Production Security Research Articles

Wireless Sensors in IoT Based Agriculture by Using Block Chain Technology and Drones System

The integration of cutting-edge technologies such as Wireless Sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, and Drones in agriculture has the potential to revolutionize the industry. This paper explores the application of these technologies in agriculture, focusing on the benefits they bring to the sector. We delve into the significance of Wireless Sensors, the IoT, Blockchain, and Drones in enhancing agricultural practices, resource management, data security, and overall productivity. We also examine the challenges and potential solutions for the widespread adoption of this integrated approach in agriculture.

Insights on Resilience and Flexibility During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study on Wheat Supply Chains in Pakistan

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted global supply chains, including those in the food industry, posing significant challenges to food security and sustainable production. This study focuses on investigating the resilience of Pakistan's wheat supply chain during the pandemic, with a particular emphasis on the concept of supply chain flexibility. Through structured interviews with 50 individuals involved in the wheat supply the study examines the impact of proactive capability, supply chain design, and reactive capability on the resilience of the wheat supply chain. The findings reveal that proactive capability in the wheat supply chain demonstrated flexibility in various aspects, except for sourcing. Integration among departments showed collaboration, but issues were encountered in information sharing and efficiency. The readiness of the supply chain showed detection ability but lacked training and strong security measures. Supply chain design complexities were observed in direct dealings and a lack of flexibility in flow. Reactive capability indicated challenges in quick response, crisis mitigation, and recovery, emphasizing the importance of response teams and financial readiness. The study provides valuable insights for supply chain managers, highlighting areas for improvement such as sourcing strategies, information management, quality control, and financial support. Future research could explore other sectors and agricultural products, investigating different geographical areas, and increasing the sample size. By further understanding the dynamics of supply chain resilience and flexibility, organizations can better prepare for and respond to disruptions, ensuring the continuity of critical food supply chains during crises.

Unravelling the Genetic Enigma: Exploring the Molecular Basis of Heterosis

Heterosis, the phenomenon where hybrid offspring exhibit superior traits compared to their inbred parents, has captivated scientists for decades due to its immense potential for crop improvement. Unravelling the molecular basis of heterosis has remained a challenge, but recent advancements in genomic and molecular techniques have shed new light on this intriguing phenomenon. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying heterosis. We delve into the intricate interplay of genetic factors and regulatory networks that contribute to the manifestation of heterosis. Genomic studies have revealed structural variations, such as rearrangements and copy number variations, which may play a crucial role in hybrid vigour. Furthermore, we explore the dynamic nature of gene expression patterns during hybridization, highlighting the activation of novel gene networks and the modulation of epigenetic mechanisms. Transcriptomic analyses have identified key genes and pathways associated with heterosis, shedding light on the intricate molecular interactions that drive the superior performance of hybrids. Additionally, we discuss the emerging role of small RNAs, transcription factors, and regulatory elements in orchestrating heterosis. These molecular players act as conductors in the genetic symphony of hybrid vigour, fine-tuning gene expression and facilitating the coordinated functioning of diverse biological processes. Understanding the molecular basis of heterosis holds immense promise for crop improvement and sustainable agriculture. By leveraging this knowledge, breeders can harness the full potential of hybrid breeding to develop high-yielding and resilient crop varieties. This review aims to inspire further research and collaboration in unravelling the mysteries of heterosis, paving the way for innovative strategies to enhance global food security and agricultural productivity.

Recent Insights into the Use of Antagonistic Yeasts for Sustainable Biomanagement of Postharvest Pathogenic and Mycotoxigenic Fungi in Fruits with Their Prevention Strategies against Mycotoxins.

Fungi-induced postharvest diseases are the leading causes of food loss and waste. In this context, fruit decay can be directly attributed to phytopathogenic and/or mycotoxin-producing fungi. The U.N. Sustainable Development Goals aim to end hunger by 2030 by improving food security, sustainable agriculture, and food production systems. Antagonistic yeasts are one of the methods presented to achieve these goals. Unlike physical and chemical methods, harnessing antagonistic yeasts as a biological method controls the decay caused by fungi and adsorbs and/or degrades mycotoxins sustainably. Therefore, antagonistic yeasts and their antifungal mechanisms have gained importance. Additionally, mycotoxins' biodetoxification is carried out due to the occurrence of mycotoxin-producing fungal species in fruits. Combinations with processes and agents have been investigated to increase antagonistic yeasts' efficiency. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive summary of studies on preventing phytopathogenic and mycotoxigenic fungi and their mycotoxins in fruits, as well as biocontrolling and biodetoxification mechanisms.

Operational Outsourcing Practices and Organizational Performance of Telecommunication Companies in Rwanda: A Case of Airtel Rwanda Plc

This study assessed effect of operational outsourcing practices on organizational performance in telecommunication companies in Rwanda with reference to a case of Airtel Rwanda Plc. The specific objectives are to determine effect of primary activities outsourcing, accounting and finance activities, back-office outsourcing on organizational performance of Airtel Rwanda Plc. The study adopted Resource-Based Theory, Transaction Cost Economic Models. The researcher employed descriptive research design and correlational research design to establish effect size for specific research objectives. The researcher drew a sample of 167 from 287 individuals using Yamane formula. The study used both simple random sampling and purpose sampling to choose respondents. The researcher collected information using questionnaire, interview guide and desk review from organizational reports. The researcher employed a descriptive and statistics for quantitative data analysis while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Findings on outsourcing primary activities indicate strategic management at a mean of 4.333, service development at a mean of 3.666, and operational services at a mean of 4.000 were outsourced as primary activities. For strategic management, there was a positive insignificant relationship between strategic management and cost efficiency (=0.049, p=0.41), strategic management and profitability(r=0.074, p-value=0.233). A significant relationship was between cost leadership and sales (r=0.231**, p value=0.006), rising investment (r=0.159**, p-value=0.043), with net profit (r=0.174**=0.014). Results on outsourcing accounting and finance demonstrated a mean of 3.33, human resources with a mean of 4.400, data resources with a mean of 4.00 were adopted by Airtel Rwanda Plc. There are significant correlations found between finance and accounting and cost efficiency (r=0.215, p-value=0.048), accounting and profitability (r=0.512, p-value=0.036). Human resources were insignificantly associated with cost efficiency. There is a significant correlation found between information resources and cost efficiency (-0.523*, p-value=0.031). Results found that outsourcing security activities (mean of 3.833). Outsourcing manpower activities (mean of 3.333), outsourcing cleaning activities (mean of 2.833) were adopted. Significant correlations were established outsourcing security activities and cost efficiency (r=.167*, p=.078), outsourcing security activities and productivity (r=0.393, p-value=0.000), profitability (r=0.560*, p-value=0.056). Outsourcing manpower activities was negatively associated with cost efficiency) r=.050*, p=.078), and productivity (r=-159*, p=.093). The researcher recommended the need to rely on primary activities, and to revise its policies. The firm should adopt back-office activities outsourcing to increase flexibility and reduce weaknesses, which can be an appropriate outsourcing activities. Keywords: Accounting and Finance Outsourcing, Back Office Outsourcing, Operational Outsourcing, Organizational Performance.

Outsourcing Practices and Organizational Performance in Rwanda: A Case of Ampersand Rwanda Ltd

This paper examined the effect of outsourcing practices on performance of Ampersand Rwanda Ltd in Rwanda. The specific objectives were to determine the effect of human resource practices outsourcing on performance of Ampersand Rwanda Ltd, to assess the effect of accounting practices on organizational performance of Ampersand Rwanda Ltd, and to establish the effect of maintenance practices on performance of Ampersand Rwanda Ltd. The target population was 287 and the sample size was 182 respondents using Yamane formula. The study used simple random sampling and purposive sampling to choose respondents. The researcher collected data using questionnaire, interview guide and desk review from Ampersand reports. The researcher used descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics for statistical (correlation and regression analysis) information while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis in terms of themes and subthemes. Findings on outsourcing human resource activities indicate strategic management at a mean of 4.333, service development at a mean of 3.666, and operational services at a mean of 4.000 have been outsourced as human resource activities. For strategic management, there was a positive insignificant relationship between strategic management and cost efficiency (=0.049, p=0.41), strategic management and profitability(r=0.074, p-value=0.233). A significant relationship was between cost leadership and sales (r=0.231**, p value=0.006), rising investment (r=0.159**, p-value=0.043), with net profit (r=0.174**=0.014). Results on outsourcing accounting demonstrated a mean of 3.33, human resources with a mean of 4.400, information resources with a mean of 4.00 were adopted by Ampersand Rwanda Ltd. There are significant correlations found between finance and cost efficiency (r=0.215, p-value=0.048), accounting and profitability (r=0.512, p-value=0.036). Human resources were insignificantly associated with cost efficiency. There is a significant correlation found between information resources and cost efficiency (-0.523*, p-value=0.031). Results found that outsourcing security activities (mean of 3.833). Outsourcing work force activities (mean of 3.333), outsourcing cleaning activities (mean of 2.833) were adopted. Significant correlations were established outsourcing security activities and cost efficiency (r=.167*, p=.078), outsourcing security activities and productivity (r=0.393, p-value=0.000), profitability (r=0.560*, p-value=0.056). Outsourcing work force activities was negatively associated with cost efficiency) r=.050*, p=.078), and productivity (r=-159*, p=.093), but it was positively correlated with profitability). The researcher recommended the need to rely on primary activities, and to revise its policies. The firm should adopt maintenance activities outsourcing to increase flexibility and reduce weaknesses, which can be an appropriate outsourcing activity. Keywords: Accounting and Finance Outsourcing, Maintenance practices Outsourcing, Cost Efficiency, Operational Outsourcing, Practices, Organizational Performance, Human resource practices, Productivity, and Profitability

Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Adaptation for Small-Scale Land Users in Sub-Saharan Africa

Land is both a source and a sink of carbon dioxide (CO2), the chief greenhouse gas. Through sustainable land management (SLM), it can capture extra CO2 and store it as carbon in vegetation and soil. SLM can also reduce CO2 emissions from the land. Thus, SLM is viewed as the key land-based solution for climate change mitigation. Yet, SLM also provides effective climate change (CC) adaptation practices—such as agroforestry, mulching and water harvesting—which confer resilience, and simultaneously help secure production. This is especially valuable for land users in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) who depend on rainfed agriculture. They are amongst the poorest on Earth and the most vulnerable to CC impacts, despite their minimal carbon footprint. The World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) manages the Global SLM Database: this holds a rich and ever-growing collection of SLM practices. Analysis of the database for rainfed SSA sheds light on which SLM technologies are effective in CC adaptation, and how well they cope with changing rainfall and temperature. Both “mechanisms” and “attributes” are explored, yielding new insights. This perspective paper showcases current developments in the field, and summarizes future directions for SLM as a CC adaptation solution for land users in SSA.

Research on controlling gas overrun in a working face based on gob-side entry retaining by utilizing ventilation type “Y”

To determine the characteristics of air leakage concerning a “Y” type ventilation in gob-side entry retaining with roof cutting, pressure relief, and the law of a resulted gas accumulation (GA), research is conducted by employing the CFD simulation incorporated with the gauged parameters of working face (WF) mining to analyze the air leakage of “Y” type ventilation. For this purpose, the 1201 fully mechanized coal mining face in the south Wu mining location of the Daxing coal mine is taken as an illustrative example to study the air leakage in the “Y” type ventilation. So, the gas concentration (GC) issue surpassing the limit in the upper corner of the goaf was simulated. The results show that the goaf is formed into an open space when roof cutting and pressure relief technology along the goaf is implemented. The air pressure at the upper corner of the WF would be the lowest, which is only 1.12 Pa. The airflow of air leakage under a pressure difference would move from the gob-side entry retaining to the goaf. Moreover, the simulation of mine ventilation indicates that the volume of air leakage positively correlates with the length of gob-side entry retaining. When the WF is advanced 500 m ahead, the maximum volume of air leakage would reach 247 m3/min within the range of 500–1300 m, and then the rate of air leakage gradually would decrease. When the WF is advanced at 1300 m, the air leakage would become the smallest, which is 175 m3/min. When gas control is under consideration, the effect of gas extraction would be best with the buried pipe whose depth and diameter are set to 4.0 m and 400 mm, respectively. So, the GC in the upper corner would become 0.37%. After the high-level borehole with a 120 mm diameter is mined, the GC in the deep goaf decreased to 3.52%, and the GC at the upper corner became further reduced to 0.21%. While the high-level borehole gas is extracted by employing the extraction system of the high-concentration gas, the extraction system of low-concentration gas is utilized to extract the upper corner gas of the WF, thus, the problem of gas overrun was resolved satisfactorily. During the recovery period of the mining, the GC at each gauging point was less than 0.8%, which effectively guided the secure production in the Daxing coal mine and provided a theoretical foundation to control gas overrun during the mining process.

Global review of the H5N8 avian influenza virus subtype.

Orthomyxoviruses are negative-sense, RNA viruses with segmented genomes that are highly unstable due to reassortment. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N8 emerged in wild birds in China. Since its emergence, it has posed a significant threat to poultry and human health. Poultry meat is considered an inexpensive source of protein, but due to outbreaks of HPAI H5N8 from migratory birds in commercial flocks, the poultry meat industry has been facing severe financial crises. This review focuses on occasional epidemics that have damaged food security and poultry production across Europe, Eurasia, the Middle East, Africa, and America. HPAI H5N8 viral sequences have been retrieved from GISAID and analyzed. Virulent HPAI H5N8 belongs to clade 2.3.4.4b, Gs/GD lineage, and has been a threat to the poultry industry and the public in several countries since its first introduction. Continent-wide outbreaks have revealed that this virus is spreading globally. Thus, continuous sero- and viro-surveillance both in commercial and wild birds, and strict biosecurity reduces the risk of the HPAI virus appearing. Furthermore, homologous vaccination practices in commercial poultry need to be introduced to overcome the introduction of emergent strains. This review clearly indicates that HPAI H5N8 is a continuous threat to poultry and people and that further regional epidemiological studies are needed.

Using Open, Public Data for Security Provision: Ethical Perspectives on Risk-Based Border Checks in the EU

This article explores the use of open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques as part of data-driven border checks in the EU. While the idea to group travelers into risk categories in order to differentiate the intensity of border checks has been criticized for its likely impact on privacy and other fundamental rights, the exclusive use of “open,” “public” data was proposed as an alternative that mitigates these issues. However, OSINT remains a rather vague term, as it is unclear what constitutes “open” or “public” data, how the use of such techniques would contribute to the production of security, and whether its use actually mitigates most ethical issues. The goal of this article is to contribute toward a situated answer to these questions. It will provide groundwork by clarifying what OSINT practices could entail in the context of the European border checks regime and by developing an ethical perspective on these practices. I will show that the impact depends not so much on the public availability of the analyzed data, but on the specifics of the implementation of OSINT techniques. Thus, certain uses of OSINT continue to raise severe privacy and fundamental rights issues.

Design of Smart Locker Door Using Quality Function Deployment Based on ATMega 2560 Microcontroller

Smart Locker system to provide more security for the house that is a place to live to avoid losses and negative impacts of criminal case actions with incrimination. This study designed door security with a door bar control system that can be done from outside the house using Android and a keypad so that the bar behind the door automatically closes and opens according to the password code command entered by the user or homeowner. Consumer desires home security systems using the QFD (Quality Function Deployment) method. The QFD method will conclude that a better door security product design is needed, with home security system updates as needed. Consumers need thirteen dimensions with three priorities with the highest value, namely securing the door of the house with a shape that matches the door with a rating of 4.55, Securing the door of the house has an alarm system with a rating of 4.50, Securing the door of the house is easy to use for the owner. The intelligent locker design is based on ATMega 2560 Microcontroller, which functions to program other components so that they can work according to the data that has been inputted

Breaking Alert Fatigue: AI-Assisted SIEM Framework for Effective Incident Response

Contemporary security information and event management (SIEM) solutions struggle to identify critical security incidents effectively due to the overwhelming number of false alerts generated by disparate security products, which results in significant alert fatigue and hinders effective incident response. To overcome this challenge, we propose a next-generation SIEM framework that integrates security orchestration automation and response capabilities and utilizes a divide-and-conquer strategy to mitigate the impact of low-quality IDS alerts. The proposed framework leverages advanced machine learning and data visualization tools—including a cost-sensitive learning method and an event segmenting algorithm—to filter and correlate alerts plus an augmented visualization tool to expedite the triage process. The proposed framework was evaluated experimentally on a dataset collected from a real-world enterprise network, and we report highly convincing results. The alert screening scheme demonstrates significant potential for real-world security operations. We believe that our findings will contributing to the development of a next-generation SIEM system that effectively addresses alert fatigue and lays the foundation for future research in this field.

Understanding grain virtual water flux dynamics and drivers from a socio-ecohydrological perspective: A case study of landlocked developing countries of Africa

The virtual water (VW) approach offers a crucial heuristic tool to analyze water and food security by considering the water embedded in grain during the whole production process. African landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) continually suffer from an escalating food crisis and water resources and socioeconomic policy and water conservation strategy derived from the water-food nexus of virtual water trade (VWT) systems and resources may be the solution. Using a trade gravity model and multilateral data, this study evaluated grain VW flux patterns and 11 main drivers of VWT between 16 African LLDCs and their partners. Besides, the feedback path of VW flows corresponding to the socio-ecohydrological variability was studied using the impulse response function. The findings revealed that net virtual water import (VWI) varied across all 16 African LLDCs, ranging from 1.67 Bm3 to 10.28 Bm3 during 2000 and 2020, with an estimated yearly grain VWI of 105.61 Bm3. Green, blue, and grey water accounted for about 79.3%, 14.7%, and 5.98% of the total grain VWI, respectively. Ethiopia had the highest grain VWI among the African LLDCs. Grain VWI fluxes were significantly and positively driven by population growth and per capita GDP, which were expected to continue in the future. It was concluded that the quantitative analysis of grain VWT patterns and driving forces using the VW theory for LLDCs can be instrumental for guiding the socioeconomic policy and water conservation strategy. To effectively achieve sustainable water security and grain production, earmarked future VW strategy is required. Decision-makers should incorporate rational VW strategies and socio-ecohydrological factors into the monitoring system from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Trichoderma technologies: a complete toolkit for sustainability, resilience, and environmental rehabilitation in Cu-contaminated lowland rice and vegetable areas in Mogpog, Marinduque, Philippines

The farming community of Mogpog, Marinduque has been beset by problems caused by soil contamination from mine tailings since two mining disasters happened in 1993 and 1996 alongside current fall-out from a mined-out site undergoing rehabilitation. Crop productivity declined due to copper toxicity and farmer incomes have diminished as a result, thus contributing to the poverty in the area. This is on top of the problems with pests, diseases, and climate-related phenomena even while the farmers are continuously impoverished by the effects caused by mine tailings spill that occurred >24 years ago. A project funded by DA-BAR (2017-2021) was conducted to help alleviate the constraints to crop productivity due to heavy metal toxicity, mitigate the effects of pests, diseases and other abiotic stressors, and increase crop yields and farmer incomes through the use of ecological management practices involving the use of two Trichoderma technologies (TT) namely, Trichoderma compost activator (TCA) and Trichoderma Microbial Inoculant (TMI). During the three years of project implementation, the farmers experienced the effects of El Niño and the pandemic. Through it all, Trichoderma technologies have helped increase their harvests by 12-81%, promoted resilience of crops to drought and pest pressure as attested by the farmers in interviews and surveys, saved money through reduced inputs of fertilizers and pesticides, and helped to manage crop residues through in situ composting that added organic matter in the field thus promoting sustainable use of natural resources. A field study conducted in 2020 showed that the technologies aided in the partial remediation of soil copper through the combined action of compost and TMI. The research project showed that Trichoderma technologies are instrumental in promoting sustainability, resilience, and environmental rehabilitation in copper-contaminated agricultural areas. These technologies help address concerns related to poverty, food security, health, economic growth, and responsible production.

Research on SLAM and Path Planning Method of Inspection Robot in Complex Scenarios

Factory safety inspections are crucial for maintaining a secure production environment. Currently, inspections are predominantly performed manually on a regular basis, leading to low efficiency and a high workload. Utilizing inspection robots can significantly improve the reliability and efficiency of these tasks. The development of robot localization and path planning technologies ensures that factory inspection robots can autonomously complete their missions in complex environments. In response to the application requirements of factory inspections, this paper investigates mapping, localization, and path planning methods for robots. Considering the limitations of cameras and laser sensors due to their inherent characteristics, as well as their varying applicability in different environments, this paper proposes SLAM application systems based on multi-line laser radar and visual perception for diverse scenarios. To address the issue of low efficiency in inspection tasks, a hybrid path planning algorithm that combines the A-star algorithm and time elastic band method is introduced. This approach effectively resolves the problem of path planning becoming trapped in local optima in complex environments, subsequently enhancing the inspection efficiency of robots. Experimental results demonstrate that the designed SLAM and path planning methods can satisfy the inspection requirements of robots in complex scenarios, exhibiting excellent reliability and stability.

Smallholder farmers’ knowledge, practices and perceptions associated with grain storage and hermetic technology in southern Ghana: Implications for awareness and training

Hermetic grain storage (HGS) bags are simple and appropriate to effectively protect stored grains against pests and aflatoxins in areas where effective facilities are lacking. This study assessed farmers’ knowledge and perceptions associated with current practices, awareness-facilitating agents, and HGS bags in interior southern Ghana. The main objective was to provide information that can be included in sensitization and awareness creation programs to increase adoption of HGS bags for sustainable production of grain crops, food security, income-generation, and livelihood improvement across farming communities in selected areas in southern Ghana. Therefore, 925 smallholder farmers were randomly selected and interviewed across three districts (or municipals), which included West Akim Municipal, Ayensuano District, and Suhum Municipal in southern Ghana, using a semi-structured questionnaire for data collection and analysis. The results showed that 95.24% of farmers were still using ineffective grain storage approaches to store grains. Average awareness level about HGS bags among farmers was ≤30%, whereas adoption of HGS bags was very low (4.76%). However, awareness and adoption were mostly observed in West Akim Municipal. Although awareness was significantly dependent on numerous demographic and farming factors, it had significant positive correlations with ‘female farmers’ and respondents’ age-range (36–50 years) only; it suggests that if these two factors are considered in sensitization programs, they will increase awareness about HGS bags. The most performing awareness-facilitating agent was the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, followed by famers’ neighbors. Nonetheless, farmers (who were aware of or adopted HGS bags) were facing challenges or limitations. Hence, the need for training smallholder farmers has been discussed.

Simulation of System Dynamics for Improving The Quality of Paddy Production in Supporting Food Security

Background: The food security policy is an effort to ensure stable food availability and stable access of the community to food. As the population increases, this will affect the fulfillment of food needs in the future. Therefore, increase in rice production is needed to support food security. Objective: Conduct an analysis of the factors affecting the quality of rice production by using a dynamic system simulation that can be used as a basis for formulating policy strategies. Method: Simulation using System Dynamics (SD) is a method used to study and analyze complex systems by modeling non-linear behavior. Then several scenarios were carried out for the best decision-making using a computer. Result: The results of the scenario show that increasing the quality of paddy production in order to meet food needs in the future is doable by boosting the rendement of paddy as it will upgrade rice production which will contribute greatly to rice production. Conclusion: From the simulation results, the study can be used to increase the quality of rice production to maintain food security by improving the harvesting mechanism to increase yields. For further research, the use of Smart Agriculture can be considered to increase production of rice. Keywords: Food security, Rice production, Rice production, System dynamics

Process of Transformation to Net Zero Steelmaking: Decarbonisation Scenarios Based on the Analysis of the Polish Steel Industry

The European steel industry is experiencing new challenges related to the market situation and climate policy. Experience from the period of pandemic restrictions and the effects of Russia’s armed invasion of Ukraine has given many countries a basis for including steel along with raw materials (coke, iron ore, electricity) in economic security products (CRMA). Steel is needed for economic infrastructure and construction development as well as a material for other industries (without steel, factories will not produce cars, machinery, ships, washing machines, etc.). In 2022, steelmakers faced a deepening energy crisis and economic slowdown. The market situation prompted steelmakers to impose restrictions on production volumes (worldwide production fell by 4% compared to the previous year). Despite the difficult economic situation of the steel industry (production in EU countries fell by 11% in 2022 compared to the previous year), the EU is strengthening its industrial decarbonisation policy (“Fit for 55”). The decarbonisation of steel production is set to accelerate by 2050. To sharply reduce carbon emissions, steel mills need new steelmaking technologies. The largest global, steelmakers are already investing in new technologies that will use green hydrogen (produced from renewable energy sources). Reducing iron ore with hydrogen plasma will drastically reduce CO2 emissions (steel production using hydrogen could emit up to 95% less CO2 than the current BF + BOF blast furnace + basic oxygen furnace integrated method). Investments in new technologies must be tailored to the steel industry. A net zero strategy (deep decarbonisation goal) may have different scenarios in different EU countries. The purpose of this paper was to introduce the conditions for investing in low-carbon steelmaking technologies in the Polish steel market and to develop (based on expert opinion) scenarios for the decarbonisation of the Polish steel industry.

A Comparison of Systemic and Systematic Risks of Malware Encounters in Consumer and Enterprise Environments

Malware is still a widespread problem, and it is used by malicious actors to routinely compromise the security of computer systems. Consumers typically rely on a single AV product to detect and block possible malware infections, while corporations often install multiple security products, activate several layers of defenses, and establish security policies among employees. However, if a better security posture should lower the risk of malware infections, then the actual extent to which this happens is still under debate by risk analysis experts. Moreover, the difference in risks encountered by consumers and enterprises has never been empirically studied by using real-world data. In fact, the mere use of third-party software, network services, and the interconnected nature of our society necessarily exposes both classes of users to undiversifiable risks: Independently from how careful users are and how well they manage their cyber hygiene, a portion of that risk would simply exist because of the fact of using a computer, sharing the same networks, and running the same software. In this work, we shed light on both systemic (i.e., diversifiable and dependent on the security posture) and systematic (i.e., undiversifiable and independent of the cyber hygiene) risk classes. Leveraging the telemetry data of a popular security company, we compare, in the first part of our study, the effects that different security measures have on malware encounter risks in consumer and enterprise environments. In the second part, we conduct exploratory research on systematic risk, investigate the quality of nine different indicators we were able to extract from our telemetry, and provide, for the first time, quantitative indicators of their predictive power. Our results show that even if consumers have a slightly lower encounter rate than enterprises (9.8% vs. 12.0%), the latter do considerably better when selecting machines with an increasingly higher uptime (89% vs. 53%). The two segments also diverge when we separately consider the presence of Adware and Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUA) and the generic samples detected through behavioral signatures: While consumers have an encounter rate for Adware and PUA that is 6 times higher than enterprise machines, those on average match behavioral signatures 2 times more frequently than the counterpart. We find, instead, similar trends when analyzing the age of encountered signatures, and the prevalence of different classes of traditional malware (such as Ransomware and Cryptominers). Finally, our findings show that the amount of time a host is active, the volume of files generated on the machine, the number and reputation of vendors of the installed applications, the host geographical location, and its recurrent infected state carry useful information as indicators of systematic risk of malware encounters. Activity days and hours have a higher influence in the risk of consumers, increasing the odds of encountering malware of 4.51 and 2.65 times. In addition, we measure that the volume of files generated on the host represents a reliable indicator, especially when considering Adware. We further report that the likelihood of encountering Worms and Adware is much higher (on average 8 times in consumers and enterprises) for those machines that already reported this kind of signature in the past.

Investigating the energy security performance, productivity, and economic growth for the EU

AbstractEnergy is one of the key elements of economies. The maintenance of daily economic activities would not be possible without assurance of energy security, which is also a critical contributor to sustainable energy. The European Union (EU) strives to protect the energy security of its members in order to prevent supply problems or crises. The main purpose of our analysis is to evaluate the energy security of EU countries by analyzing their performance, productivity, and relationship with economic growth. Using hybrid and comparative MCDM and Malmquist productivity approaches, we assess the static and dynamic energy security performance of the EU countries in the period from 2014 to 2018. We use IDOCRIW‐weighted SAW, MARCOS, and CODAS techniques for static performance measurement and the Malmquist productivity approach for dynamic performance evaluation. Considering both static and dynamic performance among developed EU countries, Denmark is found to be superior. Further, the Malmquist productivity index results indicate a slight improvement for developed countries and deterioration for developing countries. According to the panel data analysis, energy security is a factor that leads to economic growth. Consequently, energy efficiency initiatives such as efficiency action plans, hybrid and electric vehicles, and energy storage advancements play crucial roles in enhancing the EU's energy security.