Environmental Security Research Articles

Circulation of avian Chlamydia abortus in the Netherlands and community-acquired pneumonia: an outbreak investigation and retrospective cohort study

In 2021, a novel group of Chlamydia strains in wild birds was classified as avian Chlamydia abortus, with unknown zoonotic potential. We report relevant features of avian C abortus infections from a Dutch family cluster and unrelated historical cases using clinical, epidemiological, and microbiological data. An outbreak of avian C abortus started in the Netherlands in December, 2022. Source investigation was done using questionnaires to interview patients and environmental sampling. The outbreak strain of avian C abortus was cultured from three patients from whom sufficient material was available for culture and underwent whole-genome analysis. The outbreak strains and retrospective cohort study strains previously submitted to the National Human Psittacosis surveillance programme in the Netherlands between 2010 and 2022 were typed by partial ompA sequencing. Strains with the same aberrant ompA genotype were further analysed with XerC gene plasmid analysis and compared with closely related Chlamydia sequences available in GenBank. An avian C abortus strain caused a cluster of respiratory illness in four family members. Three patients were hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia, one of whom was admitted to the intensive care unit. The faeces of wild birds were considered a probable source for the index infection. For two family members, human-to-human transmission was a plausible route. Ten historical cases could be identified with avian C abortus with the same ompA genotype. All patients had been admitted to hospital, at least five developed pneumonia, and one died. This cluster supports that avian C abortus strains can cause human infections and underlines that human-to-human transmission should be considered when tracing the source of such infections. National Institute for Public Health and the Environment and Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature. For the Dutch translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

A model proposal for enhancing cyber security in industrial IoT environments

A model proposal for enhancing cyber security in industrial IoT environments

An adaptive multistage intrusion detection and prevention system in software defined networking environment

The advancements made in Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technology seem quite promising, with potential wide application in managing and controlling the latest network infrastructures. SDN technology decouples the control plane from the data plane, enabling effective and flexible network management. However, this dynamic phenomenon brings new security challenges. With the increasing dynamism and programmable nature of networks, conventional security protocols may not sufficient to protect against advanced and sophisticated attacks. Although Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) have been extensively applied for identifying and preventing security threats in traditional network environments, IDS models designed specifically for traditional network requirements may not be adequate for SDN environments. These issues may stem from the static nature of conventional networks, contrasting with the dynamicity of advanced SDN networks, and the traditional IDS’s inability to adapt to the dynamic nature of SDN. To address these challenges, the current research proposes a novel Deep Hybrid IDS model to enhance network security in SDN environments and prevent attacks using Scapy. The proposed model detects signature-based attacks by integrating Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) for real-time simulated datasets, achieving an accuracy of 97.8%, which is comparatively better than existing models.

ExamGuard: Smart contracts for secure online test

The education sector is currently experiencing profound changes, primarily driven by the widespread adoption of online platforms for conducting examinations. This paper delves into the utilization of smart contracts as a means to revolutionize the monitoring and execution of online examinations, thereby guaranteeing the traceability of evaluation data and examinee activities. In this context, the integration of advanced technologies such as the PoseNet algorithm, derived from the TensorFlow Model, emerges as a pivotal component. By leveraging PoseNet, the system adeptly identifies both single and multiple faces of examinees, thereby ensuring the authenticity and integrity of examination sessions. Moreover, the incorporation of the COCO dataset facilitates the recognition of objects within examination environments, further bolstering the system's capabilities in monitoring examinee activities.of paramount importance is the secure storage of evidence collected during examinations, a task efficiently accomplished through the implementation of the blockchain technology. This platform not only ensures the immutability of data but also safeguards against potential instances of tampering, thereby upholding the credibility of examination results. Through the utilization of smart contracts, the proposed framework not only streamlines the examination process but also instills transparency and integrity, thereby addressing inherent challenges encountered in traditional examination methods. One of the key advantages of this technological integration lies in its ability to modernize examination procedures while concurrently reinforcing trust and accountability within the educational assessment ecosystem. By harnessing the power of smart contracts, educational institutions can mitigate concerns pertaining to data manipulation and malpractice, thereby fostering a more secure and reliable examination environment. Furthermore, the transparency afforded by blockchain technology ensures that examination outcomes are verifiable and auditable, instilling confidence among stakeholders and enhancing the overall credibility of the assessment process. In conclusion, the adoption of smart contracts represents a paradigm shift in the realm of educational assessment, offering a comprehensive solution to the challenges posed by traditional examination methods. By embracing advanced technologies such as PoseNet and blockchain, educational institutions can not only streamline examination procedures but also uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. As such, the integration of smart contracts holds immense potential in shaping the future of online examinations, paving the way for a more efficient, transparent, and trustworthy assessment ecosystem.

Hydrogeophysical mapping of paleochannels for water security in Bhawanigarh Block, District Sangrur, Punjab, India

Paleochannels, ancient buried riverbeds, offer significant potential for groundwater management and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on clean water (SDG 6) and sustainable ecosystems (SDG 15). These channels, formed when rivers change course due to natural processes or human activities, become filled with loose, permeable sediments like sand and gravel, making them natural reservoirs capable of storing large volumes of groundwater. This characteristic makes paleochannels invaluable for enhancing water security in arid and semi-arid regions.The present study, conducted in the Bhawanigarh block of Sangrur District, Punjab, focuses on mapping paleochannels for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) using Electrical Resistivity Survey techniques. A total of 37 Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were performed with a Computerized Resistivity Meter, and the findings were validated using well-logging, exploration data, historical aerial photographs, and satellite imagery. Identifying and mapping these paleochannels enable targeted groundwater recharge efforts, enhancing the sustainable management of water resources.By strategically utilizing paleochannels for artificial recharge, excess surface water can be directed into these hidden reservoirs, effectively replenishing groundwater supplies. This approach supports agricultural and drinking water needs and strengthens resilience against climate change impacts, aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action). Moreover, the careful management of these ancient channels promotes the sustainable use of natural resources, contributing to the overall goals of environmental sustainability and water security outlined in the SDGs.

The Shortest Nuclear Route to Climate Tipping Points to Great Power Competition: Tracing Arctic Security from the Cold War to Now

<p>Arctic security has been growing in popularity across academia, policymaking, and news media. However, this popularity has come with a notable question: what does Arctic security mean and what knowledge underpins it? This study traces the discourse on Arctic security from the Cold War to present examining the emergence of different types of security which range from more traditional variants to wider and deeper readings such as environmental and comprehensive security. I identify key strands of Arctic security discourse, trace their interaction over time, and periodize the region. While the Cold War era was dominated by nuclear and traditional security logics, there have been three main shifts since then including 2) 1990s-2007, 3) 2007-2019, and 4) 2019-present. This research finds that Arctic security knowledge clearly follows global security trends. Thus, as security has widened and deepened globally, so too have the potential meanings of Arctic security expanded. However, there is a clear hierarchy in today’s general discourse regarding what issues take center stage for the Arctic such as great power competition and climate change. This is in contrast to the Arctic Council, which takes into account all but military security definitions for Arctic security and integrates them in a relatively balanced way. This has implications for ocean governance institutions and the degree to which traditional military security concerns should be left out of broader ocean governance.</p>

Introduction to the Special Issues

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping our world. As AI systems become increasingly autonomous and integrated into various sectors, fundamental ethical issues such as accountability, transparency, bias, and privacy are exacerbated or morph into new forms. This introduction provides an overview of the current ethical landscape of AI. It explores the pressing need to address biases in AI systems, protect individual privacy, ensure transparency and accountability, and manage the broader societal impacts of AI on labor markets, education, and social interactions. It also highlights the global nature of AI's challenges, such as its environmental impact and security risks, stressing the importance of international collaboration and culturally sensitive ethical guidelines. It then outlines three unprecedented challenges AI poses to copyright and intellectual property rights; individual autonomy through AI's “hypersuasion”; and our understanding of authenticity, originality, and creativity through the transformative impact of AI-generated content. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of ongoing critical vigilance, imaginative conceptual design, and collaborative efforts between diverse stakeholders to deal with the ethical complexities of AI and shape a sustainable and socially preferable future. It underscores the crucial role of philosophy in identifying and analyzing the most significant problems and designing convincing and feasible solutions, calling for a new, engaged, and constructive approach to philosophical inquiry in the digital age.

The Importance of Un Peacekeeping Mission Orientation and Personnel for Environmental Protection

abstract: UN peacekeeping is increasingly linked to social and economic outcomes other than the provision of security or peace. Peacekeepers can also be associated with improvements in environmental protection. The research discussed here advances theoretical arguments on peacekeepers’ orientation and personnel composition to shed light on the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between peacekeepers and the environment. Through mandates or direct action on the ground, peacekeeping missions can have a green orientation that likely strengthens their commitment to environmental protection. Moreover, civilian personnel can help to develop the state capacity that is necessary to implement and enforce environmental regulations. The author analyzes peacekeeping deployments in post–Cold War Africa and uses fixed effects models and matching. The empirical analysis provides evidence that environmental mission orientation and more civilian personnel, than uniformed personnel, correlate with better local water quality. This research contributes to our knowledge on peacekeeping operations, and it adds to the literature on environmental politics and security studies.

Agricultural plastic pollution reduces soil function even under best management practices.

Soil plastic contamination is considered a threat to environmental health and food security. Plastic films-which are widely used as soil mulches-are the largest single source of agricultural plastic pollution. Growing evidence indicates that high concentrations of plastic negatively affect critical soil functions. However, the relationships between agricultural plastic accumulation and its biogeochemical consequences in regions with relatively low levels of soil plastic pollution remain poorly characterized. We sampled farms across the California Central Coast (a region of global agricultural importance with extensive plastic mulch-based production) to assess the degree and biogeochemical consequences of plastic pollution in fields subject to "best practice" plastic mulching application and removal practices over multiple years. All farms exhibited surface soil plastic contamination, macroplastic positively correlated with microplastic contamination levels, and macroplastic accumulation was negatively correlated with soil moisture, microbial activity, available phosphate, and soil carbon pool size. These effects occurred at less than 10% of the contamination levels reported to degrade field soils, but were relatively subtle, with no detectable relationship to microplastic concentration. Identifying declines in soil quality with low levels of macroplastic fragment accumulation suggests that we must improve best management plasticulture practices to limit the threat to soil health and agricultural productivity of unabated plastic accumulation.

Robotic Surgery in Paediatric Oncology: Expanding Boundaries and Defining Relevant Indications

This article reviews the establishment and progress of the Multidisciplinary Paediatric Robotic Program in a high-volume paediatric surgery department at Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France. A major foundational principle of the program was to establish a safe and secure environment for patients and staff, both pre-operatively, intra-operatively and post-operatively. This founding principle when applied systematically has allowed increasing confidence across the program and service. The robotic platform allows for precision surgery when approaching tumours, with freedom of movement adapted to meticulous vascular and organ dissection. Surgical feasibility is based on tumour characteristics, pre-operative imaging, with a focus on vascular and organ involvement, considering goals of surgery and surgical experience. Case complexity has been gradually increased (where appropriate) through an iterative process. The future of surgery is robotic, and even more so image-guided surgery, and this synergy has been instrumental when approaching tumour surgery in children. The current principles that guide application of robot-assisted surgery in paediatric tumours are presented. With this blueprint, excellent oncological outcomes can be achieved while utilising a minimally invasive approach in children with selected endocrine, neuroblastic and renal tumours.

Estimating the Effectiveness of some biological agents and Palm biochar in control of Dry bubble disease on the second flush of White mushroom Agaricus bisporus

In a time when technology is present in every aspect of our lives, it is crucial to incorporate advanced solutions to protect sensitive medical data in Social Medical Systems (SMS). This study explores the need to improve security in public healthcare by using advanced technologies to strengthen the weaknesses in the growing field of Social Medical Systems. This study specifically examines the analysis of IoT-23 data using machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) methods, as technology and healthcare converge. The research highlights the increasing significance of technology in healthcare, specifically focusing on the revolutionary emergence of Social Medical Systems. As these interlinked networks reshape the provision of public healthcare services, security challenges such as data breaches, cyber threats, and privacy concerns become crucial barriers that require innovative solutions. The study utilizes a wide range of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques to examine IoT-23 data, offering a detailed comprehension of the security environment in Social Medical Systems. The chosen models comprise Support Vector Machines (SVM), Isolation Forest, Random Forest, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), and Autoencoder. The results and discussions focus on evaluating metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. These metrics provide insights into how effective each model is in identifying vulnerabilities.

Orthodontic Materials and Antimicrobial Nanomaterials

In a time when technology is present in every aspect of our lives, it is crucial to incorporate advanced solutions to protect sensitive medical data in Social Medical Systems (SMS). This study explores the need to improve security in public healthcare by using advanced technologies to strengthen the weaknesses in the growing field of Social Medical Systems. This study specifically examines the analysis of IoT-23 data using machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) methods, as technology and healthcare converge. The research highlights the increasing significance of technology in healthcare, specifically focusing on the revolutionary emergence of Social Medical Systems. As these interlinked networks reshape the provision of public healthcare services, security challenges such as data breaches, cyber threats, and privacy concerns become crucial barriers that require innovative solutions. The study utilizes a wide range of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques to examine IoT-23 data, offering a detailed comprehension of the security environment in Social Medical Systems. The chosen models comprise Support Vector Machines (SVM), Isolation Forest, Random Forest, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), and Autoencoder. The results and discussions focus on evaluating metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. These metrics provide insights into how effective each model is in identifying vulnerabilities.

Between “Unfinished History” and “European Perspective”: Challenges for the Stability and Development of the Western Balkans in a Contemporary Security Environment

The analysis of the dynamics of the contemporary intra-state and international relations in the Western Balkans leads to conclusion that more than two decades after the end of the wars in the territory of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) disintegration and revisionist tendencies can still be seen in the Western Balkans (WB6). This, together with the specificity of the political systems, institutional weaknesses and socio-economic problems of the Balkan states challenge the stability of the WB6 region. As a consequence, there is still a need for a multi-dimensional involvement of the international community, aimed at the stabilization and development of the Balkan region, which – metaphorically speaking – remains suspended between “unfinished history,” “permanent temporariness,” “stable instability” and the invariably receding “European perspective”.

Sexual harassment among disabilities in Makassar City: An Islamic law perspective

The main objective of the research is to find out the risk of sexual harassment of persons with disabilities in Makassar City from the perspective of Islamic Law. This type of research is qualitative research (field research), with the research approach being theological-normative, sociological, and juridical. Primary data sources were eight subjects. The subjects were five women with disabilities, a psychologist, two social workers, and a religious figure. The secondary data is obtained through books, journal articles, government data, laws, fatwas, and research reports by utilizing libraries, online databases, and websites of related institutions. The data collection methods used are observation, interviews, documentation, and reference searches. Data processing and analysis techniques are carried out in three stages: data reduction, presentation/display, and conclusion drawing. The results of this study show, from an Islamic law perspective, that the protection of women with disabilities is supported by principles such as human dignity (al-Karāmah al-Insāniyah), equality (al-Musawah), justice (al-'Adalah), and freedom (al-Hurriyah). Islam underscores the importance of safeguarding and respecting the rights of all individuals, including those with disabilities. Islamic sanctions for sexual harassment can range from ta'zir (discretionary punishments) to had (prescribed punishments), depending on the severity of the offense. These Islamic principles align with human rights standards and provide a foundation for fostering a more equitable and secure environment for women with disabilities. The research implications include the development of an Islamic law-based protection system, raising social awareness, and establishing a support network to create a safe environment for women with disabilities.

군사경찰의 대테러 위기 협상 발전방안

Negotiations by police agencies are activities to resolve situations through dialogue and compromise rather than physical forces such as forced suppression in various crisis situations. Police negotiations have been developed in the United States since the 1970s as the need for measures to minimize sacrifices in crisis situations was raised after unsuccessful outcomes following suppression-centered operations in the process of resolving terrorism and various hostage situations. The Republic of Korea operated a negotiation team as one of the dedicated organizations for responding to the 1988 Seoul Olympics terrorist threats, and the negotiation team was cultivated in the National Police Agency. The Korean police negotiation team has been expanded and evolved from anti-terrorism negotiations to crisis negotiations in response to changing domestic security environment and is actively operating in crisis situations such as various crimes and suicide. Negotiations by the military police has been mainly focused on countering terrorism and their approaches and tactics in various military crisis situations have not been discussed so far. This study was conducted for the purpose of diagnosing problems of the military police negotiation team by analyzing its operation status and deriving a development plan. In particular, by clarifying the types of military police negotiations, it was intended to establish a foundation for differentiating negotiation techniques that are applicable not only in response to terrorism but also in various military-related crisis situations.

FORMATION OF LEADERSHIP COMPETENCE OF FUTURE NGU OFFICERS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE NEW PARADIGM OF MILITARY EDUCATION

The article raises the question of the formation of leadership competence of future officers of the NGU in the modern conditions of a complex security environment, the armed aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine, the Euro-Atlantic choice of Ukraine and the modernization of the security and defense sector on the basis of operational interoperability in accordance with NATO standards and procedures. The need to train highly educated, competent, motivated professionals of the security sector, to which NGU belongs, is emphasized, whose success is determined by professionalism, adaptability, mobility and leadership qualities. Leadership as a multifaceted socio-historical phenomenon is considered on the basis of theories of leadership, which provides an understanding of the essence of influence on subordinates and commanders; peculiarities of preparation and training. The development of military leadership is related to its very purpose and the challenges of the modern security situation. The significance of the competence approach in the development of the leadership competence of the future officer of the NGU, which is reflected in the new paradigm of military education, is indicated. The figure of a modern military leader at NGU has been updated taking into account a certain model according to the requirements of NGU, in particular, what a leader should be, what he should know and do (perform), his features that ensure the realization of professional competencies. The concept of leadership competence has been updated and the directions of its formation have been clarified. It is noted that for the formation of the leadership competence of the future officer of the NGU, both existing models of leadership, the experience of Ukrainian higher military educational institutions, and successful practices in the development of military leadership in developed countries are important. In this regard, educational programs on leadership, approaches to the formation of leadership competence at the Kyiv Institute of the National Guard of Ukraine and the National Academy of the US Armed Forces were analyzed.

Some issues of improving the activities of the National Police of Ukraine and local self-government bodies regarding law enforcement at the local level under martial law

The publication highlights the issues of improving the organisation of the work of community police officers and district police inspectors in preventing and combating crime in the territory of service. The importance of implementing security audits of territories and buildings into the activities of community police officers and district police inspectors is proved. Security audits are the main tool that community police officers or district police inspectors can use to identify local security problems specific to a particular area or facilities, identify ways to address relevant risks and threats, and engage all stakeholders in working together to improve their own and others’ safety. The essence of the concept of “Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)” and its impact on the formation of a proper state of the security environment at the local level of the community is revealed. It is emphasised that the CPTED principles are universal and can be applied to improve the security of any territory or facility. At the same time, their effectiveness largely depends on the completeness of the identification of security risks and threats. The article suggests the following areas for improvement of the regulatory and legal support for the activities of community police officers: 1) adoption of a separate regulatory legal act on the activities of district police officers, taking into account the peculiarities of police work in the city; 2) approval of instructions on the procedure for carrying out control and supervision activities in the service area. This regulatory act should provide for the forms of such files, the procedure for their completion, registration, verification and control; 3) inclusion of individual cases on security audits of the territory or individual buildings or facilities in the official records of a community police officer. Relevant security audit forms should be officially approved; 4) adoption of methodological recommendations for organising security audits and applying the principles of CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design) in professional activities.

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The article examines the processes of management of land relations and environmental policy of Ukraine in the context of security challenges and the course of European integration. Prospects of Ukraine's agrarian policy in the context of land management and environmental policy, taking into account security challenges and the course of European integration, reflect the need for a comprehensive approach to the preservation and restoration of land resources, as well as environmental protection. Effective management of land relations requires not only consideration of economic aspects, but also the integration of European environmental standards, which contributes to achieving sustainable development and strengthening environmental security. Given the security challenges, the development of measures to restore war-affected lands, including the clearance of explosive ordnance and soil restoration, is of particular importance. Against the background of the European integration course, it is important to continue the adaptation of the national policy to the EU legislation, which will contribute to the creation of a transparent system of land resource management, ensuring the protection of biodiversity, sustainable land use and increasing the efficiency of waste management. Agrarian policy, focused on European integration standards, also provides for the development of modern technologies for precision agriculture and resource management. This creates opportunities for increasing the productivity of the agricultural sector and minimizing the environmental impact of agricultural activities. At the same time, it is important to develop environmental monitoring tools and early warning systems that will allow a better response to potential threats to the environment. Ensuring sustainable management of land resources and environmental protection is the basis for the further development of the agricultural industry, which meets international standards and contributes to the economic stability of the country. Taking into account security aspects related to land relations and ecology will allow to form an effective strategy that meets national interests and supports integration into the European community.

THE ROLE OF MONGOLIA IN REGIONAL SECURITY

The situation in Northeast Asia is an important topic of international security arena. Political and economic relations between Russia and China, as well as the Korean Peninsula issue, which can have a major impact in Northeast Asia as such powerful actors that can change the world order and security environment. Past decades, the peace policy of mutual trust between the countries of the Northeast Asian region has become the most important issue not only in the regional but also in the international security environment. Therefore, it is important to analyze and assess a strategic interests and international geopolitical ambition of major powers that could directly or indirectly affect Mongolia's national security to develop national strategic solutions to enhance Mongolia’s national security and its security environment. Mongolia has no territorial, economic, military or political conflicts of interest with any of the countries in the region. Such reasons can give Mongolia an opportunity to be a key player in confidence-building measures to prevent hostilities, to avert escalation, to reduce military tension in Northeast Asia. There are many ways and fields to operate as peace player in this region. For instance, Mongolia can be an initiator or a main actor of a regional peacekeeping cooperation organization in Northeast Asia.

Enhancing Cloud Computing Security with Blockchain: A Hybrid Approach to Data Privacy and Integrity

This paper investigates the use of blockchain technology to enhance security in cloud computing environments, with a particular focus on data privacy and integrity in multi-tenant systems. The research proposes a hybrid security model that integrates blockchain’s decentralized verification mechanisms with traditional encryption techniques to prevent unauthorized data access and tampering. The system architecture leverages blockchain for immutable transaction logging, while encryption ensures confidentiality. Performance metrics, such as breach detection time, data integrity validation, and computational overhead, are analyzed to assess the model's effectiveness. Experimental results demonstrate that the hybrid model significantly enhances data security in cloud environments by reducing breach detection time and improving data integrity. However, the implementation introduces moderate computational overhead, suggesting the need for further optimization for large-scale applications. Future research should explore scaling solutions such as sidechains or sharding to mitigate these challenges.