Main Threats Research Articles

Lowland forest fragment characteristics and anthropogenic disturbances determine alien plant species richness and composition

Loss of habitat and biological invasion are the main threats to biodiversity. In intensive agricultural or urban landscapes, forest fragments, even if they are small and isolated represent biodiversity refugia. Environmental variables such as landscape structure, abiotic conditions and anthropogenic disturbance affect the biodiversity of the fragments. In this study, we explored plant species richness in 48 forest fragments embedded in predominantly agricultural landscapes on the alluvial plains of the Mura and Drava rivers in NE Slovenia. We determined several forest fragment characteristics such as perimeter, area, shape complexity, length and proportion of edge shared with adjacent land-cover types and anthropogenic disturbance indicated by the presence of footpaths and waste disposed in fragments. The abiotic condition of these fragments was assessed by Ellenberg indicator values. We built generalized linear models and ordination analyses to assess the importance of environmental variables for the richness and composition of alien plant species and other ecologically meaningful plant groups. Shape complexity had a consistent positive effect on the richness of native and alien plants species. Major drivers of alien plant composition in forest fragments included adjacent land-cover and urbanization level. An increasing proportion of arable land along the forest fragment perimeter negatively affected the richness of alien plants, while the effect of urban areas was positive. Our results confirmed that forest fragments in the rural–urban matrix represent biodiversity refugia and support native plant species; however, they are not resistant to invasions; instead invasion depends on the land-cover type in the surroundings of a given forest fragment.

Problems of the development of Ukraine’s industry and itspersonnel supply in the conditions of war

Abstract The article examines the problems of industrial development of Ukraine during the period of independence and in the conditions of a full-scale war. A review of publications on the problems of industry by domestic researchers is carried out. It is stated that as part of the Soviet Union, Ukraine had a developed industry, which was fully integrated into the Union economy. The rupture of production chains, the loss of markets and the lack of an effective industrial policy during the period of independence led to deindustrialization and technological decline of Ukraine's industrial potential, which became a significant factor in unleashing armed aggression. The negative impact of the war on the state of domestic industry is studied: the destruction, closure and relocation of many enterprises, the curtailment of business and the primitivization of production led to a reduction in the volume of products sold by almost a third. Analysis of the dynamics of production in 2023 showed a slow and unstable recovery of industrial production, which is hindered by a number of factors. It is noted that a growing constraint is the lack of qualified personnel. The main threats to the staffing of the industrial sector of Ukraine in the wartime and post-war period are systematized: physical and migration losses of the population, brain drain, migration policy of the EU countries to create a reserve of skilled labor for their economies, low level of wages at domestic enterprises, destruction of the education system and inconsistency of vocational training with the needs of the labor market, weak participation of business in interaction with the system of vocational training and in improving personnel qualifications. At the present stage, the main tasks in the field of staffing of industry are: increasing the level of safety of living and working conditions in Ukraine; improvement of the organizational and legal principles of employment based on the principles of decent work; development of effective mechanisms and incentives for the return of forced external migrants; involvement in the sphere of economic activity of the passive part of the able-bodied population, including disabled people; use of diverse and flexible forms of work organization; modernization and development of the system of vocational and engineering education. Keywords industry, industrial complex of Ukraine, war risks for industry, industrial recovery, human resources of industry, human losses from the war, labor shortage

On-farm experimentation in agronomic research: an Italian perspective

On-farm experimentation (OFE) renovates agronomic research since it brings researchers out of their experimental field stations to the farms, shaping the direction of research in collaboration with farmers. In the context of increasing interest in OFE, this paper aims to map the current picture of agronomic research articles published on OFE in Italy. We observe that few articles are published on OFE in Italy. Moreover, among these articles, only a few explicitly mentioned farmers’ opinions or involvement, while none of them mentioned digital technologies as enablers of OFE. Therefore, we started a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis to identify the main weaknesses and threats limiting OFE developing in Italy, along with the opportunities and strengths enabling OFE development. Despite the time-consuming research underpinning OFE, the lack of recognition by the academic community, the risk of not robust statistic, and difficulties in publishing, there are a series of opportunities emerging at the national level for which the implementation of OFE could be crucial to properly target the scopes set by the EU concerning agricultural research and innovation.

Selectivity and Activity of Benzene-1,2,4-triol and its Dimers as Antimicrobial Compounds Against Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri.

Citrus canker, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, is one of the main threats to citrus fruit production. Several phenolic compounds active against X. citri have been described in recent years. Benzene-1,2,4-triol is a bio-based phenolic compound that has shown high potential as a scaffold for the synthesis of new anti-X. citri compounds. However, benzene-1,2,4-triol is prone to oxidative dimerization. We evaluated the antibacterial activity of benzene-1,2,4-triol, its oxidized dimers, and analogous compounds. Benzene-1,2,4-triol has a low inhibitory concentration against X. citri (0.05 mM) and is also active against other bacterial species. Spontaneous formation of benzenetriol dimers (e. g. by contact with oxygen in aqueous solution) reduced the antimicrobial activity of benzenetriol solutions. Dimers themselves displayed lower antibacterial activity and where shown to be more stable in solution. Unlike many other phenolic compounds with anti-X. citri activity, benzene-1,2,4-triol does not act by membrane permeabilization, but seems to limit the availability of iron to cells. Benzene-1,2,4-triol is widely recognized as toxic - our results indicate that the toxicity of benzene-1,2,4-triol is largely due to spontaneously formed dimers. Stabilization of benzene-1,2,4-triol will be required to allow the safe use of this compound.

Язвенная болезнь – кто виноват и что делать?

The first successes in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease (PU) using antibiotics in combination with proton pump blockers contributed to the emergence of the hypothesis that H. pylori is the main cause of PU. Moreover, it was assumed that eradication of H. pylori could lead to elimination of ulcerative disease. However, 40 years after the discovery of H. pylori, it became clear that eradication therapy reduces the time to ulcer healing, improves the quality of life and prolongs remission, but does not eliminate PU. Nevertheless, the new Maastricht VI guidelines still proclaim H. pylori eradication as the main goal of therapy for H. pylori-associated diseases. The widespread use of antibiotics has saved millions of lives. At the same time, bacterial resistance to existing antibiotics due to the ongoing escalation of antibacterial therapy has been named by the World Health Organization as one of the main threats to humanity in this century. Therefore, the infectious concept of the pathogenesis of PU and the principles of its treatment require clarification.

Temperature stress (cold and heat) strongly affect the phytotoxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (phenanthrene) to wheat

AbstractAnthropogenic activity could create different threats leading to irreversible changes in the global environment and, as a consequence, posing varied stressful conditions acting together (combined stress) on organisms. Our research concerned the combined stress of two of the main threats to soil health and plant health: temperature stress and pollution. The aim of this research was the quantitative assessment of the impact of temperature stress on the phytotoxicity of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; specifically, phenanthrene, which is a widespread, harmful organic contamination of soil) on the growth of wheat seedlings in relation to the level of soil contamination by phenanthrene (0–1000 mg kg−1 dry mass of soil) and the type of temperature stress: cold (10°C) and heat (35°C) stress, in three different soils. Earlier studies have investigated the effect of temperature stress on PAH toxicity mainly on soil invertebrates. However, the impact of temperature stress on PAH phytotoxicity towards crop plants, which are important for human food security but could be affected by chemical soil degradation, is still poorly understood. Our results indicated that the phenanthrene phytotoxicity was significantly enhanced by cold stress and heat stress. The effects of cold and heat temperature stress increased with increasing phenanthrene level. Our research is important for improving the risk assessment of PAH and food security forecasting.

Assessing the risks to valuable medicinal plants in Nepal from human activities and environmental factors

The demand for trade has led to unsustainable harvesting of medicinal plants, causing a decline in their population in natural habitats. This presents a notable problem, however, there is a lack of information regarding the severity of the threat to these resources. To address this, a study was conducted to identify high-value medicinal plants in the Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal and evaluate their potential endangerment by using the Rapid Vulnerability Assessment method (RVA). The study also calculated the distribution of these plants in different habitats and their population size. Results showed that there were 19 threatened, high-value medicinal plants in the region frequently used by local communities and with high trade values. Rhizome/roots were the most commonly used plant parts (58%), followed by whole plants (37%). The wild population of these plants was found to be low, with varying abundance among different habitats. Overexploitation driven by high trade demand, low population density, and critical life forms were identified as the main threats to these plants. The study placed Dactylorhiza hatagirea and Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora in the highest threat category. Effective conservation and management measures, both in-situ and ex-situ, were suggested based on the population and threat status of these high-value medicinal plants.

Cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy: cross-sectional survey of knowledge and prevention practices of healthcare professionals in French-speaking Switzerland

BackgroundLack of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) knowledge among healthcare professionals has been proven to be the main threat to pregnant women's awareness, preventing them from reducing the risk of infection. The aims of this study were to assess the knowledge and practices of French-speaking Swiss perinatal professionals in terms of CMV prevention, as well as the sociodemographic-professional factors that influence them.MethodsThis observational study used a cross-sectional design to collect data-via an anonymous electronic questionnaire in French distributed to gynecologists-obstetricians, general practitioners and midwives via various channels: e-mails and social networks of partner centers, professional associations, and conferences. The 41-item questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic and professional characteristics, general CMV knowledge, national recommendation knowledge and prevention practices. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed.ResultsA total of 110 gynecologist-obstetricians, 5 general practitioners and 226 midwives participated in the study. While more than 80% of practitioners were familiar with protective hygiene measures, significant gaps were highlighted concerning the transmission routes, as well as the signs of short- and long-term congenital CMV infection. Regarding practice, 63.3% of participants provided information on CMV to their patients, mainly during the first antenatal visit. Among those who did not, lack of knowledge and forgetfulness were the two main reasons cited. Concerning systematic screening, 45.7% of participants offered it to their patients, and 37.3% only offered it to “at risk” groups. The existence of national guidelines on CMV was known by 62.0% of participants. Multivariable analysis revealed that working as a gynecologist-obstetrician was independently associated with higher score of preventive practices, while performing ultrasound or preconception consultations was independently associated with a higher score of general CMV knowledge, and working in a university hospital was independently associated with a higher score of Swiss recommendation knowledge. A level of training higher than the basic medical or midwifery diploma and participation in fetal medicine symposia both promote a higher score of CMV knowledge and prevention practices in line with current recommendations.ConclusionThis study confirms the significant gaps in CMV knowledge among French-speaking Swiss caregivers along with the heterogeneity of their prevention practices. To raise awareness among pregnant women and reduce the burden of congenital CMV infections, improving professional knowledge through access to specific training and standardizing practices should be a national priority.

Multifunctional Therapeutic Nanodiamond Hydrogels for Infected-Wound Healing and Cancer Therapy.

Wound infection and tumor recurrence are the two main threats to cancer patients after surgery. Although researchers have developed new treatment systems to address the two significant challenges simultaneously, the potential side effects of the heavy-metal-ion-based treatment systems still severely limit their widespread application in therapy. In addition, the wounds from tumor removal compared with general operative wounds are more complex. The tumor wounds mainly exhibit more hemorrhage, larger trauma area, greater vulnerability to bacterial infection, and residual tumor cells. Therefore, a multifunctional treatment platform is urgently needed to integrate rapid hemostasis, sterilization, wound healing promotion, and antitumor functions. In this work, nanodiamonds (NDs), a material that has been well proven to have excellent biocompatibility, are added into a solution of acrylic-grafted chitosan (CEC) and oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA) to construct a multifunctional treatment platform (CEC-OHA-NDs). The hydrogels exhibit rapid hemostasis, a wound-healing-promoting effect, excellent self-healing, and injectable abilities. Moreover, CEC-OHA-NDs can effectively eliminate bacteria and inhibit tumor proliferation by the warm photothermal effect of NDs under tissue-penetrable near-infrared laser irradiation (NIR) without cytotoxicity. Consequently, we adopt a simple and convenient strategy to construct a multifunctional treatment platform using carbon-based nanomaterials with excellent biocompatibility to promote the healing of infected wounds and to inhibit tumor cell proliferation simultaneously.

MODERN THREATS TO THE FINANCIAL SECURITY OF THE ENTERPRISE

Introduction. In recent years, the need to secure financial stability has become increasingly critical, spanning from the broader macroeconomic scale down to businesses and individual households. This concern remains a major and highly relevant issue, especially in the context of Ukraine's currently unstable economic climate.Purpose. The article aims at identifying the main threats to the financial security of enterprises and developing recommendations for their elimination. Methods. The article uses the methods of analysis and synthesis to determine the main parameters of external and internal threats to the financial security of enterprises, and abstract methods to make theoretical generalizations and conclusions of the study. Results. The article summarizes a research study on the primary threats to a business's financial security. It delves into the various components and structural elements that constitute an enterprise's financial security. The study also outlines strategies to mitigate these threats, focusing on the integration of key subsystems that collectively form a comprehensive approach to managing financial security. This integrated system encompasses strategic management of financial security, financial analysis and control, optimization of financial processes, investment policy, and the management of liquidity and risks. Conclusion. Analyzing and categorizing threats to financial security based on their functional components offers a pathway to develop targeted strategies that enhance both the specific components and the overall financial security of an enterprise. It's crucial to recognize that the array of threats can differ greatly between different enterprises. To safeguard a company's financial security in today's economic climate, it's essential to classify these threats based on various factors: their origin, area of impact, likelihood of occurrence, duration of effect, and severity. This detailed identification is a critical step in making informed decisions to mitigate the adverse effects on the financial health and ongoing economic stability of the business.

Distribution and conservation status of Scutellaria rupestris subsp. cephalonica (Rech.f.) Greuter & Burdet

Abstract Scutellaria rupestris subsp. cephalonica (Rech.f.) Greuter & Burdet (Lamiaceae) is a perennial herb endemic to Mounts Ainos and Roudi on the island of Cephalonia. Until now, information about the taxon’s distribution has been sketchy: two fairly localized populations on Mt. Ainos have been reported, one of them extinct, and two on Mt. Roudi, without specifics. Because we thought that the taxon is much more common, we designed a survey along contours encircling the two peaks totaling 80 km. We recorded 112 locations of the taxon. We found that S. rupestris subsp. cephalonica prefers sunny clearings within fir forest as well as crevices among limestone rock on somewhat flat terrain. On Mt. Roudi, the taxon grows above 800 m, and is rather uncommon. On Mt. Ainos, the taxon is quite common above 1100 m; below that altitude it has not been confirmed. The findings were more abundant on the NE slope of Mt. Ainos which is wetter and possibly cooler than the SW slope due to being shaded and more forested, less eroded, and with a deep organic layer. The main threat to the survival of the taxon is illegal grazing. The proposed Red List assessment according to IUCN is EN B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).

CONTEMPORARY DEMOGRAPHIC CHALLENGES IN RURAL AREAS OF PODKARPACIE

The unfavorable phenomena accompanying demographic processes in the 21st century have serious social and economic consequences. They are spatially diverse, and their negative effects are particularly felt in regions characterized by low population concentration. Such regions include rural areas of Podkarpacie. The aim of the research was to identify the main threats accompanying demographic transformations in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship and to recognize the resulting challenges. The factors analyzed were those that determine the demographic potential of a given territory, i.e. those that contribute to the actual increase and decrease in population and those that determine the degree of population aging. Special attention was paid to selected powiats classified as peripheral, least populated in the region. Comparative-descriptive, tabular and graphic methods were used to analyze and present the materials; the data covered the years 2000-2022. On the basis of structure and dynamics indicators, changes in demographic potential were assessed and the problems and challenges resulting from them were identified. Research has shown that the region’s population is declining and its age structure is deteriorating. The continuing negative natural growth and negative migration balance constitute a major threat resulting from the process of population aging and depopulation. Depopulation particularly threatens sparsely populated areas of the region, especially border gminas neighboring war-torn Ukraine.

Synergistic effects of anthropogenic disturbances on giant pandas

AbstractLivestock grazing and the collection of bamboo shoots are the main threats to giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) habitat in the Liangshan Mountains in China. It is important to clarify the effect of these disturbances to the giant panda to formulate targeted management policies. Based on species distribution models and daily activity models, we investigated the effects of livestock grazing and bamboo shoot collection on giant pandas from May 2021 to July 2022. Our results indicated the giant panda's suitable habitat in the reserve covered 51.83 km2 (15.02% of the reserve area). Grazing and bamboo shoot collection led to losses of 19.08 km2 and 7.68 km2 of suitable habitat, respectively. Together, the 2 activities resulted in a loss of 28.35 km2 of suitable habitat, which was more than half of the area of panda habitat. The areas of suitable habitat for giant pandas significantly overlapped with the areas affected by both disturbances. Giant pandas did not show significant differences in daily activity rhythms under a single disturbance, but the daily activity rhythms of giant pandas differed when we compared the area combining the 2 disturbances with the undisturbed area. Our study reveals that the anthropogenic disturbances in the reserve have varying effects on the suitable habitat range and daily activity rhythm of giant pandas and evidence of a synergistic effect. Therefore, when formulating relevant conservation policies, it is important to fully evaluate the extent and characteristics of anthropogenic disturbances in shaping the population distribution and habitat preferences of the giant panda and other wildlife to enhance the efficacy of conservation management practices.

Theoretical Approaches to Rating Assessment of the Economic Component of Security of Sustainable Development of Old Industrial Regions

The old industrial regions, for the most part, are classified as the main “losers” in the context of globa­lization and the development of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. However, the examples of some of them clearly demonstrate that such a status is not an insurmountable obstacle to future progress. Adaptability and the formation of “new combinations” based on the interconnection of local and global trends can generate specific advantages that can give a powerful impetus to development. This requires an adequate assessment of the existing potential of the regions and a reliable analysis of all their advantages and disadvantages. In this context, the purpose of the article is to substantiate the approach to the rating assessment of the economic component of the security of sustainable development of the old industrial region. In the course of the study, it was substantiated that the main threats to the economic security of the regions are outdated infrastructure, insufficient development of human capital, industry imbalance, weak business culture, remoteness from major markets, and weak capacity of the public sector to implement regional development solutions. The following criteria for selecting indicators for forming a rating for asses­sing the economic security of an old industrial region have been identified: relevance, reliability, validity, reliability, feasibility. The author’s approach to formalizing the areas of assessment of the economic component of the security of sustainable development of an old industrial region, as well as corresponding indicators, has been developed.

Monitoring of the phytosanitary condition of Larix decidua Mill. plants in the Modryna tract of the Zviahel Forestry branch of the State Enterprise Forests of Ukraine

Phytosanitary monitoring of forest stands is currently a relevant and important area of scientific research that ensures observation, assessment, and forecasting of the dynamics (changes) of the quantitative and qualitative (including sanitary) state of forests and underlies the development of an effective system of tree protection. The purpose of this study was to identify the species composition and distribution of dominant phytopathogen species in the Modryna tract of the Zvyagelske Forestry branch and to identify the primary factors of Larix decidua Mill. decline. This study employed phytopathological, entomological, forest inventory, and comparative methods. The study identified and registered typical symptoms of damage and the consequences of the harmful effects of pests of L. decidua trees in the Modryna tract, leading to a general weakening of their sanitary condition. Symptoms of larch needle cast (meria needle blight) and browning were recorded on the needles; on the trunks – typical manifestations of cankers and fruiting bodies of a unique basidiomycete – Lariciphomes officinalis. Apart from infectious pathologies, sporadic wind and storm damaged larch trees, as well as other negative effects of wind exposure, were recorded in the study areas. The species composition of the pests of the surveyed larch trees included the following insect species: Cephalcia lariciphila, Sacchiphantes viridis Ratz., Coleophora laricella, Zeiraphera diniana Gn., Lasiomma laricicola Karl. It was generalised that the main threat to the centuries-old larch trees is the complex effect of anthropogenic, abiotic, and biotic (including parasitic) environmental factors that constantly and to varying degrees affect the sanitary and physiological state of ancient larch trees. The findings of this study provide information for predicting the risks of spreading pathogens and pests, which allows managing these risks and preventing their further spread

An Experimental Investigation Use of Fly Ash as Partial Replacement Cement in Concrete

Infrastructural development is at its peak all over the world and is a symbol of growth for any country. The most popular construction material is concrete which involves use of cement which is responsible for 7% of total world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide is the main threat in causing global warming of the environment. The attempts have been made to reduce CO2 emissions in environment by all possible ways, but cement has not found a suitable replacement for it till date. Fly ash concrete is an effort in reducing cement content of construction. Fly ash concrete has economical and environmental advantages. It also makes concrete sustainable. In India, presently nearly 50% of fly ash produced is consumed. The paper aims at discussing the use of fly ash concrete in construction as a solution to address two environmental problems – one, disposal of huge amounts of fly ash, by production of thermal power plants, causing environmental degradation through large areas of landfills and two, high percentage of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere from the cement industry.

Effects of Clostridium tyrobutyricum on Lipid Metabolism, Intestinal Barrier Function, and Gut Microbiota in Obese Mice Induced by High-Fat Diet.

Obesity and its complications constitute a main threat to global human health. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the influences of Clostridium tyrobutyricum (Ct) on lipid metabolism, intestinal barrier function, and intestinal microbiome in obese mice induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). After establishing the obesity model, 107 CFU/mL and 108 CFU/mL C. tyrobutyricum were used to intervene in HFD-fed mice by gavage for six weeks, and indexes related to obesity were measured. In the liver of HFD-fed mice, the results revealed that C. tyrobutyricum reduced liver weight and the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), along with decreasing red lipid droplets and fat vacuoles. After C. tyrobutyricum intervention, the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) was downregulated, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) were upregulated in the liver. Additionally, C. tyrobutyricum alleviated intestinal morphology injury caused by HFD, decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-1β in the colon, and upregulated tight junction protein expression. In addition, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that C. tyrobutyricum increases the diversity of intestinal microbiota. Overall, C. tyrobutyricum improved HFD-induced lipid metabolism disorders, preserved the intestinal barrier's integrity, and modulated the structure of the intestinal microbiome. These findings provide a novel insight into the role of C. tyrobutyricum as a probiotic in regulating lipid metabolism.

The US military policy toward China and Russia under the Biden administration

This article offers a comprehensive study of the policy of deterrence toward China and Russia in the military sphere under the Biden Administration. The US military policy toward China and Russia under the Biden Administration consists in increase regular pressure on Beijing and Moscow. The motivation for this policy is expressed in the following way: authoritarian China and Russia are posing a direct challenge not only to the values, interests, security and well-being of the United States, but also to the free, open, prosperous, and secure world order. According to the Biden administration's opinion only integrated deterrence through military and non-military methods and direct competition with China and Russia can maintain the US leadership in world politics. The methodological basis of the study includes analysis of the doctrinal documents which that regulate foreign and military policy of the US, the method of logical analysis and decision analysis. Despite the difference in ideological preferences and foreign policy attitudes between the Democrats and the Republicans, the foundations of the US military strategy toward China and Russia under Trump have passed into the strategic documents of the Biden administration. The main threats to the US and its allies are once again China and Russia. The US emphasizes that China and Russia are powerful nuclear powers which the US faces simultaneously for the first time in its history. China is rapidly developing its military potential and preparing for a military confrontation with the United States, which makes this country the most dangerous threat to the entire world in the very near future. Russia, which has a smaller range of capabilities compared to China, poses an acute military threat here and right now through special military operation, cyber-attacks, activities in gray zones and the deployment of the latest hypersonic missile systems.

'Only My Truth Can Save Us All': The Impact of Socioeconomic Threat and its Emotional Appraisals on the Monopoly on Truth and Political Extremism.

Political extremism is one of the main threats to democratic societies and it has been related to socioeconomic threats like COVID-19. We argue that socioeconomic threat perceptions increase Monopoly on Truth (MoT), a tendency to conceive personal values as undeniable truths that are worthy of being imposed. MoT will then prompt a rise in extremist intentions. These hypotheses were tested in two experimental designs ( N = 274 & 484). Study 1 manipulated socioeconomic threat, while Study 2 added a manipulation of the emotional appraisal of that threat. In Study 1, MoT scores were significantly different and higher in the high-threat condition. In Study 2, threat levels did not cause statistically significant differences when emotional appraisal of the threat was manipulated, with anger causing MoT to increase. Study 2 also showed that MoT works as a precursor of extremist intentions. Socioeconomic threats and their emotional appraisals raise MoT and, indirectly, extremism. Beyond deepening our understanding of the causes of MoT, the current findings highlight the implications of different narratives framing socioeconomic crises that may become a facilitating factor of extremism.

Подходы к оценке защищённости информационных систем с криптографическим преобразованием объектов

The file system is one of the components of an information system, especially vulnerable to attacks by intruders. Consequently, it is impossible to increase the security level of an information system without ensuring a sufficient level of protection for file system objects, attacks on which affect, among other things, the interests of users of information systems. In order to make decisions on the use of certain mechanisms for protecting file system objects, a regular assessment of their current level of security is necessary. The purpose of the study. Building a model for assessing the security of an information system with cryptographic transformation of file system objects in the context of an attacker using a wide range of attacks on the file system. Materials and methods. The analysis of scientific publications on the problem of assessing the security of information systems allowed us to propose a methodology for assessing the security of information system assets. The methodology is based on a combination of a probabilistic approach to the analysis of possible scenarios for the implementation of threats in information systems for file system objects, expert assessments of basic attack events and representations in the form of attack trees. The threat implementation representation in the form of attack trees is used to simulate the actions of an attacker. Results. A structural model of an information system with cryptographic transformation of objects has been developed. Its valuable assets have been allocated. The list of the main threats to information security relevant for such systems is defined. Possible variants of the ways of implementing attacks and possible scenarios of the development of events in the processes of transferring file system objects with cryptographic transformation are modeled. A set of measures for the protection of information system objects with cryptographic transformation of objects is proposed. The calculation of the probabilities of attacks on an asset along the path determined by the attack tree, the possibility of implementing an attack, the degree of effectiveness of the proposed countermeasures is proposed. Conclusion. The presented methodology for assessing the security of an information system with cryptographic transformation of objects makes it possible to use well-known approaches in a comprehensive manner, and will be useful to developers and researchers in practical and scientific activities to ensure information security.