Greater Resources Research Articles

PREPAREDNESS AND NEEDS AMONG YOUNG, MIDDLE-AGED, AND OLDER ADULT LATINX CAREGIVERS

Abstract Taking care of one’s family is a primary obligation among Latinx communities. According to CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 22.9% of New Mexican adults reported providing care to a friend or family member in the past 30 days; 10.4 % provided care to an individual with dementia. The southern Border region of New Mexico is remote and desert, with high rates of poverty and inaccessibility to health care and services. Caregivers may feel unprepared for caregiving, lack the knowledge and skills required to provide care, but struggle through because of the importance of La Familia. Adverse physical and psychological consequences have been found; yet those who report greater preparedness exhibit lower levels of strain. Seventy-six primarily female and healthy Latinx caregivers (age range 20-76 years, 30% young, 40% middle-aged, and 30% older adults) were surveyed on caregiving they provide, administered the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale, and asked what types of services are needed in their role. Results indicated the top three provided aspects of caregiving were (in descending order): Food, emotional support, and transportation. Caregivers reported a high degree of preparedness in taking care of the recipient’s physical needs, handling emergencies, and proving overall care. Needed resources included emotional support, financial assistance, and respite. Greater caregiving provision was significantly associated with better health (r =. 53, p = .09) and greater resource needs (r = .35, p <.01). Thus, level of preparedness is an important caregiving dimension to address, especially with culturally diverse communities having strong cultural caregiving norms.

IMPACTS OF GEOSPATIAL FACTORS ON VILLAGE SITE SELECTION ALONG THE GREAT WALL WATCHTOWER BASED ON LOGISTIC REGRESSION: A CASE STUDY IN GUBEIKOU SECTION, BEIJING, CHINA

Abstract. The Great Wall was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1987. In recent years, the Chinese government placed significant emphasis on the preservation of the Great Wall and its invaluable resources. However, it remains challenging to quantitatively analyze the impact of multiple factors and further identify the Great Wall resource sites. In this paper, a spatial quantitative analysis framework with binary logistic regression is implemented for the impact factors of village site selection along the Great Wall watchtowers. Elevation, slope, orientation, water distance, road distance, distance-to-watchtowers were selected as candidates. 177 villages were analyzed, and the model calculation was assessed with the confusion matrix and ROC curve. Youden index is used to determine the optimal threshold for the uncertain villages, subsequently. And we classified villages into three categories: villages with strong, medium and weak relevance with Great Wall resource sites. Experimental results show that the strong and medium relevance villages accounted for 68.36%. These villages are primarily located in the central part of the study area, characterized by flat terrain and closely aligned with the road network. Village density decreases with distance from the watchtowers. Additionally, out of the 40 uncertain villages, 5 were confirmed as villages while the remaining were classified as non-villages. The conclusions of this study can serve as a reference for evaluating and predicting suitable conservation and planning initiatives for the Great Wall and its surrounding villages in the future.

Instilling Awareness on National Defense Responsibilities into Students Through the Employment of VNU National Defense and Security Training Center

In response to the requirement of defending the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland in the new situation, our Party and State advocate strengthening defense and security education in the whole society, which is being considered a strategic mission and playing crutial role, According to the classification on training by the Ministry of National Defense applied at the Center for Defense and Security Education, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, students of colleges and higher education are pioneer citizens and great future resources of the country of the country. The objective of the study is to build up the citizen's awareness of defendingthe Fatherland for students through the subject of National Defense and Security Education. The research methods are carried out on the basis of basic surveys on lecturers and students through each course and annually at the VNU National Defense and Security Training Center. The research results show that the Center has attached the knowledge of national defense and security to the building of citizens' awareness of the Fatherland defending obligation for students, and successfully completed the task. However, it does have some limitations: the link between knowledge acquiring and students' awareness is not profound enough; there is also the concept that students' learning outcomes are on top of all, failed to highlight to the students personal cultivation and awareness to be ready for the obligation of protecting the Fatherland,... As a result, it has some unexpected effect uponthe objectives and requirements of the subject, therefore, it is necessary to continue researching to promote a better citizen's awareness of the obligation to protect the Fatherland through the subjects.

Review of "Physiological psychology" by Vladimir E. Trajkovski

“Physiological psychology” authored by Prof. Dr. Vladimir E. Trajkovski, represents a pivotal contribution to the field of physiological psychology. The Publisher is Faculty of Philosophy in Skopje and it was published on September 29th in Skopje. This is first edition of the book, which is printed in B5 format with ISBN 978-608-238-235-7. This textbook, the first in the Macedonian language, elaborately explores the biological bases of behaviour. The book's scope extends beyond mere academic interest, serving as a valuable resource for students and professionals. This book is a valuable resource for anyone fascinated by the intersection of psychology and physiology, demystifying how our biological mechanisms shape behaviour. It's a great educational resource, particularly for students and professionals in psychology, neuroscience, and similar fields, because of its exhaustive exploration of physiological psychology. From the workings of the sensory systems and the dynamism of motor functions to the neurological and cognitive complexities, the book clarifies human behaviour's roots. This book is a great candidate for readers seeking to enhance their knowledge of physiological psychology.

Review Paper: Use of Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides L.) and Rice Husk Biochar in Remediation of Mercury (Hg) Polluted Soil

Indonesia has abundant natural resources. One of the great natural resources is mineral resources in the form of gold. With this potential, the number of national mining locations continues to increase, both large, medium, small and unlicensed gold mining (PETI) carried out directly by the community, either in groups or individually, which can have a negative impact on the environment. pollution such as land and water. , because the results of gold processing which contain heavy metals (Hg) are immediately thrown away without any further processing. This can harm the surrounding environment and even enter the food chain. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to study and find out related information regarding the effectiveness of phytoremediation of soil contaminated with heavy metals such as mercury (Hg) using vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides L.) and soil ameliorant materials in the form of rice husks. biochar to reduce the concentration of these heavy metals, as well as the mechanisms involved in phytoremediation of soil contaminated with heavy metals. The vetiver root plant (Vetiveria zizanoides L) is very effective for use in remediating soil contaminated with mercury (Hg) or other heavy metals. The use of biochar can influence the growth and absorption of heavy metals by vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides L). Biochar is also able to improve the physical and chemical properties of soil and stabilize heavy metals in the soil.

Main controlling factor and mechanism of gas-in-place content of the Lower Cambrian shale from different sedimentary facies in the western Hubei area, South China

The Lower Cambrian shale gas in the western Hubei area, South China has a great resource prospect, but the gas-in-place (GIP) content in different sedimentary facies varies widely, and the relevant mechanism has been not well understood. In the present study, two sets of the Lower Cambrian shale samples from the Wells YD4 and YD5 in the western Hubei area, representing the deep-water shelf facies and shallow-water platform facies, respectively, were investigated on the differences of pore types, pore structure and methane adsorption capacity between them, and the main controlling factor and mechanism of their methane adsorption capacities and GIP contents were discussed. The results show that the organic matter (OM) pores in the YD4 shale samples are dominant, while the inorganic mineral (IM) pores in the YD5 shale samples are primary, with underdeveloped OM pores. The pore specific surface area (SSA) and pore volume (PV) of the YD4 shale samples are mainly from micropores and mesopores, respectively, while those of the YD5 shale samples are mainly from micropores and macropores, respectively. The methane adsorption capacity of the YD4 shale samples is significantly higher than that of the YD5 shale samples, with a maximum absolute adsorption capacity of 3.13 cm3/g and 1.31 cm3/g in average, respectively. Compared with the shallow-water platform shale, the deep-water shelf shale has a higher TOC content, a better kerogen type and more developed OM pores, which is the main mechanism for its higher adsorption capacity. The GIP content models based on two samples with a similar TOC content selected respectively from the Wells YD4 and YD5 further indicate that the GIP content of the deep-water shelf shale is mainly 3−4 m3/t within a depth range of 1000–4000 m, with shale gas exploration and development potential, while the shallow-water platform shale has normally a GIP content of <1 m3/t, with little shale gas potential. Considering the geological and geochemical conditions of shale gas formation and preservation, the deep-water shelf facies is the most favorable target for the Lower Cambrian shale gas exploration and development in the western Hubei area, South China.

Menghubungkan Pengalaman Pelanggan, Kepuasan Dan Loyalitas Dengan Kekuatan Dan Kinerja Merek Di Bangka City Hotel

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the decline in hotel consumption levels. To survive and compete in the market, hotels must be able to maintain their brand strength and performance. This study aims to determine the relationship between customer experience, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty on brand strength and brand performance in the hospitality industry. The focus is on the importance of the role of the three consumer constructs on brand value. This paper uses a descriptive research design and quantitative approach where data collection is done by distributing online questionnaires to respondents through Google Forms. The selected population is tourists who have stayed at Bangka City Hotel in Bangka Belitung, with a sample size of 170 respondents. The results showed that from the customer's point of view, customer experience has an impact on customer satisfaction which affects customer loyalty. In addition, customer loyalty is a factor that affects brand value, including brand strength and performance. Therefore, customer loyalty is a strong predictor of brand value in the hospitality and tourism industry. By strengthening this area, companies will have great resources and opportunities to build brand strength and brand performance. customer loyalty is a strong predictor of brand value in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Simulated Patients to Demonstrate Common Stroke Syndromes: Accurate and Convincing

Introduction: Stroke detection in the preclinical setting is challenging, resulting in more than 1/3 of missed strokes by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. Recently, prehospital identification of anterior large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke has come into focus. Cortical signs have a high predictive value for the presence of LVO stroke but are often missed. Simulated patients (SPs) could be an excellent tool to train EMS personnel in the evaluation of stroke syndromes with cortical symptoms, but it has not been studied whether they can simulate these important signs convincingly. The main objective of this study was, thus, to examine whether SPs can simulate stroke syndromes and symptoms so that stroke experts can identify them correctly and reliably, applying the NIH stroke scale (NIHSS). Methods: Lay actors were trained to simulate one of 8 stroke syndromes either typical of a lacunary stroke or of an anterior LVO stroke and then videotaped during an examination according to the NIHSS. Stroke experts were asked to rate each item of the NIHSS based on the videos, determine which stroke syndrome was being demonstrated, and rate the quality of simulation. The primary outcome was the correct identification of the target stroke syndrome by the expert raters. Secondary outcomes were the agreement of the rating of the NIHSS score with the target NIHSS score and the expert raters’ assessment of the quality of simulation. Results: Seven of eight syndromes were rated correctly by at least twelve of fifteen raters and the mean rated NIHSS score was within one point of the target score for six of eight syndromes. The mean rating for the quality of simulation was between 3.54 and 3.98 (as rated on a scale from 1 to 4) for each syndrome. Discussion/Conclusion: SPs are capable of simulating acute stroke symptoms and syndromes accurately and convincingly. Thus, they represent a great resource to improve educational interventions that improve stroke recognition.

THE STRATEGY OF THE SECURITY SERVICE OF THE THIRD REICH FOR KEEPING HIGH-RANKING PRISONERS IN THE “ALPINE FORTRESS” AND ITS IMPACT ON POST-WAR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

The article examines a layer of questions related to the issue of the use by the security service of the Third Reich of the strategy of capturing and keeping high-ranking hostages from occupied countries in special institutions for VIP prisoners, some of which were located on the territory of the “Alpine Fortress”. This topic is a “white spot” on the background of research in the field of world history, because there is a rather limited amount of research carried out by German, American and English historians. Despite their undeniable value for science, these studies were carried out to highlight a clearly defined range of questions, which, however, do not give an idea of ​​the problem as a whole. At the same time, the purpose of this article is to focus on the implementation of a comprehensive approach to the study of this problem and the formation of a global view of the strategy of the Third Reich to keep VIP-prisoners on the territory of the “Alpine Fortress”. The main tasks are the description of the process of creating two separate specialized prisons, the verification of those VIP prisoners who passed through them and the outline of a possible global strategy of the leadership of the Third Reich for keeping high-ranking prisoners. Based on the results of the tasks set, the article reconstructs the ways of implementing the mentioned strategy, identifies its executors from among the servicemen of the SS and SD, and determines its impact on postwar international relations. The article emphasizes that the global strategy of the Reich's leadership is characterized by situationism and ill-consideredness. The Nazis invested great resources in the process of converting castles and hotels into prisons for VIP prisoners and provided them with reliable security. At the same time, it is extremely difficult to determine whether the German leadership had specific plans for what to do with VIP prisoners. However, no matter how paradoxical it may sound, it was the ill-conceivedness of this strategy that made it possible to create the prerequisites for phenomenal events that preserved for Europe and the world outstanding political and military figures who had considerable influence on their post-war system.

An in-depth metaheuristic approach to design a sustainable closed-loop agri-food supply chain network

As an essential component of human life, agricultural products play a very important role in guaranteeing that individuals get all the essential nutrition. Governments and industries spend great financial resources, define short- and long-term goals, and organize their policies to develop a steady agri-food supply chain and provide fresh, healthy products to their societies. This work proposes a new mixed-integer linear programming model to propose an agri-food supply chain network design for the coconut industry under sustainable terms. This study mainly aims to solve a multi-objective closed-loop supply chain, considering both forward and reverse product movements. The model attempts to manage the net present value of total cost for specific planning horizons while monitoring environmental pollution and job opportunities within the network. Given the NP-hard nature of the network, the solution approach embraces a set of recently developed metaheuristics to overcome its complexity effectively. To this end, six multi-objective optimizers and three hybrid algorithms are utilized, among which the multi-objective artificial rabbit optimizer is first developed and applied in this study. Hence, the model's compatibility with real conditions is investigated using fifteen practical tests. The results of interval plots and the Friedman statistical test emphasize that optimizers can solve all sizes of problems. However, the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II) outperforms solving practical tests according to both the results of statistical tests and the novel hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) framework.

Undue Burden the Medical School Application Process Places on Low-Income Latinos

Undue Burden the Medical School Application Process Places on Low-Income Latinos

Analysis of the Rational Use of Forest Resources in Sparsely Forested Regions (on the Example of the Central Black Earth Region)

Relevance. The world trends in the modern forest resources use result into disasters i.e. the death and deterioration of forest resources, the degeneration of natural forests, carbon dioxide increase in the atmosphere, a decrease in timber reserves, etc. So, rational use of forest resources are vital, especially in poorly forested regions, for these forests do not have great raw material resources, they are protective, and, require a special approach in their use. The purpose is to study and to analyze the use of forest resources on the base of the example of the Central Chernozem region (CDR) as a small-bodied one. The objectives is to form the ideas and to determine the priority areas for the use of forest resources in poorly forested regions. Methodology. The official statistics reference books of the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation were used during the research process as well as Web resources materials (official sites), mass media information. Results. The rational use of forest resources in poorly forested regions are based upon the next functions ‒ preserving their environment-forming, water-protective, health protective functions So, the use of these resources are to be analyzed to determine the future criteria and rational use methods. Conclusions. The forests of poorly forested regions are different in a number of features: they are protective, they do not have exploitation functions, and they are extremely important, so their rational use is a priority. The analysis of the use of forest resources in poorly forested regions (based upon the example of the Central Black Soil Region) will further contribute much to the formation of priority areas to conserve their resources and environmental component with the particular value for the country and for the regions both.

Survey on Cloud Computing Integrated with Artificial Intelligence

The combination of cloud computing with Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a viable approach in recent years to handle the increasing processing needs of AI applications. This article offers a thorough analysis of distributed and scalable artificial intelligence frameworks that use cloud computing to improve the effectiveness and performance of Deep Learning (DL). First, we provide a summary of common cloud services and AI frameworks, emphasizing the advantages and disadvantages of each. The important topics of data management and storage in cloud-based AI systems are then covered in detail, including feature engineering, data pretreatment, privacy, and security. Next, we investigate the distributed and parallel training methods for AI models, with particular emphasis on cloud-based training topologies, communication mechanisms, and model splitting. On the next chapters, we examine auto-scaling, load balancing, resource allocation, and performance benchmarking as optimization methodologies for AI workloads on the cloud. We also cover serverless deployment alternatives, containerization, best practices for monitoring, and the deployment and servicing of AI models on the cloud. We give a comprehensive study of costs, optimization methodologies, and case studies exhibiting successful installations to guarantee the cost-effectiveness of cloud-based AI systems. In conclusion, we provide an overview of the study's main conclusions, go through the difficulties and restrictions associated with cloud-based artificial intelligence, and point out new directions for future research in this area. For academics and practitioners trying to use cloud computing to create scalable, effective, and affordable artificial intelligence systems, this article will be a great resource.

PEDAGOGICAL POTENTIAL OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS IN STIMULATING A POSITIVE AND ACTIVE ATTITUDE TO THE ENRICHMENT OF BIOLOGY COMPETENCE OF FUTURE BACHELORS OF NATURAL SCIENCES

The article is aimed at considering the possibilities of stimulating a positive and active attitude of future bachelors of natural sciences to the formation of competence in biology in the educational process. In the light of the modern educational environment, it is important to focus on pedagogical tools that promote studentsʼ active participation in the study of biological sciences. The effectiveness of this process can be significantly increased by using a system of diversifying methods, techniques and approaches to learning.The active use of such a system provides great pedagogical resources to stimulate the process of forming competence in biology in future bachelors of natural sciences. The study shows that these approaches help to engage future specialists in more effective learning of not only practice-oriented knowledge, but also give the process of professional training an effective focus and subjectively significant positivity.An important component is the integration of modern technologies into the educational process, which helps to maintain students’ interest and provides them with access to relevant information. Pedagogical methods aimed at using interactive platforms, virtual laboratories and multimedia expand studentsʼ opportunities in learning biology.The study of natural sciences, in particular biology, can become attractive to students if pedagogical methods that stimulate active participation and personal development are effectively applied. These approaches not only contribute to the enrichment of knowledge, but also form a positive attitude to the learning process, which is an important factor in the education of future professionals.&#x0D; Keywords: competence; positive-active attitude; student-centred educational process; contextual learning; interdisciplinary integration; stimulation; competence in biology; future bachelor of natural sciences.

Intestinal lavage for intravenous methadone poisoning

Introduction. Among opioid poisonings, acute intravenous methadone poisoning is distinguished by the most severe course with a pronounced manifestation of toxic-hypoxic encephalopathy, a large number of complications, deposition in tissues, which complicates its removal from the body and requires the greatest resource costs during the treatment process.&#x0D; The aim of the study. To increase the effectiveness of treatment of patients with intravenous methadone poisoning by including intestinal lavage in the complex of standard therapy.&#x0D; Material and methods. Of the 52 patients with intravenous methadone poisoning, 33 (observation group) underwent intestinal lavage (IL) for the purpose of detoxification, and 19 received standard therapy (comparison group). The age of the patients was 32.0 (29.0; 36.0), and in the comparison group – &#x0D; 31.0 (25.0; 37.0) years. Poisoning occurred as a result of the use of methadone when administered intravenously for the purpose of drug intoxication, which resulted in depression of consciousness (coma) and rare inadequate breathing with periods of apnea. IL was started urgently after restoration of adequate breathing. To carry out IL, enteral solution (ER) was administered through a nasogastric tube at a rate of 1950–2600 ml/hour. Perfusion of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was stopped when clear lavage water appeared from the rectum. The total volume of the solution was 7.0 (4.5; 7.5) l, the volume of intestinal secretions was 5.3 (4.0; 6.3) l, the duration of the procedure was 4 (3; 6) hours. The quantitative content of methadone in blood and urine, as well as in washing waters, was determined by gas chromatography with mass-selective detection.&#x0D; The duration of coma, length of hospitalization, incidence of pneumonia as a complication of poisoning, and mortality in the observed and comparison groups were compared.&#x0D; Results. With the help of IL, cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract of patients occurred within 3–6 hours. Methadone was detected in the washing waters, and its concentration in the blood after IL decreased by an average of 2.5 times. 19 (16.0; 27.0) hours after IL, the patients were in clear consciousness, which was &#x0D; 13 hours (40.6%) earlier than in the comparison group, in which it took an average of 32.0 hours to restore clear consciousness (24.5; 35.0) h (p &lt; 0.05). Pneumonia in the group of patients who underwent IL occurred &#x0D; 2.6 times less frequently than in the comparison group. The duration of stay of patients in the intensive care unit of the observed group was 2.6 times shorter than in the comparison group, and the total length of hospitalization was 1.5 times less, respectively. There were no deaths in the observed group, and in the comparison group the mortality rate was 5.3%.&#x0D; Limitations. The study concerns the effectiveness of intestinal lavage as a detoxification method for acute intravenous methadone poisoning in male and female victims, the limitations of which were: nosological form, period of poisoning, age of patients (from 18 to 65 years) and the absence of positional compression syndrome.&#x0D; Conclusion. The use of IL in intravenous methadone poisoning promotes the elimination of the latter from the gastrointestinal tract, which is accompanied by a decrease in its concentration in the blood, a reduction in the duration of coma, a decrease in the incidence of pneumonia and mortality.

Constraining exotic dark matter models with the dark ages 21-cm signal

ABSTRACT The dark ages 21-cm signal is a powerful tool for precision cosmology and probing new physics. We study two non-standard models: an excess radio background (ERB) model (possibly generated by dark matter decay) and the millicharged dark matter (mDM) model. These models were inspired by the possible EDGES detection of a strong global 21-cm absorption during cosmic dawn, but more generally they provide a way to anticipate the potential discovery space. During the dark ages the 21-cm global signal in the ERB model reaches a saturated form for an amplitude Ar = 0.4, where Ar is the radio background intensity at cosmic dawn relative to the cosmic microwave background. This amplitude is one fifth of the minimum required to explain the EDGES signal, and corresponds to just 0.1 per cent of the observed extragalactic background; it would give a signal that can be detected at 5.9σ significance (compared to 4.1σ for the standard signal) and can be distinguished from the standard (no ERB) signal at 8.5σ, all with a 1000 h global signal measurement. The 21-cm power spectrum has potentially more information, but far greater resources would be required for comparable constraints. For the mDM model, over a range of viable parameters, the global signal detection significance would be $4.7-7.2\, \sigma$, and it could be distinguished from standard at $2.2-9.3\, \sigma$. With an array of global signal antennas achieving an effective 100 000 h integration, the significance would be 10× better. Our analysis helps motivate the development of lunar and space-based dark ages experiments.

CEOs’ early-life famine experience and corporate donations: Evidence from the great Chinese famine

Do traumatic disaster experiences shape people's prosocial attitudes? Some literature suggests that great resource scarcity experience predicts an increase in prosocial allocations, whereas others suggest a decrease. We find CEOs exposed to the Great Chinese Famine tend to drive corporate donations, which is termed the famine effect. CEOs who have experienced more severe famines, were born in poor and food-deficient areas, or currently work in less developed regions, drive more corporate donations. Regarding board characteristics, the famine effect intensifies in older and more famine-affected directors, but decreases as female directors and board diversity increase. Finally, by examining the effect of CEOs' famine experience on different dimensions of CSR, we intriguingly find CEOs' prosocial attitudes are not oriented toward everyone but are specific to those who suffer from resource scarcity. Overall, CEOs' famine experiences substantially affect corporate donations and can result in recipient-dependent prosocial behaviors.

Psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: An integrative perspective.

Informed by socio-ecological psychology and the conservation of resources model, the present study proposes an integrative perspective on the association between psychological distress and a constellation of factors, during the COVID-19 outbreak in Israel. Our sample, comprised of 991 adult participants, was measured for psychological distress, locus of control (internal/ external), resilience, loneliness, social support, dimensions of citizens' trust in government organizations (perceived competence, benevolence, and integrity), and demographic characteristics. The findings showed that women, non-religious people, and the unemployed reported higher levels of psychological distress. Internal locus of control, resilience, social support, and the extent to which citizens perceive government organizations as benevolent were negatively associated with psychological distress. Self-reported loneliness and external locus of control positively predicted the level of respondent psychological distress. No association was detected between age, competence and integrity and psychological distress. An overview of the research findings indicates that individuals with greater resources were less likely to suffer from psychological distress during the COVID-19 outbreak. These findings call upon mental health care practitioners to help as well as to enable clients to attain resources in order to lower their levels of psychological distress. Policies developed by policymakers during periods of acute crisis should consider the specific needs and vulnerabilities of certain population groups, including women and the unemployed who may be more susceptible to psychological distress. It is also important for policymakers to be aware that the perception of democratic governments as benevolent can serve as a buffer against psychological distress during times of crisis.

IoT Vulnerabilities and Attacks: SILEX Malware Case Study

The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly growing and is projected to develop in future years. The IoT connects everything from Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to medical equipment to smart home appliances to smart automobiles and many more gadgets. Connecting these gadgets is revolutionizing our lives today by offering higher efficiency, better customer service, and more effective goods and services in a variety of industries and sectors. With this anticipated expansion, many challenges arise. Recent research ranked IP cameras as the 2nd highest target for IoT attacks. IoT security exhibits an inherent asymmetry where resource-constrained devices face attackers with greater resources and time, creating an imbalanced power dynamic. In cybersecurity, there is a symmetrical aspect where defenders implement security measures while attackers seek symmetrical weaknesses. The SILEX malware case highlights this asymmetry, demonstrating how IoT devices’ limited security made them susceptible to a relatively simple yet destructive attack. These insights underscore the need for robust, proactive IoT security measures to address the asymmetrical risks posed by adversaries and safeguard IoT ecosystems effectively. In this paper, we present the IoT vulnerabilities, their causes, and how to detect them. We focus on SILEX, one of the famous malware that targets IoT, as a case study and present the lessons learned from this malware.

Vízgazdálkodás – Ghána

Having a tropical climate, Ghana experience high rainfall per year making water resources abundant in the country. The major water resources in the country include; lakes, rivers, streams, ponds and groundwater. Unfortunately, the management of these water resources by ensuring there is sufficient water of adequate quality for drinking and other benefits has been a challenge to government institutions responsible for the planning and execution of policies to manage and sustain these resources. The three major management problem are pollution, flood, and drought. The Government of Ghana in 2022 uses key tracker and indicator as an innovative way of monitoring the progress made in the country’s effort to address menace of illegal mining that pollute water resources in Ghana (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, 2023). Dam safety Regulation LI 2236 of 2016 was established as an innovative way safeguarding dams to prevent flooding (WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION, 2021). Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and consultants use treated sludges and waste water for nursing vegetable seedlings, flash flood forecasting app for detecting early flood warning, using technology to recycle carwash water for re-use. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) together with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) through the Capacity Building Initiative for transparency (CBIT) project was aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of Ghana climate ambitious reporting programme for climate action and support (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, 2023). Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA) a project of World bank, The Sahel groundwater Initiative by CIWA, Transboundary water management in Africa by European union and other initiatives seeks to assist Africa including Ghana with innovation ways in realizing the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDG6) which calls for ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. The government and the institutions responsible for safe guarding the water resources must invest in innovative methods in managing this great resource.