Modern Challenges Research Articles

A deep learning-driven multi-layered steganographic approach for enhanced data security

In the digital era, ensuring data integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality is critical amid growing interconnectivity and evolving security threats. This paper addresses key limitations of traditional steganographic methods, such as limited payload capacity, susceptibility to detection, and lack of robustness against attacks. A novel multi-layered steganographic framework is proposed, integrating Huffman coding, Least Significant Bit (LSB) embedding, and a deep learning-based encoder–decoder to enhance imperceptibility, robustness, and security. Huffman coding compresses data and obfuscates statistical patterns, enabling efficient embedding within cover images. At the same time, the deep learning encoder adds layer of protection by concealing an image within another. Extensive evaluations using benchmark datasets, including Tiny ImageNet, COCO, and CelebA, demonstrate the approach’s superior performance. Key contributions include achieving high visual fidelity with Structural Similarity Index Metrics (SSIM) consistently above 99%, robust data recovery with text recovery accuracy reaching 100% under standard conditions, and enhanced resistance to common attacks such as noise and compression. The proposed framework significantly improves robustness, security, and computational efficiency compared to traditional methods. By balancing imperceptibility and resilience, this paper advances secure communication and digital rights management, addressing modern challenges in data hiding through an innovative combination of compression, adaptive embedding, and deep learning techniques.

Breaking through the 'wall of complexity' in a politically themed microworld: a challenge for elected officials and the general public.

Political leaders are often regarded as the most qualified individuals to address modern societal challenges, owing to the knowledge they acquire through their experience in dealing with complex issues, governance and management, and working towards making impactful decisions. To understand the influence of prior knowledge on decision-making, we conducted a comparative analysis of complex decision-making performance in a politically themed computer-simulated microworld involving incumbent elected officials and a general population sample, each contrasted with a random-response baseline produced with randomly generated decisions. Participants were tasked to govern a country for re-election while maintaining financial stability. The pattern of results suggests that decision-making faces a 'wall of complexity' whether one is an elected official or a citizen. Although elected officials generally reported having greater political knowledge, their performance was still relatively poor. The elected officials and general population subgroups performed at the same level and only slightly better than chance. Addressing the societal challenges of our time requires elected officials to possess more than domain-specific prior knowledge.

How to Use Data Science in Economics – A Classroom Game Based on Cartel Detection

Background Conceptual links between economics and modern data science pose challenges for students and lecturers alike. The present article aims to enhance education and training of students and practitioners by integrating modern empirical research skills into their economic competencies. Aim This paper introduces a classroom game designed to simulate real-world economic scenar- ios, enhancing understanding of procurement markets and regulatory roles within society. In addition, the paper provides supporting teaching material in order to implement the game. The incorporation of this classroom game can contribute to the preparation of the next generation of professionals to be better equipped to address challenges in the era of big data. Method Participants’ success in the game’s first two parts hinges on their comprehension of market dynamics. In the third part, drawing from recent literature on machine-learning-based cartel detection, participants analyze whether bid patterns are indicative of collusive (cartel) behavior. In this part of the game, the success of the participants now role-playing as employees of an antitrust authority, depends on data-science skills. Results The classroom game introduced in the present article was implemented with a class of ten students, serving both as a proof of concept and as a means to gain practical insights. The game proves to be a suitable tool for social-science educators to incorporate the interdisciplinary nature of modern economics into their curricula. It is suited for participants with varying levels of data-science expertise. Moreover, it demonstrates how key lessons from scientific articles can 1 be taught in an application-oriented manner, enhancing participants’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. Conclusion Incorporating the classroom game presented in this paper into educational curricula supports students in effectively integrating data-science skills with economic reasoning.

Savoring the past, preserving the future: a mixed-methods examination of culinary traditions among Pontic Greeks in Northern Greece

This mixed-methods study investigates how Pontic Greeks in Western Macedonia, Greece, preserve and adapt their culinary traditions amid modern challenges. Employing survey questionnaires (n = 390), interviews, and participant observation, we explored sociodemographic attributes, lifestyle factors, and food preferences. Statistical and thematic analyses revealed a strong preference for traditional delicacies, such as pisia (a type of pancake) and tanomenon sorva (yogurt soup), alongside a notable shift from butter to olive oil driven by health considerations. Qualitative findings underscored the deep cultural and emotional significance of these foods, revealing themes such as intergenerational knowledge transmission, urbanization’s impact, and the dual role of heritage and convenience in shaping food choices. Integrated data analysis revealed a convergence regarding the importance of preserving culinary traditions in the face of societal change, illustrating the dynamic nature of Pontic Greek gastronomy. This study demonstrates how personal, cultural, environmental, and societal factors influence the maintenance and evolution of these culinary practices.

Carnap und Heidegger

Abstract Rudolf Carnap and Martin Heidegger shared with Max Weber the decisionist understanding of values as something that cannot be justified by scientists or philosophers. Although both accepted the challenge of modernity in this respect, they reacted in opposite ways. Carnap, along with the Vienna Circle, defended a scientific conception of the world in which science and instrumental rationality were to permeate all of life; Heidegger embarked on an understanding of metaphysics in which rationality and science were to be eliminated. Both strategies were deeply political, and both resulted from the split in the German youth and life-reform movement that took place during and immediately after World War I. I discuss this image here in the context of dialectical theology, the Vienna Circle, and the Davos Disputation, with a sideways glance at Ernst Cassirer, and with a view to earlier interpretations by Michael Friedman and Gottfried Gabriel.

A Strategy-Driven Semantic Framework for Precision Decision Support in Targeted Medical Fields

Healthcare 4.0 addresses modernization and digital transformation challenges, such as home-based care and precision treatments, by leveraging advanced technologies to enhance accessibility and efficiency. Semantic technologies, particularly knowledge graphs (KGs), have proven instrumental in representing interconnected medical data and improving clinical decision-support systems. We previously introduced a semantic framework to assist medical experts during patient interactions. Operating iteratively, the framework prompts medical experts with relevant questions based on patient input, progressing toward accurate diagnoses in time-constrained settings. It comprises two components: (a) a KG representing symptoms, diseases, and their relationships, and (b) algorithms that generate questions and prioritize hypotheses—a ranked list of symptom–disease pairs. An earlier extension enriched the KG with a symptom ontology, incorporating hierarchical structures and inheritance relationships to improve accuracy and question-generation capabilities. This paper further extends the framework by introducing strategies tailored to specific medical domains. Strategies integrate domain-specific knowledge and algorithms, refining decision making while maintaining the iterative nature of expert–patient interactions. We demonstrate this approach using an emergency medicine case study, focusing on life-threatening conditions. The KG is enriched with attributes tailored to emergency contexts and supported by dedicated algorithms. Boolean rules attached to graph edges evaluate to TRUE or FALSE at runtime based on patient-specific data. These enhancements optimize decision making by embedding domain-specific goal-oriented knowledge and inference processes, providing a scalable and adaptable solution for diverse medical contexts.

التكنولوجيا وأصول الفقه: إمكان الإجماع في الوقت المعاصر نموذجاً

This study focuses on the possibility of reviving consensus (al-ʾiǧmāʿ), considered to be one of the recognized sources of Islamic legislation, in the light of the development of contemporary technological means. The importance of the subject lies in the fact that it addresses one of the most debated issues in the foundations of jurisprudence (ʾuṣūl al-fiqh), especially since many ancient scholars denied the practical feasibility of consensus (al-ʾiǧmāʿ) citing the geographical dispersion of the ulama, the difficulty of verifying their consensus and the impossibility of transmitting it to the community. The study responds to the following problem: how can current technological means overcome the obstacles that have led some scholars to question the possibility of consensus (al-ʾiǧmāʿ), thus making it possible to achieve, prove and disseminate it within the Muslim community today? The aim of the research is to study consensus (al-ʾiǧmāʿ) and the position of ancient scholars towards it, while examining the technological tools that can facilitate it today. The approach adopted is based on the documentary method (analysis of books and online sources) and content analysis. The main results show that it is now easier and more accurate to identify the ulama eligible to legislate (al-ijtihād) thanks to digital databases and platforms, and that the modern technological boom has removed the barriers to achieving and disseminating consensus (al-ʾiǧmāʿ), via virtual means of communication and digital dissemination. In conclusion, the research recommends promoting consensus (al-ʾiǧmāʿ) today, in decision-making, by exploiting contemporary technological tools, through the creation of specialized digital platforms, databases for ulama and the organization of virtual conferences bringing together scholars from the Islamic world, thus offering greater flexibility to Islamic legislation in the face of modern challenges.

Alternative Dispute Resolution of Lonto Lèok in Resolving Land Rights Disputes in Deno Village East Manggarai District

This paper discusses the existence of Lonto Lèok local wisdom as an alternative in resolving disputes over land rights status in Deno Village, South Lamba Leda District, East Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. This research aims to identify the history of land disputes, as well as understand the application of Lonto Lèok in resolving conflicts. The method used is a case study with a qualitative approach, including in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation studies. The results showed that Lonto Lèok is still relevant in Manggarai society, functioning as a forum for deliberation to reach a binding agreement. This process not only strengthens social relations, but also creates a peaceful atmosphere in dispute resolution, prioritizing family values and unity. Therefore, the revitalization of Lonto Lèok is necessary to face modern challenges, ensuring that local wisdom values remain alive and functioning in the evolving social context

ISLAM AND DEMOCRACY: ANALYZING THE ROLE OF MAQASID AL-SHARI’AH WITHIN NORMATIVIST, ACCULTURALIST, AND NEO-NORMATIVIST PERSPECTIVES

This paper delves into the intricate relationship between Islam and democracy, focusing on the role of Maqasid al-Shari’ah in shaping Islamic political thought. It explores how this framework, emphasizing the core objectives of Islamic law, intersects with democratic values and principles. The study begins with a historical overview of Islamic political thought, tracing the evolution of the Maqasid al-Shari’ah and its integration into various Islamic political models through history. It then examines the perspectives of three primary schools of thought in Islamic political theory: the normativists, who advocate for a traditional interpretation of Islamic texts; the acculturalists, who emphasize the adaptation of Islamic principles to contemporary contexts; and the neo-normativists, who seek a reevaluation of classical Islamic interpretations in light of modern challenges. The paper further analyzes the compatibility of Maqasid al-Shari’ah with democratic principles, discussing its application in modern Islamic states and the challenges and criticisms it faces. A comparative analysis between Islamic and Western democratic models is conducted, highlighting the influence of Maqasid al-Shari’ah on democratic practices in Muslim countries and its role in cross-cultural and interfaith dialogues. The paper concludes with a discussion on contemporary challenges and future directions, focusing on the political, social, and economic challenges in Muslim democracies, the role of education and public discourse, and recommendations for future research. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between Islamic jurisprudence and modern governance, offering insights into how Islamic principles can be harmonized with democratic ideals in a rapidly changing world.

Design of an IoT-enabled wearable device for stress level monitoring

Modern challenges require effective methods for stress monitoring and management, which drive the implementation of innovative solutions. This article presents the development of a wearable device integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) technology, capable of detecting and quantitatively assessing stress levels in real-time. This technology enhances the accuracy of stress evaluation, enabling quick responses and the development of personalized stress management strategies. The device uses a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) as the main controller and includes nine sensors: Photo plethysmography (MAX30102), electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), glucose level (GS), electromyography (EMG), temperature (TS), pressure (PS), heart rate (HRS), pulse (PS), and galvanic skin response (GSR). These sensors measure physiological parameters such as heart rate, skin conductance, and breathing rate, which are associated with stress. The collected data is transmitted via Wi-Fi to the Firebase platform. The article also discusses the benefits of IoT-enabled wearable devices, their versatility for use in various environments such as offices, educational institutions, and healthcare settings, where stress management plays a critical role. Continuous monitoring allows users to track stress levels and take timely actions to improve their well-being. Experimental data shows that the device achieves 85% accuracy in measuring heart rate and breathing. This device can be valuable in both everyday life and professional fields, including medicine, education, and work environments, where stress control is crucial for health and productivity).

TATA CARA HIDUP ORANG MELAYU RIAU: WARISAN BUDAYA YANG LESTARI

The Malay community of Riau is known for its rich culture, which reflects noble values of life passed down through various traditions and ways of life from their ancestors. The principle of "adat bersendi syarak, syarak bersendi kitabullah" serves as a guide in their lives, integrating Islamic values into every aspect of their existence. This article aims to examine the way of life of the Malay community in Riau as part of cultural heritage that needs to be preserved, as well as its relevance in the present time. Using a qualitative approach and literature study, this research explores various aspects of Malay Riau culture, such as customs, oral literature, traditional clothing, and how the Malay community preserves the environment. Amid the challenges of globalization and modernization, this article shows that the values within the Malay Riau way of life remain essential in creating a harmonious, cultured, and virtuous society. Efforts to preserve culture through education and cultural festivals are also crucial so that younger generations can continue to appreciate and maintain this cultural heritage.

Challenges of the Civil Services Journey: A Study of Characters in I.A.S Today

Professor Vikas Sharma is a well acclaimed writer in the realm of Indian writings He has written a number of novels which have been well received and appreciated all over the world .The novel I.A.S Today by Professor Vikas Sharma reflects various themes like Ambition and Perseverance, Sacrifices and Costs of Success, Youthful Aspirations and Modern Challenges, Moral Values vs. Material Ambition etc. Apart from these themes the novel also delves into the multifaceted journey of aspirants preparing for one of India’s most desired and challenging examinations—the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). This paper explores the struggles faced by the characters in the novel, including personal sacrifices, social pressures, and psychological hurdles. By analyzing the characters’ experiences, the research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the realities of IAS preparation and its broader implications for aspirants and society

EXAMINING THE RELEVANCE OF CHANAKYA’S RAJMANDALA THEORY IN CONTEMPORARY GEOPOLITICS AND STATECRAFT

This research explores the timeless relevance of Kautilya’s Arthashastra and its Mandala Theory in contemporary diplomacy and statecraft tackling three main questions. Drawing from ancient texts, modern interpretations, and innovative frameworks, the study bridges historical wisdom with present-day geopolitics. By introducing original mathematical formulas and family-based analogies, it simplifies the Mandala Theory to demonstrate its adaptability across diverse contexts. Integrating insights from extensive scholarly resources and creative interpretations, this work sheds light on Kautilya’s enduring principles, offering a fresh perspective on strategic planning, governance, and international relations. Through this thesis, ancient strategies are reimagined to inspire solutions for modern global challenges.

Nonverbal Communication and its Effects on Human Relations: An Analysis from Surah Luqman

Communication is a fundamental aspect of human relations and interactions, encompassing both verbal and nonverbal elements. While much emphasis is placed on verbal communication, nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures often carry significant weight in conveying messages. The study of nonverbal communication has garnered attention across various disciplines, including psychology, sociology, and anthropology. However, the exploration of nonverbal communication through the lens of religious texts, particularly the Qur'an, remains relatively underexplored. This paper seeks to fill this gap by examining the teachings of Surah Luqman, a chapter in the Qur'an that offers profound wisdom on ethical conduct and human relationships. By integrating Islamic exegesis with psychological theories and contemporary research on nonverbal communication, this study aims to provide a holistic understanding of the role of body language and other nonverbal cues in fostering positive human relations.The analysis will focus on how nonverbal communication, as implied in the verses, influences human relations and the ethical principles that govern such interactions. The results of the study show that, in contemporary times, the relevance of these principles remains strong, as they provide a framework for addressing modern communication challenges. By adhering to the Islamic guidelines of honesty, respect, and empathy in communication, individuals can cultivate positive interpersonal relations that contribute to personal and communal well-being.

Implementasi Beragama Maslahat dan Berkebudayaan Maju dalam Kehidupan Keluarga Muhammadiyah Kota Surakarta

The application of the concept of religious welfare and advanced culture is an important strategy in facing the challenges of modernity and in line with the vision of the 2025-2045 RPJPN to build a harmonious, inclusive, and sustainable society. The Muhammadiyah family in Surakarta City as part of one of the largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia, plays an important role in realizing these values through education, philanthropy, and cultural preservation. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the concept of religious welfare and advanced culture in the lives of Muhammadiyah families in Surakarta City, and how these values can help families face the challenges of modernity and contribute to national development. The research method used is a qualitative approach with interview and documentation techniques. Data were obtained from Muhammadiyah family members, related literature, and relevant organizational policies. The results of the study show that Muhammadiyah families in Surakarta have succeeded in internalizing religious values through religion-based education, philanthropy through Lazismu, and inclusive health and education services.

Optimizing Diabetes-in-Pregnancy Outcomes Requires a Care Continuum.

This study aimed to assess the strengths, limitations, opportunities, and threats presented by diabetes-in-pregnancy. We review the improvements in maternal and fetal mortality since the advent of insulin therapy, evaluate current health challenges, and identify opportunities for preventing increased mortality due to diabetes-in-pregnancy. Prior to 1922, women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) of childbearing age were discouraged from becoming pregnant as the maternal and fetal/neonatal mortality rates were extremely high. Starvation-level dietary restriction was the only "treatment," with limited success in managing the disease. The discovery of insulin coupled with careful clinical management presented the possibility of successful pregnancies for women with T1dm. Over the course of the next half-century, maternal survival increased from 54 to 97%. However, the gains made in reducing adverse outcomes of diabetes in pregnancy are eroding due to modern challenges. The global obesity epidemic has led to an increase in type 2 and gestational diabetes mellitus (DM). T1DM also is on the rise. Together, the rise in the prevalence of pregestational diabetes has increased the risks for adverse outcomes. Here we review the ongoing challenges as well as opportunities for research to improve outcomes. We suggest that overweight, obesity, and diabetes management must be coupled with preconception counseling and education and must include, in addition to, Ob/Gyns, primary care, nutrition, weight management, and other experts to ensure that those at risk of pregnancy complications due to diabetes have the best possible outcomes. KEY POINTS: · Diabetes in pregnancy is affecting more people.. · The obesity epidemic is fueling an increase in pregestational diabetes.. · Research is needed to reduce inequities in diabetes in pregnancy outcomes.. · Blood glucose control should start prior to pregnancy..

AI TECHNOLOGIES TO THE QUESTION OF THE "POLICY" OF LEGAL REGULATION AT THE PRESENT STAGE. ESSENTIAL AND INSTRUMENTAL FACTORS

The article examines the essential characteristics of rulemaking activity in the context of modern challenges and priorities, which is analyzed with due regard for the instrumental and essential typologizing elements. It is noted that one of the priority areas for the development of rulemaking at the present stage is to consider the “achievements” of the latest technologies related to artificial intelligence. It is emphasized that rulemaking at all levels should ensure human rights and freedoms (in particular, this refers to the improvement of veteran policy at the present stage, its forms, and methods).

FPE–Transformer: A Feature Positional Encoding-Based Transformer Model for Attack Detection

The increase in cybersecurity threats has made attack detection systems critically important. Traditional deep learning methods often require large amounts of data and struggle to understand relationships between features effectively. With their self-attention mechanism, Transformers excel in modeling complex relationships and long-term dependencies. They are also adaptable to various data types and sources, making them advantageous in large-scale attack detection scenarios. This paper introduces the FPE–Transformer framework, leveraging the strengths of the Transformer architecture. FPE–Transformer incorporates an innovative feature positional encoding mechanism that encodes the positional information of each feature separately, enabling a deeper understanding of feature relationships and more precise attack detection. Additionally, the model includes a ClassificationHead for enhanced accuracy and complex pattern recognition. The framework’s performance was validated using the NSL-KDD and CIC-IDS2017 datasets, demonstrating its superiority over traditional methods in detecting diverse attack types and improving overall performance. This study highlights FPE–Transformer’s innovative approach and ability to address key limitations of traditional deep learning methods, establishing it as a robust solution for modern attack detection challenges.

Muhammad Abduh's Thought and Its Practical Implications on Government Work Programs For 2024-2029

This research discusses the relevance of the thought of Muhammad Abduh, a reformist Islamic intellectual, to the policies and work programs of the Indonesian government. Muhammad Abduh is known as a figure who championed the reinterpretation of Sharia principles to respond to the challenges of modernity, focusing on social justice, waqf reform, Islamic financial systems, and education. His thinking provides an important foundation for the development of a modern Islamic economy that is inclusive and equitable. In the context of Indonesian government policy, the 2024-2029 work program that carries the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045 integrates the values of Sharia economics and social justice in line with Muhammad Abduh's ideas. Programs such as strengthening the Sharia economy, optimizing ZISWAF (zakat, infaq, sadaqah and waqf) funds, and alleviating extreme poverty reflect the practical implementation of Muhammad Abduh's ideas. The government also emphasizes economic transformation, halal industry development, increasing Sharia financial inclusion, and Islamic values-based education to strengthen global competitiveness. This study uses a descriptive-analytical method to evaluate the relationship between Muhammad Abduh's thought and public policy in Indonesia. The analysis shows that Muhammad Abduh's ideas are not only relevant in addressing national development challenges, but also provide concrete solutions in creating social justice, community empowerment, and strengthening the Sharia economic system. This research also offers practical recommendations on how Muhammad Abduh's Islamic economic principles can be applied more broadly to support sustainable and inclusive development in Indonesia.

Internalization of Religious Character Values through Discussion Activities Ngopi Bengi at IPNU-IPPNU Tahunan Branch

This study aims to analyze the process of internalizing religious character values through ngopi bengi discussion activities at IPNU-IPPNU Ranting Tahunan. This research is the result of field research at IPNU-IPPNU Ranting Tahunan. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach and a qualitative descriptive method. The data collection techniques were carried out by observation of Ngopi Bengi Discussion activities, interviews with the chairman and members of IPNU IPPNU, and documentation. The data analysis techniques used were data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that the process of internalizing religious character values through Ngopi Bengi discussion activities in IPNU-IPPNU Ranting Tahunan could be one of the means of a religious organization to improve character values, responsibility, patience, discipline, caring, tolerance, and spirituality. Ngopi Bengi discussion activities are not only a means to deepen religious knowledge by discussing with the cleric, but also to shape participants' religious character values for the better through application in everyday life. With an approach based on spiritual, social, and competition education, this activity proves the relevance of religious character internalization methods in facing modern social challenges. Keywords: Character Value, Religious, religious discussion