Dams are critical infrastructures built for multiple purposes, such as electricity production, water supply, and irrigation. The appearance of big dams also significantly impacts population life, activity, and the natural ecosystems. River flow modifications are among their most obvious impacts on the environment. This article presents a short review of the results of the methodology used in the analyses and modeling of the water flow of one of the most important rivers in Romania and the changes in the water flow due to building the Siriu Dam. Various techniques, including IHA indicators, multifractal analysis, decomposition models, and Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs). Whereas the visualizations display evident oscillations in the river’s monthly average discharge, the long-range dependence analysis indicates the various patterns of the river discharge. The study reveals that most techniques provide a good estimation of the series trend but fail to capture the maxima. All indicate the existence of two different patterns of the analyzed series, indicating 1984 as a change point.
The rapid development of technology has introduced a wide range of new threat vectors, which present significant challenges across multiple sectors. These threats stem from various sources, including human activities, technological advancements, and natural processes, all of which require innovative approaches to mitigate their impacts. To counter these multifaceted threats, the paper reviews and discusses technological innovations designed to enhance system capacities, such as advanced sensors, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and real-time detection systems. A review of monitoring and data processing systems, including drones, photogrammetry, artificial intelligence, and big data, is provided. The integration of these innovations into counter-threat strategies is essential for addressing the complexity of modern challenges, particularly in areas such as water quality monitoring, anomaly detection, and cybersecurity.
Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes can trigger infectious disease outbreaks due to factors such as the destruction of communal infrastructure, forced migration, environmental changes, inadequate access to clean food and water, increased exposure to pre-existing pathogens, and the introduction of new pathogens. The real-time tracking and analysis of the spread of infectious diseases and the characteristics of seismological disasters are facilitated by the Epidemiological Locational Intelligence System (ELIS), a tool developed by the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Initially created to oversee the COVID-19 pandemic, ELIS’s effectiveness has been demonstrated to depend on efficient information exchange among local entities responsible for collecting, updating, and managing epidemiological data. The system’s ability to promptly recommend preventive actions is enhanced by access to spatial information about population dynamics, environmental conditions such as climate, vegetation, pollution, seismic activity, community infrastructure, and healthcare services. A recent enhancement to ELIS includes a model designed to predict the likelihood and spread of an epidemic in the aftermath of an earthquake. This enhancement involved analyzing statistical data on seismic activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as epidemiological data related to infectious diseases, hot spot areas of endemic disease, and immunization rates of vaccinated vaccine-preventable diseases. Based on the model’s forecasts, it provides and establishes a set of preventive and control actions.
Critical infrastructure, including energy grids, public utilities, transportation networks, telecommunications systems, financial services, etc., is highly susceptible to hybrid threats due to its interconnected nature and reliance on digital technology. Disruptions to critical infrastructure can have cascading effects on society, economy, environment, and national security overall. The fight against hybrid threats and the protection of critical infrastructure are of paramount importance in the European Union (EU), because these threats, through the aforementioned cascading effects, can destabilize economies, and erode public trust. Ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure represents a vital element for safeguarding public safety and social well-being. In this sense, enhancing resilience and diversifying supply chains are key strategies for reducing reliance on external sources. With no less importance is the fact that addressing hybrid threats and protecting critical infrastructure require cross-border collaboration and information sharing both among EU member states and accessing countries like the Republic of Serbia, prominent international partners (like ISO), and relevant stakeholders (like NATO). In the Republic of Serbia, a formal legislative framework for critical infrastructure protection was established by the adoption of the Law on critical infrastructure in 2018. With a significant reference to international experiences, in the Republic of Serbia, there are still many challenges in the field of protection of critical infrastructure, especially from hybrid threats. In this sense, the goal of this paper is to present the possibility of improving the resilience of critical infrastructure through the standardization of management activities, the operationalization and objectification of the sources of priority activities using the multi-criteria decision-making method, and the integration of the requirements of various interested parties through a systems approach. The main conclusion and contribution of the paper refer to the need for more intensive harmonization of practice in the Republic of Serbia with that in the EU.
Biological and chemical threats pose significant security risks to all societies. While biological threats can cause health crises through the spread of pathogenic agents, chemical threats can have detrimental effects on the environment and human health through the spread of toxic substances. They can target critical infrastructure and lead to emergency management, health crises, or economic disruptions in societies. The deployment of protective equipment and sensor systems is extremely important in establishing an effective protection and detection system against these threats. While protective equipment provides a physical barrier, sensor systems provide rapid and accurate detection of threats. Electrospun nanofibers are an important material used in protective equipment and sensor systems in combating chemical and biological threats. Due to their high surface area and thin structure, these nanofibers provide effective filtration. In addition, their lightness and comfort facilitate long-term use, while their water resistance and durability extend the life of protective equipment. In sensor systems, nanofibers provide high sensitivity and fast response time, helping to rapidly and accurately detect chemical and biological agents. Surface modifications also allow the development of sensors and protective equipment specific to specific threats. This book chapter presents current approaches and future directions of electrospun nanofibers for protection, decontamination, and detection against various chemical and biological threats, based on a synthesis of recent studies.
The rehabilitation of existing steel bridges has become a critical issue as transportation networks face the challenges of increased traffic loads. With many bridges reaching the end of their designed lifespan, bridge owners must now contend with the realities of an aging infrastructure and the need to ensure the continued safety and functionality of these crucial transportation links (Spuler T, Moor G, Meng N (2013, January 1) The role of SHM systems in planning bridge renovation works. https://doi.org/10.2749/222137813808627055 ). One key aspect of this challenge is the assessment of bridge condition and load-carrying capacity. Reliable condition assessments are essential to ensure public safety, as well as to prioritize bridges for repair, rehabilitation, and replacement. Researchers have been working to develop methods for improving the accuracy of bridge-capacity evaluation through the use of non-destructive evaluation techniques, which can provide more precise data on the structural integrity of aging bridges. Romania’s extensive railway and road infrastructure includes a significant number of historical steel bridges, many of which were built using riveted construction techniques. These bridges not only serve as critical transportation links but also hold immense cultural and historical value. However, as these structures age, they face numerous challenges, including deterioration, increased maintenance requirements, and the need to accommodate modern traffic demands. The paper aims to present assessment methods for investigating the structural integrity of existing steel bridges and to present some study cases for rehabilitation strategies that consider also the impacts of increased traffic loads.
Earthquakes pose significant challenges to societal structures and critical infrastructure, particularly in seismic-prone regions. They cause widespread damage, population displacement, and infrastructure disruption, conditions that can later be exploited by human actors for adverse purposes. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, including robust public communication, investment in resilience and preparedness measures, and coordination among stakeholders to enhance societal resilience. This paper introduces the development of an Educational Hub (Edu.Hub) as part of the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS), which includes three components: the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment platform, which provides real-time damage data for planning and emergency response; a smartphone application for public information and communication during emergencies; and the Edu.Hub, which aims to enhance public preparedness and response, influencing the effectiveness of actions taken by authorities. The Edu.Hub ( https://www.redact-project.eu/educational-hub/ ) builds on national guidelines, incorporating innovative ideas, practical tips, and solutions tailored to public needs during emergencies. It addresses public behavior, compliance with emergency protocols, risk comprehension, and preparedness actions. It includes instructions for maintaining communication, self-assessment of preparedness, creating personal and family emergency plans, and navigating to safe areas. Its content is adaptable to various emergency scenarios beyond earthquakes, increasing its utility. The Edu.Hub has been well-received and integrated by regional Civil Protection authorities, demonstrating its positive impact on community resilience against earthquake-related risks.
Cybersecurity maturity models (CMMs) are essential for organizations to assess and improve their cybersecurity posture. This systematic literature review provides a comprehensive overview of existing CMMs, their applications, and implications for research and practice. The methodology involves a systematic search of academic databases, yielding a corpus of relevant studies that were analyzed and synthesized. Key findings highlight the diversity of CMMs available, their common components and frameworks, and the challenges and opportunities associated with their implementation. The review underscores the importance of CMMs in enhancing organizational cybersecurity resilience and offers insights for future research and practical applications. The systematic literature review revealed a diverse landscape of cybersecurity maturity models, ranging from generic frameworks to industry-specific standards. Common components identified across these models include governance, risk management, compliance, and technical controls. The review also highlighted the importance of contextual factors, such as organizational culture, size, and sector, in shaping CMM implementation strategies. Challenges encountered in practice include resource constraints, stakeholder engagement, and the dynamic nature of cyber threats. Despite these challenges, CMMs offer significant benefits for organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity resilience, including improved risk visibility, decision-making, and resource allocation. Future research should focus on developing tailored maturity models for emerging technologies and sectors and evaluating CMM effectiveness and scalability in diverse organizational contexts. Overall, the SLR’s findings emphasize the importance of CMMs in advancing cybersecurity maturity and resilience across organizations.
As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, the concept of critical infrastructure has become paramount in understanding the resilience of modern societies. Critical infrastructures, such as power grids, communication networks, and transportation systems, are the backbones of societal sustainability, safety, and security. These infrastructures are not only essential for the day-to-day functioning of communities, but they also play a crucial role in enabling economic competitiveness, public health, and the ability to cope with crises. However, the growing complexity and interdependence of these critical systems have also introduced greater vulnerabilities. The disruption of one critical infrastructure can have cascading effects on others, leading to widespread societal disruption. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the reliance on automated control systems and the increased connectivity of these systems through the internet, which further exposes them to various threats, including malevolent attacks, natural disasters, and random failures. To address these challenges, it is essential to understand the operational environment of critical infrastructures and the potential threats they face. The paper aims to present a review of critical infrastructure threats through modern society’s countermeasures tools.
The nanoscale version of diamond results to be very useful as functionalized material for medical devices such as coating layers for prosthesis, drug delivery, and implanted sensors. For this reason, the diamond nanoparticles (DNPs) should not be against the cells’ viability, when the patients are treated with ionizing radiation. To study the cells’ response after a radiation treatment in the presence of DNPs it was considered to use yeast cells, were considered because of their simplicity, and they are suitable as eukaryotic cells. The aim of this work is to study the influence of DNPs radiated with electron beam radiation treatment and on the viability of the yeast cells being the organism model. DNPs were radiated with a dose rate of 1 to 6 Gy/min, the dose from 15 to 30 Gy, and energy from 6 to 20 MeV, with irradiated DNPs mixed with yeast cells, increasing viability of the cells four times; on the other hand, considering this mixture of DNPs and yeast cells allow to understand if the yeast cells’ viability could be influenced by the ionization treatment with the presence of DNPs in solution. The post-treatment of the DNPs and yeast cells solution ended up with a decrease of the yeast cells’ viability of 20
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies has ushered in a new era of challenges and opportunities for cybersecurity, particularly in the context of hybrid warfare and critical infrastructure protection. This paper explores the dual nature of ML in both offensive and defensive capacities within the evolving landscape of hybrid threats. A brief overview of key ML techniques is provided, including supervised and unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, deep learning and natural language processing. This article then examines five primary battlefields where AI/ML plays a critical role: Social Media Manipulation, Deep Fakes and Synthetic Media, Targeted Phishing Attacks, Cyber Warfare, and Autonomous Weapons Systems. The background, development, original intentions, and current offensive and defensive applications of the relevant ML technologies are discussed for each area. It also addresses the ethical considerations and challenges of integrating AI into warfare and security, including accountability issues, escalation risks, privacy concerns and the need for human oversight.
We report here a method for synthesizing ZnO:Ga and ZnFe2O4 films and ZnFe2O4/ZnO:Ga heterostructure and studying them as peroxidase enzyme mimetics for hydrogen peroxide determination and simulation-based detection has been proposed. A method for forming ZnO:Ga films by the DC magnetron sputtering method and ZnFe2O4 films and ZnFe2O4/ZnO:Ga heterostructures by the RF-sputtering method using a target consisting of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles has been described. Thus, the procedure for synthesizing a heterostructure, which is based on the principle of self-assembly in a glow discharge plasma generated by a magnetron sputtering source, the cathode of which is a target consisting of zinc ferrite nanoparticles, has been optimized. Using the SEM and AFM methods, it has been revealed that with an increase in the argon pressure to 8.1 Pa, intergranular voids are formed in the resulting films due to the occurrence of the shading effect. These conditions provide the formation of a structure with a developed surface. This in turn typically leads to an increase in the valence electron concentration due to a large number of broken interatomic bonds and the formation of a large number of free oxygen sites on the film surface, which are donor centers involved in the redox process. Experimental results showed that the ZnFe2O4/ZnO:Ga film heterostructure exhibits peroxidase-like activity in a linear range of 0.017–0.240 μM. In addition, the color change dependent on hydrogen peroxide concentration can offer a convenient approach to detecting H2O2 both with the naked eye and spectrophotometrically. Therefore, the ZnFe2O4/ZnO:Ga film heterostructure is a promising candidate for the colorimetric detection of H2O2, ascorbic acid, and similar oxidizers.
Modern life and human progress are supported by the operation of critical infrastructure. Although they ensure the well-being of human life, they also present risks that are difficult to manage. These risks are particularly exacerbated when critical infrastructures are interdependent and are maintained by the public and private sectors. Water supply systems are among the most important, yet vulnerable, critical infrastructures in modern society. Safe drinking water is a prerequisite for ensuring public health and human activities, and treated wastewater is essential for the prevention of waterborne diseases and environmental safety. Today, as in the past, the world is witnessing health, economic, environmental, and other problems caused by intentional anthropogenic impacts on water and wastewater facilities. Improving the safety and stability of this critical infrastructure is therefore a national strategic priority for all countries around the world. We present certain historical and current events leading to the disruption of the security of the water and wastewater facilities, especially from hybrid threats. Existing legal standards and current regulations for the protection of critical infrastructures, including the water and wastewater sector, are discussed. Based on our comprehensive analysis of the available data, methodological solutions to modernize the framework for the protection of water and wastewater critical infrastructure are proposed.
This manuscript is intended as an argument for the use of glass-fiber-reinforced polymeric composites, known as GFRP, in the rehabilitation of existing steel bridges. GFRPs have been used as structural materials in bridge construction since the early 1980’s and today are increasingly used either in full-FRP structures or as deck elements, cables, reinforcements, beams, and trusses. The main features speaking for their beneficial use are their high specific strength and their corrosion resistance alongside their behavior under severe environments. With a density at around 20
In this study, we propose a new gear with convex-concave multipair contact teeth contact for mechanical transmissions. The paper presents various kinematic structures of planetary precessional transmissions with multiple pair convex-concave gearings and the minimum difference of the flank curves at contact points of the teeth. We examined the influence of the gearings’ geometric and kinematic parameters on the shape of the teeth profiles and the difference in the flank curvatures at the contact points of the pairs of simultaneously conjugated teeth and, respectively, on the bearing capacity of the multiple pair contact. It describes the mathematical modeling of teeth contact with relative sliding friction in the contacts of pairs of simultaneously conjugated teeth depending on the precession angle of the driving shaft. Technical solutions are proposed to reduce the energy losses in the gearings and, respectively, to increase the mechanical efficiency of the precessional transmission as a whole. Technological aspects of the methods of generating conical wheel teeth with a non-standard convex/concave profile developed and patented by the authors are presented, including generation in the Gleason system on numerically controlled multiaxial machine tools. Constructive-functional variants of precessional transmissions with various kinematic structures with multiple pair convex-concave gearings were described, including precessional moto reducers and servo-motor reducers. Technical solutions for the development of precessional transmissions are protected by international patents USA and Germany.
Hybrid threats to critical infrastructure represent a multifaceted challenge that requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach to mitigate. By addressing the vulnerabilities and implementing robust security measures, nations can enhance the resilience of their critical infrastructure against these evolving threats. The work reported here stems from collective discussions and inputs from a working group on Critical Infrastructure: Hybrid threats, risk assessments, and vulnerabilities. The working group focused on identifying the scope of threats, risks, and vulnerabilities to develop a comprehensive solution toolkit for cross-sectoral applications. Based on the recommendations of the working group, we believe that the solutions and best practices can be widely applied across the spectrum of threats and vulnerabilities. This report focuses on an overview of hybrid threats and how several solution pathways encompassing technical, social, and policies can be applied to bridge vulnerabilities.
Despite the advances in diagnosis and treatment, cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases worldwide. Recent advances in the nanotechnology field have been a major key to developing new nanoparticle-based therapy for cancer treatment. Magnetic hyperthermia treatment is an alternative that has proven its efficiency when combined with chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Using Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs), cancer cells can be selectively killed by the elevation of the tumor temperature to 40–46 °C. By adjusting the size, shape and composition of MNPs it is possible to obtain a better magnetic performance. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type of breast cancer that accounts for 15–20
An increasing number of laser attacks have been reported on bus and tram drivers, security personnel, or pilots of civil aviation during start and landing. These attacks are based on irresponsible recklessness, gross mischief, or even a terroristic background. Existing laser safety goggles have at least one or more of the following disadvantages: low transmission, not color neutral, absorbing only a few wavelengths paired with insufficient weakening, and not meeting existing norms. Our MEMS-based ultrafast microshutter arrays provide safety for all wavelengths, an optical density (OD) > 4, and a hyperfast switching speed. Microshutter arrays utilize electrostatic actuation, applying a voltage between a transparent conductive oxide electrode and a metallic microshutter grid as a counter-electrode. The actuation speed and transmission need optimization of geometry and voltage levels. The closing is initiated if hazardous laser radiation is passing a photodiode ring located around each goggle glass. In different samples, individual optimizations led to 1 μs closing time, blocking 10 W of 532 nm for >2 min, OD 4.5 in a closed state, and 75
The immobilization of proteins on ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) surfaces is a pivotal step in the development of diamond-based biosensors. We discuss protein immobilization strategies, focusing on their effects on protein functionality and stability. We highlight the advantages and limitations of various surface functionalization techniques, including conventional linker chemistry and photochemical methods, with an emphasis on the suitability of structured and modified UNCD surfaces. We present key experimental protocols that detail the preparation and functionalization of UNCD surfaces, and the subsequent immobilization of proteins such as green fluorescent protein (GFP), antibodies, nanobodies, and designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins). The results demonstrate the efficacy of nanobodies for GFP capture, outperforming other antigen-binding proteins in terms of cost-effectiveness and binding efficiency. This chapter also evaluates the influence of surface structuring and blocking proteins on immobilization performance, underscoring the interplay between physical adsorption and covalent binding. Finally, the potential of diamond-based sensors is contextualized within broader applications, including their robustness and selectivity in biosensing. Our findings contribute to the optimization of diamond-based biosensor platforms, paving the way for more reliable, cost-effective, and sensitive tools.
The influence of organic-inorganic ureasil-based polymers containing sulfur on the bioanalytical properties of electrochemical biosensors was studied. The ureasil-As2S3 (0.1 g of As2S3) and ureasil-chalcogenide (0.066 and 0.198 g of S) composites were selected for research. Network properties (free volume) of the samples are rather similar as revealed by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) measurements. At the same time, the effect of sulfur on the operational parameters of laccase biosensors was observed. In particular, the obtained results showed the differences in the sample responses in chronoamperometric measurements which most probably do not originate from differences in the structure of the samples at the nanoscale level. The results of this work support the earlier proposed topological and chemical mechanisms for effective enzyme immobilization using holding polymer matrixes.
