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Environmental applications of microbial fuel cells
The world is facing an energy crisis for non-renewable resources for the last decade. Hence, there is a search for highly efficient energy transformation techniques which utilizes alternate renewable energy sources. One such renewable energy production technology is Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) based on dynamic organisms like microbes. MFCs allow producing electricity using renewable organic waste through microbial cellular respiration, which helps in reducing the carbon footprint as well as the environmental pollution. MFCs can also be used in metal recovery by bio electrochemical recovery, because metal ions can be reduced and deposited on an electrode by bacteria, algae, yeasts, and fungi. Microbial carbon capture cells are advancements to MFC, where algal biomass provides oxygen for cathodic reduction in the cathodic chamber and is ideally considered as the plausible technologies to tackle the ever-increasing problem of global warming and increased CO2 concentration. The MFCs find application in environmental remediation with respect to harmful organic pollutants by neutralizing/degrading contaminated water and soil. The harmful organic pollutants that can be neutralized include organic dyes, pesticides, insecticides, antibiotics, phenolic nitro phenolic compounds, and many others. This gives a long-term solution for pollutant degradation that is also environmentally acceptable. MFC-based biosensors have recently emerged as the next-generation biosensing technique for environmental monitoring. 2022 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. -
Sustainability and green nanomaterials on nanotechnology-based sensors
Nanobiosensors multipurpose efficacy in various domains as next-generation device has set a revolutionary impact on the scientific technology. Green synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) have enhanced the properties of these nanobiosensors in commendable ways with remarked growth. The unique properties of NPs like optical, magnetic, electrochemical, physiochemical, mechanical, and good conductivity make them highly reliable and sensitive for conventional approaches to check minute concentrations. Quantum dots, nanotubes, and magnetic nanowires provide a novel signal transduction mechanism that helps to detect low level of pesticides, food contaminants, toxins, and metabolites. Various microbes have been documented for NPs such as Fusarium oxysporum, Alternata alternata, Trichoderma viride, Colletotrichum sp., F. oxysporum, Aspergillus orayzae, Aquaspirillum magnetotacticum, and Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum. It is used in sustainable agriculture or smart farming to aid plant growth in the form of sensor detector of plant metabolites, hormonal changes, ion concentration, volatiles and gas changes, etc., under physiological stress. Environmental remediation is carried out for analysis and quantification of contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, fungicides, pathogens, etc. Nanobiosensors have a tremendous impact on food industry as a means of sensitive method for detecting pathogens and recognition of mycotoxins. While, medical applications detect glucose in diabetics, cancer diagnosis, detection of urinary tract infections, HIV-AIDS, disease-causing pathogens, antigen-antibody interaction, etc. 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved including those for text and data mining AI training and similar technologies. -
Phytonanotechnology for the Removal of Pollutants from the Contaminated Soil Environment
Over-consumption of chemically synthesized components aids country toward industrial revolution, which symbolizes for economic prosperity. On the other hand, industrial revolution is responsible for soil pollution, due to its toxic effluents. The main source of soil pollutants includes fertilizers, pesticides, untreated wastewater used for irrigation, land application of sewage sludge due to rich organic content, petroleum leakage and leaching from landfills, etc. The crops grown out of this contaminated soil make the plant to changes its nutritional valve, bioaccumulates the chemicals, and also hinder with its vigor. Studies proved that prevent measures should prioritize in minimizing the adverse effect on the environment. Use of Phyto-nanotechnology in wastewater treatment, as nano fertilizer, nanotechnology-based biocontrol agents, and other areas before the hazardous chemicals entering soil. Green synthesized nanoparticles assist as excellent bio remedial agents as they are rich in biomolecules like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and several enzymes also deter-mine its efficacy of action. Hence, this chapter highlights the various eco-friendly and inexpensive products or formulation used for removal of toxic and recalcitrant materials which are dreadfully risky to human health. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022. -
Agro-food traceability with efficient user interface using blockchain technology
Food traceability is crucial for food quality and safety to reduce vulnerabilities of product globalization. The traditional Agri-food production system does not offer easy traceability of the product at any point of the supply chain. Blockchain based production system resolves the challenges by reducing the complexity of traceability. Still no other study has presented Blockchain-based traceability platform with a lower impact on the environment and lower cost for each transaction sent by the supply chain. In the existing system, proof of work consensus protocol is used in blockchain which consumes more energy for transactions. The proposed traceability system is based on Ethereum Blockchain, which uses the Proof-of-Stake mechanism of consensus that requires minimal computational power, is highly scalable and environmentally sustainable. The user interface of consumer is specially designed that provides all the tracking information of the agro-food. The developed traceability platform digitizes the entire production chain making the data immutable and available in realtime. 2024 by IGI Global. -
Farm food and beverage: An attractive element of gastronomy in agritourism
The admixture of agriculture and tourism creates new fields of area like agritourism. The primary activity of agritourism is providing unique agritourism attractions to the visitors. Among the interests, farm food and beverages act as substantial components that intrigue the visitors. Food gastronomy is connected with farm food and beverage and its inception. Tourists in the agritourist destination want to explore the culinary practices there. Hence, this book chapter provides an idea of the concepts of agritourism and gastronomy, the applications of gastronomy in agritourism, the significance and dimensions of farm food and beverage in agritourism, factors influencing travelers' food choices, the benefits of gastronomy in agritourism and the value-added advantage of gastronomy in agritourism. Food is always a determinant element of the quality of service in the tourist place. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Ind as convergence and its impact on value relevance of accounting variables
This study investigates the correlation between accounting variables and stock prices in India from 2011 to 2022, emphasizing the impact of the Convergence of Ind AS with IFRS. Specifically, it explores how this convergence influences the value relevance of accounting data using the Ohlson Model. Beyond established vari-ables like Earnings per Share (EPS) and Book Value (BPS), the analysis introduces additional factors such as Dividend per Share (DPS) and Research and Development (R&D). Employing Ohlsons Pricing Model (1995), the research assesses the rela-tionship between these accounting variables and stock prices for 47 consistently listed firms in the NIFTY 500 index. Results show that DPS and R&D enhance the value relevance of the Ohlson Model, with the adjusted upper R squaredupper R squared increasing from 0.2 in 2011 to 0.6 in 2022. While overall value relevance improves after Ind AS convergence, BPS remains consistent when controlling for EPS. The Author(s). -
Social cognitive rehabilitation for neurodegenerative disorders
In this chapter, an initial exploration of the definition and symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders will be conducted along with an in-depth analysis of their underlying neurobiological basis, shedding light on their manifestation in the brain. The central focus will then shift towards comprehending and addressing the specific social cognitive deficits associated with different types of NDs and examining the challenges posed in the realm of social cognition. Strategies and interventions specifically designed for social cognitive rehabilitation will be investigated. The chapter will encompass a discussion on the caregiver burden and effective coping strategies to alleviate the stresses faced. The primary objective of this chapter is to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate nature of social cognitive deficits in neurodegenerative disorders and equip them with practical tools aimed at enhancing social cognition and improving the quality of life for individuals affected by these complex conditions. 2024, IGI Global. -
Leveraging Financial Data to Optimize Automation: An Industry 4.0 approach
Industry 4.0 is a transformative approach that leverages advanced technologies to enhance business efficiency and productivity. Automation is a crucial aspect of next-generation industry, and leveraging financial data is essential to optimizing the automation process. This chapter discusses the role of financial data in optimizing automation processes using an I-4.0 approach. Financial data is derived from various sources and can be collected through different methods, such as automated data collection, manual entry, or using sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The integration of these sources can pose challenges for businesses. The chapter outlines techniques for automation optimization, such as machine learning, predictive analytics, and business process reengineering. Optimizing automation using financial data offers various benefits for businesses, including cost savings, improved quality, and increased profitability. However, there are challenges that businesses face in leveraging financial data, including the integration of various data sources and formats and the need for skilled personnel to analyze and interpret the data. The successful implementation of automation and optimization of processes can lead to sustainable growth and enhanced operations, making it crucial for businesses to remain competitive in the I-4.0 era. By leveraging financial data to optimize automation processes, businesses can maximize their potential and drive growth. Overall, this chapter highlights the significance of financial data in automation optimization and provides insights into the benefits and challenges that businesses must consider when leveraging financial data for optimization. 2024 selection and editorial matter, Nidhi Sindhwani, Rohit Anand, A. Shaji George and Digvijay Pandey; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Deep learning approaches to understanding psychological impacts on vulnerable populations
This chapter investigates the psychological effects on vulnerable groups, with a particular emphasis on the relationship between deep learning techniques and the impact of climate. Vulnerable groups confront particular problems, which might lead to negative psychological results. Investigating this complexity is critical to designing effective intervention techniques. Using sophisticated deep learning techniques, this study seeks to find subtle patterns and correlations in a variety of datasets, including psychological markers, socioeconomic characteristics, and climatic variables. The work employs a comprehensive technique that includes deep learning models, feature extraction, and interpretability analysis to untangle complicated relationships. Preliminary findings imply that deep learning approaches might uncover previously unknown links between climate change and psychological effects on vulnerable groups. This insight adds to a more comprehensive understanding of the difficulties. This understanding contributes to a more holistic grasp of the challenges faced by these groups. By including climate-related factors into the deep learning framework, this study hopes to close the gap between environmental impacts and psychological 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
How Are We Surviving the Pandemic, COVID-19?: Perspectives from Hospitality Industry Workers in Australia
The COVID-19 pandemic has been disastrous and has affected the hospitality industry worldwide, and the people working in the sector were impacted immensely. The purpose of this study is to understand the viewpoints of hospitality workers in Australia on how lockdowns have impacted professional and personal well-being. The case study methodology is adopted for this study. Viewpoints from Australian hospitality workers were collected through semi-structured interviews. With the pandemic taking surprising turns with the rise of new infections and in turn new pandemic waves, the industry is facing a constant lurking fear of lockdowns. Changing variants of COVID-19 creates a profound effect on the psychological and personal well-being of the people employed in the hospitality sector. This chapter would reflect upon the viewpoints of hospitality workers in Australia after two years of the COVID-19 crisis. A real-time assessment is required to understand the vulnerability of hospitality industry workers in a developed country. 2023 Priyakrushna Mohanty, Anukrati Sharma, James Kennell and Azizul Hassan. -
Negotiating Inclusion: Minority Institutions and Constitutional-Legal Dimensions in India
The chapter Negotiating Inclusion: Minority Institutions and Constitutional and Legal Dimensions in India is based on the premise that special provisions for inclusion of minority groups were one of the contested topics that have been negotiated in India since independence. The present chapter critically explores the two main sites of negotiation: Constituent Assembly Debates and the cases involving the question of minority rights to culture and education as adjudicated by the Indian courts. In doing so, the paper undertakes an examination of the logic of state recognition and reservations, voiced by nationalist leaders and members of the Constituent Assembly, who were apprehensive that the provisions on minority accommodation may not be compatible with Indias secular credentials. Constitutional provisions, specifically the fundamental rights embodied in Articles 29 and 30 were further debated and re-interpreted by the High Courts and Supreme Court. Further on, the issue of minority accommodation led to the establishment of institutional mechanisms in India, one such institution being the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI)-a recent addition in the series of negotiating spaces of the religious and minority communities in India. A thorough examination of the functioning of the NCMEI, an institution which remains understudied, may inform new avenues into thinking about the sites of minority rights negotiations in India, given the shifting ideological positions at the national level. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022. -
Climate, agriculture, and farmer's mental health: Unravelling the nexus in Wayanad, Kerala
A sizable majority of the population works in the primary sector in Kerala's Wayanad district, where agriculture is the backbone of the local economy. However, dynamic issues including climate change, fluctuating soil quality, crop diseases, and related economic consequences pose difficulties for this industry. The complicated linkages between agricultural practices and climate change are discussed using qualitative data from in-depth interviews with 15 Wayanad farmers. Agricultural productivity and revenue are strongly impacted by unpredictable rainfall, which is exacerbated by strong winds, natural disasters, wildlife intrusions, and crop diseases. The failure of farmers to adjust to these climate changes is a remarkable finding, frequently brought on by fear and unstable financial situations. This resistance causes anxiety, a sense of powerlessness, and a sense of responsibility for circumstances that are out of their control. In order to help farmers manage the unforeseeable effects of climate change, the study emphasizes the urgent need for policy initiatives in areas like Wayanad. Cooperative farming and knowledge-sharing platforms are examples of strategies that could improve farmers' psychological resilience and general well-being. Given that agriculture accounts for a substantial portion of the region's income and that resources and knowledge are scarce, climate change has a considerable impact on agricultural outputs and farmers' psychological well-being. 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved including those for text and data mining AI training and similar technologies. -
Comprehending algorithmic bias and strategies for fostering trust in artificial intelligence
Fairness is threatened by algorithm bias, systematic and unfair disparities in machine learning results. Amazon's AI-driven hiring tool favoured men. AI promised data-driven, impartial decision-making, but it has revealed sector-wide prejudice, perpetuating systematic imbalances. The algorithm's bias is data and design. Biassed historical data and feature selection and pre-processing can bias algorithms. Development is harmed by human biases. Algorithm prejudice impacts money, education, employment, and crime. Diverse and representative data collection, understanding complicated "black box" algorithms, and legal and ethical considerations are needed to address this bias. Despite these issues, algorithm bias elimination techniques are emerging. This chapter uses secondary data to study algorithm bias. Algorithm bias is defined, its origins, its prevalence in data, examples, and issues are discussed. The chapter also tackles bias reduction and elimination to make AI a more reliable and impartial decision-maker. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Classification of myocardial ischemia in delayed contrast enhancement using machine learning
This chapter addresses the classification of myocardial ischemia in delayed contrast enhancement using machine-learning techniques for magnetic resonance imaging which solves the social issue of a sudden cardiac death. To automate the classification of myocardial ischemia, the computer-aided design has a crucial path on the mixture ensemble of machine learning. The mixture ensemble of machine learning can partition a high-dimensional image in a simultaneous and competitive way. The detection and the segmentation processes are carried out through Fuzzy C-Means multispectral and single-channel algorithms along with a morphological filtering technique for feature extraction. Furthermore, the feed forward neural network (FFNN) technique is trained through the Levenberg-Marquardt Back Propagation algorithm for the classification of myocardial ischemia in delayed contrast enhancement. The proposed classification model performs well for the classification of myocardial ischemia. The rigorous process of the proposed result reveals that the FFNN classifier produces 99.9% accuracy on the classification of myocardial ischemia and also shows that the given classifier is considered one of the best methods in classifying medical myocardial ischemia. 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. -
Medical image classification using MRI: An investigation
The main objective of the paper is to review the performance of various machine learning classification technique currently used for magnetic resonance imaging. The prerequisite for the best classification technique is the main drive for the paper. In magnetic resonance imaging, detection of various diseases might be simple but the physicians need quantification for further treatment. So, the machine learning along with digital image processing aids for the diagnosis of the diseases and synergizes between the computer and the radiologist. The review of machine learning classification based on the support vector machine, discrete wavelet transform, artificial neural network, and principal component analysis reveals that discrete wavelet transform combined with other highly used method like PCA, ANN, etc., will bring high accuracy rate of 100%. The hybrid technique provides the second opinion to the radiologist on taking the decision. Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019. -
Crux role of neurocomputing in teaching learning pedagogy
The advent of brain-based learning in the early 1990s has limelighted the syndication between the educational learning process and neurosciences. Through educational learning ability, an individual can gather and assimilate anecdotes or come up with new notions with logical conclusions to form an organizational memory. Supreme level of knowledge assimilation ability results in developing new crucial knowledge for strategic renewal for the betterment of the learning process. Earlier efforts to link neuroscience and learning mode were controversial. However, continuous researches imply the significant role of neurosciences in the field of education and its deep-rooted involvement in building reformed educational pedagogy related to curriculum and general teaching-learning practices. Educational neurosciences help in interpreting brain-behaviour intricacy to provide latest teaching-learning strategies. Education is the most robust cognitive skill developer, and it must be provided to all irrespective of age and gender as it makes the person flexible and provides strength to cope with the adversities. Through this report, we would like to covey the deep association between the teaching-learning process with neurological sciences along with providing measures to be taken for holistic development in the educational setups. Learning is a by-product of human behaviour towards the external environment. Recent advanced tools of neuroimaging aid in more in-depth insight linked to adaptive neural mechanics, knowledge attainment, new skill acquisition and building neuroscience network for human learning. The neuroscience research shows intricacy between emotions and cognition as mediators between mind and body that are then followed by the social behaviour and learning, by indulging in subjective interpretations of person's goals, feelings, actions and experiences, ultimately resulting in learning new theories through neurobiological shreds of evidence. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021. All rights reserved. -
Clinical implications of chromosomal polymorphisms in congenital disorders
Alterations in the DNA sequence are generally seen in the general population at >1%, and these alterations can be deletions or insertions. Classically, chromosomal polymorphisms (CPMs) are alterations with no significant phenotypic distinctions. However, few studies have shown that the presence of CPM can lead to congenital disabilities, which can be fatal. These variants in the DNA can happen in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The human genome is considered full of SNPs, and they are responsible for causing pathological phenotypes and provide insight into pathogenesis, a therapeutic approach to the pathology. About 100 million SNPs are observed in humans for an average of 300 nucleotides. These polymorphisms are detected by using molecular techniques. These polymorphisms are not just restricted to the coding region. The CPMs are first recognized on the chromosomes through molecular techniques, followed by detection of the polymorphism. The CMPs are generally the SNPs, deletions/duplications, and presence of microsatellite DNAs. Here we have summarized the implications of CMPs in a few congenital disorders and the method of diagnosis. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023. -
Customary complications and screening techniques of early pregnancy
Complications arising during pregnancy are one of the significant public health issues around the world. Being the critical aspect for the growth and development in every human's life, it is necessary to assess any pathological disturbance mainly concerning the well-being of the fetus and mother throughout pregnancy. Few women face health downline while pregnancy, whereas few faces before getting pregnant; both the conditions can lead to complications in maternal and fetal health. Usually, pregnancy-related complications disappear as soon as the baby is delivered or shortly after that. Few complications include premature delivery, abruption of the placenta, preeclampsia, and diabetes. At the same time, gestation and these complications reoccur in successive pregnancies at a higher rate. They can also make the women prone to lifelong medical complications such as metabolic diseases or cardiovascular disease later in life. Most of the complications are mild without progression, but it harms both the mother and baby when they progress. Hence, it is important to diagnose early the danger signs and provide antenatal care to elevate the chances of proper health in both the mother and infant throughout the pregnancy and afterwards. This chapter focuses on the complications faced in the early phase of pregnancies and the screening methods utilized to diagnose them early, along with long-term effects in mothers due to some complications. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023. -
The Himalayan Ecosystem and Development Paradigm: A Sustainability Perspective
The Himalaya is physically and biologically very complex and diverse. It is one of the youngest and loftiest of the mountain systems of the world. It is a biodiversity rich area having a distinctive climatic impact on lives of people in Asia. Major rivers of the region originate from the Himalayan Mountains providing the source of water for a large mass of population. Himalaya is a house to many crops of the world, natural wealth as well as indigenous societies and knowledge system. It is a rich repository of plant and animal wealth providing a source of livelihood to millions of people in the Asian region. Its significance lies in the fact that it has been recognised as among the 34 global biodiversity hotspots. Due to anthropogenic activitiesdriven by the economic development modellike mining, road construction, dam construction, tourism, infrastructure development et al. and climate change there has been wide spread damage to fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The consequences of such developmental activities has far reaching consequences on the future of Himalayan ecosystem altering the course of nature and impacting human lives and societies depending on Himalaya and hence unsustainable for the earth. It is predicted that the anthropogenic activities in and around Himalayas shall have significant consequences regionally and globally raising questions about natural resources, ecology, sustainability, loss of habitat by species, human rights, livelihood of people in the region. The present model of development solely premised on the anthropocentricism has caused enormous harm to Himalayan ecology. It has ignored the traditional conservation model adopted by traditional inhabitants bringing great destruction to the Himalaya which has global implications. In the light of the above this chapter will discuss the consequences of anthropogenic activities on the Himalayan ecosystem. Moreover, it will explore the sustainability of anthropogenic activities and how that can be helpful to the planet. Moreover, it will offer few suggestions for the improvement of the Himalayan ecosystem which will be advantageous to the present as well as future generations. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Food Security and Global Institutions: A Global Justice Perspective
Food security refers to a condition where all people have physical and economic access, at all times, to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their needs and food preferences to lead an active and healthy life. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 (UDHR) declares the right to food as a basic human rights. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 1976 (ICESR) explicitly recognises the right of everyone to food and mandates all state parties for its realization; also it recognizes everyones right to be free from hunger as a fundamental right. Further, it instructs the state parties to ensure equitable distribution of world food supplies to achieve the right of everyone to be free from hunger. Rome Declaration on World Food Security, 1996 reaffirmed the right of everyone to access to safe and nutritious food compatible with right to adequate food and also right to be free from hunger. United Nations Millennium Declaration set the goal for fighting hunger and resolved to reduce the proportion of people suffering from hunger to half by 2015, then Sustainable Development Goals were floated, inter alia, to end extreme poverty and achieve the target of zero hunger and food security by 2030. Regardless of its being a universal human rights, food security scenario across the globe is far from satisfactory and fair. Post COVID 19 scenario has seen a surge in undernourishment and food insecurity. According to The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 2022, 3.1 billion people across the globe are unable to afford a healthy diet. At this juncture we are living in a deeply connected and globalized world run not by national institutions but by global institutions. The role of global institutions assume significance in a globalized world. Justice demands that policy planning and legal framework on food security should be fair and equitable; they should be based on the idea of entitlement and obligation. To achieve the goal of zero hunger and food security, what is required is an equitable and unified global governance approach premised upon the idea of global justice which shall fix obligations on global institutions. This chapter aims at examining the issue of food security from a global justice perspective and how it can be sustainably achieved. It will explain the concept of global justice and obligations of global institutions by relying upon few legal and political theories. Further, the chapter will explain the human rights perspective of the food security and the challenges involved with it. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.