Critical Aspects Research Articles

Optimization-Based Ramping Reserve Allocation of BESS for AGC Enhancement

The transient behavior of Automatic Generation Control (AGC) systems is a critical aspect of power system operation. Therefore, fully extracting the potential of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) for AGC enhancement is of paramount importance. In light of the challenges posed by diverse resource interconnections and the variability associated, we propose an online optimization scheme that can adapt to changes in an unknown and variable environment. To leverage the synergy between BESSs and Conventional Generators (CGs), we devise a variant of the Area Injection Error (AIE) as a measure to quantify the ramping needs. Based on this measure, we develop a distributed optimization algorithm with adaptive learning rates for the allocation of the ramping reserve. The algorithm restores a larger learning rate for compliance with the ramping needs upon detecting a potentially destabilizing event. We demonstrate the effectiveness and scalability of the proposed scheme through comprehensive case studies. It is shown that the proposed scheme can improve the transient behavior of the AGC system by bridging the gap in ramping capability.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence Development on Taiwan's Legal System and Legislation in the Post-Pandemic Era

In the post-pandemic era, AI development has entered a new phase, driven by the emergence of generative AI and the increasing prevalence of information and communication technologies represented by 5G. In the dawn of the AI age, significant shifts are underway, heralding a new era of transformation. This article explores the impact of AI advancement on Taiwan's legal framework during this era. It delves into both historical developments and prospective transformations and begins with a retrospective analysis of Taiwan's AI-related legislation before the post-pandemic era. Subsequently, it focuses on a critical aspect of Taiwan's AI legal framework during this era, including two pivotal documents in Taiwan: the "AI Basic Act" and the " Reference Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI in the Executive Yuan and its Subordinate Agencies and Affiliated Institutions”. Both have recently garnered widespread attention, marking a crucial step towards navigating the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Finally, this article offers insights into the prospective evolution of Taiwan's legal landscape pertaining to AI. The formulation of the "AI Basic Act" is pivotal in setting fundamental norms for AI development in Taiwan. This draft is significant with its 24 articles aimed at fostering a trustworthy environment and promoting diverse AI utilization. It ensures that Taiwan's high-tech advancements align with global standards. On the other side, the “Reference Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI” are designed to regulate the administrative agencies in response to the widespread application of generative AI. Furthermore, since 2023, the Personal Data Protection Act and Criminal Code, among others, have all been amended to include provisions related to AI technology, reflecting the apparent impact of AI on the legal system. Given the novelty of AI in society, prioritizing the creation of a basic act is crucial. Such legislation defines AI in Taiwan, establishes ethical principles, outline development directions, and provides fundamental norms. It will serve as a cornerstone for shaping and revising other policies and laws to navigate the evolving landscape of AI.

Comparison of antimicrobial properties of inorganic peroxide polymer composites

AbstractWound healing and prevention of bacterial infections are critical aspects of modern medical care. In this work, antibacterial films were produced by creating composites of polycaprolactone with inorganic peroxides. Calcium, magnesium, and zinc peroxide were incorporated in a biocompatible polymeric film. Iron oxide, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium phosphate were added to reduce hydrogen peroxide and to maintain pH in a less alkaline range, allowing for optimization of the material's antibacterial efficacy while minimizing cytotoxicity toward human fibroblasts. Experiments with common wound pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aerugonisa, confirmed significant and prolonged antibacterial effects of peroxide‐doped films. Findings showed that the addition of CaO2 and MgO2 within the film increased cytotoxicity toward human fibroblasts after 48 h (30%–40% decrease compared to control), whereas ZnO2‐based films exhibited a minimal cytotoxicity consistently maintaining over 70% cell viability throughout the course of the experiment. We examined the materials’ sustained release of reactive oxygen species and oxygen, and pH variation correlated with antibacterial activity. Given the unique combination of antibacterial efficacy and mammalian biocompatibility, these peroxides have value as components to sustain hydrogen peroxide release when appropriately compounded to reduce pH variation and avoid excessive hydrogen peroxide levels.

A Two-Phase Approach for Reliability-Redundancy Optimization of a Communication Satellite

The development and launch of communication satellite projects pose significant challenges and costs. The expenses can range from several hundred million dollars, contingent on factors such as mission objectives, satellite system size and complexity including the launch vehicle, and ground infrastructure. Satellites must be designed to withstand harsh conditions in space, such as the extreme temperatures, radiation, and other hazards, while delivering reliable communication services to its users. However, once a satellite is launched, physical maintenance interventions become infeasible in the event of technical problems. Thus, reliability is a critical aspect for these expensive systems. This study aims to minimize the cost of a high-tech communication satellite by addressing design considerations that meet customer reliability requirements without exceeding power and redundant equipment limits. To achieve this goal, we propose an integer non-linear programming model in this research. To solve the satellite design problem, we adopt a two-stage solution approach. Conventional industrial practices in satellite design often involve iterative attempts to determine the redundancy level of onboard units based on customer reliability requirements. These processes rely heavily on the experience of design engineers who evaluate a limited number of alternatives to determine the number of redundant units, resulting in sub-optimal outcomes. In contrast, our proposed approach systematically handles the problem and yields optimal results. Our findings demonstrate that the proposed two-phase approach can achieve optimal redundancy levels within seconds.

Wine quality assessment through lightweight deep learning: integrating 1D-CNN and LSTM for analyzing electronic nose VOCs signals

PurposeIn the wine industry, maintaining superior quality standards is crucial to meet the expectations of both producers and consumers. Traditional approaches to assessing wine quality involve labor-intensive processes and rely on the expertise of connoisseurs proficient in identifying taste profiles and key quality factors. In this research, we introduce an innovative and efficient approach centered on the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) signals using an electronic nose, thereby empowering nonexperts to accurately assess wine quality.Design/methodology/approachTo devise an optimal algorithm for this purpose, we conducted four computational experiments, culminating in the development of a specialized deep learning network. This network seamlessly integrates 1D-convolutional and long-short-term memory layers, tailor-made for the intricate task at hand. Rigorous validation ensued, employing a leave-one-out cross-validation methodology to scrutinize the efficacy of our design.FindingsThe outcomes of these e-demonstrates were subjected to meticulous evaluation and analysis, which unequivocally demonstrate that our proposed architecture consistently attains promising recognition accuracies, ranging impressively from 87.8% to an astonishing 99.41%. All this is achieved within a remarkably brief timeframe of a mere 4 seconds. These compelling findings have far-reaching implications, promising to revolutionize the assessment and tracking of wine quality, ultimately affording substantial benefits to the wine industry and all its stakeholders, with a particular focus on the critical aspect of VOCs signal analysis.Originality/valueThis research has not been published anywhere else.

Bioceramic versus traditional biomaterials for endodontic sealers according to the ideal properties.

Odontology, as a scientific discipline, continuously collaborates with biomaterials engineering to enhance treatment characteristics and patients' satisfaction. Endodontics, a specialized field of dentistry, focuses on the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental disorders affecting the dental pulp, root, and surrounding tissues. A critical aspect of endodontic treatment involves the careful selection of an appropriate endodontic sealer for clinical use, as it significantly influences treatment outcomes. Traditional sealers, such as zinc oxide-eugenol, fatty acid, salicylate, epoxy resin, silicone, and methacrylate resin systems, have been extensively used for decades. However, advancements in endodontics have given rise to bioceramic-based sealers, offering improved properties and addressing new challenges in endodontic therapy. In this review, a classification of these materials and their ideal properties are presented to provide evidence-based guidance to clinicians. Physicochemical properties, including sealing ability, stability over time and space, as well as biological properties such as biocompatibility and antibacterial characteristics, along with cost-effectiveness, are essential factors influencing clinicians' decisions based on individual patient evaluations.

Value-related learning in the olfactory bulb occurs through pathway-dependent perisomatic inhibition of mitral cells.

Associating values to environmental cues is a critical aspect of learning from experiences, allowing animals to predict and maximise future rewards. Value-related signals in the brain were once considered a property of higher sensory regions, but their wide distribution across many brain regions is increasingly recognised. Here, we investigate how reward-related signals begin to be incorporated, mechanistically, at the earliest stage of olfactory processing, namely, in the olfactory bulb. In head-fixed mice performing Go/No-Go discrimination of closely related olfactory mixtures, rewarded odours evoke widespread inhibition in one class of output neurons, that is, in mitral cells but not tufted cells. The temporal characteristics of this reward-related inhibition suggest it is odour-driven, but it is also context-dependent since it is absent during pseudo-conditioning and pharmacological silencing of the piriform cortex. Further, the reward-related modulation is present in the somata but not in the apical dendritic tuft of mitral cells, suggesting an involvement of circuit components located deep in the olfactory bulb. Depth-resolved imaging from granule cell dendritic gemmules suggests that granule cells that target mitral cells receive a reward-related extrinsic drive. Thus, our study supports the notion that value-related modulation of olfactory signals is a characteristic of olfactory processing in the primary olfactory area and narrows down the possible underlying mechanisms to deeper circuit components that contact mitral cells perisomatically.

Region-based convolutional neural networks for occluded person re-identification

In a variety of applications, including intelligent surveillance systems, targeted tracking, and assistive human-following robots, the ability to accurately identify individuals even when they are partially obscured is imperative. Such Continuous person tracking is complicated by the close similarity between the appearance of people and target occlusions. This study addresses this significant challenge by proposing a two-step, detection-first approach that uses a region-based convolutional neural network (R-CNN) as the re-identification (re-ID)solution. The model is specifically trained to detect occluded persons at different levels of occlusion before forwarding the image for the re-ID process. Three occluded-specific datasets are selected to evaluate the model's effectiveness in detecting occluded people. There are 379 distinct people in total, and each has five images obstructed from different angles. A sample of the data is taken to simulate various environment settings, and new data points are generated with different degrees of occlusion to assess how well the model performs under varying levels of obstruction. The findings demonstrate that the proposed person re-ID model is reliable in most circumstances, correctly re-identifying at 74% (Rank-1) and 90% (Rank-5). Although there is a decrease in accuracy as the number of distinctive people in the dataset increases, this does not significantly impact the tracking performance in various applications, which are expected to recognize a single person or a small group of individuals. Future works will explore refining similarity matching algorithms by delving into robust image comparison techniques, thereby addressing the challenges presented by occlusions. A critical aspect is to assess the model under diverse lighting conditions and investigate scenarios with multiple individuals in a frame. It is also beneficial to exploit high-resolution datasets, such as DukeMTMC-reID, and integrate finer contextual details, like clothing or carried objects. These collective efforts are essential for optimizing the model’s efficacy in practical applications and advancing person re-ID technologies.

Flood Susceptibility Assessment of Chandpur Sadar Upazila using Analytical Hierarchy Process and Frequency Ratio Model

Flood susceptibility is a critical aspect of natural hazard assessment and disaster risk reduction. The objective of this study find out flood risk zone of chandpur sadar upazila using the Flood frequency ratio (FFR) and Analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The article explore the complex idea of flood susceptibility, focusing on analytical techniques used. The integration of twelve spatial data layers, such as Sediment Transport Index (STI), elevation, Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), slope, aspect, Land Use Land Cover (LULC), soil type, rainfall patterns, Normalize Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), drainage density and distance from the river, is required for the assessment of flood vulnerability. A flood inventory map was buildup and using these methods, two vulnerability map was created, it was discovered that 60% & 48% of Chandpur's territory is categorized by very high to high risk zone. Flood has dangerous effect on livelihood. I was hoped that it will be a helpful study for researcher and people of this upazila will be benefited.

A Review - Factors Affecting on Time, Cost and Quality of Construction

Abstract: The primary goal of this study is to assess and explore time, cost, and quality management within the construction industry. The purpose of the study is to identify factors that impact time, cost, and quality management in construction projects. Quality stands out as a crucial aspect of all projects, and the success of construction projects hinges significantly on the performance of quality. However, accomplishing this objective is undeniably a challenging task. This study specifically investigates the factors that influence the control of cost and time in construction projects. The aim is to propose recommendations that can assist stakeholders in achieving enhanced cost and time performance in construction projects. The study acknowledges the intricate nature of balancing these key elements and strives to contribute valuable insights for improving overall project outcomes in the construction industry. This study is limited to the perspective of an appropriate sample of professionals in the construction industry. The data collection method involves the use of questionnaires and interviews, which will be subject to descriptive statistical analysis utilizing percentages, mean scores, and frequency of collected data. The primary factors influencing time, cost, and quality in a construction project were identified as planned and scheduled deficiencies, fraudulent methods, kickbacks, and the absence of clear evaluation standards. The research aims to scrutinize the factors that have both positive and adverse effects on construction projects. The study recommends that the construction team work diligently to ensure effective management of time, cost, and quality in construction projects. The objective of this study is to analyze how those involved in project teams perceive time, cost, and quality management on construction projects. Conclusions are drawn, and recommendations are made regarding time, cost, and quality management estimates for construction projects. In the construction industry, the concept of risk management is a less popular technique. There are three main stages in the systematic approach to risk management in the construction industry. A questionnaire, developed based on identified factors, was used to gather the opinions of construction experts. Quality is a critical aspect of any project, especially in construction. The success of construction projects is largely determined by the quality of work. Unfortunately, the construction industry is facing quality issues that result in ineffective and inefficient projects, leading to cost overruns, delays, and excessive rework. To address this issue, a research study was conducted to examine the factors that have positive and negative impacts on construction projects. A questionnaire was developed to gather feedback from construction experts, and statistical analysis tools such as chisquare and weighted mean method (WMM) were used to rank the significance of these factors. The definition of quality can vary depending on the perspective of those defining it. Some see it as meeting specific requirements, while others view it as delivering value for the price paid. For construction companies, quality is about satisfying customers and fulfilling their needs while staying within budget. Quality is an important factor in construction projects, as it can lead to cost overruns and delays. Quality control (QC) and quality assurance systems are established to meet specific requirements. In the construction industry, QC can be seen as achieving client satisfaction, managing costs, and allowing enough time to achieve the desired level of quality. An international standard organization (ISO) has developed a quality assurance system to improve quality and address quality-related issues. The ISO 9001 series has been created to apply to all types of organizations.

Development of social worker critical reflexivity through integration of lived experience into further education

ABSTRACT Social work education is not completed by graduation from school, and further education is becoming increasingly important. It has been co-opted by neoliberal concepts, even though it should help to solve serious social problems and defend the interests of social groups threatened by current development. Learning from lived experience is key to further education in reaching the critical reflexivity of social workers. Few research studies deal with the involvement of experts by experience in further education. We are interested in learning about the factors contributing to social workers’ learning from lived experience. Our research interest is to deepen our knowledge of the involvement of lived experience in further education of social workers; specifically, we are asking what factors influence social worker learning from lived experience. We are using the research of further education of social workers in chosen municipalities in the Czech Republic and suggest critical aspects of learning modules when working with lived experience.

Data analytics in healthcare: A review of patient-centric approaches and healthcare delivery

The integration of data analytics in healthcare has revolutionized the industry, ushering in a new era of personalized and patient-centric approaches to healthcare delivery. This review explores the multifaceted role of data analytics in reshaping the landscape of healthcare, with a specific focus on patient-centric methodologies and their impact on healthcare delivery. The advent of electronic health records (EHRs) and wearable devices has generated an unprecedented volume of healthcare data. Leveraging advanced analytics, healthcare providers can extract valuable insights from this data to enhance patient care. Patient-centric approaches involve the utilization of individualized health data to tailor treatment plans, predict disease outcomes, and optimize preventive measures. This review delves into the methodologies employed in patient-centric data analytics, examining the utilization of machine learning algorithms, predictive modeling, and artificial intelligence to develop personalized healthcare interventions. Furthermore, the review explores the transformative impact of data analytics on healthcare delivery. The optimization of operational processes, resource allocation, and the identification of cost-effective interventions are vital components of healthcare management. By harnessing the power of data analytics, healthcare systems can streamline their operations, reduce inefficiencies, and allocate resources more effectively. Additionally, predictive analytics aids in forecasting disease outbreaks, enabling proactive measures for containment and resource allocation. The review also highlights the ethical considerations and challenges associated with the implementation of data analytics in healthcare. Patient privacy, data security, and the responsible use of sensitive health information are critical aspects that demand careful attention in the era of digital healthcare. This review underscores the pivotal role of data analytics in fostering patient-centric healthcare approaches and optimizing healthcare delivery. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the integration of advanced analytics promises to revolutionize the way healthcare is administered, ensuring a more personalized, efficient, and effective approach to patient well-being.

Sulfur migration during co-pyrolysis of high sulfur coking coal with fat coal and lean coal

Desulfurization remains a critical yet challenging aspect of producing high-quality metallurgical coke through pyrolysis. Previous studies have suggested that introducing hydrogen-rich gases may improve sulfur removal efficiency. To further explore this approach, we investigated the effects of volatile matter on sulfur migration during co-pyrolysis of high-sulfur coal (SC) with both fat coal (FC) and lean coal (LC). Our findings indicate that most sulfur is transferred into the coke during pyrolysis, with sulfide and pyrite being relatively easy to decompose, while thiophenes and sulfones tend to be thermally stable. Co-pyrolysis with FC significantly decreased sulfur content in the final coke product, while co-pyrolysis with LC resulted in higher sulfur content. The comparative analysis points to the beneficial influence of volatile matter in promoting desulfurization through enhanced sulfur transfer into the gas phase and reduced sulfur fixation with nascent coke. These findings offer practical guidance for coke-making industries to optimize coal blending scheme and to achieve efficient desulfurization during coke-making.

Experimental studies on fillet weldment joints by artisans in Ghana’s Western Region

Constant progress, demand in the manufacturing of mechanisms parts, and the ability to join parts together is another critical aspect of manufacturing for assemblers. Joining methods plays a significant role and welding must be constantly improved, experimented with, and upgraded due to its increasing use in all aspects of manufacturing. The quality of a weld joint is highly dependent on the process parameter. Welds are examined to ensure that they meet specifications through various experimental processes ranging from computational networks, evolutionary algorithms, non-destructive testing (NDT) and destructive testing (DE) to ascertain the quality of joints. The main objective of the study was to ascertain the quality of welded joints through non-destructive evaluation (NDE). To achieve this goal, an experimental method of four (4) NDE methods were employed to evaluate the quality of weldment joints on a mild steel material joined using manual metal arc welding (MMAW) process in selected fabrication shops in Takoradi-Kokompe, Ghana. Steel specimens were prepared and taken to the artisans to be created into corner joints using the fillet method. The specimens were tested using non-destructive testing techniques. The results on the welded joints were evaluated using the AWS D1.1 code of acceptance for structural steels. The results revealed that all welded joints from fabricators failed to meet the AWS D1.1:2000 acceptance criteria and, thus, had to be rejected. The results implies that through the artisans have worked for many years in the welding trade, their lack of competence and skills in the selection of right input welding parameters contributed to the results. The results implies that, the finished artefacts may look fine but internal structures may contribute to future failure of the fabricated artefacts.

Magnetic Field Enhancements in the Solar Wind: Diverse Processes Manifesting a Uniform Observation Type?

AbstractWithin the solar wind throughout the inner heliosphere, observations reveal the presence of magnetic field enhancements accompanied by thin current sheets at varying distances from the sun and across different longitudes and latitudes. Two primary explanations have been proposed to elucidate these phenomena: Solar wind‐dust interaction and interlacing flux ropes. In this study, we employ multi‐fluid Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and Hall MHD models to simulate these hypotheses, respectively. Our findings indicate a concurrence between both models and the observed phenomena, suggesting that both processes may result in the same kind of enhancement. Furthermore, both models make predictions pointing to additional types of observational data, occurring at distinct spatial or temporal stages of the interaction. This convergence of model predictions with empirical data underscores the need for further observational and modeling studies to comprehensively test these models. This research enhances our knowledge of the inner heliosphere's dynamics and the influence of the solar wind on the Earth's magnetosphere, thereby shedding light on critical aspects of space weather and its potential impact on our planet.

Urban resilience against environmental disasters: Comparing Lagos and New York

Urban resilience against environmental disasters is a critical aspect of sustainable urban development, particularly in megacities like Lagos and New York, which face diverse environmental challenges. This review examines the comparative analysis of urban resilience strategies in Lagos, Nigeria, and New York City, USA, focusing on their responses to environmental disasters. Both cities encounter distinct environmental hazards, including flooding, hurricanes, and heatwaves, albeit within different socio-economic contexts. Lagos, Africa's most populous city, grapples with rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and informal settlements, exacerbating its vulnerability to environmental disasters. In contrast, New York City, a global financial hub, confronts challenges posed by its dense urban fabric, aging infrastructure, and coastal exposure. Despite differing contextual factors, both cities strive to enhance their resilience through various strategies. Lagos employs a mix of top-down and bottom-up approaches, emphasizing community engagement, early warning systems, and infrastructure improvements to mitigate flood risks. Initiatives such as the Lagos State Resilience Strategy and the implementation of green infrastructure projects signify efforts to enhance adaptive capacity and reduce vulnerability. Conversely, New York City adopts a multifaceted approach, integrating policy frameworks, technological innovations, and community-based initiatives to bolster resilience. Post-Hurricane Sandy, the city launched the "OneNYC" plan, emphasizing infrastructure upgrades, coastal protection measures, and climate adaptation strategies to withstand future shocks. Comparative analysis reveals both convergences and divergences in urban resilience strategies. While Lagos prioritizes grassroots involvement and low-cost solutions, New York emphasizes institutional coordination and investment in resilient infrastructure. Challenges persist in both contexts, including funding constraints, governance issues, and socio-economic disparities, underscoring the need for holistic and inclusive resilience frameworks. Understanding the nuances of urban resilience in diverse contexts can inform policy interventions and best practices transferable across cities globally. By examining the experiences of Lagos and New York, this review contributes to the discourse on building resilient cities capable of navigating environmental uncertainties and safeguarding the well-being of urban populations.

Digital transformation in banking: The HR perspective on managing change and cultivating digital talent

Digital transformation in the banking industry has become imperative for staying competitive in today's fast-paced technological landscape. This review explores the human resources (HR) perspective on managing change and cultivating digital talent within the banking sector. In the era of digital disruption, banks are redefining their business models and processes to embrace the advantages of emerging technologies. The focus is not only on implementing advanced digital solutions but also on reshaping the workforce to navigate this transformative journey successfully. The role of HR in this context is pivotal, as it involves orchestrating organizational change, fostering a culture of innovation, and nurturing a pool of digital-savvy talents. Managing change is a critical aspect of digital transformation, and HR professionals play a key role in ensuring a smooth transition. This involves creating awareness, fostering a change-ready mindset, and aligning employees with the strategic objectives of digital initiatives. HR teams are instrumental in designing and implementing training programs to upskill existing staff, enabling them to adapt to the evolving digital landscape. Cultivating digital talent is another essential aspect that demands the attention of HR departments in banking institutions. Identifying, attracting, and retaining individuals with the right skill sets is crucial for building a workforce capable of driving digital innovation. HR strategies should focus on developing a talent pipeline that aligns with the organization's digital goals, encompassing not only technical expertise but also fostering a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. This review sheds light on the HR perspective in the digital transformation journey of the banking industry. It emphasizes the importance of managing change effectively and cultivating a workforce equipped with the digital skills necessary to propel the sector into the future of finance.

Education as a necessity of life: An exploration on Ugandan Education System Quality with reference to John Dewey's Philosophical Correlates

AbstractEvery country desires and aspires for an education system that caters for learners’ physiological needs, belonging, love, self‐esteem, security and self‐actualisation at the top, which are rarely provided by a few countries. With a review focus on the Ugandan education system, several challenges related to the education borrowing suggestions as proposed by John Dewey have been attributed to creating an environment that has seen most graduates ending up unemployed, and with leadership challenges, inadequate funding, poor teacher perception, low research and innovations in higher institutions of learning, less involvement of the informal sector in development, low literacy levels, political interference among others. Thus this exploratory analytical‐qualitative review focuses on John Dewey's teachings in his book Education and Democracy—specifically chapter 1, ‘Education as Necessity for Life’—with attention on how education as an engine that empowers life, ensures independence through self‐reliance, sustenance, freedom, and is syndrome‐free to enhance appreciation of the contemporary trends in education—critical aspects that are extremely lacking within the current Ugandan education system and can impact on the future of education to the future of education as recommended in National Development Plan III (NDP III). Thus the review recommends that while reflecting on the state of the Ugandan education system, there is a need to revitalise the research and innovations in higher institutions, especially catering for an integral‐education system with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from primary school to university, involvement of the informal sector through skills education as proposed by the Ugandan Vision 2040 and NDP III, as well as addressing low literacy levels and providing adequate teaching and learning through quality and balanced funding from all relevant government agencies and development partners.

Ethics and corporate social responsibility in HR: A comprehensive review of policies and practices

The integration of ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Human Resources (HR) has emerged as a critical aspect of organizational management, reflecting a paradigm shift in business dynamics towards sustainability and societal well-being. This paper provides a comprehensive review of policies and practices pertaining to ethics and CSR in HR, shedding light on the evolving landscape of responsible corporate conduct. In recent years, organizations have recognized the profound impact HR policies and practices can have on the ethical fabric of the workplace. This review examines the multifaceted dimensions of ethics in HR, encompassing recruitment, employee relations, training, and performance evaluation. It underscores the importance of fostering a culture of fairness, diversity, and inclusivity in HR processes, acknowledging the pivotal role HR plays in shaping the organizational ethos. Moreover, the paper delves into the intricate relationship between CSR and HR, emphasizing the role of HR in implementing and championing CSR initiatives. Companies are increasingly acknowledging their societal responsibilities and are aligning HR strategies with broader CSR goals. This involves addressing social and environmental concerns, promoting community engagement, and ensuring ethical supply chain practices. The paper explores the mechanisms through which HR can effectively contribute to the fulfillment of CSR commitments. Furthermore, the review examines emerging trends and best practices in ethics and CSR in HR. It considers the adoption of technology, the incorporation of sustainable HR practices, and the development of metrics for measuring social impact. The paper concludes by highlighting the imperative for organizations to align HR policies and practices with ethical principles and CSR goals, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between responsible HR management and sustainable business success. As organizations navigate an era of heightened societal expectations, a strategic integration of ethics and CSR in HR emerges as a cornerstone for fostering a socially responsible and ethically sound corporate environment.

The Role of Brand Image and Trust in the Adoption of FinTech Digital Payment for Online Transportation

Background: The widespread use of financial technology (FinTech) is a popular aspect across various fields, particularly in online transportation. However, the usage has led to an increase in illegal FinTech, causing significant problems for public. Issues related to account security, such as hacks leading to the loss of user balances and misuse of data, contribute to the erosion of brand image and public trust. Despite the growing prominence of FinTech, explorations on the application in the context of online transportation remain limited. Previous studies have not discussed the impact of brand image on perceived usefulness and ease of use. Therefore, this current study explores the importance of combining brand image and trust factors to increase user intention. This process is achieved by investigating brand image and trust as crucial factors influencing increased perceived ease and benefits during the integration of FinTech in online transportation services. Objective: This study aimed to measure the impact of brand image and trust factors on the adoption of FinTech in online transportation. Methods: The investigation was carried out with a quantitative analysis approach using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS–SEM). Furthermore, it focused on understanding FinTech services in online transportation, incorporating factors such as trust, brand image, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and user intention. Data were collected by using a purposive sampling method through online questionnaire distribution. PLS-SEM was adapted for analyzing variable relationships, hypotheses, and models. Results: The results showed that factors including trust, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness significantly influenced the willingness to use FinTech in online transportation services. However, it was observed that brand image factors did not impact user intentions. Conclusion: This study showed a critical aspect in understanding the value of FinTech services by explaining the importance of establishing trust and building a good brand image as precursors. These factors indirectly contributed to increased perceived benefits and ease of use. Therefore, the insights offered valuable input for companies aiming to develop trusted FinTech platforms with a positive product image. Keywords: Brand Image, Trust, FinTech, Online Transportation