Security Status Research Articles

The Association between Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs and Adolescent Food Security during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Baltimore, Maryland.

Given the lack of attention on adolescent food insecurity, the primary objective of this study was to assess the association of household participation in federal food assistance programs with food security status among adolescents in Baltimore during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescents, ages 14-19 years, were invited to participate in two online surveys. The baseline was implemented between October 2020 and January 2021, while the follow-up took place one year later from November 2021 to January 2022 after schools had re-opened. We then matched survey participants with household participation in food nutrition assistance programs using data obtained from the Maryland Department of Social Services. We used logistic regression to examine the association between food assistance program participation status and food insecurity. Additionally, to examine whether the impact of program participation on food insecurity changed between the baseline survey and one year later at follow-up when schools re-opened, a difference-in-differences analysis was conducted. The results showed no significant associations between adolescent food security and participation in any of the federal nutrition assistance programs. Increased attention on how best to improve adolescent food security in low-income households that can respond to the unique needs of adolescents is clearly warranted.

Dietary practice and associated factors among elderly people in Northwest Ethiopia, 2022: Community based mixed design.

The planet's population is aging at an incredible speed. Poor dietary practices are a major problem among the elderly. However, literature is scarce on dietary practices among elders in the study area. Therefore, the results of this study may give information to decision-makers. This study aimed to assess dietary practices and associated factors among elderly people in Northwest Ethiopia, in 2022. A community-based mixed study design was employed among elderly people from May 20 to July 2, 2022. Systematic random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used for selecting study participants in quantitative and qualitative studies, respectively. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire for the quantitative part and an interview guide for the qualitative part. Binary logistic regression analysis was used. A P-value less than or equal to 0.05 was used to declare statistically significant variables. A crude odds ratio and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were used to measure the strength of the association. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data analysis. A total of 422 participants were recruited for the study. Twenty-six in-depth interviews were done. The prevalence of adequate dietary practice was only 54.5% [95% CI: (49.8, 59.2)]. It was significantly associated with being aged between 65 to 74 years (AOR: 8.32; 95 CI: 3.9, 18.1), being aged between 75 to 84 years (AOR: 2.90; 95% CI: 1.1, 7.9), eating sometimes alone (AOR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.4), eating always with family members (AOR: 4.96; 95% CI: 2.6, 9.4), and food security (AOR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.8, 5.4). Thematic analysis revealed three themes that interfere with the dietary practices of elders. A majority of in-depth interviewees mentioned that there were taboos and cultural beliefs which favor inadequate dietary practices of the elderly; the study participants reported that individual, economic, societal, and physiological factors are barriers affecting the dietary practices of the elderly, and all respondents have no experiences regarding elderly dietary practices. The prevalence of adequate dietary practice was low. It was significantly associated with age, with whom feeding, and household food security status. Taboos and cultural beliefs, barriers, and experiences hampered the dietary practices of elders. Therefore, improving the dietary practices of elders focusing on advanced age, loneliness, food security, taboos, cultural beliefs, barriers, and experiences regarding dietary practices should be done.

Community gardens support high levels of food production, but benefit distribution is uneven across the gardener community

Urban community gardens are important social–ecological systems from which urban citizens receive many benefits. In this study of 18 urban community gardens in the Central Coast of California, USA, we use a combination of gardener surveys and field-based measurements to evaluate the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables produced by gardeners. We then investigate how food production differed between segments of the gardening population, specifically as a function of gardening experience, time spent in gardens, and food security status. Lastly, we ask gardeners to describe their motivations for gardening to better understand how motivations may relate to individual levels of food production. Thirty-eight percent of gardeners estimate harvesting one to five pounds of food per week, with another 26% estimating six to ten pounds. These estimates were corroborated by field measurements of tomato, squash, and pepper cultivation, where gardeners produced, at the height of the harvest season, an average of four pounds of food per week—an estimated savings of ~ $16USD per week (compared to the cost of local organic fruits and vegetables, June 2023 prices). Regarding the ability of community gardens to reduce food insecurity, gardeners who spent more time in the garden and with higher incomes reported higher food security, while those with larger families or lower incomes were more food insecure. These results show that gardeners in most need of food support were not necessarily the ones cultivating the most fruits and vegetables. While 48% of gardeners reported food cultivation as a primary motivator for gardening, many other motivations (e.g., hobby, being outdoors, relaxation, social interaction, and exercise) were identified as reasons to spend time in the garden, indicating that food production is not the only factor motivating gardeners. Overall, we document that community gardens can be highly productive and provide valuable produce that substantially offsets high fresh food costs; however, gardeners with the greatest food needs are currently not the largest producers, but could benefit from additional resources and support.

Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence in Aviation

Airports are becoming increasingly interconnected and technologically advanced ecosystems. Airports handle sensitive data and depend on interconnected systems, which, while improving efficiency, also heighten vulnerability to cyber threats like data breaches and ransom ware. Additionally, with technological advancements artificial intelligence also plays a huge role, providing a new definition to cyber security in aviation. This paper examines the current state of cyber security in the aviation industry, implementation of artificial intelligence and how we can make the best use of technology, whilst focusing on the vulnerabilities and threats that accompany the adoption of advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. The paper also explores the types of cyber attacks that can target smart airport systems, emphasising the need for robust cyber security measures to protect these critical infrastructures.

Association between geospatial disparities in food security with weight loss and nutritional outcomes of metabolic surgery

BackgroundFood insecurity has been linked to higher rates of obesity. It has also been shown to diminish the effectiveness of weight loss strategies, including intensive lifestyle interventions. One essential component of food insecurity is having a geospatial disadvantage in access to healthy, affordable food, such as living within a food desert. This study aims to determine if food insecurity also impacts weight loss and nutritional outcomes in patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG).MethodsClinical outcomes of patients who underwent RYGB or SG at Cleveland Clinic or affiliate regional hospitals in the United States from 2010 to 2018 were collected. Modified Retail Food Environmental Index (mRFEI) data was collected from the Center for Disease Control and merged with patient census tract data, allowing the patient cohort to be divided into those living in areas identified as food secure (mRFEI > 10%), food swamps (mRFEI = 1–10%), or food deserts (mRFEI = 0). Postoperative weight change was evaluated with quadratic growth mixture models and stratified by surgery type.ResultsA total of 5097 patients were included in this study cohort, including 3424 patients who underwent RYGB and 1673 who underwent SG. The median duration of follow-up was 2.3 years (IQR 0.89–3.6 years). Food security status was not associated with postoperative weight change (RYGB p = 0.73, SG p = 0.60), weight loss nadir (RYGB p = 0.60, SG p = 0.79), or weight regain (RYGB p = 0.93, SG p = 0.85). Deficiencies in nutritional markers at 1–2 years after surgery were also not significantly different between food security groups.ConclusionDespite the established relationship between food insecurity and obesity, food insecurity does not negatively impact weight loss or nutritional outcomes following RYGB or SG, demonstrating metabolic surgery as a powerful and equitable tool for treating obesity.Level of EvidenceIV.

Assessing the current status of food security under climate variability and the role of household-level adaption strategies near Ghibe III hydroelectric dam, Ethiopia

The food security problem is exacerbated by low production and crop loss in many parts of the world and Ethiopia in particular. Prior literature less documented the role of innovative adaptation strategies to climate variability in ensuring food security. This study investigated the current status of food security and the role of adaptation strategies in the context of climate unpredictability in the Ghibe III dam area, in Southern Ethiopia. To achieve the intended objective, data were collected from 175 adapters and 209 non-adapters through multi-stage sampling using a questionnaire supplemented with key informant interviews and focus group discussions. A probit regression model was used to determine the factors affecting farmers’ adaptation. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to evaluate the impact of the adaptation strategies on food security. Food security was measured by the food balance sheet model (HBSM)). The rainfall anomaly index and Mann–Kendall tests were employed for the analysis of rainfall and temperature. The findings showed that throughout 30 years, temperatures were rising while rainfall was falling. Receiving early warning weather systems, credit services, extension services, family size, and farm size had a significant impact on adaptation strategies at a 1% level. Adapters showed an increase in food security (7–9%) than non-adapters. Adapters consumed 2101.6 mean calories per day/adult equivalent compared to non-adapters who consumed 1151.5 kcal. Conservation agriculture and climate-resilient crop varieties should be implemented by farmers supported by local-level government bodies at large.

Training of police actions in emergency situations in war conditions

The article expands the theoretical and practical understanding of the state of civil security in the conditions of war and the problems of systematic purposeful training of police officers on actions in emergency situations, as well as organizational measures to solve them. The purpose of the work is to substantiate the scientific and theoretical foundations and develop practical recommendations for the organization of systematic training of police officers for actions in emergency situations in war conditions. The understanding of the tasks of the National Police during the response and liquidation of the consequences of emergency situations has been improved, it is emphasized that in wartime they perform not only purely law enforcement (police) functions, but also the tasks of civil protection of the population. It is proven that in order to ensure the systematicity of this process, the training of police officers in the specified direction should begin from the moment of their education in institutions of higher education with specific training conditions. Outlined forms of acquisition of theoretical knowledge and/or skills by students (cadets) of higher education institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding actions in emergency situations. It was established that systematic and purposeful training of cadets (police officers) on actions in emergency situations (on matters of civil protection), in accordance with the requirements of the current legislation, especially in specialty 081 «Law», as well as at the second (master’s) level of higher education in institutions of higher education education of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine is not happening now. The inclusion in the educational and professional programs for the training of cadets (police) in specialties 081 «Law», 262 «Law enforcement» at the first and second levels of higher education is substantiated by mandatory components of such educational disciplines as «Life safety», «Civil protection», «Pre-medical training», «Planning and management of civil protection measures».

Multi-objective economic operation of smart distribution network with renewable-flexible virtual power plants considering voltage security index

This paper discusses the simultaneous management of active and reactive power of a flexible renewable energy-based virtual power plant placed in a smart distribution system, based on the economic, operational, and voltage security objectives of the distribution system operator. The formulated problem aims to specify the minimum weighted sum of energy cost, energy loss, and voltage security index, considering the optimal power flow model, voltage security formulation, and the operating model of the virtual power plant. The virtual unit includes renewable sources, like wind systems, photovoltaic, and bio-waste units. Flexibility resources include electric vehicle parking lot and price-based demand response. In the mentioned scheme, parameters of load, renewable sources, electric vehicles, and energy prices are uncertain. This paper utilizes the Unscented Transformation method for modeling uncertainties. Fuzzy decision-making is utilized to extract a compromised solution. The suggested approach innovatively considers the simultaneous management of active and reactive power of a virtual unit with electric vehicles and price-based demand response. This is performed to promote economic, operational, and network security objectives. According to numerical results, the approach with optimal power management of renewable virtual units is capable of boosting the economic, operation, and voltage security status of the network by approximately 43%, 47–62%, and 26.9%, respectively, to power flow studies. Only price-based demand response can improve the voltage security, operation, and economic states of the network by about 19.5%, 35–47%, and 44%, respectively, compared to the power flow model.

The role of agroforestry systems for addressing climate change livelihood vulnerability of farmers of Northwestern Ethiopia

Farmers in Ethiopia have been vulnerable to climate change in recent decades. In the face of this change, farmers have managed agroforestry systems to maintain their livelihoods. However, studies exploring the role of agroforestry in reducing household vulnerability are lacking in Northwestern Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to (i) investigate households’ livelihoods vulnerability to climate change in Northwestern Ethiopia; (iii) assess the role of agroforestry in mitigating the negative impacts of climate change on farmers livelihoods. Key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, household surveys (387), and focus group discussions were used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, the X2-test, and the t-test were run to analyze the data. The findings revealed that households are vulnerable to rising temperatures, rainfall variability, frost, disease and pests, erosion, hailstorms, price hikes, wildlife damage to crops, and health stress. Agroforestry non-practitioners had a higher livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) (0.42 ± 0.081) than practitioners (0.46 ± 0.079). The Livelihood Vulnerability-Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change Index (LVI-IPCC) showed that AF non-practitioners had a higher exposure (0.58), sensitivity (0.54) index, and a lower adaptive capacity index (0.44) than the exposure (0.34), sensitivity (0.38), and adaptive capacity index (0.51) of practitioners. Plant diversity, income level and diversity, livelihood activities, social network, and food security status of farmers were improved by agroforestry. Farmers were therefore less susceptible to adverse climate shocks. Thus, the AF system could be part of future adaptation and resilience programs that provide dependable tools to minimize households’ vulnerability to climate shocks. However, management guidelines, such as understanding local ecosystems, setting clear objectives, choosing suitable species, planning for diversity, considering the market, and regular maintenance and monitoring, are needed for agroforestry to improve its contribution.

Household Food Security Status and Its Determinant: Case of Atsbi District, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia

Household Food Security Status and Its Determinant: Case of Atsbi District, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia

KEY ASPECTS OF ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE RUSSIAN REGION (CASE OF LIPETSK REGION)

The article is devoted to the issues of economic security of the Russian region using the example of the Lipetsk region. The study updates the role of regional economic security based on an in-depth analysis of the theoretical concepts of scientists over the past 20 years. Based on the works of the Russian economist S. Y. Glazyev, in which he uses his author’s, integral approaches to indicators of reproduction of human and economic potential, researchers assess the state of economic security in the Lipetsk region. The authors conclude that the main trend at the moment is the “forced” growth of production, not provided with sufficient labor resources for the future, accompanied by low socio-­economic indicators of reproduction. Having sufficiently advantageous geographical, climatic and natural resources, the Lipetsk region does not have a high development potential at this point in time due to the low level of self-awareness of the population. The level of crime, alcoholism or fertility is often not related to the economic standard of living of the population, but rather depends on the level of development of the individual and society. The lack of capital investments in fixed assets for the future shows the lack of strategic goals of producers and the desire to obtain short-term benefits. The authors see the development of patriotic, spiritual and moral education as one of the directions for improving the indicators of reproduction of human and economic potential in the region.

Does Out-Migration Really Affect Forestry Ecological Security? An Empirical Case Study Based on Heilongjiang Province, China

In the new era, coordinating the relationship between population flow and forestry ecological security has become an important challenge. In this study, we take Heilongjiang Province in China as an example, and through the combination of macro data and micro in-depth interviews, we explore whether population mobility really affects the intrinsic mechanism of forestry ecological security from the perspective of population exodus from forest areas. Based on the DPSIR model, we constructed a forestry ecological security evaluation index system, used the TOPSIS multi-objective decision analysis method to quantify the forestry ecological security status from 2000 to 2022, and utilized the impulse response function of the VAR model to explore the dynamic response relationship between population outflow and forestry ecological security. The results of this study show that, firstly, the comprehensive index of forestry ecological security level in Heilongjiang Province exhibits a fluctuating upward trend from 2000 to 2022. Second, forestry ecological security has a lagged effect on population outflow, and population outflow has almost no effect on forestry ecological security at present. Third, while the population outflow of Luobei County reduces the interference of human activities on the natural environment, it also brings about the pressures of insufficient forestry ecological resource management and forestry personnel. The Dongfanghong Forestry Bureau has effectively improved the efficiency of ecological construction and ecological security through the introduction of digitalized and intelligent equipment, which has effectively compensated for the negative impact of population outflow on the reduction in ecological management personnel. These findings will help realize the coordinated development of population, economy and society, and ecology.

Analysis of consumption pattern and food security status of cassava-based farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

Analysis of consumption pattern and food security status of cassava-based farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

Субъекты противодействия распространению деструктивного контента в сети Интернет и административно-правовая характеристика их деятельности

The growth of opportunities for destructive information and psychological effects on the individual psyche and public consciousness of Internet users affects the state of security in various spheres of the state and society. These facts necessitate the study of the activities of executive authorities and public associations to counteract the spread of destructive content. To achieve the goal set within the framework of this article, the author applied general scientific (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction) and special methods of cognition (systemic, structural-functional, formal-legal). Based on the analysis of current legislation and scientific literature, the author propos es a classification and defines the main activities of entities engaged in countering the spread of destructive content.

ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИИ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ КРИТИЧЕСКИ ВАЖНЫХ ОБЪЕКТОВ НА ОСНОВЕ МОДЕРНИЗАЦИИ ПРИРОДОЭКСПЛУАТИРУЮЩЕЙ ИНФРАСТРУКТУРЫ И РАЗВИТИЯ КОРПОРАТИВНЫХ ПРИРОДООХРАННЫХ СИСТЕМ

The article provides a study of economic security, both from doctrinal and practical points of view, on the economic activities of enterprises in the context of its interface with environmental standards established by Russian legislation. The essence of the basic concepts is revealed - “ecological safety” and “state of security”, which are the most important indicators of well-being in the environmental sphere and compliance with the conditions of long-term and comfortable living of humans and animals. Arguments are made in favor of the need for widespread implementation of environmental protection systems in order to increase the economic efficiency and safety of enterprises operating on a closed cycle principle, whose activities affect the ecological sphere and affect the environment, which is especially important for critical facilities in Russia. The conclusions formulated in the course of the study can be applied for further study and optimization of the processes of ensuring technological and environmental safety and increasing the economic security of enterprises, as well as critical infrastructure facilities in our country.

Legal regulation of economic security in Ukraine

It is indicated in a legal state, regulation of interaction between members of society, coordination of their interests and smoothing of conflicts arising between them and their associations is unthinkable without law. With the help of the influence of law on social relations, it is possible to order and regulate them in a civilized manner. In the sphere of achieving a state of security, the law allows you to set the limits of what is permitted, to determine the obligations and prohibitions in the behavior of the relevant subjects. Due to regulatory legal regulation, security receives a unique meaning that determines the final goal of its provision, connects it with national priorities and interests of each legal entity, preventing blurring of the understanding of the essential characteristics of the basic category «national security» and its derivatives. The conducted scientific analysis of the legal regulation of the economic security system of Ukraine made it possible to conclude that it has a complex and multifaceted nature, that is, it involves the creation of a complex of legal, economic and administrative-organizational mechanisms aimed at ensuring the rights of citizens and other subjects of economic activity to protect private property, economic freedom and unimpeded implementation of economic and other economic activities. It is pointed out that the state should implement the appropriate organizational and legal provision of economic security of Ukraine, aimed at increasing the investment attractiveness of the country, eliminating offenses in the economic sphere. The analysis of regulatory legal acts made it possible to single out the following shortcomings of the legal provision of economic security of Ukraine: complexity, vagueness and inconsistency of individual legislative norms, ambiguous interpretation in their application; inconsistency between developers and lack of system of legal acts regulating economic security. It was concluded that the presence of such shortcomings indicates the need to modify approaches to the formation of legal support for the economic security of the state, to make changes to the current legislation.

The Contribution of Forgotten Foods for Supporting Food Security in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta – Indonesia

Background: Gunungkidul, one of the districts in the special region of Yogyakarta – Indonesia, was reported to have a significant number of food-insecure villages. However, it conserved various forgotten protein-source food as a regional heritage delicacy. This study aims to evaluate the contribution of forgotten foods (edible insects, aquatic animals, indigenous plants) to support food security among poor households in Gunungkidul district, Indonesia. Methods: Food security status was evaluated according to the method by Maxwell. The characteristics of socio-economic households, food consumption behaviour, nutritional status of children under five, and health status of mothers and children among the targets were also assessed through an interview using a structured coded questionnaire. The food consumption pattern was analyzed by using food recall 2 x 24 hours and a semi food frequency questionnaire. This study involved 240 poor households below the poverty line, mainly farmers (60%). Results: This study revealed that 48% of households were food-insecure, 39% were food-vulnerable, 8% were less food-secure, and 5% were food-secure. Aquatic animals and edible insects contributed as many as 22 making up for 1% of daily protein needs, respectively. A preference shifting on those forgotten foods seems to become one barrier to this contribution. Conclusion: The forgotten foods might be an alternative to a future challenge in supporting human well-being. In this case, aquatic animals and edible insects are considered as future protein sources.

Examining Food Security, Fruit and Vegetable Intake, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Outcomes of Produce Prescription (PPR) Programs: A Systematic Review

Outcomes from produce prescription (PPR) programs, an exemplar of a Food is Medicine intervention, have not been synthesized. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to examine the impact of PPR programs on food security, fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, and/or cardiovascular risk factors (HbA1c, blood pressure, and blood lipids). Searches were conducted across three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science). Eligible studies were published between August 2012 and April 2023, conducted in the US in child/family, or adult populations, written in English and had a PPR program as an exposure. Food security, FV intake, and/or cardiovascular risk factors. Twenty studies ranging from a duration of between 6 weeks to 24 months were included. Of the 5 studies (3 in child/family and 4 in adult populations) that analyzed changes in food security status, all reported significant (P < 0.05) improvements after the PPR program. Approximately half of the included studies found significant (P < 0.05) increases in fruit, vegetable, and/or FV intake. Only studies in adult populations included cardiovascular risk factor outcomes. In these studies, mixed findings were reported; however, there were significant (P < 0.05) improvements in HbA1c when PPR programs enrolled individuals with type 2 diabetes. PPR programs provide an opportunity to improve food security in child/family, and adult populations. Evidence to support whether PPR programs increase FV intake and improve cardiovascular disease risk factors outside of HbA1c in adult populations with high HbA1c upon enrollment is less known.

Design of a cybersecurity defense system based on big data and artificial intelligence

With the development of big data and artificial intelligence technologies, hacker attack techniques and capabilities have continuously improved, and the methods of network attacks have diversified. Without cybersecurity, there is no national security. Therefore, cybersecurity has become a focal point of attention. To comprehensively enhance the network security defense capabilities of computer operating systems, aligning with the rapid development trends of big data and artificial intelligence technologies, this study focuses on constructing an efficient, stable, and practical cybersecurity defense system. This system deeply integrates advanced technologies of big data analysis and artificial intelligence, thoroughly analyzing the current status of network information security in computer operating systems and closely aligning with the practical needs of design and production. The aim is to provide highly valuable reference solutions for the field of cybersecurity defense.

Factors Affecting the Resilience Index Food in Papua Province and West Papua Province Using a Spatial Model Approach

The Food Security Index is a measure of indicators to produce a composite value that reflects the status of food security in a region. Food security plays an important role in sustainable development, including food availability, environmental preservation and economic balance, as well as being the basis for economic growth, preventing poverty and inequality. In Indonesia, with an estimated population growth of 430 million people in 2050, the challenge of meeting food needs is increasing. Indonesia's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) includes efforts to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture. This research aims to apply spatial regression analysis to the Provinces of Papua and West Papua to determine the best model and significant factors that influence the Food Security Index in the region in order to identify the challenges faced by the region in calculating the food availability of its people as well as assist in developing efforts to overcome them. Five predictor variables were used with the assumption that they have a significant influence on the Food Security Index. This research examines the spatial regression equation using the SAR, SEM and SARMA regional approaches. The results obtained showed that the selected SEM model with a p-value of 0.0082581 was appropriate for identifying the dependence of spatial effects on Food Security Index in Papua Province and West Papua Province. Life Expectancy at Birth, Prevalence of Stunting Toddlers, Percentage of Poor Population, Open Unemployment Rate, and Average Length of Life are significant factors that influence the Food Security Index in Papua Province and West Papua spatially.