. In this study, the RACI matrix is used to determine who is suitable for implementing a security strategy in information security governance within the organizational structure of the software startup. Where this study starts from stakeholder identification, top-level management roles in software startup, and activities in the secure software development lifecycle. And the results of this study are strategy indicators that are suitable for software startup.

Exploring the Convergence of Design, Security, and Human Dynamics in Social Networks in India

This Exploration dives into the complex exchange between social networks, zeroing in on their design, security measures, and the impact of human factors. As social networks keep on molding present day correspondence and connection, understanding their elements turns out to be progressively pivotal. The examination investigates the architecture and user-focused design rules that improve user experiences, encourage community associations, and empower self-expression. All the while, the review tends to the squeezing security challenges presented by these platforms, dissecting risks like identity theft and misinformation dispersal, and proposing techniques for powerful encryption and data protection. Moreover, the review digs into the domain of human behavior and brain research, clarifying how individual inspirations, cognitive biases, and social standards add to content creation, sharing, and commitment inside social networks. The bits of knowledge acquired give a complete perspective on what user activities mean for network elements and the development of online networks. By exploring these aspects, the review expects to illuminate platform developers and policymakers, offering important direction on upgrading design, carrying out powerful security measures, and figuring out user behavior. Eventually, this examination adds to an all-encompassing comprehension of social networks, introducing a diverse investigation of design, security, and human factors. The discoveries guide the advancement of more user-centric, secure, and socially significant social organization platforms that line up with user inclinations and contribute decidedly to the digital landscape.

Ukrainian Orthodoxy after the Start of Russia´s Great War against Ukraine

Abstract The conservative yet diverse religious landscape of Ukraine has been evolving rapidly since February 2022. These developments include the formal renunciation by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP) of its connection with the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as the establishing by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) of its monastery in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The number of communities changing their affiliation from UOC MP to OCU has also increased dramatically during this period. The onset of the conflict marked a transformative shift, elevating the role of the church from an internal matter for those directly involved to a significant factor in state policy and security.

Factors Affecting Autonomous Vehicles Adoption: A Systematic Review, Proposed Framework, and Future Roadmap

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) offer several benefits, such as improving road safety, mitigating traffic congestion, and reducing fuel consumption and gas emissions. Despite these benefits, their adoption rate remains limited due to various factors influencing users’ decisions. While previous studies have identified numerous factors influencing AV adoption using various adoption frameworks, the factors have not been comprehensively analyzed and synthesized. Thus, this systematic review aims to bridge this gap by identifying and classifying the factors influencing the adoption of AVs. Out of 3,532 collected research papers, 71 empirical studies were analyzed thoroughly. The findings demonstrated that the technology acceptance model (TAM) was the most widely used model for investigating AV adoption. The identified factors in the analyzed studies were classified into distinct categories: psychological and behavioral factors, technological factors, social factors, environmental factors, security and privacy factors, AV-related factors, risky and negative factors, conditional factors, and monetary factors. We have proposed an AV adoption framework grounded in this taxonomy to direct subsequent empirical research. We have also highlighted numerous agendas to serve as a blueprint for future AV adoption studies. This review offers various theoretical insights and actionable recommendations for multiple AV research, development, and implementation stakeholders.

Миграционная привлекательность Казахстана: проблемы и решения

This article examines the problems of external and internal migration of the population of Kazakhstan, which is becoming relevant in the modern world. The analysis of the migration situation by region and in the whole country is carried out. Based on the data obtained, we can talk about a tendency to stabilize the external and internal migration flow, but there is still a disparity across regions, when there is an overabundance in some areas, and in others, on the contrary, a shortage of labor resources, constant monitoring and strengthening of work with illegal migration to the country is required. Also, according to the results of the study, it was revealed that there is a problem of unsettled people after the pandemic, when many lost permanent sources of income and had to migrate both inside and outside the country to improve their social status and income. In order to achieve migration stability as one of the conditions for the economic development of Kazakhstan, constant ef-forts are needed to minimize the unemployment rate, active work on retraining and career guidance of the population, effective migration policy to attract a constant number of specialists in demand by the country's economy. Migration stability gives confidence to the population in the future and contributes to an increase in the birth rate and demographic growth as a key factor of security and socio-economic development of the country. And in this direction, the Government of Kazakhstan needs constant efforts to improve the system of work on migration policy in the real conditions of the modern world.

The role of perceived security and social influence on the usage behavior of digital banking services: An extension of the technology acceptance model

The goal of this research is to identify the variables influencing individual commercial bank customers’ intentions to use digital banking services. Digital banking is a relatively emerging research context that helps to complement and clarify marketing structures more clearly when combined with different factors to reflect convenience, usefulness, and distinct digital experiences for customers, thereby enhancing brand value for banks. Collecting data from 400 customers of banks in Vietnam is done through an online survey to ensure safety during the epidemic season. Data are analyzed according to the procedure from Cronbach's Alpha test, EFA to CFA, and tested by the SEM model. The results show that the perceived security factor has the most substantial influence on customers' behavioral intentions, thereby driving their actual behavior. Additionally, the usefulness, simplicity, and social influence of behavioral intentions for digital banking services all stimulate customer behavior. In the digital environment, this study suggests that following social phenomena and ensuring customer information security and transactions are extremely important. The results lead to shaping a culture-technology acceptance model based on TAM. That provides important insights and implications for the theoretical underpinnings of security perception, social influence, and usage behavior, such as how they are formed, roles, and relationships interrelationships between them in the digital environment.

A meta-analysis on the relationship between media with violence and aggression in Iranian sports

The present research aimed to conduct a systematic study on violence and aggression in the context of Iranian sports and perform a meta-analysis to investigate the association between the media and violence and aggression in sports. The research encompassed all relevant studies available in scientific databases within Iran (such as Magiran, Seyed, Civilica, Normagz, Humane resource study, and police publications), as well as dissertations from the information and scientific documents database. The selected timeframe for this analysis covered the years 2001 to 2018 in the Iranian context. Through this process, 209 studies related to the subject were identified, out of which 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis based on the research protocol investigating the relationship between media and violence and aggression in sports. Data analysis was performed using SPSS25 and CMA2 software. The results showed several variables played prominent roles in the researches on violence and aggression in sports, including media performance, referees’ performance, stadium amenities, law enforcement and security factors, external and internal stadium environment, coach’s behavior, social control, family influence, education, socio-economic factors, substance abuse, players’ behavior, influence of friends, managerial aspects, and cultural and political factors. Inferential statistics indicated effect size for the relationship between media and violence and aggression, under the fixed model, was determined to be 0.259, and under the random model, it was 0.306, both of which were statistically significant. Consequently, based on the findings from the meta-analysis, a significant direct relationship between media and violence and aggression in sports was established.

Unravelling the Influence of Management Support, Colleague Support, Compensation and Benefits, and Job Security on Employee Job Performance during the Business Recovery Phase

A heightened emphasis on business recovery and expansion characterizes the post-pandemic era. According to reports, numerous organizations in Malaysia have encountered a decline in their business performance due to the ongoing pandemic. The restoration of the company's performance is significantly dependent on its human resources. The performance of employees is a critical factor that determines the success or failure of an organization. Given the unfavourable circumstances, it is imperative to recognize the issues that may impact employee performance during crisis recovery. Therefore, individuals who exhibit a high level of commitment towards an organization are more inclined to exert more significant effort and dedication compared to their less devoted counterparts. Hence, this research investigates the correlation between the independent variables, specifically management support, remuneration and benefits, colleague support, and job security, and the dependent variable of employee work performance. This research employs Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory to elucidate the correlation between the independent and dependent variables. The present study employs a quantitative methodology, utilizing an online questionnaire as the significant data collection instrument. 86 responses were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 27. The study results indicate a favourable and statistically significant correlation between colleague support, job security, and employee work performance. There is no significant association between managerial support, compensation, and benefits and employee work performance. The primary determinant in this study is the level of assistance colleagues provide. The factors of colleague support and job security are indicative of hygiene considerations, which serve to mitigate employee unhappiness. Hence, the findings of this research can serve as a valuable framework for organizations to improve their managerial practices, particularly concerning fostering colleague support and ensuring job security to raise satisfaction with work and subsequently boost employee job performance.

Rethinking Indonesia's Response to the Sino-U.S. Competition through the Lens of Constructivism

Abstract&#x0D; The emergence of China as a major power in the world has provoked turmoil among countries, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. This situation was then responded to by the Western major powers, especially the United States and the United Kingdom, which carried out various maneuvers to counter China. Facing this situation, Indonesia has consistently conducted a middle-ground policy by not siding with one of the conflicting parties. Some scholars name this policy as a hedging strategy. Notwithstanding, existing research limits the explanations of the economic and security factors influencing Indonesia's position while overlooking non-material aspects. Against this background, this article seeks to fill this gap by analyzing Indonesia’s policy using the constructivist approach and explanatory qualitative research method. This research found three ideational aspects that shape the Indonesian government in issuing foreign policies related to major power competition in the Asia-Pacific, namely principles, values, and state identity. The concerned values and principles highlight that Indonesia adheres to Pancasila and “free and active” foreign policy principles which are primarily influenced by past colonialization and the struggle for independence. Meanwhile, identity refers to the international situation in which Indonesia has been exercising a vital role as the leader of global south countries.&#x0D; Keywords: China, constructivism, hedging strategy, Indonesia, the United States

Spatio-temporal pattern and driving factors of tourism ecological security in Fujian Province

The scientific assessment of tourism ecological security holds significant theoretical and practical importance in promoting the sustainable development of the tourism economy and the ecological environment in the region. This study focuses on 84 counties within Fujian Province as its research scope. By utilizing the DPSIR model and integrating the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI), we have established an evaluation index system for assessing tourism ecological security in the region. The tourism ecological security index was quantitatively determined using the SBM-DEA model. Subsequently, a combination of methods, including spatial autocorrelation, exploratory regression analysis, and the GWR model, was employed to explore the spatial and temporal evolution patterns, as well as driving factors affecting tourism ecological security from 2010 to 2019. The findings reveal the following insights: (1) Overall, the level of tourism ecological security within Fujian Province is low, with a decreasing disparity in the security index across different regions. The tourism ecological security mainly falls within the “unsafe” and “relatively unsafe” categories; however, regions with higher security levels are exhibiting an expanding trend. Moreover, the tourism ecological security of each county is improving, with Southern and Central Fujian outperforming other regions. (2) Notably, there is significant spatial correlation among the tourism ecological security of each county in Fujian Province, indicating pronounced agglomeration characteristics. (3) Key drivers contributing to the spatial–temporal disparities in tourism ecological security encompass tourist-related disturbances, income levels of local farmers and herders, tourism-generated income, and government interventions. Among these factors, higher income levels for farmers and herders, increased tourism income, and proactive government intervention have a positive impact on tourism ecological security, whereas tourist disturbances exert a negative influence. Additionally, the impact of each factor on tourism ecological security displays noticeable spatial heterogeneity.

Pandemic, Hoaxes and Information Security of Kazakhstan

ABSTRACT The growing share of information technologies in the daily lives of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan during the pandemic leads to the fact that various institutions use an increasingly wide range of information elements and mechanisms. The expectations of society are not only to improve the functioning of electronic administration, but also to ensure that all stored data is properly protected from unauthorized access, so that ensuring the security of information processing becomes one of the most important tasks of the State and the public. The purpose of the study is to consider aspects of the functioning of information security in the Republic of Kazakhstan during the pandemic and to identify the factors of reliable information security by state policy in order to distinguish hoaxes from real malicious actions. The methodological approach of the research is institutional, structural–functional, and systemic. Improper management of information security can lead to leakage, loss, or falsification of stored data, paralyzing completely relevant activities. Kazakhstan has made notable advancements in establishing a comprehensive legal framework for cybersecurity, positioning itself ahead of certain Central Asian neighbors. Government agencies develop, install, implement, operate, monitor, and analyze an information security management system, ensuring confidentiality, accessibility, and integrity of information. Information security requires the establishment of comprehensive procedures for all ongoing processes, taking into account the use of personal data. Information is an integral part of society, acting as a strategic resource for creating national security. Kazakhstan has been particularly active in forging collaborations and alliances to bolster their cybersecurity postures. The practical significance lies in the improvement of state measures aimed at protecting information, as well as preventing material, physical, moral, or other damage to the state and society as a result of information activities.