Nations Face Research Articles

Treaties Establishing ICAO And IMO – A Comparative Study

The comparison between air law and maritime law reveals both similarities and distinctions rooted in the unique frameworks of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and The International Maritime Organization (IMO). While both entities were established through separate treaties, the Chicago Convention birthed ICAO, emphasizing the organization’s Assembly, Council, and auxiliary bodies. In contrast, the IMO Convention, also known as the Convention on the International Maritime Organization, forms the basis for IMO’s structure and functions as outlined in its preamble. The core objectives of IMO revolve around fostering collaboration among governments to enhance regulatory frameworks for international maritime trade. This encompasses advocating for elevated standards in maritime safety, navigation efficiency, and marine pollution prevention. Similarly, ICAO aims to establish principles and techniques for air navigation, promoting safe, regular, economical, and efficient air transport. The Chicago Convention primarily focuses on regulating international civil aviation, ensuring its orderly development and safety through defined principles and procedures, including standards for airspace sovereignty, aircraft registration, airworthiness, and aviation security. Conversely, the IMO Convention tackles various aspects of international maritime transportation, spanning safety, security, environmental protection, and shipping efficiency. Despite being specialized agencies of the United Nations, both ICAO and IMO face the challenge of accommodating diverse interests and viewpoints of their member states without the autonomy enjoyed by the private sector. Nonetheless, both organizations have consistently served the international community in facilitating world trade and commerce within their respective domains. This article discusses details of comparison and contrasts between ICAO, IMO, and air law and maritime law in their treaty settings.

Conceptions of Heroic Leadership in Civil Society

While nations face multiple disruptions to civil society, individuals in late adolescence and early adulthood are overlooked for heroic leadership opportunities in some cultures. An underestimation of individuals’ abilities is sometimes fostered by biological definitions of human development that align competence with physical changes in the brain (Blakemore, 2012). Prolonged exposure to such disregard can encourage individuals to restrict the information they notice, fostering distortion in the intentions that support leadership readiness (Pratkanis, 2007). Studies of individuals’ conceptions of how the world operates can improve leadership readiness if such evidence is used to verify that individuals notice essential information. Using this logic to explore undergraduates’ readiness for heroic leadership, a highly diverse sample of individuals in late adolescence and early adulthood shared their understanding of human rights and civil society. These trait-focused conceptions were then compared with dispositional conceptions of heroism to explore variance in undergraduates’ readiness to embrace heroic opportunities.

PromotingSustainable Construction Practices in Developing Countries: Comparative Insights and Future Directions

Sustainable construction practices contribute significantly to the advancement trajectory in developing and developed nations. Emphasising environmental conservation, efficient resource utilisation, and the facilitation of healthier, more productive living and working environments, sustainable construction practices are fundamental to achieving a more prosperous and ecologically balanced future. However, the effective transition to and adoption of these practices in developing nations raises significant challenges. ‘Which way forward to addressing these issues as discussed in the last issue including the editorial (Windapo and Umeokafor 2023). These challenges, explored in depth in the diverse research articles featured in this issue, illuminate the ongoing difficulties developing nations face in embracing sustainable construction practices, along with potential solutions and future directions for research. They contribute to answering the question in the last issue, 'Which way forward?' (Ibid).
 This twelfth issue of the Journal of Construction Business and Management offers a thought-provoking and insightful collection of five seminal research articles by 11 authors from Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The key themes of the articles include promoting awareness of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Blocks (AACB) for construction, enhancing government construction project success through effective leadership styles, fostering the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Quantity Surveying, examining the link between Quantity Surveyors' conflict-handling styles and personality traits, and tracking technological and organisational change in the UK construction sector. As discussed below, each theme contributes to a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the urgent need for, obstacles to, and promising strategies for sustainable construction in developing countries.

A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Interventions for Afghan Refugee Mental Health: A Cultural Adaptation Analysis

Under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) seven-decade mandate, Afghan refugees have faced some of the largest and most protracted experiences with forced displacement. This intergenerational exposure to forced migration has had innumerable consequences for the mental health of this population across different stages of their displacement. Afghan refugees who have resettled into Western nations face a unique set of challenges as they must navigate resettlement into societies that are linguistically, culturally, and spiritually distinct from their own backgrounds. This systematic review explores the (a) effectiveness and (b) cultural adaptation of interventions that have addressed the mental health of Afghan refugees resettled into Western countries since the year 2000. This systematic review will employ the Cultural Treatment Adaptation Framework (CTAF) to organize the extent of cultural adaptations. Through the systematic search of four databases, 1709 studies emerged from our search terms, seven of which met the criteria for this review, for example, study includes more than 2/3 Afghan participants; study includes outcome variables. Studies included programs in Germany, Serbia, Sweden, and Austria. The most common outcomes that interventions addressed included posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) ( n = 5), depression ( n = 3), and quality of life ( n = 3). Program modalities ranged between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( n = 4), emotion regulation ( n = 1), family therapy ( n = 1), and multimodal interventions ( n = 2). Most studies only incorporated peripheral changes to interventions in the service of cultural adaptation, and only one intervention included core changes. This program reported the highest effect sizes in reducing PTSD and depressive symptoms when compared with the rest of the studies. These findings provide a direction for future studies as they consider whether the extent of cultural adaptations can influence the effectiveness of programs for Afghan refugee populations. We provide recommendations for mental health practice with this population, including a special attention to the role of daily stressors, the significance of faith and culture-based meaning making in the service of coping, and the salience of isolation.

Постколоніальна теорія та її застосування до пострадянських держав

This paper aims to reveal the constraints of traditional postcolonial theory, particularly in its application in the post-Soviet space, and to argue the need to study the post-Soviet space through the prism of this theory, considering the colonial nature of the Soviet Union. It focuses on analysing the limitations of postcolonial theory concerning the so-called «Second World» and singling out distinctive attributes of the Russian imperial regime and its enduring aftermath. The authors had studied constraints within the postcolonial theory, in particular, the centrality of racist-related experience and narratives regarding «Second World». These limitations pave the way for a broader understanding of post-Soviet states' complex historical narratives. We analyse the expansionist ambitions of the Russian Empire (as well as its successor, the Soviet Union) both Eastward and Westward and its colonial practices imposed upon indigenous populations in newly acquired territories. This analysis showcases how Russian colonialism endured even after the collapse of the empire, finding a new life in Bolshevik ideology. In particular, the article provides data that testify USSR’s economic colonialism toward Ukraine. It is shown that due to autonomy development after Bolshevik revolution, Baltic states managed to implement robust institutional and economic reforms before the Soviet Union re-annexed their territories. In stark contrast, other territories, including Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, were swiftly absorbed by the Bolshevik regime following the demise of the imperial government. This dichotomy sheds light on the intricate process of decolonisation, demonstrating that true independence for some former Russian colonies only materialised after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The authors suggest that adopting a quasi-colonial lens to view the Soviet Regime provides profound insights into the challenges impeding the development of post-Soviet states. This paper offers a comprehensive understanding of the postcolonial dynamics in the post-Soviet states. It sheds light on not just the historical intricacies but also the contemporary challenges these nations face, thus contributing to a richer scholarly discourse on postcolonialism and its evolving relevance in the modern world.

Urban agroecology enhances agrobiodiversity and resilient, biocultural food systems. The case of the semi-dryland and medium-sized Querétaro City, Mexico

Small-scale agroecological practices in the urban areas of Querétaro, México, as in other mid-sized cities, could maintain agrobiodiversity pools and sufficient productivity for a food sovereignty baseline. The application of agroecological principles fosters agrobiodiversity and socio-ecological resilience in urban food production. Emerging urban gardens result from an immediate necessity for food that does not appear in local statistics, nor is there any account of them in any cadastral source or land register of Querétaro City. Based on studies of 28 urban gardens, we survey and analyze farming practices using socio-ecological resilience methodologies and the Diagnostic Survey of Agroecological Practices. We find that the agroecological management of urban gardens results in significantly more species richness than in conventionally managed plots, likely due to the multifunctional purposes associated with biocultural memory. The number of social actors participating in agroecological management is increasing. It represents an urban strategy of resilience that contributes to enhancing the microclimate and nutrient cycling, as well as to improving water management and biodiversity. Results also indicate that gardens of approximately 200 m2 harbor the highest levels of agrobiodiversity. This area size for home vegetable production appears optimal for user-friendly management practices in urban settings and could represent the minimum benchmark for a family and a goal for urban planning and policy recommendations. Urban gardens contribute to the adaptive capacities of city dwellers to enhance their food security and sovereignty. Therefore, given that 70% of the national population face some level of food insecurity, we argue that, along with the protection of land-use rights, the promotion of a diverse urban landscape could improve long-term socio-ecological and food supply resilience. Additionally, urban gardens promote neighborhood social inclusion and affordable access to food. The empirical results and insights from this study in Querétaro can inform land-use policies for urban agriculture more broadly, especially in Latin American metropolitan areas.

The Effectiveness of National Government Regulation of Large Companies


 This study investigates the dynamic interplay between transnational corporations (TNCs) and their regulatory landscape. TNCs, as major players in the global economy, significantly influence both economic growth and the trajectory of domestic firms in less developed countries. However, this influence isn't always positive. The central theme of this paper is the challenges and complexities national governments face in regulating these corporate giants. Given the backdrop of neoliberalism and globalisation, the regulatory environment is ever-evolving and demands intricate analyses. Key to this is the development of robust governance frameworks which are imperative for striking a harmonious balance among the interests of TNCs, nation-states, and wider global stakeholders. An exemplary case is dissected to provide tangible insights into the discussed phenomena. The paper wraps up with insightful observations that shed light on potential future directions.

Examining the dynamic nexus between industry 4.0 technologies and sustainable economy: New insights from empirical evidence using GMM estimator across 20 OECD nations

A new era of smart technologies has emerged, where humans and machines collaborate and work together side by side. The use of advanced technologies will undoubtedly increase, and nations face a difficult mission to maintain a balance between tremendous technological growth and a sustainable development strategy, which primarily encompasses economic growth, social well-being, and environmental considerations. For this reason, the paper explores the effects of Industry 4.0 on the sustainable economy for 20 OECD countries for the period [2011–2021]. To do this, We utilize several variables to represent Industry 4.0 technologies. These include ICT patents, reflecting a high level of interconnectedness; environmental patents, demonstrating the green aspect of Industry 4.0; AI patents, which form the core of digitalization strategies due to their capacity for automation and operational visibility; and high-technology exports, signifying a country's advancement in the technology market. The main findings reveal a positive and significant impact of environmental patents and the number of researchers on economic growth and renewable energy consumption, while ICT patents and AI patents have a negative effect on the employment rate.

A vernacular for living systems: Alternative framings for the future of food

Industrialized nations face the imminent need to transform their food systems in service to climate, biodiversity, and humanity, and inroads to such transformation are arguably already being made in pockets of innovation and activism around the world. However, debates rage over the various technologies and values that ought to drive those transformations. In this essay I argue that we are in the midst of a paradigm shift in how we think about and design our food systems, away from the industrial paradigm and toward an approach informed by the nature and function of living systems. As a part of that ongoing change, I argue we need to develop a new set of language to replace the familiar industrial values and concepts that underpin how we think about solutions—including scalability, standardization, efficiency, and control. I offer suggestions for alternative concepts drawn from emerging work in the areas of regenerative design, Indigenous stewardship, and complex systems, concepts that can reframe how proponents of food system transformation design and evaluate new ideas and approaches that are more healthful, sustainable, and just.

A critical review on integrating bio fortification in crops for sustainable agricultural development and nutritional security

Numerous developing nations face epidemics that are characterized by nutritional deficiencies in both humans and animals. A further threat to nutritional quality is posed by the lack of dietary diversity, which consists predominantly of cereal-based crops lacking in essential mineral nutrients. Cereals and pulses are major food crops in backward countries; however, they often lack essential compounds, macronutrients, and micronutrients, resulting in imbalanced nutrition. Widespread malnutrition, characterized by ailments such as anemia, rickets, and scurvy, is a direct consequence of this nutritional imbalance. It is crucial to bio-fortify cereals and pulses to provide the population with balanced diets and reduce malnutrition. New breeding techniques (NBTs) such as gene editing, gene overexpression, and gene transfer from wild relatives offer alternative avenues to obtain crops with optimal nutritional profiles. This review delves into the significance of bio fortification in enhancing food crops and explores the utilization of advanced breeding methods for the development of novel bio fortified crop varieties, thereby tackling nutritional security within the realm of agriculture. It conveys a message to researchers regarding the considerable potential of bio fortification to enhance crop productivity while enriching crops with additional nutrients.

Advocacy of Northern Education in the Context of Multiculturalism and Religion

With the development of the global economy and communication, the world has become a whole. The exchange and integration of different cultures will inevitably lead to higher requirements for education in the new era. In the face of increasingly complex cultural exchange phenomena and the emergence of new cultural phenomena, the formulation and research of educational policies under this background are of great significance. This paper analyzes and recommends educational policy, educational focus, and teacher training programs in the new era from the perspectives of multicultural education and religious education. This paper emphasizes the viewpoint of religious education in the context of multiculturalism and advocates for corresponding educational policy. The development of the teaching force, the creation of educational policy, and the challenge of educational equity are the key issues that governments of all nations face in the face of cultural interactions and collisions in the context of globalization. Applying the concept of diversity in practice, placing a high value on the effects of various cultural differences, and developing diverse, individualized, and localized policies and procedures are important components of the solution.

The influence of foreign direct investments on the economic development of South Caucasus countries

A nation's pace of economic growth in the South Caucasus region is directly influenced by the volume of foreign direct investment (FDI) it gets. This research project examines the effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth and stability, with a focus on the three nations of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. This research seeks to understand three important aspects: the trends in FDI influx; the industries that draw the highest concentrations of FDI; and the societal consequences of FDI. Examining these three crucial facets of the whole is the aim of this study. The goal of this study is to look at the trends in foreign direct investment (FDI), with an emphasis on the South Caucasus region's growing prominence as a desirable destination for financial investments. To achieve the objectives of this study, we will. Numerous various elements, such as its advantageous geographic position, an abundance of natural resources, and the formation of prospective markets, may be ascribed to its preeminence. The industries with the largest amounts of foreign direct investment (FDI) are also examined in this research, with an emphasis on the manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy sectors' critical roles in promoting economic growth. In this last section of the study, the socioeconomic effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) are examined. The creation of new job possibilities, the diffusion of recently produced technology, and the diversification of exports are some of these outcomes. One of the main topics of this conversation is how these effects contribute to raising the local quality of life and lowering the incidence of poverty. The aim of this research is to examine the many aspects of foreign direct investment (FDI) and how it affects the economic development of countries in the South Caucasus area of the globe. The purpose of this project is to provide useful information on the opportunities and challenges these nations face in their efforts to draw in and use foreign investments in order to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity. The data that will be offered will come from a range of sources, such as focus groups, questionnaires, and interviews.

On Some Challenges for National and Global Space Weather Services

Space Weather (SW) hazards are discussed in terms of the operation of national SW services and global SW centers for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The definition of threshold values of monitored parameters which are used to identify moderate and severe SW events is one of the critical problems. Due to the lack of both physical data on severe events and user feedback, we tried to approach the problem statistically. In particular, we pursued the answer to the question about what intensity of ionospheric storms and flare effects should be reported by national and global SW entities to their users. We also discussed the possible role of an active region on the Sun, and the cosmic rays’ issues that may be helpful regarding SW operational work. The presented considerations are based on examples of the ionosphere state assessment for the low-latitude American sector with a focus on the Mexican region. This work attempts to argue the possible approaches to resolve the tasks that the SW national services and global centers face.

Sustainable procurement implementation among public sector organisations in Ghana: The role of institutional isomorphism and sustainable leadership

Developing nations face institutional impediments in the implementation of sustainable procurement strategies. However, in the right institutional environment, these countries can overcome any hindrance and successfully implement sustainable procurement strategies to promote economic growth and environmental stewardship. Accordingly, this study examines the role of institutional isomorphism (mimetic, coercive, and normative isomorphism) and sustainable leadership in sustainable procurement among public sector organisations (PSOs) in Ghana. The hypothesised relationships wereanalysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).The findings support the role of isomorphism and sustainable leadership in sustainable procurement implementation. Specifically,coercive and mimetic isomorphic forces influence sustainable leadership significantly and positively. Second, coercive and mimetic isomorphic factors, as well as sustainable leadership, influence sustainable procurement practices.Based on these findings, we recommend that development partners make significant contributions to the green transition by applying coercive actions,such as threats of withdrawal of financial support for government budgets and policies. In addition, the findings of the study suggest that coercive and mimetic forces can foster a culture of ethical responsibility, by influencing leaders to make decisions that contribute to environmentally and socially responsible procurement activities.

Implementing artificial intelligence in library services: a review of current prospects and challenges of developing countries

PurposeArtificial intelligence (AI) is one of today’s rising technologies. AI is a commonly used technology in library services that have the potential to revolutionise the best offerings in the information age. With AI in libraries, users can explore the world of knowledge like never before with smart recommendations tailored to their needs. Overall, AI can enhance the library experience of both the users and library professionals with innovation and smart decisions. Hence, there is no doubt that AI and libraries have a close relationship; nonetheless, the usage and understanding of AI in library services continue to raise concerns, especially in the developing countries which this paper addresses. The purpose of this research paper is to review the current prospects and challenges of implementing AI in library services in developing countries. The primary objective of the study is to discern the pivotal predicaments and obstacles these nations face while implementing AI-based solutions and to propose pragmatic solutions.Design/methodology/approachThe present study adopts a qualitative approach, using content analysis techniques to glean meaningful insights. An extensive review of the extant literature on the subject was conducted, which was meticulously analysed to furnish the findings of this study. The review is limited to English language sources, and searches were conducted using various online academic databases.FindingsThe review reveals that the prospects of implementing AI in library services in developing countries are significant, with potential benefits including improved access to information, increased efficiency and productivity and enhanced user experience. However, the review also identifies several challenges, including the lack of infrastructure and resources, the shortage of skilled personnel, the absence of data privacy regulations, digital divide and the high cost of implementing AI-based solutions.Practical implicationsThe review suggests several practical solutions to overcome the challenges faced by developing countries in implementing AI in library services. These include partnerships between libraries and technology firms, investment in infrastructure and resources, training and capacity building for library staff and the development of regulatory frameworks to protect user data.Originality/valueThis research paper provides a comprehensive review of the prospects and challenges of implementing AI in library services in developing countries. The study is original in its focus on the perspectives of developing countries, their problems and obstacles. The study also provides practical recommendations that can be used by library managers, policymakers and technology firms to support the implementation of AI-based solutions in developing countries.

Transformation of the role of university teachers in newly independent states: Case study of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

The relevance of this study is that consumerism and marketing are gradually changing the nature of the interaction between the university, the faculty, and the student-the ultimate consumer of educational services. In addition to these external constraints, an internal restructuring of educational concepts, such as a focus on student development or a change in teaching strategies and methods, is progressing rapidly. In keeping with the big picture, the revival of national values at the regional level has meant restoring the "national face" of education. Moreover, the study of the Kazakh language became widespread. The purpose of the study is to analyze how the emergence of market relations, the formation of a young state and the integration of universities in the global educational space affect and change the role and functional responsibilities of university teachers at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Currently, 70% of students study in Kazakh, while in the Soviet period only 50% of students studied the first two courses in their native language, and the second, junior and senior courses in Russian. The study shows the difference and significant modification of the role of the teacher in the university in the Soviet and post-Soviet periods, identifies examples of tension (contradictions) between academic traditions/values and the new marketing approach, and discusses the need for further transformation of organizational culture in universities.

The success of the African Continental Free Trade Area: potentials and constraints

Purpose. This study aims to demonstrate the variables on which African nations depended to realise their desire to create an area of free trade. It also intends to investigate these countries’ constraints in establishing the area, which may stymie their efforts.
 Results. After thoroughly examining the Free Trade Area’s opportunities and limitations, the study came to the following findings: (1) the African countries’ long-term economic growth and social progress will be made possible by the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose very ambitious goals are based on Agenda 2063’s objectives; (2) African countries and the African Union aim to create a thriving free trade area based on several vital factors. One key factor is the potential to expand the African market, which could reach up to 1.2 billion people, providing abundant opportunities for intra-trade. Many African countries hope to boost neighbouring economies by reducing barriers and improving growth rates. Additionally, the continent's youthful population and wealth of natural resources can facilitate the development of various industries and the availability of diverse products for the continental market; (3) the countries in the continent have been facing long-standing issues that are not new to them. Firstly, trade constraints are seen as non-tariff barriers and high levels of informal trade, making it challenging to establish transparent, free trade zones. In addition, there are weaknesses in intra-regional trade structures and multiple regional agreements. Secondly, there are structural constraints that impede intra-African trade. A lack of manufacturing capabilities is one of these constraints, as most African countries generate income by exporting raw materials without converting them. Furthermore, the youth’s lack of education and skills makes structural transformation in African countries difficult. Furthermore, due to the size of the debt, the vast majority of revenues are directed towards debt repayment rather than investment. Thirdly, because of the social, political, and security constraints that poverty, food insecurity, and political and security instability represent in many African countries, solving these issues for those nations should take precedence over taking part in the free trade area implementation; (4) to sum up, even though there are several necessary components for creating a thriving trade area, they are not enough to overcome the multitude of obstacles and problems that many African nations face. These barriers will hinder the formation of a prosperous free trade zone that includes all African countries, which is essential for achieving overall continental growth that aligns with the region’s goals and Agenda 2063.
 Scientific novelty. The study explored the potential success of the African Continental Free Trade Area, examining the resources and strengths African countries possess to achieve their goals, as well as the challenges and risks they face. After weighing these factors, the study concluded that achieving the ambitious goals of the free trade zone will be difficult due to the many obstacles it faces.
 Practical value. The findings of this study hold immense value for African nations aspiring to forge lucrative commercial alliances under the Free Trade Area Agreement. Armed with the insights presented, these nations’ businesses are empowered to select politically and securely steadfast countries, economically and commercially varied nations, and those least burdened by social challenges, particularly poverty and food insecurity.

Human right to language in constitutional law

Efforts made by Ukraine to develop the spiritual potential of its people contribute to increasing the cohesion of Ukrainian society, and to nationals’ awareness of the need to preserve and strengthen traditional values. In this regard, one of the goals of the state policy on the preservation and strengthening of traditional values is the protection and support of the Ukrainian language as the state language, ensuring compliance with the norms of the modern literary language, and countering the excessive use of foreign vocabulary.The Ukrainian language is the state language of Ukraine, which is used where formally established by law. Respectful attitude and all kinds of promotion for the development of the Ukrainian language are the task not only of the state, but also of each of us, nationals of Ukraine. The right to language is one of the fundamental human rights provided for by the Constitution of Ukraine. For Ukrainians who have been under the rule of several empires for a long time, the language is still a pillar of Ukrainian identity, a guarantee of the survival of the Ukrainian ethnos as a collective individuality and the preservation of its national face. Anyone has rights to language since birth, they are fundamental natural rights necessary for the realization of a number of other constitutional rights and freedoms, first of all the right to life (if interpreted broadly, not only as the right to physical existence), cultural and educational rights, the right to the recognition and realization of the dignity of the individual, the right to information, freedom of speech.The correct use of the Ukrainian language is of particular importance in the process of training legal professionals. Well-bred and stylistically correct speech is the key to successful law-making and law enforcement and is a guarantee of unconditional protection of human and national rights and freedoms and the legitimate interests of Ukrainian cnationals. Forming and formulating legal norms, protecting them in numerous legal documents and explaining them to people, a lawyer must perfectly master the norms of language and protect them. Inaccuracies in speech can lead to an inaccurate interpretation of the law. The effectiveness of the preliminary investigation and entering civil arrangements, the prestige of the justice system, and the lawyer’s performance of his or her high social function largely depend on the level of language culture.

Development and optimization of non-geothermal and geothermal-based electricity generation systems in regard to their environmental performance

In the third millennium, developing nations face the most pressing challenges involving climate change, fossil fuel scarcity, ozone depletion, global warming, and the production of greenhouse gases. To mitigate these challenges, renewable energy-driven power generation systems are of paramount importance. Present paper aims at proposal of two novel configurations for clean electricity generation with high-efficiency. The first system (standard system) is composed of an OFWH-assisted steam Rankine cycle and a gas turbine cycle which is driven solely by biomass energy. On the other hand, the second system (hybrid system) uses biomass and geothermal energy to drive the system, where the geothermal energy heats the water entering the OFWH and augments the power generation. Detailed analyses and comparisons between two systems are conducted using thermodynamics and exergoenvironmental methods. After completing the parametric analysis, a Pareto front is obtained for highest efficiency and lowest exergoenvironmental index (EEI). A notable finding of the parametric study is that the hybrid system is less energy efficient than the standard system, however it has higher exergetic efficiency and lower negative impacts on environment. Furthermore, increasing the pressure ratio of the air compressor leads to a consistently increasing EEI, while output electricity and exergy and energy efficiencies show an increasing-decreasing trend. Based on the bi-objective optimization, the gasifier with 3569 kW is the most exergy destructive component of the system in the base case and optimal case. Finally, the optimum values are obtained as 0.4734 and 42.63% for the EEI and exergy efficiency, respectively.

THE ETHICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL ASPECTS OF G7 COUNTRIES’ PRIORITIES CONCERNING THE CENTRAL ASIAN REGION

The article examines the ethical and philosophical aspects of the G7’s involvement in Central Asia, highlighting their significance in determining foreign policy choices and outlining their broader ramifications. The G7 countries, whose influence extends beyond economic and political spheres into areas of ethics and philosophy, have taken an interest in the five Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan because of their abundant natural resources and advantageous geopolitical location. The paper argues for their importance in comprehending the G7’s regional policies and objectives, even though economic and political factors frequently eclipse them. In order to combine their national interests with the welfare and ambitions of the Central Asian population, these nations face moral conundrums examined in the study. This thorough analysis seeks to bridge the knowledge gap about the ethical and philosophical underpinnings of the G7’s policies in Central Asia by providing a more nuanced viewpoint for academics, decision-makers, and spectators. The methodical analysis of the ethical consequences and philosophical foundations aids a more comprehensive scholarly discussion on international relations and global governance.