Purpose: To explore the moderating effect of digital awareness on the relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven personalisation and sustainable consumer behaviour. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative methodology was adopted; a questionnaire was distributed to (463) consumers in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA). SPSS was used to screen and process the primary data collected. Findings: Results indicated the acceptance of the study’s hypotheses, arguing that AI-driven personalisation can create sustainable consumer behaviour through the moderating role of level of the digital awareness. Originality/Value: This paper empirically validates the results of previous researchers by demonstrating that increasing digital awareness can dramatically enhance the positive effect of AI personalisation on sustainable consumer behaviour. Research Limitations: Results are limited to MENA consumers. Theoretical implications need longitudinal and multi-region validation. Practical Implications: To make consumer behaviour in MENA sustainable, brands ought to increase the levels of digital literacy among consumers and teach them the credibility of AI-based green recommendations. Keywords: Personalisation; Sustainable Consumer Behaviour; Digital Awareness; Personalisation Accuracy; Perceived Usefulness; Trust of AI Recommendations; Interactivity. Citation: Hashem, T. N., Jaradat, N. M. S., Adili, A. N.B. and Ahmad, A. (2026): Does AI-Driven Personalisation Create Sustainable Consumer Behaviour: Moderating Role of Level of Digital Awareness. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, Nos. 1/2/3, pp. 125-143. WASD: London, United Kingdom.
Purpose: To explore the influence of AI-driven sustainable marketing strategies on consumer acceptance of responsible consumption. Design/methodology/approach: Quantitative methodology was employed through an online self-administered questionnaire completed by 826 consumers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Findings: Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven marketing strategies can increase consumers’ responsible consumption with social proof via micro-influencers having the strongest influence. In addition, verified sustainable purchases are supported by transparent supply chain data. MENA brands can establish trust as more people use digital marketing. Original/Value of the Paper: The paper is the first empirical study of six dimensions that provides a framework of culturally based quantifiable findings that have not previously been considered in the literature. Research Limitations: Restricted to an urban population of consumers in the MENA region and self-reported data, the results can be biased against rural or less digitally literate groups. Practical Implications: Regulators and platforms can use an evidence-based approach to require transparency-enhancing AI tools in digital marketplaces. Keywords: AI Marketing; Personalised Messaging; Sustainability; Eco-Label Verification; Price Optimisation; Micro-Influencers; MENA; Lifecycle Impact Citation: Hashem, T. N., Naim, A., Abualkanam, A. S., Isied, M. M. and Mustafa, S. A. (2026): Influence of AI-Driven Sustainable Marketing Strategies on Consumer Acceptance of Responsible Consumption. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, No. 5, pp. 419-437.
Purpose: This article explores the use of enforceable contracts to advance sustainable development, leveraging innovative legal structures for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) implementation and addressing global challenges such as inequality, environmental harm, and governance. Methodology: A qualitative doctrinal and comparative study of legal sources considers the enforcement of contracts and how it relates to SDGs. Findings: Contract enforcement that supports sustainability supports SDGs such as Peace, Justice, Climate Action, and Reduced Inequalities, but inconsistent legal standards and limited awareness impede implementation. Originality: Contract enforcement is crucial for sustainable development. Strategies for incorporating SDGs into legal documents guide decision-makers on laws and business strategies. Research Limitations: Using secondary information and changes in the law make it difficult to generalise, underscoring the need to update current guidelines. Practical Implications: Sustainability-related provisions and ethical dispute clauses in contracts encourage fairness, assist vulnerable individuals, and help achieve environmental goals. Keywords: Enforcing Contract; SDGs; Developing Clear Laws; Sustainability Clauses; Preventing Corruption. Citation: Jebarah, S.A. (2026): Enforcing Contracts for Sustainable Development: Aligning Legal Frameworks with SDG Targets. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 287-303. WASD: London, United Kingdom.
Purpose: To examine the influence of Green Entrepreneurial Orientation (GEO) on organisational sustainable practices. Design/Methodology/Approach: Quantitative methodology was applied through a questionnaire that was self-administered by 218 respondents. Findings: There is a great influence of GEO on organisational Sustainable Practices (OSP). Findings corroborated that GEO has a significant impact on OSP, whereas 65.4% of the variance in sustainable practices can be attributed to the GEO dimensions. Originality/Value: This paper delves into the role of GEO in influencing sustainable practices in the energy industry. Through the breakdown of dimensions such as innovativeness and autonomy, it demonstrates a high predictive capacity for sustainable outcomes of GEO. Research Limitations: Study was limited to energy companies in Jordan during the fiscal year 2024-2025. Practical Implications: The research provides practical implications for energy firms and policymakers by showing that cultivating a green entrepreneurship culture should focus on autonomy and competitive spirit. Keywords: Green Entrepreneurial Orientation; Organisational Sustainable Practices; Innovativeness; Risk-Taking, Proactiveness; Competitive Aggressiveness; Autonomy. Citation: Al-Hyari, H. S., Alotoum, F. J. and Jaradat, N. M.S. (2026): The influence of green entrepreneurial orientation on organisational sustainable practices. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, No. 5, pp. 383-400.
Purpose: This paper presents innovative, nature-based, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted strategies to tackle Iraq’s pressing environmental challenges, particularly air pollution, climate vulnerability, and urban sustainability. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study conceptually integrates ecological interventions, such as large-scale tree planting, AI-controlled irrigation, desert seeding, and solar energy deployment, with data-informed planning mechanisms to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (SDG targets 11.6 and 3.9). Findings: The proposed framework demonstrates how technology-led greening, educational participation, and co-ordinated policies can collectively improve environmental quality and social resilience. Originality/Value: The paper introduces the Nature-AI Infusion model; this bridges environmental governance and artificial intelligence optimisation to underpin Iraq’s sustainability trajectory beyond 2030. Practical Implications: The approach provides actionable guidance for national planners to embed AI-based monitoring and community-driven environmental initiatives within Iraq’s future Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs). Paper Type and Purpose: This paper presents a conceptual framework with applied research insights, proposing an integrative framework that combines nature-based environmental renewal with AI-driven analytical support, guiding Iraq’s transformation towards a greener, data-empowered future beyond 2030. Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Environmental Education; AI for Sustainability; Community Engagement; Nature-Based Solutions; Climate Adaptation; Green Innovation; Iraq; Sustainability Awareness. Citation: AlShaikhli, N. Q. and Koyuncu, H. (2026): A Nature-AI Integrated Framework for Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in Iraq. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, Nos. 1/2/3, pp. 261-270. WASD: London, United Kingdom.
Purpose: The aim of the study is to identify the accounting rationale applied therein. It also investigates how managers’ motivations relate to the specific method used for earnings management and considers their wider implications for corporate sustainability and ethical financial reporting. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper applies a descriptive analytical methodology to achieve the study objectives by collecting a structured questionnaire from a targeted sample of 74 highly experienced auditors. Findings: The findings indicated a significant relationship between most of the managerial motives and earnings management practices in Jordanian firms. Also, knowledge of sustainability and the adoption of corporate governance practices can reduce the weight of opportunism. Originality/Value of the Paper: The paper contributes to the literature on earnings management by relating it to corporate sustainability and financial ethics. It also considers the potential for artificial intelligence to contribute to stronger ethical oversight. Research Limitations/Implications: Mixed methods or AI-driven audit analytics are recommended for future research to study the sustainability effects of earnings manipulation in different industries. Practical Implications: Through the encouragement of a more sustainability-based accounting ethic and by adopting digital transparency tools, organisations can play an important role in re-establishing stakeholder trust and nurturing long-term economic and social resilience. Keywords: Earnings Management; Sustainability; Artificial Intelligence; Earning Management Motives; Earnings Management Techniques; Jordanian Companies. Citation: Dbies, A. W. M., Idris, M. and Eltaher, S. (2026): Motives and Techniques of Earnings Management in Jordanian Companies and their Implications for Corporate Sustainability: Towards Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Financial Transparency. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, No. 5, pp. 401-417.
Purpose: This special issue explored how digital transformation and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), can contribute to sustainable development in the Arab world. It aimed to advance understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and policy implications associated with building sustainable and digitally enabled societies. Design/Methodology/Approach: The special issue brought together five rigorously peer reviewed studies employing diverse methodological approaches, including quantitative analysis, qualitative investigation, mixed-methods research, and conceptual applications. The selected papers examined sustainability challenges and digital innovations across entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, environmental behaviour, and healthcare. Findings: The contributions demonstrated that digital technologies and AI can enhance organisational sustainability, improve financial transparency, promote responsible consumption, encourage sustainable behavioural change, and strengthen healthcare systems. The findings also highlighted the importance of effective governance, innovation, and stakeholder engagement in achieving sustainable development outcomes. Originality/Value: This special issue provided a timely and interdisciplinary examination of the intersection between digital transformation and sustainability within the Arab context. It offered novel insights, practical recommendations, and evidence-based perspectives for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to accelerate progress towards sustainable and inclusive development in the region. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Digital Technologies; Sustainability; Arab World. Citation: Ahmed, A. and Naim, A. (2026): Greening the future: digitalisation and sustainability in Arab nations. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, No. 5, pp. 377-282. WASD: London, United Kingdom.
Purpose: This paper proposes a secure and intelligent digital transformation framework for healthcare, focusing on heart-specialised centres. The aim is to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring through an ensemble of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Blockchain (BC) technologies. Design/Methodology/Approach: The framework integrates IoT for real-time monitoring, AI for predictive analysis, and BC for secure data management. Comprehensive experimentation was performed using real-time datasets. Quantitative evaluation employed performance metrics including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score, while the qualitative assessment involved a few domain experts. Security analysis was conducted using NIST standard tests. Findings: Results show improvements of 40% in diagnostic accuracy and 30% reduction in processing time. Three hypotheses were tested at a 5% significance level. The system supports personalised treatment, predictive analytics, and seamless communication with strong security measures. Originality/Value: The study highlights how digital transformation can address security and precision challenges in healthcare, shaping sustainable and future healthcare ecosystems. Keywords: Sustainable Healthcare Artificial Intelligence; Digital Transformation; Blockchain; Internet-of-things. Citation: Alojail, M. (2026): A Novel Implementation on Intelligent Digital Transformation Towards Smart and Sustainable Healthcare. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, No. 5, pp. 457-473.
Purpose: The current study aimed to examine the role of artificial intelligence (AI-driven) data analytics in enhancing policy-making in a sustainable development environment. Design/Methodology/Approach: Quantitative methodology was adopted, and a questionnaire was self-administered by (154) individuals from digital marketing organisations in Jordan. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to deal with primary data. Findings: AI-driven data analytics are able to enhance policy-making in a sustainable development environment from perspective of digital marketing organisations. Originality/Value: This paper offers an innovative contribution by integrating analytics of AI with the governance for sustainability and sustainable outcomes. Research limitations: This research is limited to the inclusion of AI data studies. Results of study are limited to the study sample. Practical Implications: The results indicate the importance for providing options for policymakers and organisations to access AI decision-support systems, predictive analytics, and digital monitoring tools in order to ensure transparency. Keywords: AI-Driven Data Analytics; Policy-making; Sustainability; Artificial Intelligence. Citation: Alotoum, F. J., Alkasasbeh, A. E. A. H., Alqudah, F. H., Mathani, B. A. A., Albdour, A. W. M. and Wahsheh, F. R. (2026): Employing AI-Driven Data Analytics as an Approach to Enhance Policy-making in a Sustainable Development Environment. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 343-360. WASD: London, United Kingdom.
Purpose: This study investigates how renewable energy firms utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered solutions to balance ecological, economic, and operational value in sustainable infrastructure. Design/Methodology/Approach: A hybrid framework was developed, combining Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) and Ant Colony Optimisation (ACO) to train autonomous AI agents. The model was validated using multimodal sensor data from wind turbines, photovoltaic panels, and smart grids. Findings: The framework significantly improved fault detection and maintenance optimisation. Organisationally, swarm intelligence enabled cost-effective resource allocation. Environmentally, the system reduced energy waste and carbon emissions while increasing grid reliability. Originality/Value: This research uniquely integrates swarm intelligence with deep learning, reconceptualising AI as a foundational agent for autonomous energy management and sustainability. Practical Implications: The framework provides a roadmap for energy executives to optimise maintenance, achieve decarbonisation goals, and ensure stability through AI-driven resource management. Keywords: AI Agent; Sustainable Energy; Deep Neural Networks; Predictive Maintenance; Ant Colony Optimisation; Swarm Intelligence; Smart Grids. Citation: Mohamad, M., Kohli, A., Srivel, R. and Najdawi, A. (2026): Novel Integration of Ant Colony Optimisation and Deep Neural Networks in AI Agents for Predictive Maintenance of Sustainable Energy Systems. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 321-342. WASD: London, United Kingdom.
Purpose: The study examines how environmental awareness relates to sustainable practices in Abu Dhabi and how age, income, and education shape this relationship. Design/Methodology/Approach: The design adopted was a mixed-methods, consisting of a survey of 350 people, ten in-depth interviews and the combination of the two strands to increase validity and provide social insight. Findings: The study showed high environmental awareness reflected in organic buying, water saving, reduced plastic use, and waste sorting, with weak links to demographics but a strong positive link between awareness and sustainable behaviour (B = 0.669, p = 0.001). Practical Implications: The study contributes to the development of a social policy related to sustainable environmental development by developing behavioural programmes and interventions based on artificial intelligence (AI). Originality/Value: The paper presents a new AI-powered-behavioural model and seals a significant knowledge gap in the region by empirically correlating environmental awareness with sustainable behaviour in the Arab Gulf. Keywords: Environmental Awareness; Sustainability; Artificial Intelligence; Abu Dhabi. Citation: Alhrahsheh, R., Ivanova, G. and Mohamad, M. (2026): From Environmental Awareness to Sustainable Action and Social Impact in the age of AI: A Mixed-Methods Study in Abu Dhabi. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, No. 5, pp. 439-456.
Purpose: This conceptual paper proposes a framework that views clean air as a social investment between the government and the community, where the carbon tax functions as a fiscal instrument for community involvement in emission reduction and where environmental awareness encourages behavioural change towards a sustainable lifestyle. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study adopts a conceptual approach, developing a framework based on a critical literature review and theoretical analysis using social investment theory and psychological ownership theory. Findings: The current mechanism’s impact on urban air quality remains limited because the transportation sector, a major source of daily emissions, is not yet included, and public environmental awareness remains low. Originality/Value: This study conceptually extends carbon taxation beyond industrial emitters to the transportation sector, highlighting its potential to enhance air quality, public health, and community participation in clean-air social investment. Keywords: Carbon Tax; Clean Air; Transportation; Community Investment; Environmental Awareness; Respiratory Health. Citation: Choiriyah, R. N., Utari, D. and Martono, D. (2026): Community Investment in Clean Air: Preventing Respiratory Diseases Through Carbon Taxes and Environmental Awarenes. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 361-376. WASD: London, United Kingdom.
Received: 11 December 2025 / Revised: 22 April 2026 / Accepted: 24 April 2026 / Published: 1 June 2026 Purpose: This study aims to analyse the literature on Willingness to Pay (WTP) for plastic waste across various contexts to understand public contributions to plastic waste management through WTP. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study adopts a systematic literature review (SLR) design to compare and critically assess relevant studies across five key areas of WTP for plastic waste, including specific products, alternatives, pollution, and waste management systems. Findings: WTP varies across countries and contexts. Developed nations generally exhibit higher WTP and prefer policy instruments, whereas developing nations exhibit lower WTP and favour visible reductions. Key determinants include cost, awareness, socio-economic, and spatial factors; however, much of the literature remains fragmented. Originality/Value: This study reviews WTP for plastic waste across contexts by integrating evidence on the determinants, cross-country variations, and critical research gaps. Keywords: Environmental Awareness; Plastic Waste; Plastic Waste Management; Sustainability; Willingness to Pay. Citation: Nugraheni, D. R. and Sodri, A. (2026): Comparative Insight into Willingness to Pay for Reducing Plastic Waste Consumption in Different Contexts. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 271-286. WASD: London, United Kingdom.
Purpose: The current study investigates the adaptive responses of four bacterial strains in terms of physiology, morphology, and genetic behaviour under simulated microgravity (SMG) compared to their real exposure to the outer space stratosphere. Design/methodology/approach: Four nonpathogenic bacterial strains: Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus, were cultured under SMG using a 3D clinostat and their growth, viability, morphology, antibiotic susceptibility, and gene stability were tested. Findings: The bacterial strains under study survived SMG, with certain species showing phenotypic changes, shifts in antibiotic susceptibility, and a few genetic variations. Originality/value: The study showed gravitational effects and shed light about the importance for control of space contamination and microbial risk, which contribute to SDG 3, SDG 9, and SDG 13. Research limitations: Longer- duration exposure, and multi‑omics analyses are recommended. Practical implications: The findings point to health management of space missions and the design of space relevant microbial bioprocesses. Keywords: Simulated Microgravity; Bacterial Adaptation; Clinostat; Antibiotic Sensitivity; Genomics; Sustainable Development. Citation: Malkawi (2025): Bacterial Growth Responses to Simulated Microgravity: Implications for Space Biotechnology and Sustainable Development. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 367-382.
Purpose: This study examines how Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be systematically integrated into the strategic planning of infrastructure development in post-war Sudan. The objective is to develop a structured framework that supports sustainable, inclusive, and resilient reconstruction while addressing the country’s complex post-conflict challenges. Design/Methodology/Approach: A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining a systematic review of international best practices in post-conflict reconstruction with an analytical assessment of infrastructure performance in relation to SDG indicators. Key institutional, financial, technical, and governance challenges were examined to inform the development of an SDG-aligned strategic planning framework tailored to the Sudanese context. Findings: The study proposes a comprehensive strategic planning framework that integrates SDG principles across all stages of infrastructure development. The framework emphasises clear vision and goal setting, inclusive stakeholder engagement, environmental and social impact assessments, adaptive risk management, and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. The findings indicate that SDG-aligned planning can enhance infrastructure resilience, promote equitable resource allocation, and support long-term recovery in post-conflict environments. Originality: This research contributes a context-specific and holistic framework for embedding SDGs into post-conflict infrastructure planning, addressing a notable gap in existing literature by explicitly linking strategic planning processes with sustainability, resilience, and social equity objectives in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Implications: The proposed framework offers practical guidance for policymakers, planners, and development agencies seeking to align reconstruction efforts with global sustainability agendas. Its application can support the restoration of essential services, strengthen institutional trust, and foster sustainable socio-economic development in post-war Sudan and comparable post-conflict contexts. Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals; Environmental Social Governance; Strategic Planning; CSR Europe; Infrastructure Development; Sustainability; Post-War Sudan. Citation: Abas, H. A. and Ahmed, A. (2025): Integrating SDGs Principles into the Strategic Planning of Infrastructure Development in Post-War Sudan. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 383-401.
Purpose: This paper investigates how community awareness can play a key role in AI healthcare sustainable development (SD). Design: The paper is a conceptual analytical study that reviews the literature and examines the impact of community awareness regarding AI healthcare. Based on the results, an initiative is synthesised to support AI healthcare SD. Research Limitations: The paper focuses on the impact of community awareness on AI healthcare SD based on the reviewed and analysed literature. Findings: The results explore the merits of AI healthcare, the potential, lack of quality data, and the inability to simulate humans. Several social issues were identified including technological utilisation. Subsequently, an initiative is created that can solve these issues. Originality: The AI Healthcare Community Awareness Initiative (AI-HCAI) has been created by the author based on her prolonged experience in community research and SD activities, both as a researcher and the director of the Community Applied Research Unit at Princess Nourah University, KSA. Implications: The initiative is synthesised to be adaptable to any community worldwide in an SD framework. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI); Community Awareness; Sustainable Development; Initiative Healthcare. Citation: Shomo, M. (2025): Artificial Intelligence Healthcare Community Awareness Initiative (AQI-HCAI): A Key for AI Healthcare Sustainable Development. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 231-244. WASD: London, United Kingdom.
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) readiness and priorities consensus from society’s perspective in relation to announcing governmental priorities, emphasising the importance of understanding community sentiments and awareness regarding SDGs. Design: The objectives of the research were achieved through a qualitative approach involving a survey conducted in Kuwait with 218 participants. A 19-item questionnaire was utilised to gauge SDG awareness, subjective sentiments, personal interests, and local consensus on priorities compared to government plans. Findings: The findings underscore the pivotal roles of government and private sectors as key stakeholders in sustainable development awareness, action and planning. They further conclude that there is substantial awareness of SDGs among the local population, with high civic engagement noted, particularly during elections. However, a significant gap was found between national priorities identified by the general public and those outlined in the New Kuwait Vision 2035 plan, with SDG 4 – Quality Education emerging as the top priority for local society. Implications: This research contributes to understanding societal readiness for SDGs by unravelling the complex interplay between awareness, sentiments, and interests. It highlights the importance of key stakeholders and their roles, offering insights for policy-makers aiming to implement evidence-based regulations and understand factors influencing sustainable actions and development. Limitations: Limitations of the research include the geographical focus on Kuwait and the sample size. Further research could explore SDG readiness in other regions and involve larger sample sizes for a more comprehensive understanding. Keywords: SDGs; Sustainability; Community Readiness; Sustainable Innovation; Social Behaviour; Kuwait. Citation: Diab-Bahman, R. and Marafie, D. (2025): Sustainability Development: Social Implications in a Transitive Economy. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 245-261. WASD: London, United Kingdom.
Purpose: Looking back at the history of the evolution of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and as part of a broader research on Value for Money of NGO aid projects, this research assesses the effectiveness of three concluded projects in Uganda. Design/Methodology/Approach: A cross-sectional survey of targeted households is used to collect data. Using this data, project effectiveness is assessed against the achievement of project objectives and two household poverty thresholds; the US$1.9 a day poverty threshold and ten multidimensional poverty indicators derived from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Findings: The projects are not effective. Despite there being improvements in performance indicators for all project objectives between baseline and the survey, targets were not always achieved. Considering achieved targets, 50% of the ten objectives were achieved. Using a 75% cut-off point, the NGO aid projects were ineffective. Originality/Value: In the wake of renewed efforts to achieve the UN’s Agenda 2030, development aid delivery should be guided by evidence of effectiveness of aid channels; NGOs are one of these channels. Keywords: Civil Society; Effectiveness of NGO Projects; Development Effectiveness; Multidimensional Poverty; Southern NGOs; Sustainable Development Goals; Value for Money. Citation: Kaijabwango, C. (2025): Non-Government Organisations’ Aid Projects: Their Effectiveness and Contribution to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: Findings from Uganda. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 211-230. WASD: London, United Kingdom.
Purpose: This paper explores the intricate relationship between livelihoods and environmental change, focusing on the impacts of climate change and conservation initiatives. The study delves into the key assets that underpin livelihoods, namely human, natural, social, physical, and financial capital. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study used a qualitative research methodology, more specifically, a literature review, to examine how environmental changes impact community livelihoods. Findings: In response to these challenges, communities are adopting various strategies, including livelihood diversification, migration, and technological innovation. However, the effectiveness of these strategies is often influenced by factors such as access to resources, education, and social support networks. Originality/Value: Ultimately, addressing the complex interplay between livelihoods and environmental change requires a multi-faceted approach that involves policy-makers, researchers, communities, and other stakeholders. By understanding the underlying factors and implementing appropriate interventions, it is possible to build resilient and sustainable livelihoods in the face of environmental challenges. Keywords: Buffer Area; Climate Change; Environmental Conservation; Livelihood Changes. Citation: Safira, F. and Frimawaty, E. (2025): Conservation Area Buffer Based Community Empowerment in Climate Change Mitigation. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 263-279. WASD: London, United Kingdom.
Purpose: This study develops and compares AI-based and traditional crack detection models for concrete structures to enhance timely maintenance and prevent costly repairs. Design/Methodology/Approach: A Convolutional Neural Network (ResNet50) with dynamic quantisation (DQ) is used for reduced memory, faster inference and lower energy consumption. A traditional model based on histogram intersection is also employed. Both models are trained and tested on publicly available datasets of concrete structures and compared in accuracy, precision, recall and training time. Findings: The DQ-ResNet50 model shows training accuracy from 0.780 to 0.917 and validation accuracy from 0.707 to 0.906, while the traditional model’s accuracy drops to 0.630 in validation. The DQ-ResNet50 offers better deployment efficiency. Value: The DQ-ResNet50 model balances performance and deployment benefits, making it more suitable for real-world applications. Keywords: Crack Detection; Concrete Structures; Resnet50; Dynamic Quantisation; Traditional Techniques; Histogram Intersection. Citation: Abdalla, O. M. O., Encalada-Dávila, Á and Ekole, M. S. (2025): Performance Evaluation of AI and Traditional Techniques for Crack Detection on Concrete Structures. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 281-295. WASD: London, United Kingdom.
