Initial Analysis Research Articles

Harnessing Ai for Socio-economic Equity in Uganda: Bridging the Digital Divide through Agricultural Innovation

The paper explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in addressing digital divide challenges and enhancing socio-economic equity in Uganda. The digital divide, characterized by disparities in access to digital resources, internet connectivity, and digital literacy, significantly impacts socio-economic development. This research focuses on AI technologies such as machine learning, image recognition, natural language processing (NLP), and GIS-integrated AI, which are mildly actively used in Uganda’s agricultural sector. Studies have shown that digital technologies can address key challenges in agriculture, such as access to extension services, marketing systems, and financial inclusion. For example, mobile money has significantly increased financial inclusion among Uganda's unbanked populations, including women, youth, and rural households. However, barriers such as low digital literacy, limited smartphone ownership, and inadequate internet access hinder the adoption of these technologies, especially among disadvantaged groups. Therefore, while digital innovations have the potential to improve productivity and inclusiveness in agriculture, their limited use could exacerbate existing inequalities by leaving behind those who cannot easily access or afford these technologies. Leveraging these technologies, the study examines how they contribute to improving crop yield predictions, pest and disease management, and precision agriculture. Through the analysis of initiatives undertaken by the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), including the use of AI-driven image recognition for plant disease identification and NLP for farmer support systems, highlighting the practical applications and benefits. The findings emphasize the critical infrastructure requirements, ethical considerations, and potential challenges in deploying AI solutions in low-resource communities [9]. Ultimately this research aims to provide a comprehensive framework for utilizing AI to foster digital inclusivity and promote socio-economic growth in developing regions, using Uganda as a case study

Improving Coordination to Strengthen Operationalization of Malaria Surveillance and Routine Data Quality: Landscape Analysis of Current Surveillance-Related Initiatives.

Improving the visibility and global coordination of malaria surveillance and data quality improvement initiatives is required to optimize sharing of best practices, tools, and approaches and to promote efficient, effective, and equitable distribution of resources. With these aims in mind, Rollback Malaria's Surveillance, Monitoring and Evaluation Working Group established the Surveillance Practice and Data Quality Committee in May 2021. As a priority initiative, the committee conducted a landscape analysis of implementing partners' (IPs') malaria surveillance-related projects. A questionnaire that included questions on current project objectives, activities, geographic scope, and lessons learned was distributed among committee members and other IPs. Three years since its inception, information has been submitted regarding 49 projects by 25 IPs and funded by 17 donors. To present and share the landscaping results, an interactive dashboard was published to the Rollback Malaria's Global Malaria Dashboard website (endmalaria.org) in March 2021. It is the first time that multiple stakeholders have shared such information regarding surveillance projects.

Interregional Cooperation Between Ukraine and the EU During Martial Law: Challenges and Dynamics Under the SDG'S

Objective: The research aims to study the specifics of the development of interregional cooperation between Ukraine and the EU under conditions of military conflict, including an analysis of programs and initiatives and the study of the relationship between problems and development directions. Theoretical Framework: The development of interregional cooperation with EU member states requires considering the impact of the war on the political, economic, social, and environmental dimensions of cooperation between the regions involved. Method: The research framework on interregional cooperation between Ukraine and the EU used methods of analysing literary sources, generalisation, and systematisation. The development assessment was based on expert evaluations of two groups and included correlation analysis using the JASP program functionality, specifically the "Bayesian Pearson Correlations" tool. Results and Discussion: The study results indicate a high correlation between problems and directions of interregional cooperation development. The correlation analysis showed that political stability influences financial support for the economic stability of regions (r = -0.28 with BF₁₀ = 0.513). In turn, political cooperation in the formation of democratic reforms is significant for reducing the investment attractiveness of regions (r = 0.26 with BF₁₀ = 0.478), and the development of innovations requires additional financial investments for the effective implementation of cooperation programs (r = -0.25 with BF₁₀ = 0.461). Research Implications: The initiatives for financial support of regions are closely related to solving environmental problems (r = -0.39 with BF₁₀ = 0.869), one of the biggest threats to further cooperation development between Ukraine and the EU. Originality/Value: The development of interregional cooperation between Ukraine and the EU under martial law requires an integrated approach to adapting programs and initiatives.

Educação em Presídios Brasileiros: Garantia de Direitos e Transformação de Vidas

Education within the Brazilian prison system is a measure of respect for human rights and a strategy to promote social reintegration and reduce criminal recidivism. Despite legislative advancements and promising initiatives such as the National Program for Education in Prisons (PNEP), there are still challenges to be overcome to ensure effective access and quality education for inmates. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of educational policies implemented in Brazilian prisons, focusing on identifying the main obstacles faced and best practices that have the potential to transform the lives of individuals deprived of liberty. The research utilizes a qualitative approach, including literature review, document analysis, and study of educational initiatives in prisons from different regions of the country.

Deep learning in pulmonary nodule detection and segmentation: a systematic review.

The accurate detection and precise segmentation of lung nodules on computed tomography are key prerequisites for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of lung cancer. This study was designed to compare detection and segmentation methods for pulmonary nodules using deep-learning techniques to fill methodological gaps and biases in the existing literature. This study utilized a systematic review with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and the Cochrane Library databases up to May 10, 2023. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 criteria was used to assess the risk of bias and was adjusted with the Checklist for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging. The study analyzed and extracted model performance, data sources, and task-focus information. After screening, we included nine studies meeting our inclusion criteria. These studies were published between 2019 and 2023 and predominantly used public datasets, with the Lung Image Database Consortium Image Collection and Image Database Resource Initiative and Lung Nodule Analysis 2016 being the most common. The studies focused on detection, segmentation, and other tasks, primarily utilizing Convolutional Neural Networks for model development. Performance evaluation covered multiple metrics, including sensitivity and the Dice coefficient. This study highlights the potential power of deep learning in lung nodule detection and segmentation. It underscores the importance of standardized data processing, code and data sharing, the value of external test datasets, and the need to balance model complexity and efficiency in future research. Deep learning demonstrates significant promise in autonomously detecting and segmenting pulmonary nodules. Future research should address methodological shortcomings and variability to enhance its clinical utility. Deep learning shows potential in the detection and segmentation of pulmonary nodules. There are methodological gaps and biases present in the existing literature. Factors such as external validation and transparency affect the clinical application.

SUSTAINABLE FINANCE AT THE GRASSROOTS: INSIGHTS FROM KARNATAKA'S GREEN BANKING LANDSCAPE

In addition to global environmental challenges, sustainable finance has emerged as an important tool for reducing environmental risk and promoting economic growth. The study examines the development of sustainable finance at the grassroots level through an analysis of green banking initiatives in Karnataka, India, with special focus on Vijayapura district. The main objective of this study was to reveal the complex interplay between sustainable finance and community engagement through consumer knowledge and perception of green banking practices in the local context of Karnataka. Using mixed methods, the study combined quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to critically examine the state of green banking awareness among consumers in Vijayapura district. The survey had collected data on customer demographics, knowledge of green banking principles, and attitudes towards a sustainable economy. In-depth interviews further clarified the factors affecting consumer participation in green banking schemes. Preliminary findings indicate that consumers in Vijayapura district differ in their awareness and understandings of green banking principles. While some respondents show a keen interest in sustainable finance and are willing to participate in green banking activities, others express limited knowledge or skepticism about its benefits about factors such as education; income and access to information emerge as significant determinants of customer perceptions and behaviors towards green banking. This study contributes to the evolving discourse on sustainable finance by providing insights into the implementation of green banking systems on the ground in Karnataka, India. By highlighting the opportunities and challenges associated with community engagement in the sustainable economy, the findings connect policymakers, financial institutions, and communities seeking to promote the environment the norms of sustainability and inclusive economic growth.

Indonesia's G20 Leadership: Navigating National Ambitions on the Global Stage

In today's interconnected world, nations confront complex economic challenges. The G20 serves as a crucial forum for coordinated action, with member countries taking turns in the annual presidency. Indonesia's stewardship in 2022 was marked by a concerted focus on global economic recovery, especially in the wake of the momentum of COVID-19, and the demonstration of its leadership prowess on the international stage. This study employs qualitative research methods and national interest theory to delve into Indonesia's strategic priorities during its historic first G20 presidency in 2022. Through a meticulous analysis of Indonesia's initiatives, it becomes evident that the presidency not only advanced the interests of the G20 as a whole but also brought significant benefits to Indonesia, the ASEAN region, and developing countries worldwide. This examination underscores Indonesia's adept maneuvering and strategic engagement within the broader global economic landscape.

Військові виплати: поняття та адміністративна проблематика воєнного часу

This article examines the system of military benefits in Ukraine, focusing on their structure, scope, and impact on military personnel and their families. In particular, the different types of military payments, such as salaries, allowances for special conditions of service, disability compensation and pensions, are examined. Changes in legislation on military benefits and their compliance with international standards are also analyzed. It emphasizes the importance of adequate financial support for the military to maintain their combat readiness and morale. A detailed analysis reveals what factors influence the level of military payments, including budgetary constraints, the economic situation in the country, and the army’s need for modern weapons and equipment. The article also examines the effectiveness of the system of payments in providing social protection to military personnel and their families, as well as the possibility of ensuring an adequate standard of living after retirement. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion of what improvements can be made to the military pay system to make military careers more attractive and ensure stability in the military. The article also analyzes the role of military payments in maintaining military discipline and motivation of personnel. In particular, the article discusses the timeliness and regularity of payments, their correspondence to the actual living expenses of the military, as well as the possibility of receiving additional incentives for length of service, military ranks or special tasks. Finally, the article highlights the prospects for further development of the military pay system in Ukraine and the importance of improving this system in order to ensure national security and defense capability. The article also addresses the urgent problem of social security for military personnel in the context of armed conflict. The author analyzes the current state of payments to military personnel, including salaries, additional remuneration and compensation. The main focus is on legislative changes that have taken place in recent years and their impact on the welfare of the military. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of recent legislative initiatives aimed at improving the social protection of military personnel. The provisions of the new laws and regulations governing payments, as well as their effectiveness and impact on the motivation of the military are examined in detail. The article also analyzes the problems of implementing these laws in practice, including bureaucratic obstacles and insufficient funding. The article concludes that the military pay system needs to be further improved, emphasizing the importance of timely and fair financial support for military personnel as one of the key factors in maintaining the army’s combat capability and morale. The author offers recommendations on possible areas for reforming the payment system, including the introduction of new mechanisms for controlling and ensuring transparency of financial flows. The article is important for researchers in the field of social policy, military experts, and those involved in the process of formulating and implementing state policy in the field of defense. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the problems and prospects for the development of the social security system for military personnel in Ukraine, which is an important aspect of ensuring national security and stability of the state.

A global analysis of circular economy initiatives: weak or strong sustainability?

In the face of climate change, the circular economy is attracting the attention of public authorities, international institutions, industry and academia. There is currently no consensus on its definition and it varies according to the sectors and actors. The objectives of this work are threefold: (i) to identify all the discourses and initiatives attributed to the circular economy in order to situate them according to whether they belong to weak or strong sustainability; (ii) to enhance the value of this information by centralizing it, and creating tools to facilitate its exploration and access; (iii) to analyze how these initiatives allow circular economy to address global sustainability. Questions regarding data sources and processing of this information were raised to facilitate the collection of relevant data. This work focuses on information published on social networks, in particular Twitter called X now. Several data processing techniques such as text mining, geocoding and knowledge graph generation are applied. Data visualization tools are used to show the distribution of the data on a spatial, thematic and temporal level. The results obtained confirm the over-representation of circular economy practices based on weak sustainability in developed countries, while circular economy initiatives based on strong sustainability are most common in the Global South. This paper provides evidence on the social contribution of circular economy, which is less addressed in the technocentric approach.

Coloniality, Race, and Europeanness: Britain’s Borders after Brexit

Abstract The scholarship on the politics of immigration often frames governments’ responses to far-right mobilization as a return to border closures and a rowing back on neoliberalism. In this article, I draw on and expand the scholarship on coloniality to address the limitations of this diagnosis. Specifically, I explore the role of political mobilization in the making of the post-Brexit border regime. My research draws on the analysis of legal and policy initiatives between 2020 and 2023 and twenty-three research interviews with individuals who express their opposition to immigration via engagement in think tanks, grassroots organizations and vigilante groups. The interview data indicates multiple connections between these milieus and shows that each engages in action repertoires beyond the nation-state. And while this prompts border closures, the post-Brexit border regime also encodes openings and loopholes for the circulation of financial elites and precariously employed workers. Thus, I argue that state and non-state actors co-produce a neoliberal border regime of stratified rights, partial inclusions, and gradual exclusions. These variegated entitlements draw on and reinvigorate the racial order of coloniality. The post-Brexit immigration regime enables the free mobility of those racialized as “West European,” facilitates disposable labor mobility of those racialized as “Eastern European,” and restricts the movement of those racialized as “non-European.” This racial imaginary does not only operate via binary distinctions of (non)-Britishness but puts people in complex hierarchical relations to “Europeanness.”

Shaping the foundation of the SuperCyberKids Learning Framework: a comprehensive analysis of cybersecurity education initiatives

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity education for children is paramount. The SuperCyberKids project, funded under the EU Erasmus+ programme, aims to address this need by developing a comprehensive educational ecosystem for children aged 8 to 13 and their teachers. Central to this initiative is the SuperCyberKids Learning Framework (SCKLF), which incorporates a game-based approach to enhance engagement and motivation through a bespoke digital learning platform and broader ecosystem. This paper focuses on the second pillar of SCKLF, a detailed survey of 65 cybersecurity education initiatives, offering a practical perspective on the current state of cybersecurity education. The survey covered initiatives within and beyond the European Union, emphasizing the target age group. The analysis of these initiatives provides invaluable insights into the practical application of cybersecurity education and played a crucial role in shaping the SCKLF. By highlighting the diversity of approaches and strategies in cybersecurity education, this research contributes to a more holistic and applied perspective, ensuring the framework’s relevance and effectiveness in fostering digital resilience among young learners.

Impact of Mishaps and Hazard Evaluation Analysis of Specific Airport Development and Construction Initiatives in India Applying One Way Analysis of Variance ANOVA

Impact of Mishaps and Hazard Evaluation Analysis of Specific Airport Development and Construction Initiatives in India Applying One Way Analysis of Variance ANOVA

Analysis of Gender Diversity Initiatives to Empower Women in the Australian Construction Industry

Organizations play an essential role in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. Despite attempts to encourage gender diversity in the workplace, the construction industry in Australia remains one of the most male-dominated industries. Existing research tends to focus on identifying barriers to gender equality and women’s career development, with limited exploration of organizations’ current initiative implementation. To fill this research gap, this study aims to examine how organizations implement initiatives affecting gender equality and women’s career development in the Australian construction industry. This study applied the women’s empowerment framework and conducted a thematic analysis of diversity, inclusion, and equality policies, strategies, action plans, corporate reports, annual reports, and websites within the context of gender equality and women’s career development in construction companies. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study identifies prevalent practices and initiatives related to gender equality initiatives in the construction industry, synthesizing them into six themes: flexible working arrangements, inclusive and anti-discriminatory culture, promoting career development, recruitment, and promotion, shared caring responsibility, and strategic commitments. The findings also revealed areas for improvement, giving recommendations on how to further empower women in the construction industry through enhanced gender diversity initiatives. This study sheds light on the current state of gender diversity and inclusion efforts within construction companies and provides practical recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and organizational leaders who seek to foster more inclusive and equitable work environments.

Navigating the Digital Frontier: A Comprehensive Examination of Romanian Public Administration Digitization and Its Perceptual Implications

Abstract As societies increasingly embrace digital transformations, public administration is confronted with the imperative to adapt and innovate in the face of evolving technological landscapes. This article delves into the multifaceted realm of digitization within public administration, focusing on the perceptual dimensions that shape the adoption and efficacy of digital solutions. By synthesizing empirical studies, case analyses, and theoretical frameworks, this research offers a comprehensive exploration of how digitization influences the perception of stakeholders, including citizens, public servants, and policymakers. The study investigates the impact of digitization on efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in public services, aiming to unravel the complexities of the interplay between technology and public administration. Special attention is given to the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics. Through a comparative analysis of digitization initiatives across diverse administrative contexts, the article seeks to identify best practices and lessons learned, providing insights into the factors that contribute to successful digital transitions. Furthermore, the research examines the societal and organizational factors influencing the perception of digitization in public administration, shedding light on issues of trust, privacy, and equity. By considering the perspectives of various stakeholders, this article aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of the socio-political dynamics surrounding the digital transformation of public services. Ultimately, this article not only contributes to the academic discourse on public administration and technology but also provides practical insights for policymakers and public administrators seeking to navigate the digital frontier effectively. The findings presented herein serve as a roadmap for harnessing the full potential of digitization while mitigating challenges and fostering a positive perception of technological advancements in public administration.

Effectiveness of educational interventions: An ecological systems analysis of initiatives from the UK opportunity areas programme

AbstractGovernment interventions to address inequalities in education are common in the United Kingdom and internationally. Whilst there is a tendency for policy discourse to focus on benchmarks and indicators as measures of educational success, the inclusiveness and effectiveness of government interventions in education has been questioned. This paper uses the ecological systems perspective as a way of analysing how government interventions may, or may not, lead to real impact on young people's educational outcomes. Two case studies are presented on projects funded as part of the opportunity areas (OA) programme in England to tackle barriers to learning for young people: Ipswich ‘Learning Behaviour Leads’ and Norwich ‘Engagement Coaches’. The research team carried out an evaluation of these projects in seven schools, using a mixed methods approach which involved interviews and reflective journals by the staff delivering the projects (n = 7), interviews with members of the school senior leadership teams (n = 7), an online survey with teachers (n = 23) and focus groups with young people involved in the projects (n = 14). The evaluation found that although there was shared understanding of the purpose and priorities of the OA programme between the macro and exosystems, there were tensions between these and the microsystem, and a lack of interconnection with the mesosystem. Whilst the projects benefited the young people involved, they fell short of the initial intentions to foster engagement amongst the most at‐risk groups, and failed to address the macro aims of fostering a pan‐system response.

An analysis of Indian banks' CSR initiatives

A corporation or organization can simply increase their goodwill in the marketplace by engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Upholding moral principles and benefiting society are the overarching goals of corporate social responsibility. CSR takes into account both internal and external elements in addition to the value for their customers. Businesses gain by contributing significantly to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in a number of ways, including enhanced funding availability, new opportunities, employee retention, stakeholder satisfaction, and brand image. As globalization accelerates, banks are becoming increasingly engaged in corporate social responsibility initiatives to broaden their clientele. The corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme of the Indian banking sector focuses on projects like health and medical care, rural area development, and poverty eradication. It also aims to address financial inclusion, provide financial services to support national investment, and promote the socio-economic development of the country. The Bank's corporate social responsibility endeavours are predominantly centred around environmental sustainability, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and educational initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Abhiyan, among numerous other projects. This study's goal is to evaluate the CSR programs that the banking sector has implemented. The bank's CSR report is the source of the data.

Acoustic emission analysis for crack initiation in AA7075-T6 alloy under mixed tensile and bending cyclic loading

In most critical components, fatigue occurs under mixed loadings, such as bending and tensile cyclic loading. Furthermore, in the realm of fatigue loading conditions, scant information has been documented regarding the combination of bending and tensile cyclic loading. Therefore, in this paper, Acoustic Emission (AE) as a non-destructive method was used to investigate crack initiation in AA7075-T6 specimens subjected to fatigue conditions involving bending and tensile cyclic loading. The results showed that generated AE signals had the same trend in all tests, and there was a reasonable correlation between AE and mechanical characteristics. By correlating mechanical data and AE data using the sentry function, the failure process, which includes dislocation movement, plastic deformation, work hardening, micro-crack formation, and crack initiation, respectively, was identified. The S-N curve was plotted by using AE monitoring. This curve was depicted as non-destructive and based on the crack initiation cycle. Obtaining the S-N curve through AE monitoring will greatly assist designers in the design of structures under mixed fatigue loading conditions. This will result in a reduced Safety Factor and, consequently, decreased weight and cost for structures while still ensuring that the structure meets the necessary safety requirements.

Leveraging Policy Solutions for Diabetes Disparities: Suggestions for Improving the National Clinical Care Commission Report's Recommendations for Hispanic/Latino Populations.

In the U.S., Hispanic/Latino populations face increased disparities in both the prevalence and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This article critically examines the multifaceted nature of T2DM disparities among Hispanic/Latino populations in the U.S. and identifies key factors contributing to T2DM prevalence within these communities, including socioeconomic status, cultural influences, and healthcare access. Utilizing a modified expert consensus procedure, we evaluate the ways in which the National Clinical Care Commission (NCCC) recommendations apply to the Hispanic/Latino community as well as propose recommendations for improved efficacy. Through a comprehensive analysis of government-community health initiatives, food security, environmental exposures, and housing inequalities, we emphasize the need for targeted interventions and health policies to effectively address and dismantle these disparities. Overall, while the National Clinical Care Commission's recommendations provide a valuable framework for the implementation of policies pertaining to diabetes management and prevention in the general population, our analysis suggests that recommendations may be strengthened by considering the unique cultural, social, and economic needs of the Hispanic/Latino population moving forward.

SOCIAL POLICY: THEORY, METHODOLOGY AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF TEACHING AND IMPLEMENTATION IN THE PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY OF SOCIAL WORKERS

The scientific article represented an analysis of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study and teaching of social policy. The concept of "Social policy" is defined as a synthesis of theoretical and methodological approaches, as an educational discipline for students - future social workers, and as a practical activity aimed at reducing social tension in society and a tool of social justice. The author of the article analyzes the key problems of studying the problems of social policy and methods of teaching the discipline "Social Policy" in the period of a full-scale invasion. The main accents of the scientific publication are the principles, values, and effective tools of the state's social policy. Innovative teaching methods can help students - future social workers to understand the main problems of socio-economic inequality, gender aspects of social policy, methods, and directions of social protection of vulnerable categories of the population. Discussion of the results of sociological research, publications, and development of own projects made a great contribution to the development of critical thinking. The connection of the main directions and methods of social policy with the functioning and development of leading social institutions will help the practical implementation of knowledge in the everyday reality of social workers. Examples of discussions and realization of practical cases during the teaching of Social Policy as an educational discipline are offered for the analysis of social initiatives and programs in the context of various models of social policy. The active using of practical experience in the implementation of social programs and initiatives is proposed in the scientific article

Analysis of shoreline change and community-based restoration initiatives in Lake Bosomtwe, Ghana

Analysis of shoreline change and community-based restoration initiatives in Lake Bosomtwe, Ghana