Proceedings of London International Conferences

Diversity in Contemporary Economic Systems in a Multipolar World: An essay to discuss the future of economic systems

Jan Jansen — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This essay addresses three main questions concerning economic systems: past, present, and future. In the past, there were three main systems: the market economy, the planned economy, and the mixed economy. Scholars such as Grossman (1974) developed a framework to evaluate economic systems based on efficiency, productivity, and related measures. This framework is still used to classify the economic systems in the multipolar world of the 21st century. Still, the classification is no longer dominated by the Anglo-Saxon world of the USA, the UK and the EU. The world has been changing over the past decades into a multipolar world with large economies like PR China, India, Brazil and the Russian Federation. This has resulted in BRICS, BRICS+ and BRICS++ as a countervailing power to the dominance of the G-7 economies (USA, Japan, Germany, UK, France, Italy, and Canada). Besides the change in the economic power blocks (with Gross Domestic Product or GDP as an important yardstick of economic performance), there are since the LTG or limits to growth (Meadows, Meadows, Randers, & Behrens, 1972) new schools of thought to measure the performance of an economy: Doughnut economy (Raworth, 2017), GDP as a yardstick (Stiglitz, Sen, & Fitoussi, 2009), Circular economy (Webster, 2017), Six capitals (Gleeson-White, 2014), Prosperity (Jackson, 2017) and Regenerative Economics (Fullerton, 2026). So, the future framework for the classification of economic systems should include at least two additional elements: Multipolarity and Measurement of economic performance with additional Social & Environmental elements.

Researching Peace: Promoting Shalom-Flourishing Through Interdisciplinary Initiatives

Brent M. Davis — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Peace is often understood primarily as the absence of conflict. The biblical concept of shalom, however, offers a broader understanding that includes wholeness, justice, healthy relationships, and human flourishing. Such an understanding has implications for how complex social problems are studied and addressed. Homelessness provides a particularly important example because it cannot adequately be understood through a single disciplinary lens or reduced either to individual problems or to institutional failures. This paper presents an emerging interdisciplinary approach developed through the Center of Excellence for Homelessness Services and Studies (COEHSS), a collaborative initiative of the American University of Health Sciences and American Theological University. The approach brings health sciences, psychology, theology, public health, clinical research, and institutional analysis into conversation while placing respectful relationships with people experiencing homelessness at the center of service and inquiry. The paper proposes a cyclical model in which service informs research, research improves practice, practice strengthens institutions, and healthier institutions expand opportunities for flourishing and peace.

The Unintended Consequences of Organizational Forgetting

Christina Schabasser — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

While organizational forgetting has been commonly acknowledged as an important mechanism that enables organizations to let go of outdated knowledge and routines, not many people notice that such a mechanism can also occur unintentionally. In this regard, organizations can accidentally lose knowledge through various circumstances, including employee turnover, organization restructuring, and poor knowledge retention. This study examines how unintentional organizational forgetting affects organizations by proposing that the mechanism erodes organizational memory. It proposes that this mechanism would eventually weaken organizations’ learning capabilities and crisis preparedness. This study proposes a conceptual framework that links unintentional forgetting and organizational capabilities, leading to a finding that the mechanism leads to potential organizational risks that may serve as directions for future research.

Sociovirtualization and Human Rights: Exploring Digital Spaces as Platforms for Social Justice

Ibrahim Kurt — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The growing intertwining of social behavior with virtual environment or sociovirtualization has transformed the way people interact, organize, and claim their rights. The online environment provides unprecedented opportunities for social mobilization, human rights advocacy, and participation, yet at the same time it reinforces and exacerbates already existing discrimination, stigma, and human rights violations. This article will explore the ambivalent role of the online environment in social justice issues. A synthesis of interdisciplinary studies of politics, sociology, digital ethics, and human rights will be provided through the methodology of systematic literature review. Major findings include the potential of sociovirtualization in fostering international solidarity and empowerment of disadvantaged groups.

However, hate speech, digital divides, algorithmic biases, and surveillance capitalism are threats to equality and human dignity. In order to govern sociovirtual spaces, the essay recommends a human rights-based approach based on principles such as accountability, transparency, digital literacy, and inclusive design. The essay concludes by suggesting that if digital spaces are to be truly used as tools for social justice and not as spaces of further marginalization, then policy measures, responsible technology design, and international collaboration are key.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Caregivers Regarding Home Care of Children with Chronic Kidney Disease in Kenya

Blessed Jepchumba — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Children suffering from chronic kidney disease in Kenya is posing an increasing public health concern, especially among those aged 4-7 years. Despite the need for home-based care as a possible solution, the approach places heavy responsibilities on caregiver. However, there remains limited evidence on caregivers' attitudes, home-care practices, and challenges associated with caring for children with CKD. The situation limits effective policy and caregiver support interventions. This study examined caregivers’ knowledge of home care practices for children with chronic kidney disease in Kenya. Specifically, it assessed caregivers’ attitudes towards caregiving, examined their adopted home care practices, and identified challenges encountered.

Methods: The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design, targeting caregivers of children with CKD attending KNH and KUTRRH. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire comprising 5-points Likert-scale items and open-ended questions. Out of the 30 sampled respondents, 29 completed the questionnaire, accounting for a response rate of 96.7%.. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. One-sample t-tests were applied to assess whether mean responses varied significantly from the neutral midpoint.

Findings: Caregivers indicated largely positive attitudes towards home-based care for CKD, with an overall mean of 4.30 (SD = 0.84), which was significantly above the neutral midpoint (p < .001). There was also a strong indication for home-care practices, with an overall mean of 4.36 (SD = 0.76; p < .001). While dietary and fluid management was comparatively weaker, clinic attendance, hygiene, and medication adherence were particularly well practiced. Notwithstanding these positive indications, caregivers experienced substantial challenges. These included financial constraints (M = 4.31), emotional stress (M = 4.07), healthcare access (M = 3.97), and balancing caregiving with other responsibilities (M = 3.93).

Conclusion: Caregivers generally exhibited positive attitudes, and strong home-care practices. However, the effectiveness of caregiving was constrained by significant socioeconomic and psychosocial barriers.

The Frictionless Fallacy in Sociovirtualization: Assessing the Impact of Artificial Intimacy on Adolescent Psychosocial Development

Ayse Koc, David Hyde, Emine Yildirim — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Artificial Intelligence Companions (AI-Cs) are a specialized class of conversationally based chatbots driven by extremely advanced generative AI systems, which are fine-tuned to simulate human personality and emotional intelligence and to present the user with interpersonal warmth. Unlike the traditional utility-based AI platforms designed for informational tasks, AI-Cs are engineered to establish long-term relational connections and express continuous, simulated empathy. Psychologically, they function as objects of anthropomorphism, allowing users to project real human qualities onto an interface because the software can mirror subtle real-world social interactional cues. This topic is of utmost significance today because society has entered an era of “sociovirtualization”, a paradox where young individuals are more digitally connected than ever before, yet report record-high levels of deep loneliness. Because these platforms are often commercially optimized to maximize user engagement, they capitalize directly on the attachment vulnerabilities of developing adolescents during a vital period of prefrontal cortex maturation. Extensive interactions with a perfectly compliant, algorithmically enhanced chatbot induce maladaptive relational learning, conditioning youth to expect real human interactions to be completely frictionless. When these individuals return to real-world peer ecosystems, their eroded frustration tolerance accelerates the dangerous cycle of social withdrawal and overall human displacement.

The paper explores how frequent interaction with AI companions relates to interpersonal relationships, social connectedness, and emotional well-being among adolescents. Specifically, it investigates the association between sustained use of conversational AI systems and adolescents' broader psychosocial development, including patterns of social interaction, the quality of interpersonal relationships, and emotional functioning. Rather than focusing on a single method of emotional disclosure, this paper examines AI companionship as an ongoing form of social engagement. It explores how prolonged interaction with AI companions relates to adolescents' psychosocial development. Adopting a systematic literature review approach, this paper effectively consolidates empirical data and foundational findings from over 15 peer-reviewed studies. To investigate the identified psychological dynamics, this study synthesizes information from prominent databases specializing in human-computer interactions, media psychology, and behavioral neuroscience. The structural framework implemented comprehensively tracks a plethora of datasets regarding AI companionship, parasocial relations, digital communication, loneliness, adolescent behavior, and youth mental health. As AI companion platforms become increasingly integrated into everyday lives, it is crucial that the scientific community deeply evaluates the connection they have with adolescent development. Effectively mapping this phenomenon directly supports clinical and educationally-based prevention methods by identifying the specific tipping point at which automated comfort transforms into structural social displacement. Ultimately, clarifying these systematic mechanisms can act to further empower young adults, parents, educators, and mental health professionals to better recognize the distinct benefits, hidden risks, and overall long-term limitations of artificial intimacy.

Artificial Intelligence in Different Industries

Arda Baki, Esad Celebi, Ihsan Civelek, Halit Altuntas, Esad Boztas — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming one of the most powerful technologies of our generation. But how is AI changing productivity, and will it cause a jobless future? In this study, we analyze how artificial intelligence technology currently in development impacts 5 categories: technology, finance, economics, education, and medicine. Our central research question was answered through surveys of students, working adults, and medical professionals, analysis of peer-reviewed academic studies, and an original experiment: Allow an AI agent to trade real money on the stock market without intervention. In all fields we researched, AI had a significant net positive impact on productivity and efficiency. Respondents across the board reported that AI saves them time, gives them better information, and allows them to do their jobs in education, business, and medicine better. However, nearly all of the financial gains are enjoyed by tech companies and shareholders. And while jobs have not been lost to AI development yet, the majority of employees we surveyed expect negative job impacts in the next ten years. This mirrors academic speculation that nearly half of all jobs have the potential to be automated. Our live-trading experiment with an AI agent showed that AI has both potential and limitations. The bot had a reasonable strategy that made logical decisions, but also lost 12.4% of its money in one week without anyone monitoring it. Ultimately, we found that AI does affect productivity as developed today, but it’s up to policymakers and leaders to prevent AI from hurting society

Factors influencing preoperative anxiety among patients undergoing elective surgery in Kenya:the role of nurse anaesthetists

Elizabeth Nandera Ochieno — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Patients awaiting elective surgery often struggle with preoperative anxiety, which has been associated with unfavorable outcomes. In Kenya, despite notable improvements in surgical and anesthesia services, many patients still continue to experience severe anxiety before surgery. This study examined factors influencing preoperative anxiety among patients undergoing elective surgery in a selected referral hospital in Kenya. Specifically, the study assessed the level of preoperative anxiety, identified factors associated with preoperative anxiety, and examined the role of nurse anesthetists in reducing preoperative anxiety. The study employed descriptive cross-sectional research design. Target population comprised adult patients of 18+ years scheduled for elective surgery in Mathare National Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya. Purposive technique was used to sample 19 of them, from whom data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Measures of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, preoperative anxiety, and nurse anesthetists' interventions were incorporated into the questionnaire. Of the 19 respondents, 15 successfully completed the questionnaire, accounting for a 78.9% response rate. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and exploratory logistic regression. The findings indicated that elevated preoperative anxiety was experienced by 66.7% respondents. The most predominant concerns included fear that something might go wrong during surgery (73.3%), worrying about anesthesia (66.7%), nervousness about surgery (66.7%), and fear of postoperative pain (60.0%). Younger age, inadequate preoperative information, and absence of previous surgical experience indicated potentially significant correlations with anxiety. However, these did not reach statistical significance due to the small sample size.The study concluded that preoperative anxiety is a significant concern that requires systematic attention during elective surgical care. Recommendations included structured nurse-led preoperative education, routine anxiety screening, individualized counseling, empathetic communication, and targeted reassurance, especially for first-time surgical patients. Larger and broader studies across Kenyan hospitals are suggested to establish more generalizable evidence.

Can AI help us hear each other? A restorative listening framework for interfaith youth dialogue

Elif Dursun, Celil Akgobek, Mahmut Yilmaz — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Facilitated interfaith youth dialogue programmes, whether conducted online, in person, or in hybrid form, create opportunities for young people from diverse religious and cultural traditions to meet, exchange perspectives, and learn together. Their deeper peacebuilding value can emerge when participants engage religious difference within safe and equitable learning conditions, particularly when sensitive questions and differing interpretations arise. This conceptual paper proposes a restorative listening framework for interfaith youth dialogue. Drawing on peace education, relational restorative practice, and interfaith dialogue scholarship, it conceptualises restorative listening as an ethical and relational practice in which participants’ expressions are acknowledged, clarification is invited respectfully, religiously or culturally sensitive expressions are considered in context, and dialogue is guided towards mutual recognition, relational responsibility, and peace learning. The paper asks how participant reflections can inform restorative follow-up dialogue and what role AI can play in supporting this process. The framework comprises six movements: expression, reflective visibility, ethical human interpretation, restorative listening design, dialogical response, and peace learning and possible action. With appropriate consent, privacy, and anonymisation safeguards, AI may provisionally organise written reflections from digital boards, surveys, guided prompts, and session feedback into a Restorative Attention Brief. The brief may highlight recurring questions, clarification needs, contrasting interpretations, and possible topics for follow-up dialogue. Following targeted human review, facilitators determine whether and how a response is appropriate. AI is positioned as a limited organisational support tool rather than as a participant or decision-maker; contextual interpretation, ethical responsibility, and protection of relational trust remain with human facilitators. The paper contributes a human-led framework that offers facilitators and programme designers a structured way to connect participant reflections with restorative dialogue design and peace learning.

The Role of Digital Forensics in Mitigating Cybercrime Among Students in Kenyan Universities

Grace Kimondo — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The widespread use of digital technologies in higher education is significantly transforming learning, research, and communication in Kenyan public universities. Despite these important milestones, increased use of online platforms among students poses them greater potential risks of cyber threats. This study examined the role of digital forensics in mitigating cybercrime among students in Kenyan public universities. Specifically, the study sought to identify common cybercrimes affecting students, examine the level of awareness of digital forensics tools and techniques, assess the effectiveness of digital forensics in mitigating cybercrime incidents, and recommend strategies for integrating digital forensics into university cybersecurity frameworks. The study was anchored on Routine Activity Theory, and adopted descriptive survey research design. A sample of 49 students was selected from the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and the Technical University of Kenya, where 47 successfully participated in the study. A structured questionnaire comprising both closed-ended and open-ended questions was used for primary data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS computer software, while qualitative responses were analyzed thematically. The results showed that the most common cyber threats affecting students included phishing, identity theft, hacking of social media accounts, online financial fraud, and poor cybersecurity practices. Despite the students’ moderate awareness of digital forensics, universities appeared to have inadequate forensic capacity and awareness programmes for students. The study further revealed that awareness, effectiveness, and digital forensic integration had significant positive relationships with cybercrime mitigation, where perceived effectiveness of digital forensics emerged as the strongest predictor (β = 0.411, p < 0.001). The study concluded that cybercrime in Kenyan public universities can be significantly reduced by strengthening institutional capacity, digital forensic awareness, and collaborative cybersecurity strategies. The study recommended increased investments in digital forensic infrastructure, student training, institutional capacity, and collaborations with relevant government agencies.

Artificial Intelligence-Based Detection of Online Financial Fraud Using Machine Learning Techniques in Kenya

Sasha Moraa Siika — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The increasing use of digitized financial services has significantly enhanced efficiency and convenience of online transactions. Conversely, the situation tends to simultaneously create opportunities for criminals to commit financial fraud. This study sought to examine application of AI in detection of online financial fraudulent activities in Kenya using machine learning techniques. Specific objectives comprised: to identify common patterns associated with online financial fraud in Kenya, assess the use of machine learning techniques in fraud detection, examine the effectiveness of AI in detecting online financial fraud, and recommend strategies for improving AI-driven fraud detection systems. Descriptive cross-sectional research design was used, allowing application of both quantitative and qualitative data. Target population included 54 respondents comprising fraud analysts, cybersecurity professionals, information technology officers, risk and compliance officers, and mobile money managers. Out of these respondents, 41 provided usable responses, accounting for a 75.9% response rate. Data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and one-sample t-tests against a neutral midpoint of 3.00. Phishing, social engineering, account takeover, identity theft, and exploitation of mobile money and digital payment platforms were found to be prominent fraud patterns. The findings further showed that although real-time integration and frequent model retraining remained comparatively underdeveloped, machine learning was reportedly being utilized more often to detect suspicious transactions and unusual customer behaviour. More than 70% agreed that AI-based fraud detection was successful, especially when it came to increasing detection speed and accuracy, identifying new fraud trends, and preventing fraud in general. The study concluded that AI and machine learning provide significant potential for strengthening online financial fraud detection in Kenya. It recommended enhanced investment in real-time AI systems, continuous model retraining, improved data infrastructure, staff capacity development, human-AI collaboration. Finally, the study recommended stronger regulatory and governance frameworks for responsible AI utilization.

How artificial intelligence can improve real estate valuation through better data and communication

Feyza Yagli, Irmak Teker, Harun Rashid — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Real estate valuation is becoming increasingly dependent on large and complex data sources. Traditional appraisal practices often rely on fragmented data, subjective judgment, and methods that may not adapt quickly to changing market conditions. Artificial intelligence (AI) can improve valuation accuracy and support more informed decision-making, but it should be used to assist rather than replace professional expertise. At the same time, disconnected data systems and limited interpretability can reduce the usefulness and trustworthiness of AI-driven results. Explainable AI (XAI), integrated real estate data systems, and modern business communication techniques can help address these issues by making data more accessible, transparent, and understandable to investors, appraisers, and policymakers. Together, these developments can improve property valuation and investment decisions while encouraging more transparent and responsible use of AI throughout the real estate industry.

To What Extent Are the Long-Term Effects of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Microplastics in Freshwater Used in American Cities?

Azra Suzek, Elif Sahin, Ibrahim Efe Himmetoglu — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics have become widespread contaminants in freshwater systems across the United States, raising major concerns about public health, water infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. To examine the long-term impacts of these persistent pollutants on freshwater resources used by American cities, this literature review combines findings from government reports, reviewed studies, and scientific review articles. The review explores how PFAS and microplastics enter freshwater systems via wastewater, landfills, industrial discharges, and other human-made sources. These molecules’ resistance to degradation allows them to bioaccumulate and affect human populations primarily through drinking water. Current evidence connects long-term PFAS exposure with immune dysfunction, endocrine disruption, thyroid diseases, kidney disease, developmental effects, and certain cancers, although the underlying biological mechanisms remain an active area of investigation. Beyond human health, the review analyzes how these contaminants disrupt freshwater ecosystems, move through aquatic food webs, and reduce biodiversity, which creates long-lasting ecological consequences. It also analyzes the socioeconomic challenges associated with contamination, including the need for expensive advanced water technologies, increased healthcare expenses, declining property values, aging infrastructure upgrades, and financial pressures on local governments. Finally, the review analyzes PFAS and microplastic contamination through a public policy and economic perspective, explaining how cleanup costs are often shifted from polluting industries to local governments and taxpayers. Altogether, the evidence shows that PFAS and microplastic contamination is a complex interdisciplinary challenge requiring continued scientific research, stronger regulatory policies, improved environmental monitoring, and sustainable management strategies to protect freshwater resources and public well-being.