Context Of Security Research Articles

Characteristics and features of Kazakhstan’s water security policy

Amidst the complex geopolitical dynamics of Central Asia, Kazakhstan grapples with urgent water security issues exacerbated by climate change, underscoring the critical need to examine this issue within the context of regional security. Therefore, this study seeks to comprehensively analyze Kazakhstan’s water security policy, examining its various elements and components at national and regional levels. Using system analysis and statistical techniques, data were collected from an array of sources, including strategies, development plans, statistical reports, analytical articles, methodological guidelines, and official government and international organization websites. The analysis revealed key challenges in Kazakhstan’s water security, including deteriorating infrastructure, outdated management practices, vulnerability to floods and low water levels, inadequate training, and regulatory deficiencies. A novel approach is offered by examining current trends in Kazakhstan’s water security domain, which involves scrutinizing the activities of relevant state bodies and analyzing regulatory frameworks amid rapid climate shifts. Additionally, the heightened potential for conflict across the continent was recognized. Despite earnest attempts to mitigate these challenges, the country confronts imminent water shortages exacerbated by heightened consumption and dwindling runoff from neighboring states. In light of these findings, policymakers and stakeholders are urged to devise robust policies and management strategies aimed at fortifying water security and addressing the underlying vulnerabilities in this critical domain.

Identification of Distorted Fingerprints Using Wavelet Method and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)

Biometrics offers a valuable tool for disaster victim identification, particularly through fingerprints. However, distorted or damaged fingerprints pose a significant challenge for recognition. This study explores the potential of Wavelet and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) techniques to enhance the accuracy of distorted fingerprint recognition. Wavelet transform addresses the non-stationary nature of images and reduces detected noise. Convolutional Autoencoder, a CNN component, generates simplified feature representations from input images and attempts to reconstruct them. Utilizing 500 fingerprint samples, the testing results demonstrate accuracy variations ranging from 11% to 59.2%. Image reconstruction achieved 7.16% to 12.47% accuracy, while fingerprint matching attained accuracies between 92.71% and 93.96%. Averaging across all damage levels, the overall accuracy reached 37.65%, with average fingerprint reconstruction at 9.31% and average matching accuracy at 93.03%. The successful reconstruction and matching of distorted fingerprints within a certain range of damage using Wavelet and Convolutional Neural Network highlights the promising potential of these techniques for improved fingerprint identification in forensic and security contexts.

GEOPOLITICS OF ENERGY RESOURCES: RECONSIDERING SECURITY AT THE GLOBAL LEVEL

The article analyses the impact of the russian-Ukrainian war on global energy markets as a trigger for rethinking the general context of energy security. Based on the latest scientific research, the author considers energy security issues' shifting from isolated aspects such as supply chain stability to an integrated geoeconomic approach. The article presents the factors that caused the national subjects' volatility regarding energy security depending on the energy market structure, relations between consumers and producers, supply and demand trends, technological changes, and readiness for potential energy supply crises or price shocks. The author's special attention is focused on the ties between energy resources and the military dimension, namely: 1) energy militarization as a cause of military actions; 2) energy resources as a secondary element of war; 3) energy profits as a source of financing armed conflicts. Against the background of increased strategic competition, most countries are leaning towards alternative spaces for developing joint political decisions, such as the friend-shoring concept, which signals a new form of protectionism for geopolitical reasons and the formation of potential chokepoints in supply chains. However, a transnational energy platform can catalyse the synergistic potential of allies, reduce security risks, and minimize supply disruptions due to political and economic influences. The success of a full-fledged launch of a transnational platform on energy security will depend on attractiveness strategies for "resourceful" but politically neutral countries; unification of production standards between participants; and the degree of reducing supply chain vulnerability relative to the participation costs.

Controllable multi-soliton spectral tunneling by airy pulses in photonic crystal fiber

A straightforward method to induce tunable multi-soliton spectral tunneling (SST) using a finite energy Airy pulse in a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) featuring three zero-dispersion wavelengths is proposed numerically in the paper. The study reveals that the distinctive multi-envelope structure of the Airy pulse enables the control of tunneling distances, properties, and soliton numbers through modulation of its attenuation factor and peak intensity. Notably, the SST process involving the Airy pulse generates multiple blue-shifted and red-shifted dispersion waves, along with associated trapping waves, contributing to the formation of an ultra-flat and ultra-wide supercontinuum. Furthermore, the velocity and efficiency of multi-SST can be manipulated to enhance the overall tunability of the phenomenon. The findings underscore the potential application of Airy pulse-driven SST in secure multi-frequency signal transmission and controlled supercontinuum generation, with the tunability of these processes being governed by the specific attenuation factor and peak power settings of the input Airy pulse. This work advances the understanding of multi-SST dynamics in PCFs and provides a theoretical framework for exploiting these dynamics in practical information security and optical spectrum management contexts.

Domesticating the Global War on Terrorism in West Africa: Implications for Sub-Regional Security

Objective: The objective of this study is to the recent incidences of terror attacks in the West African sub-region that have only overwhelmed national governments concerned. Using the case studies of Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, and Niger, the paper interrogates the recent scourge of terrorism in these countries within the context of sub-regional security. Theoretical Framework: The structural conflict theory, which argues that conflict is built into the systems and structures of society, is employed in the work. This is based on the radical transformative agenda promoted by globalization and accentuated by the violent intra-state conflicts in Africa, especially following the restructuring of the international security architecture after the end of the Cold War in 1989. Method: The methodology adopted for this research utilizes the qualitative research design using the case study approach. Secondary data is engaged for this study, alongside thematic analysis for the harmonization of data. Results and Discussion: The study discovered that the activities of domestic terror groups is hinged on the unresolved rhetoric of globalization. The study concludes that until there are institutional measures to strengthen the fragile politico-economic structures hurriedly erected after prolonged dictatorships in the countries concerned, the solution to the threat of terrorism will remain a tantalizing mirage. It canvasses for the creation of a civil-military alliance in the war on terror, and the strengthening of democratic institutions to bring about good governance which will make states better equipped to curb terrorism. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the fields of national security, strategic studies and even institutional democracy. These implications could encompass the protection of lives and property within the state, protection of the state’s territorial integrity and the consolidation of democracy by state governments. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the fragilitiy of democracy in West African states as a consequence of prolonged terrorist attacks that are yet to be adequately catered to by civilian governments. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by it practical applicability across the fields of policy and strategic studies, and political science.

Criminal Law and Its Impact to Ensure Security in Jordan

The main purpose of the article is to formulate ways to improve criminal law in Jordan, in the context of ensuring security. The object of the study is the criminal law of Jordan. The scientific task is to formulate a comprehensive model for improving Jordanian criminal legislation in the context of ensuring security. The research methodology involves the use of the IDEF0 modeling method. The result is a schematic decomposition of improvements in Jordanian criminal law in a security context. The main purpose of the article is to formulate ways to improve criminal law in Jordan, in the context of ensuring security. The object of the study is the criminal law of Jordan. The scientific task is to formulate a comprehensive model for improving Jordanian criminal legislation in the context of ensuring security. The research methodology involves the use of the IDEF0 modeling method. The result is a schematic decomposition of improvements in Jordanian criminal law in a security context. The novelty of the study lies in the development of an integrated model for improving Jordanian criminal legislation using the IDEF0 modeling method, which has not previously been used in this context. This allows you to systematically analyze and visualize the processes of improving criminal law, contributing to the understandability and effectiveness of the presented solutions. Limitations of the study include dependence on the availability of up-to-date data and the consistency of model assumptions with the actual situation in Jordan, which may affect the accuracy and relevance of the results. An important direction for further research is to test the developed model in real-world conditions and evaluate its impact on the effectiveness of criminal justice in Jordan.

Operational Efficiency Through Optimization of Education and Training Processes in NATO Missions

Abstract This article investigates the ways in which education and military training can contribute to enhancing the operational capabilities of armed forces involved in international missions under the auspices of NATO. Through an analytical approach, which combined literature review, analysis of official documents, and mission analysis, the main challenges and opportunities regarding the optimization of education and training processes within NATO have been identified. Additionally, recommendations have been proposed for strengthening partnerships and exchanging best practices among member states and international organizations to improve military personnel readiness and promote a culture of continuous learning within the armed forces. This research provides a critical perspective on the role of military education and training within NATO and proposes solutions for optimizing armed forces preparedness processes in the current context of global security.

Controlul civil democratic asupra Forțelor Armate ale Republicii Moldova în contextul aspirațiilor de aderare la Uniunea Europeană

Based on the experience of other countries, in the current context of regional security, the enhanced relations with NATO, and the status of candidate country for EU membership, the Republic of Moldova has to pay increased attention to its security and defence. It includes not only increasing budget allocations for the defence sector, professionalizing the armed forces or participating with troops alongside other European countries in various theatres of operations, but also ensuring institutional transparency and rigorous implementation of EU standards of civilian democratic control over the armed forces. The effectiveness of democratic civilian control will contribute to enhancing national security and will bring the Republic of Moldova closer to the European community. This article briefly discusses the evolution of democratic civilian control over the armed forces of the Republic of Moldova from a theoretical and practical point of view and sets up some recommendations.

Democratic Civilian Control over the Armed Forces in the Context of the Aspirations of the Republic of Moldova to Join the European Union

Based on the experience of other countries, in the current context of regional security, the enhanced relations with NATO, and the status of candidate country for EU membership, the Republic of Moldova has to pay increased attention to its security and defence. It includes not only increasing budget allocations for the defence sector, professionalizing the armed forces or participating with troops alongside other European countries in various theatres of operations, but also ensuring institutional transparency and rigorous implementation of EU standards of civilian democratic control over the armed forces. The effectiveness of democratic civilian control will contribute to enhancing national security and will bring the Republic of Moldova closer to the European community. This article briefly discusses the evolution of democratic civilian control over the armed forces of the Republic of Moldova from a theoretical and practical point of view and sets up some recommendations.

Automating the correctness assessment of AI-generated code for security contexts

Evaluating the correctness of code generated by AI is a challenging open problem. In this paper, we propose a fully automated method, named ACCA, to evaluate the correctness of AI-generated code for security purposes. The method uses symbolic execution to assess whether the AI-generated code behaves as a reference implementation. We use ACCA to assess four state-of-the-art models trained to generate security-oriented assembly code and compare the results of the evaluation with different baseline solutions, including output similarity metrics, widely used in the field, and the well-known ChatGPT, the AI-powered language model developed by OpenAI.Our experiments show that our method outperforms the baseline solutions and assesses the correctness of the AI-generated code similar to the human-based evaluation, which is considered the ground truth for the assessment in the field. Moreover, ACCA has a very strong correlation with the human evaluation (Pearson’s correlation coefficient r=0.84 on average). Finally, since it is a full y automated solution that does not require any human intervention, the proposed method performs the assessment of every code snippet in ∼0.17 s on average, which is definitely lower than the average time required by human analysts to manually inspect the code, based on our experience.

POPULATION DENSITY OF LESSER DATE MOTH ON MOST PROMINENT DATE PALM CULTIVARS AT KHAIRPUR MIRS

Pakistan is a more peculiar and hearty zone for almost all types of date palm cultivars but only District Khairpur Mirs of Sindh is regarded as “Khajeen jo dees”. The field survey-based research study was conducted at Taluka Kingri, District Khairpur during, 2017-18. The present study was sought on viz., Aseel, Nar-aseel, Fasly, Karbalian, Otakin, Daki-wari, Asul-kurh, Kashoo-wari, Asul-khurmo, Dedhi-wari, Lessoro, Begun-wari, Gajar-wari, Noori-wari and Nakul-kurh date palm varieties. All the novel already cultivated varieties were observed through random selection against the population density of Batrachedra amydraula. The pest data was taken every week from April, May and June months in both years of the study period. The pest data was gathered from 15 acres of cultivated Phoenix dactylifera orchards and prohibited to any insecticides. The maximum suspected pest infestation was found on Fasli cultivar whereas; the minimum infestation was recorded on Aseel. This commercial high-priced variety is found with high tolerance capability against salinity, drought, and upper range temperature conditions and hence recommended for cultivation. In the present study, it was frequently observed the appearance of the Batrachedra amydraula on all novel cultivars. The “Khajoor” is the cash crop and the main economic source of livelihood of this region but for a few decades, LDM has leads productivity reduction in terms of quantity and quality. The food security and socio-economic status of date palms are poorly documented in Pakistan. In this context for date palm crop security, more work should be carried on against population reduction of LDM.

Analysis, Evaluation, and Future Directions on Multimodal Deception Detection

Multimodal deception detection has received increasing attention from the scientific community in recent years, mainly due to growing ethical and security issues, as well as the growing use of digital media. A great number of deception detection methods have been proposed in several domains, such as political elections, security contexts, and job interviews. However, a systematic analysis of the current situation and the evaluation and future directions of deception detection based on cues coming from multiple modalities seems to be lacking. This paper, starting from a description of methods and metrics used for the analysis and evaluation of multimodal deception detection on video, provides a vision of future directions in this field. For the analysis, the PRISMA recommendations are followed, which allow the collection and synthesis of all the available research on the topic and the extraction of information on the multimodal features, the fusion methods, the classification approaches, the evaluation datasets, and metrics. The results of this analysis contribute to the assessment of the state of the art and the evaluation of evidence on important research questions in multimodal deceptive deception. Moreover, they provide guidance on future research in the field.

Breaking the Newtonian Fetish: Conceptualizing War Differently for a Changing World

Explaining what a military’s social paradigm concerning conflict and war is requires a theoretical approach to both frame the core constructs and offer feasible alternatives. This article introduces social paradigm theory for military application and how most modern, technologically advanced militaries sustain a Newtonian-styled worldview concerning warfare and what constitutes war. The Newtonian-styled war paradigm gained prominence during the last five centuries, yet is now becoming increasingly insufficient and possibly irrelevant. The integration of ever-increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence into nearly all aspects of warfare will require new ways of thinking and how teams of humans and AI systems collaborate in complex security contexts immediately. The new combination of the space domain, cyberspace, those military forces associated with these new domains, and special operations activities are of increased focus for how and why conflict may change, particularly within an overarching traditional nuclear deterrence between state competitors. This requires a military paradigmatic shift, moving away from Newtonian constructs.

Flexible Self-Powered Low-Decibel Voice Recognition Mask.

In environments where silent communication is essential, such as libraries and conference rooms, the need for a discreet means of interaction is paramount. Here, we present a single-electrode, contact-separated triboelectric nanogenerator (CS-TENG) characterized by robust high-frequency sensing capabilities and long-term stability. Integrating this TENG onto the inner surface of a mask allows for the capture of conversational speech signals through airflow vibrations, generating a comprehensive dataset. Employing advanced signal processing techniques, including short-time Fourier transform (STFT), Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC), and deep learning neural networks, facilitates the accurate identification of speaker content and verification of their identity. The accuracy rates for each category of vocabulary and identity recognition exceed 92% and 90%, respectively. This system represents a pivotal advancement in facilitating secure and efficient unobtrusive communication in quiet settings, with promising implications for smart home applications, virtual assistant technology, and potential deployment in security and confidentiality-sensitive contexts.

Explainable AI for Abnormal Human Activity Detection in Surveillance Videos: A Review

This review paper examines the integration of Explainable AI (XAI) techniques into abnormal human activity detection from surveillance videos, emphasizing their significance in enhancing transparency, accountability, and trustworthiness in AI-powered surveillance systems. Through an exploration of XAI methods such as LIME, SHAP, and attention mechanisms, we discuss how these techniques provide insights into the decision-making process of AI models, enabling stakeholders to understand and interpret model predictions. Furthermore, we highlight the advantages of using XAI for debugging errors, identifying biases, and increasing trust among human operators in various security contexts. Additionally, we discuss ongoing research directions in XAI for abnormal human activity detection, including the development of advanced explanation techniques and the incorporation of user feedback into the explanation process. By fostering collaboration between humans and AI, XAI holds the potential to enhance the effectiveness and responsible deployment of surveillance systems, contributing to safer and more secure environments for all stakeholders.

Participatory research processes for the production of plant material in food security context

The production of quality seed constitutes one of the main challenges for food security and sovereignty of both urban and rural populations, requiring processes that recognize not only the potential of the territories but also the diversity associated withpeasant communities and their forms of production. , so as to reduce the gaps resulting from the use of seeds of low or no physical, genetic, physiological and sanitary quality that reduce the impact on the yields of banana, pineapple and cassava crops. To this end, a participatory research process was carried out to meet the demand for projects that improve the food and nutritional security of the population of the department of Casanare -Colombia. As a result, the methodology was implemented based on meetings with producers of productive systems for the construction of knowledge from social cartography, the preparation of economic calendars and mappings of actors and needs. This reading of the environments allowed the development of activities for the participatory selection of planting materials, processes of intensive multiplication of materials, as well as the transformation and production of banana, pineapple and cassava derivatives. The conclusions have to do with the importance of considering the producer as an active participant in the research processes in the construction of knowledge that contributes to the generation and appropriation of solutions based on science, technology and innovation in favor of food security and with this the reduction of poverty. In the near future, it is planned to carry out a training process for trainers with allied universities to leave installed capacities and to promote access and availability of quality seed.

Land Cover Dynamics in the Northwestern Virunga Landscape: An Analysis of the Past Two Decades in a Dynamic Economic and Security Context

The Beni region in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is grappling with socioeconomic development and security challenges that have affected its natural ecosystems, especially those located in the northern Virunga National Park. This study aims to document the anthropization of the northwestern Virunga landscape from 1995 to 2021 in the context of insecurity. Using a cartographic approach and ecological-landscape-analysis tools, this study delves into the overall landscape changes through a comparative analysis of protected and unprotected areas. These investigations focus on landscape composition, transitions between land-cover classes, and the spatial transformation process. The northwestern Virunga landscape is undergoing significant land cover changes due to the influence of insecurity on socioeconomic activities, primarily agriculture. Agricultural land encompasses a larger area than other land-cover types. However, its expansion has decelerated since the 2000s. The loss of forested area is discontinuous. During relatively stable periods (1995–2005), forests exhibited a reduction of up to 2.90% in area, while in the period of the return of Iturian refugees to their province, followed by terrorist insecurity in Beni (2005–2021), the forested area increased by 2.07%. Savannah areas, which are mainly located in the graben rift valley and near Butembo, have been more heavily affected by human activity than forests. Ultimately, the apparent stability of the landscape can be attributed to its protected areas, especially Virunga National Park.

Invisible Border Security: Vulnerabilities and Risks to New Zealand’s Resilience

In New Zealand, border security mechanisms depend on input from a wide range of agencies and are supported by national security strategic efforts. New Zealand’s resilience in protecting itself from vulnerabilities and risks at the border requires an assurance that there are no gaps in these mechanisms. This article shows that there are in fact gaps in these mechanisms and highlights the invisibility of border security within the national security context. It points to a lack of awareness about how the extensive number of agencies involved contribute to border security. It reveals that governance of the complex border environment is currently beyond the bounds of possibility, and the alignment of strategic priorities for the large number of agencies with an interest in border outcomes is problematic. Furthermore, the collaboration between agencies requires more than formal arrangements. This article argues for the New Zealand Government to develop the concept of a Border Security Community — a concept that, if enacted, is likely to improve New Zealand’s resilience in protecting itself from vulnerabilities and risks at the border.

Drawing the line: public attitudes towards warranted and unwarranted government surveillance in European countries

This article investigates public attitudes towards government surveillance for law enforcement and national security in different European countries, considering the broader context of citizens' security concerns. These concerns encompass crime within individual countries, potential terrorist attacks, activities of foreign agents, and even inter-state conflicts, such as the Russian Federation's military aggression against Ukraine. Using data from the International Social Survey Programme, we examine opinions about various types of government surveillance. Regression analysis is employed to determine which variables influence these opinions. Notably, there is a tangible hesitation among citizens regarding such surveillance, stemming from fears of privacy invasion and potential misuse of collected data. Our findings indicate greater support for government surveillance in Western and Nordic countries compared to post-Communist countries. Respondents with a comprehensive understanding of political issues and those advocating for government spending on security generally held a more positive view of government surveillance rights. On the other hand, perceptions of higher corruption were linked to negative views on surveillance.

Enhancing Data Privacy in Wireless Sensor Networks: Investigating Techniques and Protocols to Protect Privacy of Data Transmitted Over Wireless Sensor Networks in Critical Applications of Healthcare and National Security

The article discusses the emergence of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) as a groundbreaking technology in data processing and communication. It outlines how WSNs, composed of dispersed autonomous sensors, are utilized to monitor physical and environmental factors, transmitting data wirelessly for analysis. The article explores various applications of WSNs in healthcare, national security, emergency response, and infrastructure monitoring, highlighting their roles in enhancing patient care, public health surveillance, border security, disaster management, and military operations. Additionally, it examines the foundational concepts of data privacy in WSNs, focusing on encryption techniques, authentication mechanisms, anonymization techniques, and access control mechanisms. The article also addresses vulnerabilities, threats, and challenges related to data privacy in healthcare and national security contexts, emphasizing regulatory compliance, ethical considerations, and socio-economic factors. Furthermore, it introduces the Diffusion of Innovation Theory as a framework for understanding the adoption of privacy-enhancing technologies in WSNs. Finally, the article reviews empirical studies demonstrating the efficacy of security solutions in preserving data privacy in WSNs, offering insights into advancements in safeguarding sensitive information.