Security Services Research Articles

Youth resistance and KGB activity in the 9th decade of XX century.

The KGB Vilnius City Division was particularly interested in ‘anti–social youth groups’, hippies, punks, and Krishna followers. The situation in youth meeting places – discotheques, clubs, cafés, as well as karate sections – was monitored. By 1985, the KGB Vilnius City unit managed to minimise the anti–Soviet activities of schoolchildren in Vilnius City. For this purpose, the security services not only used the agency and trusted persons at their disposal, but also the MVD organs with the Komsomol unit of F. Dzerzhinsky. The large number of operatives working under the ‘5th line’ showed that rebellious ideas were rife among the young people and that the KGB was unwilling to put up with the anti–Soviet activities of school students. In fact, these activities consisted only of writing and distributing hostile notes, letters, and leaflets with anti–Soviet content, and unrest during sports competitions.

The day of civil resistance: KGB reaction to events in 1972

At the beginning of 1972, in comparison to other cities, Kaunas did not stand out in terms of the number of people persecuted or followed by the KGB, or in terms of any illegal movement. On the other hand, one shall not forget the well–known spirit of the ‘provisional capital’. Hence, the KGB paid Kaunas particular attention, but this did not prevent the self–immolation of Romas Kalanta or the unrest that followed. 14 of May became a day of constant tension and stand–by vigilance for the Soviet security services not only in Kaunas, but throughout Lithuania. The outbreak of youth protests was expected every year, but there was no tragic Kalanta–type catalyst. Not only because of the KGB’s very active negative attitude towards self–immolations, but also because of the unambiguous position of a large part of society towards suicide – whatever the reasons, there were almost none such drastic forms of protest in later years.

Glorified Images of Soviet State Security and Intelligence Services

Abstract This survey article critically evaluates books about the Soviet-era state security and intelligence services published in Russia over the past quarter century by eight major pro-regime publishers. The article underscores the publishing houses’ efforts to foster a laudatory image of Soviet-era security and intelligence services in the broader context of the return of “Chekism” (idolization of state security agencies) under Russian President Vladimir Putin, who himself was a product of the Soviet State Security Committee (KGB), and the restoration of a repressive, authoritarian system in Russia. The article surveys more than 50 books and provides short biographical notes on the intelligence authors, historians, and retired Chekists-turned-writers in Putin's Russia.

Highly Accurate Adaptive Federated Forests Based on Resistance to Adversarial Attacks in Wireless Traffic Prediction

Current 5G communication services have limitations, prompting the development of the Beyond 5G (B5G) network. B5G aims to extend the scope of communication to encompass land, sea, air, and space while enhancing communication intelligence and evolving into an omnipresent converged information network. This expansion demands higher standards for communication rates and intelligent processing across multiple devices. Furthermore, traffic prediction is crucial for the intelligent and efficient planning and management of communication networks, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing network performance and communication speeds and is an important part of B5G’s performance. Federated learning addresses privacy and transmission cost issues in model training, making it widely applicable in traffic prediction. However, traditional federated learning models are susceptible to adversarial attacks that can compromise model outcomes. To safeguard traffic prediction from such attacks and ensure the reliability of the prediction system, this paper introduces the Adaptive Threshold Modified Federated Forest (ATMFF). ATMFF employs adaptive threshold modification, utilizing a confusion matrix rate-based screening-weighted aggregation of weak classifiers to adjust the decision threshold. This approach enhances the accuracy of recognizing adversarial samples, thereby ensuring the reliability of the traffic prediction model. Our experiments, based on real 5G traffic data, demonstrate that ATMFF’s adversarial sample recognition accuracy surpasses that of traditional multiboost models and models without adaptive threshold modified. This improvement bolsters the security and reliability of intelligent traffic classification services.

A Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Governance of Self-Recruiting Small Indigenous Fishes in the Lower Gangetic Floodplain Wetlands of Eastern India

This study examined the wetland ecology, institutional frameworks, and governance mechanisms for managing self-recruiting small indigenous fishes (SIFs) across four wetlands in the lower Gangetic plain, a region bridging the Himalayan and Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspots. Using a mixed-method approach, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 100 respondents from the fisher community, focus group discussions, unpublished records, and direct observations. The findings revealed a lack of systematic institutional mechanisms in three wetlands, possibly due to their small size, which fostered informal regulations among community members. The Chamardaha (35.813) wetland received a low score in an Ecosystem Health Index (EHI; range: 0–100) and the others, viz., Beledanga (53.813), Kumil (45.237), and Panchita (54.989), received a medium score. A wide range of significant (p < 0.05) effect sizes (β = −0.20 to 0.65) was found for the different governance parameters on sustainability and average per capita income of fisher society. Our investigation showed that 90% to 76% of the harvested SIFs were sold and the rest were consumed within the fisher community to meet part of their nutritional needs. According to the fishers’ perception, a reduction of more than 50% in the availability of the SIF population was observed compared to its previous levels. The proposed governance model emphasizes women’s roles in the fisher community and aims to improve economic outcomes, nutritional security, biodiversity conservation, and ecological services. This is the first study to document SIF utilization patterns and their link to local governance in the lower Gangetic ecoregion’s inland open waters. The findings are expected to advance wetland fisheries governance research.

MAIN VECTORS OF BUSINESS PROCESS OPTIMIZATION MANAGEMENT IN THE SECURITY SPHERE: CHANGING SEO TRENDS BASED ON AI 2025

The article is devoted to the topical issues of artificial intelligence (AI) technology for managing the optimization of business processes under the influence of changing SEO trends in 2025, which is important and requires the identification of the main vectors of their further development for implementation in the work of the business. In the modern world, where information has a dynamic development and becomes a digital asset, the use of AI plays a significant role for managers and clients, which determines the development of the functional intelligence of the future management network. The research consists of analyzing the main approaches in the context of business process management regarding their optimization in the field of security, taking into account the changing trends of SEO in 2025 using AI, which will contribute to increasing the efficiency of business decisions. The main trends of AI influence on the development of SEO optimization in website promotion in 2025, which has a positive impact on business development and the effectiveness of indicators, are summarized. The vectors of management efficiency through the impact of AI technology on the optimization of business processes in the field of security services, which will contribute to timely response to the challenges and risks of the modern competitive environment, are determined. In conclusion, it is emphasized that for improving the management of business processes regarding their optimization, it is necessary to use AI, in particular in the field of security, taking into account SEO trends in 2025, through the analysis of current processes, identifying priority goals of business process optimization, improving existing processes and developing new ones taking into account the use of modern technologies and monitoring business results by implementing changes in order to adjust them. These vectors contribute to the optimization of business processes in the field of security, but there is a need to take into account the cost of AI implementation and training of security guards who have to work with AI technology and understand how to interpret the data obtained. An important challenge is the solution of an ethical issue that concerns the confidentiality and protection of personal data of clients. It has been found that AI has significant potential for optimizing business processes in the field of security regarding increasing management efficiency, improving the quality of service, which will lead to business performance. The vector of further research lies in the wide application of AI in management, which will bring the business to a qualitatively new level of management, defining the development of the functional intelligence of the future management network.

Chinese military and security companies (CMSCs) and the limit of political-instrumentalist model of security privatisation

ABSTRACT This article explores China’s outsourcing of security functions to the private sector within the broader context of the security privatization scholarship, offering a nuanced understanding of the relationship between Beijing’s security privatization and the political-instrumentalist theory. Specifically, it tests how the theory fares against the Chinese system – a governance system other than democracies. How does China’s use of Chinese Military and Security Companies (CMSCs) affect the political-instrumentalist theorization of the PMSCs scholarship? How does China’s trajectory – overtly pursuing security pluralization but covertly defying security privatization as explained by Western cases – influence the study and theorization of the security privatization scholarship? I utilize qualitative research design, organizing data from publicly available Chinese official security and defence documents to answer the questions. It draws on content and discourse analyses to argue that the safety of Chinese national interests abroad and the government’s desire to respond to Chinese people’s demand for protection and avoid political costs incentivizes Chinese governmental actors to outsource overseas security functions and services to CMSCs. This situation becomes a strategy of accepting greater rather than shirking responsibility or evading accountability, contradicting the political-instrumentalist explanation of security privatization.

Enhancing Image Quality in Facial Recognition Systems with GAN-Based Reconstruction Techniques

Facial recognition systems are pivotal in modern applications such as security, healthcare, and public services, where accurate identification is crucial. However, environmental factors, transmission errors, or deliberate obfuscations often degrade facial image quality, leading to misidentification and service disruptions. This study employs Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to address these challenges by reconstructing corrupted or occluded facial images with high fidelity. The proposed methodology integrates advanced GAN architectures, multi-scale feature extraction, and contextual loss functions to enhance reconstruction quality. Six experimental modifications to the GAN model were implemented, incorporating additional residual blocks, enhanced loss functions combining adversarial, perceptual, and reconstruction losses, and skip connections for improved spatial consistency. Extensive testing was conducted using Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) to quantify reconstruction quality, alongside face detection validation using SFace. The final model achieved an average PSNR of 26.93 and an average SSIM of 0.90, with confidence levels exceeding 0.55 in face detection tests, demonstrating its ability to preserve identity and structural integrity under challenging conditions, including occlusion and noise. The results highlight that advanced GAN-based methods effectively restore degraded facial images, ensuring accurate face detection and robust identity preservation. This research provides a significant contribution to facial image processing, offering practical solutions for applications requiring high-quality image reconstruction and reliable facial recognition.

Decentralized and Secure Blockchain Solution for Tamper-Proof Logging Events

Log files are essential assets for IT engineers engaged in the security of server and computer systems. They provide crucial information for identifying malicious events, conducting cybersecurity incident analyses, performing audits, system maintenance, and ensuring compliance with security regulations. Nevertheless, there is still the possibility of deliberate data manipulation by own personnel, especially with regard to system access and configuration changes, where error tracking or debugging traces are vital. To address tampering of log files, this work proposes a solution to ensure data integrity, immutability, and non-repudiation through different blockchain-based public registry systems. This approach offers an additional layer of security through a decentralized, tamper-resistant ledger. To this end, this manuscript aims to provide a solid guideline for creating secure log storage systems. For this purpose, methodologies and experiments using two different blockchains are presented to demonstrate their effectiveness in various contexts, such as transactions with and without metadata. The findings suggest that Solana’s response times make it well suited for environments with moderately critical records requiring certification. In contrast, Cardano shows higher response times, thus making it suitable for less frequent events with metadata that requires legitimacy.

Stages of historical development of notariat in the era of digitalization

Notaries have existed since prehistoric culture, when there were links between individuals and communities. As a result of inequalities, there was a need to establish standards of behaviour, which led to the creation of law-related institutions. Notaries were established to publicly certify private deeds, create trust verify the legality of transactions, and protect the rights and interests of citizens. The rise and decline of Kyivan Rus are associated with the development of notaries. The development of notaries under the Magdeburg Law can be seen in the Lithuanian Statutes, the Rights of the Little Russian People of 1750, the Rights of the Little Russian People of 1807, the Judicial Statutes of 1864, and other documents. The state is developing the notary system. In 1993, Ukraine adopted a law on notaries. The concept of notary reform was approved in 2010. Ukrainian notaries adhere to European standards and use the latest technology. This improves citizens’ notarial services and access to them; in 2023, a decision was made on some Unified State Electronic Notary System issues, which consists of several interconnected information systems that automate notarial processes. The collection, processing, storage, protection, search, accounting and use of notarial information are part of these processes. The future of Ukrainian notaries depends on modern technologies to improve notarial services. This will improve the notary’s performance and increase its credibility. In addition, at this stage, it is necessary to improve the civil service and fight corruption in the notary. Notaries work in difficult conditions during the war. Notaries have played an important role in society since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Notaries worked in dangerous situations, protected archives, and provided notarial services. In the first months of the war, the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine resumed registration of forms of documents, including inheritance, powers of attorney, real estate, business, and letterheads. The second phase of the land market reform has begun. Ukrainian legal entities can now participate in it. The government is giving notaries priority in formalising transactions. New procedures for registering primary construction have also protected investors’ rights. The state has granted notaries the right to register damages caused by the Russian Federation. According to the state act, a notary can help clients receive compensation for destroyed housing and purchase their own housing. Official financial supervision and fines are expected for notaries. Ukrainian notaries are performing well and retaining public trust, contributing to civilian change and economic stability and creating an even greater need for reform in wartime. The powers of notaries are expanding, and electronic notaries are gradually replacing paper notaries. Ukrainian society entered a new era after the adoption of the 1996 Constitution. Currently, the legal system and institutions of Ukraine require significant improvement. The Ukrainian Chamber of Notaries was established to adapt notarial practice to the ever-changing legal system of Ukraine. As the country becomes more law-abiding and democratic, the notary profession must change to maintain fairness and transparency while protecting the public interest. For the future development of Ukrainian society, it is necessary to reform legal institutions, especially notaries. To protect data, electronic signatures and personal identification are the next steps in the digitalisation of notaries. This will facilitate online transactions and reduce the number of legal procedures that require physical presence. The Ukrainian notary profession has a long history of verifying the authenticity of documents. Digital notaries improve the security and quality of services in the country. This reform demonstrates the modernity of the legal system in Ukraine.

Synergies between rice production security and soil-related ecosystem services: From field observations to policy implementations

Synergies between rice production security and soil-related ecosystem services: From field observations to policy implementations

Research on real-time network intrusion data encryption system based on SDN architecture

ABSTRACT In order to improve the network system’s security, in view of the different importance of data blocks, this paper proposes a hierarchical strategy to calculate the importance of each data block. Moreover, this paper proposes a data hierarchical storage protection scheme in a cloud environment. In order to ensure the safety and reliability of security services, when the security module is started, two-way authentication with the controller is required. In addition, this paper studies the real-time network intrusion data encryption system under the SDN architecture, and builds a corresponding model. Finally, this paper researches the reliability of the method proposed in this paper through experiments. From the experimental research point of view, the real-time network intrusion data encryption system based on the SDN architecture constructed in this paper can effectively detect the external intrusion data, which can be used as a reference for the security analysis of the subsequent network system structure.

Resource Allocation and Scheduling Techniques in Cloud Computing: A Comprehensive Review

Efficient resource allocation and scheduling are critical for optimizing performance, minimizing costs, and ensuring user satisfaction in cloud computing environments. This paper provides a comprehensive review of existing techniques, examining the challenges and advancements in this crucial domain. We explore the fundamental principles of resource management, including key performance indicators, service models, and the trade-offs between static and dynamic allocation. A detailed analysis of various scheduling algorithms, including heuristic, metaheuristic, machine learning-based, and hybrid approaches, is presented. Furthermore, we discuss advanced considerations such as fault tolerance, energy efficiency, security, and quality of service. Finally, we identify key research directions for future advancements, including the integration of AI and machine learning, the handling of heterogeneous resources, and the challenges posed by emerging technologies like serverless computing and edge computing. This review aims to provide a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to understand the current state-of-the-art and navigate the complexities of resource management in the evolving cloud computing landscape.

Digital Banking Frauds and Safety Awareness in Rural Areas of Sonipat: A Customers Perspective Study

Research Aims: The present study examines the awareness and perception of digital banking frauds among bank customers in the rural areas of Sonipat, aiming to reduce fraud incidents and promote a secure, cashless economy. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study descriptive nature. A sample size of 150 participants was selected. Data were collected via surveys and structured interviews, followed by statistical analysis including ANOVA and correlation analysis. Research Findings: The findings indicated significant demographic variations in awareness levels with gender wise, younger individuals and those with higher education and employment status exhibiting greater awareness of digital banking. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The study will useful to improve and promote secure and frauds free digital banking services in rural area. The Managerial Implication: This study provides critical insights for banks and policymakers to implement targeted educational campaigns and robust security measures tailored to specific demographic needs, enhancing overall customer safety. Research Limitation & Implications: this study related specific rural area of Sonipat Haryana and sample size is limited to 150 customers. The assessment highlights the need for customized strategies to improve e-banking security and awareness, suggesting that future research should include larger sample sizes and other regions for broader applicability

Torture’s Bureaucracy and the “Legitimacy Effect”

This article tells the story of one small department in the Israeli Ministry of Justice: “The Inspector for Complaints Against General Security Service (GSS) Interrogators” (in Hebrew: Mavtan). Tasked with examining complaints of torture in GSS interrogations, and determining whether they merit launching a criminal investigation, Mavtan has reviewed more than 1,450 complaints to date. None of these, however, had ever led to criminal charges. By analysing this failure, we tell a segment of the story of torture in Israel and, more broadly, of the legal bureaucracy that makes state and colonial violence possible. Despite the failure to produce concrete outcomes, Mavtan is a very industrious unit. We argue that this extensive bureaucratic labor creates a semblance of the rule of law by performing an adherence to hallmarks of good governance, such as transparency and accountability. Paraphrasing Mitchell (1999), we call this semblance the “legitimacy effect,” as it works to produce state legitimacy on two levels: internationally, to cordon off external interventions, and domestically, to defuse the internal tension between torture and democracy. It hence allows torture to emerge as a problem that may be addressed procedurally, without ever contending with the violence and the violations of international law it necessarily entails.

Design and methods of the research unit 5187 PREACT (towards precision psychotherapy for non-respondent patients: from signatures to predictions to clinical utility) – a study protocol for a multicentre observational study in outpatient clinics

IntroductionCognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) works—but not equally well for all patients. Less than 50% of patients with internalising disorders achieve clinically meaningful improvement, with negative consequences for patients and healthcare systems....

Evaluating Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Safety, Quality, and Appropriateness Across Michigan Using Blinded Cross-Institutional Peer Review.

Several quality improvement initiatives have focused on the quality gap in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), yet significant variations in quality persist. Our objective was to use a novel blinded peer review system to evaluate PCI quality, safety, and appropriateness across Michigan. Single-vessel PCI cases were randomly selected from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium registry across Michigan (2018-2020), and anonymized angiograms and pertinent case records were uploaded to a secure server. Cases were reviewed by blinded interventional cardiologists internal and external to the institution, using a standardized peer review form and rated on procedural quality, safety, and appropriateness. We compared appropriateness ratings between reviewers and registry-based appropriateness criteria. We conducted 1627 independent peer reviews of 961 cases; 23.7% of cases were for non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, and 36.4% were for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. The majority (96.4%) of reviewers rated angiogram quality as excellent or adequate. Reviewers noted a complication or suboptimal result in 11.1% of reviews; 44.0% of these were deemed avoidable. Most PCI procedures were considered appropriate or may be appropriate, (87.1%) by all those reviewing. Reviewers were less likely to categorize PCI cases as appropriate compared with registry-based appropriate use criteria definitions (73.1% versus 93.3%). The percentage of cases rated as both appropriate/may be appropriate and technically competent ranged from 76.7% to 100% across sites. While the overall quality and appropriateness of PCI in Michigan are high, key opportunities to improve care were identified. Additional studies are needed to assess the utility of expanding this approach across the United States.

Application of Heuristic Algorithm in Medical Informatics System for Patient Data Management in Southeast Asia

This research aims to analyze the application of heuristic algorithms in medical informatics systems for managing patient data in Southeast Asia. This research method uses qualitative research. This research data uses secondary data. Data includes scientific literature, technical reports, policy documents, and statistical data from trusted sources such as reputable journals, conferences, books, and health institutional reports. Data analysis using Nvivo 12 Plus software to identify relevant patterns and themes. This research indicates that Southeast Asian countries have begun to adopt information technology in health services. The implementation of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) System has been used in several large hospitals in Malaysia and Thailand to integrate patient data digitally. The most prominent theme in the data findings regarding the role of heuristic algorithms in managing patient data is the importance of data security, management, optimization, efficiency, and blockchain integration in patient health services. Plus, the challenges heuristic algorithms face in healthcare include infrastructure, data fragmentation, cross-platform system integration, data security and privacy, big data analysis (big data), and potential heuristic algorithms. The significant impact is improving the efficiency, quality, and accessibility of health services. One of the main impacts is increasing operational efficiency. The implications of this research recommend that policymakers and health institutions adopt heuristic algorithms in medical informatics systems for managing patient data in hospitals to improve the quality of health services

Challenges for HR Policy of Law Enforcement Agencies of Ukraine in Terms of Martial Law

Objective: The purpose of this research is to analyze the challenges faced by HR policy of law enforcement agencies of Ukraine in terms of the martial law in order to identify the ways of its improvement to ensure effective activities in crisis conditions. This study aligns with the objectives of SDG - Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which emphasizes the need for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on the analysis of Ukrainian regulatory legal acts, doctrinal approaches, as well as modern tendencies in the field of law enforcement agencies’ personnel management. Method: A set of general scientific and special methods was used including logical and semantic, critical analysis, formal and legal, systemic approaches. The main attention was paid to studying regulatory sources, scientific literature and practical aspects of personnel management. Results and Discussion: The authors of the article identified key challenges in HR policy of the prosecutor’s office, the National Police of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, the State Bureau of Investigation, and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau. Particular attention was paid to the issues of adapting the organizational structure, improving the personnel training system, forming personnel reserve and supporting employees in conditions of increased stress and physical exertion. Ensuring a well-functioning HR policy in law enforcement agencies contributes to maintaining social stability and enhancing institutional resilience, which are essential elements of achieving SDG. Research Implications: The practical results of the research can be used to improve HR policy of law enforcement agencies, in particular in the aspects of developing regulatory documents, training programs and forming personnel reserve. Originality/Value: The research offers an innovative approach to solving the problems of staffing law enforcement agencies in the difficult conditions of the martial law. By addressing HR policy issues in law enforcement, this study also indirectly supports SDG - Decent Work and Economic Growth by emphasizing capacity-building and fair labor conditions in the public sector.

Unlocking Performance Excellence And Impact In The Strategic Human Resource Training And Development In The Zimbabwe Republic Police

This study explores the influence of strategic human resource training and development on performance excellence within the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), with the aim of unlocking optimal performance in the security services sector. The research was inspired by a noticeable deterioration of police performance across the country, public outcry and many newspaper reports on alleged corrupt tendencies and poor service delivery within the rank and file of the ZRP. The study adopted a mixed methods approach with a pragmatic philosophy. The target population was 210 police officers stationed at the Police General Headquarters (PGHQ) in Harare. Data were collected using questionnaires (n=136) and interview schedules (n=3). Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23.0, while qualitative data were analysed using the maticanalysis. Research results reveal that strategic human resource training and development programmes have a positive significant influence on employee performance in the ZRP. The research also established challenges constraining effective implementation of strategic human resource training and development in the Zimbabwean security services sector, notably lack of infrastructure, lack of training facilities, limited access to technology, limited e-learning resource, and high staff turnover, among others. The study, therefore, recommends that the ZRP should increase its investment in strategic human resource training and development programmes, as this would help to enhance the human capital of police officers, leading to improved performance excellence.