Global Security Challenges Research Articles

Millets: Ancient Grains for Modern Nutrition - A Comprehensive Review.

Millets are a group of small, drought-resistant grains that have been grown for more than thousands of years. They are highly nutritious, rich in essential vitamins and minerals, and have gained attention in recent years due to their potential to address global food security and environmental challenges. This review article provides an overview of millets, their nutritional benefits, environmental advantages, and their role in promoting sustainable agriculture and processing of millets. The article also discusses the various types of millets, their cultivation, and their potential to improve human health and combat malnutrition.

Exploring crop genomics: role of molecular markers in identifying genetic diversity and characterization

and facilitating germplasm characterization for crop improvement. Understanding and harnessing crop genetic diversity are paramount with the escalating demand for sustainable agricultural practices and the need to address global food security challenges. Molecular markers have emerged as powerful tools enabling precise identification, characterization, and utilization of genetic resources for crop enhancement. The paper provides an in-depth analysis of various molecular marker techniques, encompassing DNA-based markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), simple sequence repeats (SSRs), and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), as well as RNA-based markers like expression sequence tags (ESTs) and microRNAs. By elucidating genetic relationships, population structure, and phylogenetic analysis, these markers facilitate the conservation and utilization of crop germplasm. Moreover, the review highlights recent advancements in high-throughput genotyping technologies and bioinformatics tools, which have revolutionized crop genomic research. These advancements enable comprehensive genome-wide analyses, accelerating breeding efforts for the development of improved crop varieties with enhanced traits such as yield, quality, and stress tolerance. Integration of molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) into breeding programs further enhances the efficiency and precision of crop improvement strategies. Despite the significant contributions of molecular markers to crop genomics, challenges persist. The review addresses these challenges and discusses potential solutions, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts, data sharing, and interdisciplinary research endeavors. By overcoming these hurdles, the agricultural community can fully harness the potential of genomics for sustainable crop improvement, thus addressing global food security challenges in the face of changing environmental conditions and population growth. In conclusion, understanding the role of molecular markers in crop genomics is crucial for optimizing breeding strategies, conserving genetic resources, and developing resilient crop varieties to meet the demands of a growing population and ensure food security in a changing world.

A Review on Culture, Production and Use of Spirulina as Food for Humans and Feeds for Domestic Animals and Fish Padavi

This paper presents a comprehensive review of Spirulina's culture, production methods, nutritional composition, health benefits, and applications as food for humans and feeds for domestic animals and fish. Spirulina, a cyanobacterium rich in protein, essential nutrients, and bioactive compounds, holds promise as a sustainable solution to address global food security challenges. The review synthesizes existing literature and research findings to provide insights into Spirulina's cultivation techniques, nutritional value, health-promoting properties, environmental considerations, and socio-economic implications. Additionally, the paper discusses future research directions and policy recommendations to maximize Spirulina's potential in promoting human and animal health, enhancing food and nutrition security, and fostering sustainable agriculture practices. Keywords: Spirulina, culture, production, nutrition, health benefits, human nutrition, animal feed, aquaculture, sustainability.

Human management of ongoing evolutionary processes in agroecosystems

Societal Impact StatementAgricultural sustainability depends on the adaptation of crops to their local environment. Smallholder farmers who save seed provide an essential “evosystem” service by growing locally adapted seed varieties that can recruit biodiversity to enhance their growth and defense. While professional plant breeding has diverted evolutionary processes away from local adaptation, smallholder farmers, particularly those in centers of origin for crops, benefit society by selecting and propagating diverse crop varieties that allow local adaptation processes to perpetuate. Given that smallholders support society through the generation of evosystem services, changes in policy and practice are needed to support the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in ways that mitigate risk and recognize their important contributions to agricultural sustainability.SummaryLong‐term food security and agricultural sustainability depend on protecting the eco‐evolutionary processes that select for local adaptation in crops. Since seed systems structure how people acquire seed, institutional and social changes influence evolutionary processes within agroecosystems. Since World War II, the rise of professional breeding has bifurcated seed systems into traditional and formal systems, which has negatively affected agrobiodiversity, crop evolution, and agricultural sustainability. In traditional seed systems, farmers often save seed from plants that best provide desired qualities, selecting landrace crop varieties to adapt to local environmental conditions. In formal or centralized seed systems, farmers buy seeds bred primarily for maximizing yield under ideal conditions. When farmers source seeds externally, evolutionary processes underlying local adaptation are disrupted. Here, we argue that traditional seed systems provide important evosystem services, or the evolutionary processes resulting from the maintenance and use of genetic diversity that benefit society. We present a framework on how seed systems influence the evolutionary processes that enable local adaptation, which is necessary for sustainable agriculture. We discuss how changes in human values underlying traditional and formal seed systems can alter evolutionary processes that underlie local adaptation. We conclude that developing policies that support people in managing ecological and evolutionary processes within seed systems is needed to address current and future challenges of global food security and agricultural sustainability.

Flexible Cartridge Sorting Line Using Parallel Robot “Bulletsort Topcodpet”

Abstract Nowadays the automation of some industrial processes within the military system is a necessity, as this trend is accelerated by technological advances and thus must respond to the increasingly complex contemporary challenges of global security. Sorting is an extremely important process in almost any industrial area of use and it is essential that it is done in the right way so that productivity and flexibility of operations is increased. Over time, sorting with industrial robots has become an increasingly widespread and sophisticated technology, which has led to benefits in various industrial fields and manufacturing processes. This technology involves the use of robots with articulated arms or other mechatronic devices that follow the principle of modular interchangeability and are designed to pick, handle and sort different parts in an efficient and more accurate way. The desire to maximize flexibility, adaptability to changing industry requirements coupled with increased productivity has made robot arm sorting a necessary component of today's military industrial and manufacturing processes, and this technology continues to develop, opening up new opportunities in manufacturing automation. This paper presents the principle design of a flexible manufacturing line for sorting cartridges, served by a parallel robot with two degrees of freedom in the kinematic chain structure.

Current Challenges and Future Outlook: Trends and Forecasts in the Mariculture Sector

Aquaculture, defined by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), encompasses the farming of aquatic organisms for food production, offering a promising solution to global food security challenges. Over the past three decades, global aquaculture production has consistently grown at approximately 8% annually, outpacing other major animal food production sectors. Mariculture, a subset of aquaculture focusing on marine organisms, has emerged as a critical component, accounting for a third of global aquaculture production.However, mariculture faces numerous challenges, including environmental impacts, reliance on wild inputs, and concerns about genetic interactions with wild populations. Biotechnological advancements offer potential solutions but must be balanced with considerations of ecosystem health and societal impacts.Integrated mariculture techniques and bioremediation approaches present opportunities to mitigate environmental impacts, but legislative frameworks and monitoring procedures are essential for ensuring compliance and minimizing adverse effects. Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors are crucial for advancing sustainable practices and unlocking the full potential of the mariculture sector.In conclusion, addressing the challenges facing mariculture requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance. By embracing sustainable practices and fostering collaboration, the mariculture sector can navigate its challenges and contribute to global food security in a responsible and resilient manner.

Data Plants: Growing Insights in Agriculture through Data Science

Data Science blends different scientific methods to extract valuable insights from large sets of data. Agriculture is crucial for India's economy because more than half of its population relies on it as their main source of income. Research and Extension systems are key in developing and spreading agricultural technologies to boost farmers' earnings. Recently, the use of data has become a game-changer in farming, transforming traditional practices and promoting sustainability efforts. This paper investigates how data-driven methods like machine learning, remote sensing, and predictive analytics are reshaping farming operations and decision-making processes. It also discusses the challenges hindering the widespread adoption of data-driven approaches in farming, such as data security issues and lack of infrastructure. Despite these challenges, there are many opportunities for further exploration and innovation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across disciplines and policy interventions to maximize the benefits of data-driven approaches for sustainable food production. In summary, this study highlights the significant role of data in farming and its importance in addressing global food security and environmental sustainability challenges.

Evaluating the genetic variability in selected accessions of medicinal legume Mucuna pruriens (L) DC through ISSR markers

Mucuna pruriens, a widely available but underutilized legume in India, stands out for its nutritional and medicinal potential. Understanding the genetic diversity of M. pruriens is vital for its conservation and utilization in breeding programs aimed at enhancing its nutritional and agronomic traits. In this regard, molecular markers like ISSRs offer a reliable and informative tool for assessing genetic diversity. In the present study, 23 M. pruriens accessions from northeastern India were evaluated using ISSR markers, revealing high levels of polymorphism and significant genetic diversity. A total of 512 amplicons were generated across 33 ISSR primers, with an average polymorphic percentage of 98.05 %. PIC values ranged from 0.22 to 0.50, indicating substantial genetic variation within the accessions. Supplementary indicators such as EMR and MI were employed to evaluate the marker system's efficacy. EMR ranged from 6 to 22, averaging 14.95, while MI ranged from 2.64 to 9.02, averaging 6.04, with a positive correlation observed between EMR and MI. Cluster analysis based on Jaccard's similarity coefficient classified the accessions into two major groups, with the northeastern Indian accessions displaying higher diversity compared to those from other regions of India. Interestingly, geographical proximity did not consistently correlate with genetic similarity, suggesting complex patterns of gene flow and historical germplasm exchange. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity of M. pruriens and highlights the importance of conserving and utilizing this underutilized legume for addressing global food security challenges.

Modern and conventional processing technologies and their impact on the quality of different millets.

Millet, the highly sustainable crop for farming and combating hunger, has recently regained a resurgence in popularity as people seek more sustainable and nutrient-dense alternatives. International organizations and research institutions have advocated for increased millet production and consumption by introducing novel technologies and machinery in response to global food security and climate change challenges. This review aims to identify the impact of modern and conventional processing technologies on the quality of different millets. A comprehensive analysis of research reviews reveals that double-stage and tabletop centrifugal dehullers, infrared roasting, pulsed light, ultrasound, high-pressure processing methods, fortification, and encapsulation are optimal for nutrient retention in various millets. Extrusion technology application in millet processing has created a diverse range of value-added products with extended shelf stability. Emphasis is needed to develop robust promotion and distribution channels and establish an export promotion forum involving all stakeholders to promote and diversify millet-based products and technologies.

Perspectives on improving photosynthesis to increase crop yield.

Improving photosynthesis, the fundamental process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, is a key area of research with great potential for enhancing sustainable agricultural productivity and addressing global food security challenges. This perspective delves into the latest advancements and approaches aimed at optimizing photosynthetic efficiency. Our discussion encompasses the entire process, beginning with light harvesting and its regulation and progressing through the bottleneck of electron transfer. We then delve into the carbon reactions of photosynthesis, focusing on strategies targeting the enzymes of the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle. Additionally, we explore methods to increase carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration near the Rubisco, the enzyme responsible for the first step of CBB cycle, drawing inspiration from various photosynthetic organisms, and conclude this section by examining ways to enhance CO2 delivery into leaves. Moving beyond individual processes, we discuss two approaches to identifying key targets for photosynthesis improvement: systems modeling and the study of natural variation. Finally, we revisit some of the strategies mentioned above to provide a holistic view of the improvements, analyzing their impact on nitrogen use efficiency and on canopy photosynthesis.

Induced Mutagenesis using Gamma Rays: Biological Features and Applications in Crop Improvement

Induced mutagenesis has emerged as an essential field of plant breeding to address global food security challenges, offering tools to enhance crop productivity, resistance, and nutritional value. Among the mutation induction tools, the physical mutagen such as gamma rays holds promise for efficient mutation induction. Gamma rays, a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation, possess unique characteristics that enable them to penetrate plant tissues and induce genetic mutations. The biological effects are influenced by various factors, including the source, type of radiation, dose rate, absorbed dose, and the sensitivity of the tissues and organs. Gamma rays have been successfully applied to various plant species, producing novel superior mutants for cultivation. This paper explores the different aspects of gamma irradiation, including the radiation facilities, the biological effects of gamma rays on plant species, and the potential applications to generate genetic diversity and unlock desirable trait improvement in crop plants. The paper also showcases successful examples of high-yielding mutants developed through gamma-ray mutagenesis and their impact on agriculture. The potential approach of plant mutagenesis offers to address challenges for plant improvement for sustainable and resilient food production.

Legal Expertise as a Tool of Countering Violent Extremism in the Web 2.0

The paper deals with the results of the study aimed to countermeasure violent extremism in Web 2.0. The paper focuses on the results of the research entitled “Russian Legal Concept of Media Security” and implemented within the framework of the “Priority-2030” Academic Strategic Leadership Program. The increased number of public crimes committed in the new media using telecommunications technologies makes the study relevant. The study is aimed to improve the understanding of current and future global media security challenges and to explain how to resist them based on legal expertise. Legal expertise is characterized as a tool that can contribute to raising the general level of legal culture and, in this regard, the authors highlight that availability of law and language knowledge is relevant in solving criminal law issues regarding implementation of basic rights and freedoms in the digital environment. The authors examine public relations in the field of education, family relations and youth policy related to those who share traditional morality and focus on countering a destructive ideological impact on children, adolescents, and the youth, carried out in order to neutralize inimical inculcation of spiritual values alien to Russian society. The authors scrutinized social networking, a combination of mini web pages, blogs and searchable communities, to detect signs of extremist propaganda shared via internet communication as a key challenge Russian society is facing nowadays. They elucidate the importance of undertaking effective measures to protect the population from harmful effect of destructive extremist ideology and its negative psychological impact. An interdisciplinary study of media security in the paradigm of criminal law sciences was conducted on the basis of legal expertise — a comprehensive criminalistic, criminology, forensic, psychological and linguistic approach to counteracting a destructive ideological impact on adolescents and neutralizing the mechanisms of implanting alien moral values. The authors have systematized threats to traditional Russian spiritual values and proposed to amend legislation and law enforcement practice to improve media security. Deep efforts should be made to encourage zero tolerance for extremist actions in the information sphere among people, to form their competence to ensure media security, including effective recourse to legal (or forensic) experts and authorized entities in case of violations of the law.

Conflict in Ukraine and the unsettling ripples: implications on food systems and development in North Africa

AbstractThe ongoing conflict in Ukraine has profoundly impacted food systems in North Africa. This paper aims to analyze the impact of the conflict on food security in North Africa and the potential long-term consequences for the global food system. The research explores both scholarly and grey literature, including government reports, academic articles, and news articles. The findings indicate that food systems in North Africa have been particularly affected by the conflict in Ukraine, owing to its influence on the global economy, trade dynamics, and food prices. The consequent high fertilizer prices have also affected local food production, decreasing yields and increasing food prices. However, those countries with substantial financial resources (cf. Algeria) will likely be able to mitigate the adverse effects on their citizens. In contrast, countries with limited resources (cf. Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia) or failed states (cf. Libya) may struggle to ensure the food security of their populations. The findings highlight the importance of considering these impacts when addressing global food security challenges. The food security situation in North Africa serves as a reminder of the interconnectivity of global food systems and the need for continued efforts to ensure food security for all.

Travel Intelligence: Enhancing Counterterrorism and National Security

In the contemporary landscape of global security challenges, addressing the intricate dynamics of Counterterrorism and National Security is paramount. This paper emphasizes the pivotal role of Travel Intelligence (TRAVINT) in enhancing Counterterrorism (CT) strategy and improving security measures. Eventually, through a comparative analysis between theoretical frameworks and practical applications, supplemented by case studies of Hezbollah and Hamas, the study examines the significance of TRAVINT, in proactively identifying and preventing potential Terrorism and National Security

Utilization of Eggshell-Derived Calcium Carbonate as an Eco-Friendly Fertilizer Enhancing Growth of Rosa Abientina, Rosa, and Fragaria × ananassa, and Soil Health

This research paper investigates the potential of eggshells as an eco-friendly fertilizer for enhancing the growth of Fragaria Ananassa (commonly known as strawberry), Rosa Abientina, and Rosa while also exploring its influence on soil microbial dynamics through calcium carbonate enrichment. The study employs a multifaceted approach, integrating greenhouse experiments and soil analyses to comprehensively assess the impact of eggshell-derived calcium carbonate on plant physiology and soil microbial communities. The findings aim to contribute valuable insights into sustainable agricultural practices and the utilization of organic waste materials for improved crop cultivation. Eggshell-derived calcium carbonate emerges as a compelling solution for environmentally mindful fertilization, offering multifaceted benefits in enhancing plant growth and fortifying soil health. By controlling the potential of kitchen waste repurposing, farmers can revolutionize agricultural practices, concurrently improving soil fertility while mitigating waste accumulation. This study's insights underscore the transformative potential of eggshell-based fertilizers, not only in optimizing agricultural productivity but also in fostering a sustainable approach to food production. Furthermore, the experimental findings reveal promising results, especially with species such as Rosa Abientina, Fragaria Ananass, and Rosa, where all three species showed a significant increase in height after being treated with powdered eggshells. This underscores the efficacy of eggshell-derived calcium carbonate in promoting robust growth across diverse plant species. Embracing these innovations holds promise for addressing the pressing challenges of environmental sustainability and global food security, marking a significant stride towards a more resilient and resource-efficient agricultural ecosystem.

Influences of the Integrated Rice-Crayfish Farming System with Different Stocking Densities on the Paddy Soil Microbiomes.

Integrated rice-fish farming has emerged as a novel agricultural production pattern to address global food security challenges. Aiming to determine the optimal, scientifically sound, and sustainable stocking density of red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) in an integrated rice-crayfish farming system, we employed Illumina high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing to evaluate the impact of different stocking densities of red claw crayfish on the composition, diversity, function, and co-occurrence network patterns of soil bacterial communities. The high stocking density of red claw crayfish reduced the diversity and evenness of the soil bacterial community during the mid-culture stage. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi emerged as the most prevalent phyla throughout the experimental period. Low stocking densities initially boosted the relative abundance of Actinobacteria in the paddy soil, while high densities did so during the middle and final stages. There were 90 distinct functional groups identified across all the paddy soil samples, with chemoheterotrophy and aerobic chemoheterotrophy being the most abundant. Low stocking densities initially favored these functional groups, whereas high densities enhanced their relative abundances in the later stages of cultivation. Medium stocking density of red claw crayfish led to a more complex bacterial community during the mid- and final culture stages. The experimental period showed significant correlations with soil bacterial communities, with total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations emerging as primary factors contributing to the alterations in soil bacterial communities. In summary, our findings demonstrated that integrated rice-crayfish farming significantly impacted the soil microbiomes and environmental factors at varying stocking densities. Our study contributed to theoretical insights into the profound impact of integrated rice-crayfish farming with various stocking densities on bacterial communities in paddy soils.

GOA-optimized deep learning for soybean yield estimation using multi-source remote sensing data

Accurately estimating large-area crop yields, especially for soybeans, is essential for addressing global food security challenges. This study introduces a deep learning framework that focuses on precise county-level soybean yield estimation in the United States. It utilizes a wide range of multi-variable remote sensing data. The model used in this study is a state-of-the-art CNN-BiGRU model, which is enhanced by the GOA and a novel attention mechanism (GCBA). This model excels in handling intricate time series and diverse remote sensing datasets. Compared to five leading machine learning and deep learning models, our GCBA model demonstrates superior performance, particularly in the 2019 and 2020 evaluations, achieving remarkable R2, RMSE, MAE and MAPE values. This sets a new benchmark in yield estimation accuracy. Importantly, the study highlights the significance of integrating multi-source remote sensing data. It reveals that synthesizing information from various sensors and incorporating photosynthesis-related parameters significantly enhances yield estimation precision. These advancements not only provide transformative insights for precision agricultural management but also establish a solid scientific foundation for informed decision-making in global agricultural production and food security.

Insights into the germplasm conservation and utilization: Implications for sustainable agriculture and future crop improvement

Plant genetic resources are critical for maintaining global biodiversity and ensuring food security. However, these resources face threats from factors such as habitat loss and climate change, with approximately 22% of plant species estimated to be at risk of extinction. To address this issue, both natural and biotechnological methods are being developed to preserve plant genetic resources, with germplasm being a key component. Germplasm contains the complete genetic information of a plant and can be stored for extended periods and replicated as required. The objective of this study is to emphasize the importance of preserving germplasm of endangered or near-extinct plant species through in situ and ex situ conservation methods. In situ conservation involves conserving species in their natural environment, while ex situ conservation includes using gene-seed banks and tissue culture to store genetic resources. These methods are crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and preventing the loss of valuable plant resources. The study highlights the various ex situ conservation methods, including cryopreservation, pollen and DNA banks, farmer's fields, botanic gardens, genetic reserves, and slow-growing cultures, which are essential for preserving germplasm. Gene banks worldwide currently hold over 7.4 million accessions of crop genetic resources, demonstrating the value of germplasm conservation efforts. Additionally, understanding the phenotypic and genetic characterization of related species is crucial for identifying endangered or vulnerable species that can diversify into new varieties or subspecies. In conclusion, prioritizing germplasm conservation efforts is crucial for meeting future demands while preserving endangered or vulnerable species. This will ensure that plant genetic resources remain available for future generations and that agricultural innovation can effectively address global food security challenges.

Isolation of Rhizosphere and Phyllosphere Bacteria from Cereal Samples

This study presents the isolation of rhizosphere and phyllosphere bacteria from cereal samples, highlighting their importance in agricultural ecosystems. Employing surface sterilization techniques, selective media and molecular analysis, diverse bacterial communities were identified on the root and leaf surfaces of cereal crops, encompassing taxa from the Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla. A total of 40 rhizosphere and phyllosphere bacteria were isolated from different cereal crops This research contributes to our understanding of microbial dynamics within cereal crop ecosystems and informs strategies for optimizing agricultural practices to meet the challenges of global food security and environmental sustainability.

Food shortage driven crop residue burning and health risk

Ending global hunger is one of the greatest challenges humanity faces. The second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2), Zero Hunger, seeks to simultaneously address global environmental sustainability and food security challenges. However, ending hunger and food shortage would lead to the increase of agricultural activities and crop yields, which in turn might rise crop residue biomass burning, leading to adverse environmental and health consequences. This study estimated the health risk using modeled airborne benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a common indicator of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) released from crop residue biomass burning, and demonstrated the dependence of incremental lifetime lung cancer risk (ILCR) on the prevalence of undernourishment (PoU). Results showed that 10.4% of the global population are exposed to BaP concentration levels exceeding the EU target value (1 ng/m3) due to crop residue burning. The dependence of ILCR on PoU was attributed to increasing post-harvest crop residue biomass burning consequent to growing crop yield motivated by food shortage. Although global mean ILCR from crop residue burning BaP emission was positively correlated with the mean PoU at a correlation coefficient of r = 0.87 (p < 0.0001), positive and negative associations between PoU and ILCR were found among different less-developed countries. Eighty-nine less-developed countries were clustered into five groups, and the response of each group's ILCR to their respective PoU was assessed, which was interpreted by a human development index (HDI) that measured key dimensions of human development. Results also revealed that sustainable agriculture and implementation of air emission control measures play key roles in the association between hunger and ILCR.