Environmental Security Research Articles

Sustainable Consensus Algorithms Applied to Blockchain: A Systematic Literature Review

In recent years, consensus algorithms have gained significant importance in the context of blockchain networks. These algorithms play a crucial role in allowing network participants to reach agreements on the state of the blockchain without needing a central authority. The present study focuses on carrying out a systematic mapping of these consensus algorithms to explore in detail their use, benefits, and challenges in the context of blockchain networks. Understanding consensus algorithms is essential to appreciating how blockchain networks achieve the reliability and integrity of their distributed ledgers. These algorithms allow network nodes to reach agreement on the validity of transactions and the creation of new blocks on the blockchain. In this sense, consensus algorithms are the engine that drives trust in these decentralized networks. Numerous authors have contributed to the development and understanding of consensus algorithms in the context of blockchain networks. This revolutionary concept paved the way for numerous cryptocurrencies and blockchain systems. Despite advances in this field, significant challenges remain: centralization, fair token distribution, scalability, and sustainability. The energy consumption of blockchain networks, particularly those using algorithms such as Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, Delegated Proof of Stake, Proof of Authority, and hybrid algorithms (Proof of Work/Proof of Stake), has raised concerns about their environmental impact, motivating the scientific and technological community to investigate more sustainable alternatives that promise to reduce energy consumption and contribute to climate change mitigation. Furthermore, interoperability between different blockchains and security in specific environments, such as IoT, are areas that still require significant research attention. This systematic mapping not only seeks to shed light on the current state of consensus algorithms in blockchain, but also their impact on sustainability, identifying those algorithms that, in addition to guaranteeing integrity and security, minimize the environmental footprint, promoting a more efficient use of energy resources, being a relevant approach in a context in which the adoption of sustainable technologies has become a global priority. Understanding and improving these algorithms are critical to unlocking the full potential of blockchain technology in a variety of applications and industry sectors.

Army Ant Nest Inspired Adaptive Textile for Smart Thermal Regulation and Healthcare Monitoring.

A textile material that can dynamically adapt to different environments while serving as an immediate alert system for early detection of life-threatening factors in the surroundings, not only enhances the individual's health management but also contributes to a reduction in energy consumption for space cooling and/or heating. In nature, different species have their own adaptation system to ambient temperature. Inspired by the army ant nest, herein a thermal adaptive textile known as Army ant Nest Textile (ANT) for thermal management and health monitoring is reported. This textile can promptly respond to perspiration, rapidly absorb sweat, and then transform its architecture to facilitate heat dissipation. Simultaneously, the colorimetric sensing function of ANT allows it to emulate the "site migration" behavior of the army ant nest, which empowers individuals to expeditiously identify multiple health-related signals such as body temperature, UV radiation, and sweat pH values, and warn them to move to a secure environment, thereby effectively reducing the likelihood of physical harm. Together with its excellent scalability and biocompatibility, the ANT offers a promising direction for the development of next-generation smart e-textiles for personal thermal and healthcare management, while satisfying the growing demand for energy saving.

In Search of the Golden Ratio: The Conundrum of Balancing Environmental Protection and Energy Security

The European Union (EU) is facing the dual challenge of ensuring energy security and compliance with environmental commitments in the wake of geopolitical upheaval. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine prompted a reassessment of the EU’s energy situation and revealed the intricate web of connections between energy and environmental policies. To address this unprecedented crisis, the EU launched the REPowerEU plan, representing a big step towards energy transition and reducing dependency on Russian fossil fuels.Amidst the urgency of addressing energy security, the challenge of avoiding environmental deregulation comes to the forefront and there is an imperative need to find the right legal tools to conduct a delicate balancing exercise ensuring that energy security measures align with the commitment to environmental sustainability.In this direction, this paper examines the impact of the REPowerEU plan and its accompanying legislative instruments on EU Environmental Law, focusing on Regulation (EU) 2023/435, Directive 2018/2001, and Council Regulation 2022/2577. It explores whether these legislative amendments present an impermissible retreat from environmental standards and considers ways to manage the challenges of balancing environmental protection with energy security, with the application of the emerging principle of nonregression.

Erratum to “Assessing background levels of trace elements in soils of Mato Grosso (Brazil) for environmental and food security” [CATENA 244 (2024) 108267

Erratum to “Assessing background levels of trace elements in soils of Mato Grosso (Brazil) for environmental and food security” [CATENA 244 (2024) 108267

Analyzing economic inflation's impact on food security and accessibility through econometric modeling

This study investigates the impact of economic inflation on food security and accessibility through the development of an econometric modeling approach. As inflation rates rise, the purchasing power of consumers diminishes, leading to increased food prices and potentially exacerbating food insecurity. This research aims to quantify the relationship between inflation and food security indicators, such as availability, access, utilization, and stability of food supplies. By employing time-series data and econometric techniques, the model captures the dynamic interactions between inflation rates, food prices, and socioeconomic factors affecting food security. The model incorporates key variables, including consumer price index (CPI), food inflation, income levels, and unemployment rates, to analyze their collective impact on food security across different demographics. The findings indicate that rising inflation significantly correlates with higher food prices, disproportionately affecting low-income households and vulnerable populations. This relationship highlights the necessity of understanding inflation's broader implications on food accessibility, especially in regions where food security is already a pressing issue. Future research directions are proposed, focusing on policy interventions aimed at stabilizing food prices and enhancing food security. Potential strategies include price controls, subsidies for staple foods, and targeted social safety nets for low-income households. Additionally, the study suggests further examination of supply chain factors contributing to food price volatility, such as transportation costs and global market dynamics, which can exacerbate inflation's effects on food security. This research contributes to the literature on food security by providing empirical evidence of inflation's impact on food accessibility and identifying critical areas for policy intervention. By addressing the complex interplay between inflation and food security, stakeholders, including policymakers and food industry leaders, can develop informed strategies to mitigate adverse effects and promote food security in inflationary environments.

Cybersecurity on social media platforms: The use of deep learning methodologies for detecting anomalous user behavior

The exponential growth of social media platforms has brought unprecedented opportunities for global communication, networking, and information exchange. However, this expansion has also given rise to significant challenges, particularly in identifying and mitigating anomalous or malicious user behaviors such as spamming, cyberbullying, and misinformation dissemination. Traditional anomaly detection methods, which often rely on rule-based systems or basic statistical models, have proven inadequate in addressing the complex, dynamic, and evolving nature of user behavior on these platforms. In response, this paper explores the application of deep learning methodologies—specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), Long Short-Term Memory networks (LSTMs), Autoencoders, and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)—for detecting anomalous behavior in social media environments. We present a novel deep learning architecture that integrates these models to enhance the detection accuracy of behavioral anomalies. By leveraging large-scale datasets and advanced feature extraction techniques, our approach demonstrates significant improvements over traditional methods, with higher precision, recall, and overall detection rates. The proposed model's ability to adapt to new and emerging patterns of behavior underscores its potential for real-world application in monitoring social media platforms. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on deep learning for cybersecurity and digital trust, offering a robust solution for maintaining the integrity of online social spaces. Our findings suggest that the implementation of these advanced methodologies can provide a more secure and reliable social media environment, benefiting both users and platform providers alike.

Implementation of Site to Site IPsec VPN Tunnel using GNS3 Simulation

Abstract: This paper focuses on the implementation of a site-to-site IPsec tunnel to establish a secure connected link over a public network between two sites. To do so, an IP addressing plan was created and a topology was drawn to replicate a local area network between different sites, i.e., LIBYA and TUNIS. After this, an IP tunnel was set up, secure communication was established in the replicating LAN, and all packets were transferred over an encrypted form between the two different sites correctly. The area of this study lies in the domains of network security and VPN. When discussing the technicalities, for this research, we will establish an IP tunneling over an encryption layer. For this task, we will implement the Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) suite to authenticate and encrypt the traffic before encapsulating the actual payloads for the connected link on the OSI model Layer 3. After setting the required authentication and encryption methods over the connections, a secure link can be established to share the data neighborly in a public environment. A secure VPN site-to-site link will provide high-quality dedicated bandwidth WAN links to the users, which are considered significant for the network architecture of internetworking. As a result, secure communication features utilizing VPN site-to-site IPsec encryption play a vital role in disaster recovery between the different sites or the replication of services and data for business operations and communications. This paper recommends that it is essential for a growing organization to make their respective communication secure and implement alternative ways to manage, maintain, and control the secure communication environments.

Assessing NATO’s cohesion: methods and implications

AbstractWhile united in initial responses to Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, NATO members face challenges as the alliance adapts to a significantly worsened security environment. Although Russia’s war in Ukraine provided NATO with a unifying threat, we argue that external factors are not sufficient to maintain its cohesion. This forum contribution develops a conceptual tool to assess alliance cohesion across both political and military dimensions, thus highlighting the agency of the “architects”, “bricoleurs”, and “agnostics” in shaping NATO’s internal politics. This approach allows for estimating the degree to which allies coordinate their political objectives, as well as the effectiveness of strategies to achieve them. To estimate the strength of alliance cohesion, we introduce four cohesion drivers—security threats, norms, institutions, and leadership—and assessment criteria. This article outlines three scenarios modelled on the war in Ukraine, suggesting that alliance cohesion suffers the most during prolonged security crises. Using this assessment tool can provide the “architects” of European security with ideas for policies aimed at strengthening NATO cohesion.

Conservation Agriculture offers system optimization for legume intensification: An on-farm study of western Indo-Gangetic Plains

ContextThe crop production in Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) facing serious challenges of decaling factor productivity under changing climatic scenarios with shrinking water resources driving future food insecurity. ObjectiveTo develop sustainable intensification model for future sustainability in the food basket of India’s IGP by identifying of suitable options for legume integration through system optimization practices (SOP) in rice-wheat and diversified cropping systems having higher productivity, profitability and environmental security. MethodThe field experiments were conducted at the four locations of the farmer’s field in Karnal, Haryana, India. We evaluated SOP of mungbean under zero tillage (ZT) with residue recycling and improved management practices integrated in CTR-WMb (conventional till rice-ZT wheat-mungbean), DSR-WMb (direct seeded rice-ZT wheat-mungbean) and triple ZT (raised bed) based diversified SOP of MWMb (maize-wheat-mungbean), MMuMb (maize-mustard-mungbean) and SWMb (soybean-wheat-mungbean). Results and conclusionThe on-farm study revealed that the mungbean inclusion with diversified SOP had significantly lesser water use by 51 ha-mm with enhanced partial factor productivity of total nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) applied by 14–29 % over DSR-WMb. However, the global warming potential (GWP) reduced by 60 kg CO2 eql/ha with diversified SOP over CTR-WMb. Similarly, the non-renewable energy use was reduced by ∼1200 MJ/ha with significantly increased net energy output and non-renewable energy use efficiency (EUE) by 137–203 and 27–38 %, respectively with diversified SOP over DSR-WMb. Additionally, the mungbean grain yield increased by 13 % in CTR-WMb, while the grain yield increased by 15–30 % in diversified SOP over DSR-WMb. The net returns increased by 40 USD/ha in CTR-WMb, while it significantly increased by 80–164 USD/ha in diversified SOP over DSR-WMb. However, the significantly lowest yield attributes and yield, net returns, resources use efficiency (water, nutrients and non-renewable energy) and eco-efficiency were recorded with DSR-WMb. Therefore, the mungbean inclusion in DSR-WMb was not found to be a feasible option compared to CTR-WMb and thus later can be scaled up in the existing rice-wheat system. Moreover, the mungbean inclusion with diversified SOP (MWMb/MMuMb/SWM) under ZT and residue retention produces more food with efficient use of recourses (water, nutrients and energy) for more (population) to ensure nutritional food security and environmental sustainability in western Indo-Gangetic Plains and similar agro-ecologies. SignificanceThis on-farm study provides sustainable intensification options for legume integration through system optimization practices (SOP) within the rice-wheat and diversified cropping systems to enhance system productivity and nutritional food security, improves net returns and restore soil fertility in food basket of India’s Indo-Gangetic Plain.

Secure EHR access in the cloud: an alloy-based formalization of ABAC in ‎‎collaborative and non-collaborative models‎

The approach proposed in this article integrates the Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) ‎model and the Alloy modeling tool to enhance security in cloud environments, whet alher ‎collaborative or non-collaborative. Cloud computing facilitates data management, particularly ‎in collaborative environments that promote teamwork, but this increased flexibility introduces ‎more complex security challenges. In contrast, non-collaborative environments offer stricter ‎access control, thereby improving security while limiting the flexibility of interactions. The ‎ABAC model allows for the definition of fine-grained access policies based on user roles, ‎context, and data sensitivity, making it an ideal solution for protecting Electronic Health ‎Records (EHR). With dynamic access management, only authorized individuals can view or ‎manipulate sensitive data. The use of Alloy enables the formalization and testing of these ‎security policies by simulating different access scenarios to verify the consistency of the rules ‎and understand the trade-offs bet alween security and flexibility. Thus, the combination of ‎ABAC and Alloy provides a robust solution for managing access in complex cloud ‎environments while ensuring optimal protection of sensitive data.‎

Herders without borders: transhumance securitisation and the challenges of national security in Ghana and Nigeria

As an enduring agricultural practice in Africa, transboundary herding has remained a major source of conflict among agro-land users, especially between the Fulani nomadic pastoralists and peasant farmers/host communities. Although extant studies broadly agree that this herding practice is prone to violence, the actual factors which predispose this agricultural practice to violence vary across studies, ranging from climate change and environmental security, population growth and urbanisation, manipulation of cultural and ethnic identities, insecurity in the Lake Chad area, to the free movement of persons and goods protocols. However, these studies have glossed over how the securitisation of transhumance contributes to the conflict between nomadic herders and peasant farmers in West Africa—which is the focus of the present study. Data for this study were sourced from documentary evidence, including scholarly literature, media reports, and official documents from relevant protocols of the Economic Community of West African States. Relying on the basic assumptions of securitisation theory, the study found that transhumance securitisation as a default state response strategy against agro-land use conflicts between nomadic herders and peasant farmers has become counterproductive in West Africa.

FARM TO FORK STRATEGY: A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES

The Farm to Fork (F2F) strategy, a key pillar of the European Green Deal, offers a comprehensive and sustainable solution for food systems, with particular benefits for rural communities. This strategy emphasizes the transformation of food production, processing, distribution, and consumption to achieve environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and food security. As rural communities often face unique challenges—such as limited access to markets, declining populations, and environmental degradation—the F2F strategy provides an integrated approach to addressing these issues. By promoting shorter supply chains, organic farming, reduced pesticide use, and climate-resilient agricultural practices, the F2F strategy can enhance rural livelihoods while contributing to global climate and health goals. This paper examines the economic, environmental, and social impacts of the F2F strategy on rural communities, and highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with its implementation. It argues that, while the strategy holds great promise for promoting sustainable rural development, its success depends on adequate financial support, infrastructure investments, and education for farmers and stakeholders.

APLICANDO METODOLOGIA BASEADA EM IDS, SOLUCIONANDO VULNERABILIDADES EM NUVEM (SAAS)

Advances in technology have led to the use of cloud systems, the storage and distribution of files over the Internet, especially Saas (Software as a Service), which is now widely used by businesses due to its great advantage of scalability and practicality. However, in the midst of this technology, there has been an increase in ransomware attacks, a type of malware designed to encrypt data storage areas on computers and servers, causing users to lose access to their data in the cloud. The main objective of this work is to apply a methodology based on IDS (Intrusion Detection Systems), using the Snort tool in a virtualized network environment in Oracle Virtualbox, on the Kali Linux virtual machine, to analyze and solve problems with ransomware attacks in the cloud. The goal is to present ideas and considerations to train users to take security measures against these attacks should they occur at any time, making the work of cybercriminals more difficult. To keep this storage environment clean and secure, we need the cooperation of the security software, with rules and alerts that are always up to date, together with the monitoring team.

Eco-power management system with operation and voltage security objectives of distribution system operator considering networked virtual power plants with electric vehicles parking lot and price-based demand response

In the energy management of a network, it is expected that by extracting the optimal performance for the power sources, storage equipment, and responsive demand, a favorable economic and technology situation is achievable for the network and the mentioned elements. Virtual power plants, as a unit aggregating resources, storage, and responsive loads, can create more favorable conditions in network energy management. So, it is expected that the positive effect of the virtual power plant format on the economic and technical situation of the distribution system is far more than those of managing individual elements mentioned in the network. Consequently, the distribution network operator's economic, environmental, and technical goals are met through the concurrent administration of reactive and active power in the smart distribution network that is equipped with a flexible-sustainable virtual power plant. The system operator is accountable for reducing the weighted sum of the voltage security index, energy loss, and energy cost of the distribution network. This problem is associated with the optimal power flow formulation, which considers the environmental limits and security of voltage in the distribution network, the renewable resource operation model and flexibility in the form of a virtual power plant, and the system's flexibility constraints. Flexibility resources considered in the present study are price-based demand response and electric vehicle parking lots. Stochastic optimization relying on the Unscented Transform assists in providing a suitable model for uncertain quantities resulting from the amount of load, electric vehicles, renewable power, and price of energy and eventually shortens the computing time and accurately computes the flexibility index. The optimal compromise solution amongst various objective functions can be found through fuzzy decision-making. Some innovations of this research include concurrent administration of active and reactive power in virtual power plant, concurrent modeling of economic, operational, environmental, voltage security, and flexibility indicators in the distribution network, utilization of electric vehicles, and demand response as a source of flexibility, use of Unscented transform for modeling the uncertainties corresponding to the exact calculation of flexibility. The suggested method was simulated in the IEEE 69-bus radial smart distribution system. Regarding the numerical report obtained, the optimal performance of each of the renewable generation, demand response, and parking of electric vehicles can significantly impact the economic and technical condition of the distribution network. However, the best condition was obtained when the mentioned elements were placed in the form of a virtual power plant. So, in such a situation, the energy cost is around $1862 for the said network. The lowest value for the worst security index in this network is around 0.933 p.u. Energy loss, maximum voltage drop, and peak load carrying capability are equal to 1.902 MWh, 0.047 p.u., and 5.624 MW, respectively. As a result, and based on numerical findings, the method can attain sustainable social welfare. The optimal power scheduling of sustainable systems can enhance the economic, security of voltage, and operational, conditions of the network by roughly 43 %, 26.9 %, and 47 %-62 %, respectively, compared to power flow studies. Furthermore, the ideal administration of virtual power plants enables the proposed plan to achieve 100 % flexibility. Additionally, it can substantially diminish the degree of contamination within the distribution network.

Farm Crime Experiences and Effects on Livelihood in Awendo Sub County, Kenya

This study dealt with farm crime experiences and effects on livelihood in Awendo sub County in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive survey design, using the mixed methods research approach, with a sample of 384 respondents. The study used a questionnaire, an Interview schedule and Focus Group Discussion as sources of data. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic approach. Based on the findings, the study concluded that distinct patterns of farm crime victimization existed in Awendo. They involved offences like night attacks on isolated farms. The study found a rising trend in farm-related crimes, mainly when crops are ready for harvest. In response, local authorities and community leaders should implement targeted security patrols and community watch programs, focused on vulnerable farm locations, especially at night. Law enforcement agencies should raise farmers' awareness of the importance of environmental security measures, including improved lighting and fencing, especially during high-risk times.

Optimizing Consumer Adoption: Strategic Approaches to Increase Utilization of Solar Energy from Owned Solar Panels

The adoption of solar energy through solar panels presents a significant opportunity for consumers to reduce energy costs and contribute to environmental sustainability. However, maximizing the utilization of this energy resource remains challenging. This study explores strategic approaches to optimize consumer adoption and increase the utilization of energy generated by owned solar panels. This study focuses on the key factors influencing consumer behavior, the economic benefits of solar energy, technological innovations, policy support, and the role of public awareness campaigns in fostering greater use of solar energy systems. This research paper delves into the strategic approaches necessary to optimize consumer adoption and enhance the utilization of energy generated by privately owned solar panels. The study conducts a comprehensive examination of critical factors that influence consumer behavior, economic advantages, technological advancements, policy support, and public awareness initiatives in promoting increased use of solar energy systems. By analyzing these key elements, the research aims to provide a holistic understanding of the current landscape and potential avenues for improvement in the solar energy sector. The investigation addresses several significant barriers to adoption that have hindered the widespread implementation of solar energy systems. These obstacles include high installation costs, which can be prohibitive for many consumers, insufficient awareness about the benefits and feasibility of solar energy, technological complexities that may deter potential adopters, and inconsistent regulatory frameworks that create uncertainty in the market. By identifying and exploring these challenges, the study lays the groundwork for developing targeted solutions to overcome these hurdles. In response to the identified barriers, the paper proposes a multifaceted approach to augment adoption and utilization of solar energy systems. One key strategy involves the implementation of financial incentives, such as tax credits, rebates, or low-interest loans, to make solar installations more affordable and attractive to a broader range of consumers. These economic measures aim to reduce the initial financial burden and accelerate the return on investment for homeowners and businesses considering solar energy adoption. Additionally, the research emphasizes the importance of technological innovations in energy storage and smart grid systems. These advancements play a crucial role in addressing the intermittent nature of solar energy production and enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of solar power systems. By improving energy storage capabilities and integrating solar systems with smart grid technologies, consumers can maximize the utilization of their generated energy and potentially contribute excess power back to the grid. The paper also highlights the need for supportive policies and regulatory reforms to create a favorable environment for solar energy adoption. This includes streamlining permitting processes, establishing clear guidelines for grid integration, and implementing net metering policies that fairly compensate solar energy producers. Such policy measures can provide the necessary framework to encourage investment in solar technologies and ensure long-term stability in the market. Furthermore, the research underscores the significance of public education initiatives in promoting solar energy adoption. These efforts aim to increase awareness about the benefits of solar power, dispel common misconceptions, and provide consumers with accurate information to make informed decisions. By empowering individuals with knowledge about solar energy systems, their environmental impact, and potential cost savings, these initiatives can help overcome the barrier of insufficient awareness and drive greater adoption rates. The study also explores the potential for community-based solar projects and innovative financing models, such as solar leasing or power purchase agreements, to make solar energy more accessible to a wider range of consumers. These alternative approaches can help overcome financial barriers and allow individuals who may not have suitable roof space or homeownership to participate in the solar energy transition. By proposing and analyzing these multifaceted approaches, the research aims to provide a comprehensive strategy for increasing solar energy adoption and utilization. The ultimate goal is to assist consumers in reducing their energy costs while simultaneously contributing to environmental sustainability and energy security. The paper argues that by implementing a combination of financial incentives, technological innovations, supportive policies, and educational initiatives, it is possible to create a more favorable ecosystem for solar energy adoption and accelerate the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. In conclusion, this research paper offers valuable insights into the complex landscape of solar energy adoption and utilization. By addressing key barriers and proposing targeted strategies, it provides a roadmap for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and consumers to work together in harnessing the full potential of solar energy. The findings and recommendations presented in this study have the potential to inform future policy decisions, guide technological developments, and empower consumers to embrace solar energy as a viable and beneficial alternative to traditional energy sources.

Simulafed: an enhanced federated simulated environment for privacy and security in health

Simulafed: an enhanced federated simulated environment for privacy and security in health

A secured channel for transmitting multimedia contents in peer-assisted networks

The Internet's explosive growth has raised demand for effective online video streaming services and cast doubt on the viability of peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and conventional content distribution networks (CDN). To facilitate efficient video streaming, Peer-Assisted Networks (PA-CDNs) integrate the best aspects of P2P networks and CDNs. Transferring data content across a protected channel platform is crucial since the PA-CDNs strategy uses both servers and peers, optimizing both delivery methods to offer the best possible user experience. However, it is vulnerable to assaults. By guaranteeing secure access management and addressing security concerns, this study offers a strong security model to strengthen and improve security in PA-CDN network environments. The outcome of the experiment indicates that the strategy works. Strong security model to strengthen and improve security in PA-CDN network environments. The outcome of the experiment indicates that the strategy works.

Saline soil improvement promotes the transformation of microbial salt tolerance mechanisms and microbial-plant-animal ecological interactions

The improvement of coastal saline land would alleviate the problem of insufficient arable land and provide new solutions for guaranteeing food security and ecological environment modification. In this study, five typical soil samples were collected from Tongzhou Bay, China. The changes in bacterial, animal and plant community composition before and after improvement were comprehensively investigated by a combination of high-throughput sequencing and macro-barcode sequencing analysis of eDNA. The study aimed (1) to characterize the species composition and diversity of the bacterial communities in saline soils, (2) to elucidate the mechanisms of salt tolerance of the bacterial communities, and (3) to investigate the impacts of the microbial salt tolerance mechanisms on the regional bacteria and fauna. The results showed that over 15 years of improvement, the composition of the bacteria in the saline-alkaline plots evolved significantly, changing from Desulfovibrio (10.60%) and Campylobacter (11.20%), to Acidobacter (12.91%). After the improvement, salt stress on the bacterial phyla gradually decreased. The functional differentiation of the bacterial phyla became more pronounced. As ion concentrations decreased, the main mechanism of salt tolerance of the bacterial bacteria changed from mainly mechanism of inorganic ion accumulation (55.56%), supplemented by flexible halophilic enzymes (31.77%), to mainly mechanism of compatible solute (44.80%). The mechanism of microbial salt tolerance directly affected micro-diversity and indirectly influenced the diversity of environmental species (R = 0.54). The results of this study provide a scientific basis for coastal saline land as a microbiodiversity marker and for the exploration of microbial improvement of saline land.

Japan's Security Restoration: Evolution, Challenges, and Future Directions

ObjectivesThis study examines Japan's security policy evolution from post-World War II pacifism to its current assertive stance, analyzing historical context, key drivers, and challenges. It focuses on shifts under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, exploring implications for regional stability and international relations, including the U.S.-Japan alliance and emerging security threats.MethodsThe research employs a qualitative approach, combining comprehensive literature review with multiple theoretical frameworks (neorealism, constructivism, securitization theory, alliance theory). It incorporates historical and comparative analyses to contextualize Japan's security posture within regional dynamics.ResultsJapan's security policy has transformed significantly, driven by China's military modernization, North Korea's nuclear program, changing regional dynamics, and evolving U.S.-Japan alliance expectations. Key reforms include constitutional reinterpretation allowing limited collective self-defense, establishing the National Security Council, increased defense spending, and enhanced multi-domain military capabilities. Challenges persist in balancing security needs with constitutional constraints and managing regional relationships.ConclusionsJapan's security restoration marks a profound shift, balancing proactive defense with pacifist principles. This evolution impacts regional stability and the U.S.-Japan alliance, positioning Japan as a key player in maintaining peace while raising some neighbors' concerns. Japan's path forward requires a delicate equilibrium between enhancing military capabilities and prioritizing diplomacy and economic cooperation. Success depends on navigating historical legacies, fostering domestic consensus, and adeptly maneuvering through complex international imperatives in an increasingly challenging security environment.