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Advances in Food Packaging with Nanotechnology-Enhanced Biomaterials
The growing concern about food safety and the need for environmental sustainability has triggered the shift from traditional plastic packaging to eco-friendly packaging materials derived from biological resources, enhanced with nanotechnology. Different challenges, such as low mechanical strength, thermal instability, barrier properties and microbial susceptibility, are being observed in traditional packaging. In this chapter, we discuss nanomaterials that are integrated with biopolymers for food packaging to address these issues and increase their physicochemical properties, functionalities, as well as practical applications. Biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), chitosan, gelatin, cellulose and starch-based films, are increasingly being used and further reinforced with organic nanoparticles (nanocellulose, nano starch, carbon dots, and protein nanoparticles) and inorganic nanoparticles (silver, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide etc.) are addressed in the chapter. This chapter classifies and analyses nanomaterials according to their origin and function, demonstrating the enhancement of barrier properties, antimicrobial activity, UV shielding, and thermal resistance in nano-biocomposites. Special attention is paid to their application in smart packaging systems, including active systems that release antimicrobials or antioxidants and intelligent systems containing nano sensors that check for freshness and contamination. Examples of enhanced shelf life and quality preservation are discussed in fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat and bakery goods. The chapter also examines important safety, nanoparticle migration, toxicity regulatory issues, and the environmental impact, highlighting the emerging need for globally unified rules. To sum up, the worlds targets for sustainable food systems, reducing waste, consumer health protection and safeguarding public health are enabled by nano-biomaterials, making it the most suitable innovative solution to the challenges of packaging. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Recent Advancements inPhotonic Quantum Computation
Photonic quantum computation has emerged as a promising paradigm for scalable and fault-tolerant quantum computing, leveraging the unique properties of photons, such as low decoherence and ease of manipulation. Recent advancements in integrated photonics, reduction of noise and error correction, and entanglement distribution have significantly enhanced the feasibility of large-scale photonic quantum processors. This article comprehensively reviews the latest developments in single-photon qubits, photonic quantum gates, photonic chips capable of performing quantum operations and communications, and hybrid quantum architectures. We also discuss breakthroughs in optimizing fidelity in quantum gates, reducing error rates, and chip-based quantum circuits that contribute to the rapid progress in this field. Furthermore, we analyze key challenges, including loss mitigation, ensuring the sustained preservation of quantum coherence across long distances, and the effect of temperature fluctuations and coupling between adjacent photonic waveguides while exploring potential solutions. By synthesizing recent research trends, this review aims to offer insights into the future trajectory of photonic quantum computation and its role in advancing quantum technologies. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Effects of Climate Change on Natural Resources and Its Management Using Computer-Aided Techniques
The fast-paced climate change produces worse resource stress because it damages freshwater reservoirs and forests with arable land and biodiversity while creating major sustainability issues for urban spaces. Food shortages result from global warming along with uneven rainfall patterns and powerful weather systems that further intensify resource-related problems throughout entire ecosystems. Resolving these challenges requires computer technology solutions combining Quantum Computing (QC) with Machine Learning (ML), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimise resources and develop predictive analyses as well as strengthen climate resilience strategies. AI technologies integrated with quantum algorithms give birth to improved climate modelling systems, which trigger instant emergency actions to control disasters while urban requirements shift. Climate risk reduction benefits from two successful techniques: NASA employs them through the Earth Observing System (EOS) while Google deploys their AI-based flood prediction model in India and Bangladesh. Environmental governance finds its legal and policy basis in two primary international agreements, namely the EU's Green Deal and the United Nations SDGs and the Paris Agreement (2015). Research evidence demonstrates that combined disciplinary methods effectively verify how computer-based processes solve sustainable urban expansion problems. The research indicates that climate resilience reaches its optimal potential through international establishments of standardised ethical frameworks and rules for innovative technology systems. Also, the strategic recommendations regarding AI implementation for natural resource defence during climate change need support from policymakers, urban planners, and researchers who must perform these tasks. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
IOT and UAV Integrated System for Proactive Crop Disease Prediction
The productivity of agriculture is often affected by the crop diseases incurring economic loss and reduced food production. Detecting these crop diseases in the early stages is the need of the hour to mitigate the spread of the disease and manage the crop yield effectively. This paper presents a proactive crop disease prediction system by employing the technologies such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Internet of Things (IoT) to detect and mitigate the crop disease at early stages. The employed UAVs have a high resolution camera to capture the aerial images of crops and leaves. The images captured via UAVs are transferred to a computing environment dynamically for analysis purposes. The analysis is performed on the images to predict the disease of the leaf along with its intensity. After analyzing and predicting the leaf disease and its intensity, the pesticide information is passed to the IoT sensors which are fixed in the fields to spray the recommended pesticide. The system analyzes the captured images by leveraging the machine learning algorithms in the realtime to identify different diseases and predict the spread of the disease. The proposed proactive approach helps the farmers to take preventive actions to identify the crop disease at the early stage and mitigate them in a timely manner to produce a better crop yield. Moreover, the proposed method provides a cost-effective solution for disease prediction and is easily accessible to farmers to enhance crop productivity. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Color Connections inn-Inordinate Invariant Intersection Graphs
Investigating different properties of algebraic graphs is a curious avenue of research in algebraic graph theory, as these algebraic graphs are well-structured classes of graphs. In these lines, various structural properties of the algebraic intersection graph, called the n-inordinate invariant intersection graphs, have been studied in the literature. Color connections in graphs is the assignment of colors or equivalently, labels to the entities of a non-trivial connected graph, whose protocols are defined based on the connectivity aspects. In this article, we study the different color connections in the n-inordinate invariant intersection graphs and their complements, called the n-inordinate invariant non-intersection graphs. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
The (Pk,I) Transformation Graph of a Graph
A study on graphs that are derived from graphs based on the intersection of all k-paths of a graph G is initiated. The (Pk,I) transformation graph of paths, cycles, Pn?pK1 and Cn?pK1 is discussed. Also, certain structural properties of the newly constructed graph are also discussed. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Synergizing Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability for Sustainable Climate Action: Decoding the Digital Dilemma
The rapid development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools across a range of industries in recent years has spurred a revolution in the way that global issues like climate change and the improvement of sustainable energy solutions are addressed. These resources not only strengthen motivation but also radically alter how environmental and energy-related concerns are approached. It is essential to assess current practices in energy and climate change modeling in order to pinpoint areas for future application, given the growing worldwide reliance on efficient and sustainable energy solutions as well as the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Keeping this in mind, the authors of the chapter examine the interplay between AI, the sustainability approach, and its impact on climate change. The chapter examines the policy perspective on AI and climate action, balancing it with a sustainable development perspective. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Climate Risks and Financial Resilience
Climate threats are drastically altering the risk environment for businesses, which has a significant impact on their creditworthiness and valuation. The observable effectsdisturbed supply chains, damaged assets, and decreased consumer demanddirectly result in worse financial statements and a reduced ability to pay off debt. It is no longer possible for lenders and investors to overlook the systemic risk indicated by this decline in financial health. Therefore, the stability of the larger financial system depends on climate resilience, which is crucial for individual businesses as well. Financial stability and economic resilience are increasingly at risk due to the rising frequency and severity of catastrophic weather events and long-term ecological changes. The study uses the Scopus database, one of the most extensive bibliometric sources, to map worldwide research patterns and determine future directions in the field of climate risk and financial resilience in order to comprehend and manage these issues. The results show that supply chains are disrupted, asset prices are impacted, and operating expenses rise as a result of climate concerns. As a result, businesses and financial institutions are gradually implementing resilience planning, climate risk assessment frameworks, and sustainable investment strategies. The shift to low-carbon portfolios is a noteworthy trend that proactively integrates climate risk into financial planning to guard against possible losses and open up opportunities. This study enables a thorough knowledge of the components of climate hazard, which is crucial information for lawmakers, financial institutions, and business decision-makers. This clarity makes it easier to create forward-thinking, doable initiatives, such as strengthening public-private collaboration, funding resilient infrastructure, and incorporating climate issues into financial frameworks. Building long-term financial resilience against an unpredictable environmental backdrop and proactively addressing climate-induced shocks requires these integrated methods. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Harnessing the Transformative Potential of Blockchain Technology to Accelerate the Global Transition Toward a Scalable, Transparent, and Resilient Circular Economy Framework
Blockchain technology applied to circular economy has a world-changing potential to increase transparency, traceability, and the sustainability of the resources management. With the shift towards regenerative industries, it is of the essence to have the capacity to track the lifecycle of used products, used materials, and waste securely. A new method (Circular Blockchain-Resource Lifecycle Management (CB-RLM) algorithm) is proposed in this work that is supposed to maximize the monitoring and incentivization resource flow in the context of decentralized systems. Using a blockchain as a platform allows conducting real-time monitoring of materials backtracking, and the proposed approach will provide a way of materials following all stages of production, consumption, reuse, and recycling. The algorithm combines the information presented by the means of the IoT-enabled devices to guarantee permanent verification of product statuses and ownership, whereas smart contracts automatically sanction the policy compliance of reuse and returns. The system also creates digital tokens as rewards to sustainable behavior during processes, which gives the stakeholders incentive to engage in the circular economy. The mechanism will not only facilitate resource efficiency and accountability but it will promote trust among the members of the supply chain. The suggested CB-RLM algorithm also has the potential to solve such key design problems as data integrity, stakeholder cooperation and lifecycle openness, thus paving the way to the creation of scalable and smart circular systems. This model brings a more environmentally responsible and resilient industrial ecosystem by means of decentralized enforcement and automated incentives. The suggested CB-RLM technique achieves an overall accuracy of 99.4%. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Factors Influencing the Quality of Internal Audits in SMEs
Internal auditors role and their quality output are one of the essential features of an organisation. But a specific internal audit department is one of the easily ignoring cost cutting method for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), due to their limited resources and various challenges. Based on the recent corporate governance stress, most of the listed SMEs are employing internal audit departments, but the autonomy of internal auditors which are questionable generally among all the industries are considered to be very challenging to attain in SMEs. The aim of this study is to examine how effective are the internal auditors role in listed SMEs and what are the key factors that will impact high-quality audits. Audit committee, autonomy of internal auditors and fraud risk assessment are the key factors considered to achieve the objective of study. For the comprehensive analysis of this study 71 listed SMEs are considered and quantitative research methodology is used for the collection of data. The findings shows that these key factors are crucial to improve audit quality of SMEs. The study provides valuable insights and guidance for SMEs to augment their internal control systems and achieve long-term sustainable growth as they prone to witness constant changes in the present business world. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Navigating Financial Decisions: A Review on the Impact of Spousal Loss on Widows during Uncertainties
Emotional setbacks and theloss of identity are commonly seen as the primary outcomes of spousal loss for widows. However, are these the only factors that impact widows in their new phase of life? Certainly not; many other invisible factors may hinder the livelihood of a widow and their surviving family during the phase of bereavement. This study aims to address one such important factor by analysing various literature available in related areas, specifically focusing on the financial aspects of widowhood, which cannot be avoided by the surviving family even prior to, during, and the later stage of bereavement. An integrated review method is adopted to support the aim of the study. Four major themes have emerged from the review, reflecting significant dimensions of finance. Each theme isfound to be interrelated with others, highlighting the challenges faced, decisions made, and outcomes experienced by the widows during widowhood. A conceptual model has been developed depicting the factors that influence the financial behaviour of widows. The findings of this study emphasise the need for future research to explore widows financial dimensions during the widowhood phase in underdeveloped and developing nations where deprivation is alarming. The implications can lead women to participate actively in household decisions to resist financial adversities during lifes uncertainties. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Harnessing Salt-Tolerant Medicinal Plants: A Sustainable Approach to Agriculture and Herbal Medicine
Global agricultural productivity is significantly hampered by salt-affected soils, which calls for sustainable management techniques. The promise of salt-tolerant medicinal plants as a twofold answer for recovering saline lands and generating useful phytochemicals for therapeutic applications is highlighted in this review. Through a variety of adaptation processes, such as osmoprotection, ion compartmentalization, and antioxidant defense, certain medicinal species, such as Aloe vera, Catharanthus roseus, Plantago ovata, Capparis spp., and Salicornia, exhibit an innate tolerance to high salinity. Exogenous applications of plant biostimulants, beneficial microbes, and nanoparticles can further increase their resilience. Furthermore, the integration of omics approachesgenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomicshas advanced our understanding of the molecular basis of salt tolerance and secondary metabolite regulation in these plants. In addition to promoting their wider application in saline agriculture and herbal medicine, this review highlights the ecological and pharmacological importance of salt-tolerant medicinal plants, providing a viable route to soil regeneration and the synthesis of bioactive compounds. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
From Fossil Fuels to Green Finance: Economic Indicators and Circular Economy Transitions in Indias Renewable Energy Landscape
Previous studies have explored the economic and environmental factors that affect the growth of renewable energy, suggesting that crude oil prices, coal prices, and foreign investment are crucial for promoting green energy within the circular economy. This model promotes sustainability, resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the continuous use of energy, which fits hand in hand with the goals of renewable energy development. The relationship between carbon emissions and investments in renewable energy has been both positive and negative results according to studies based on their research in i.e. a positive relationship due to government conduct of low carbon footprints and circular economies in their research. Moreover, the effects of per capita income on the growth in the field of green energy is often oriented towards higher economic resources to promote sustainable development on this path strengthening the principles/circular economy. Broader application of these insights, this study investigates certain determinants of growth in the Green Energy Index of India and analyzes various economic and environmental factors over the past five years. By means of stationarity test, correlation analysis and multiple regression techniques, the relationship between these variables is studied. It helps them focus on specific obstacles and drive forward the transition to renewable energy, an essential element of the circular economy, which the study finds is positively impacted by per capita income and crude oil prices, clear evidence of the interplay between economic resources and investments in renewables. Nonetheless, the index demonstrates a negative co-relationship with coal prices, indicating the negative effect of being reliant on coal on the advance of green energy. The Green Energy Index was also found to have no meaningful relationship with foreign capital and carbon emission. The paper concludes by emphasizing that Green energy index of India may significantly improve through increased investments in energy generation through renewable resources in circular economy context. It recommends that further study should consider a longer time series analysis and more companies in this field to provide a clearer picture of the relationship between these variables and green energy expansion. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG. -
Integrating Education, Technology, and Sustainable Living: Advancing the Circular Economy for Future Generations
Sustainable living is crucial in reducing societys reliance on natural resources, a goal intimately connected to the principles of the circular economy. This conceptual framework highlights the interplay between education, technology, and the standard of living as fundamental aspects driving sustainable practices. Education empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to raise awareness and encourage sustainable behavior, shaping beliefs and intentions towards resource efficiency. However, recent studies suggests, increased access to information can paradoxically lead to greater complexities and dilemmas, creating challenges in enacting sustainable consumption and inadvertently slowing sustainable development efforts. Furthermore, the role of technology in the circular economy is indispensable. Advanced technological solutions facilitate the efficient use of resources, offering innovative approaches to mitigate environmental impact while enhancing the quality of life. Earlier literatures underscores the importance of education, funding, and innovation in green technology to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, highlighting the current state and research hotspots in this domain. A comprehensive literature review utilizing the Web of Science database reveals global contributions to SDG research, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that integrates education, technology, and a sustainable standard of living. Together, these elements contribute to the development of a society that fosters a culture of sustainability. By promoting a circular economy, where resources are reused, recycled, and repurposed, we can ensure that the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive. This approach not only preserves environmental health but also cultivates resilient communities capable of navigating the complexities of sustainability in a rapidly changing world. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG. -
The Legal and Ethical Guiding Principle of Artificial Intelligence in Smart Healthcare Systems
The relationship between life and technology has been a constant theme throughout history, with healthcare being a significant industry that has seen considerable advancements. The Digital Revolution in the health sector is increasing reliance on emerging technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). This chapter explores the advancement of technology in healthcare and its link with Intellectual Property Management. It traces the evolution of AI in healthcare and explores the legal and ethical issues surrounding its implementation in smart healthcare systems. The authors assess existing regulatory frameworks and suggest recommendations for integrating AI into healthcare while adhering to ethical standards and legal limitations. They also discuss the process of creative destruction leading to accelerated innovation, particularly in the rapid ramping up of digital health capabilities. The chapter also addresses significant legal and ethical problems in AI-powered healthcare, such as patient privacy, data security, liability, and algorithmic prejudice. The authors propose guidelines for policymakers, healthcare providers, and AI developers to create AI applications that comply with legal standards and uphold ethical principles, promoting trust and safety in smart healthcare systems. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Analysing Gendered Microaggressions in Bengalurus IT Sector: A Sentiment-Based Inquiry
Gender microaggressions experienced by women in Bengalurus IT sector forms the subject of this paper employing sentiment analysis tools such as VADER and BERT to process survey responses, interview transcripts, and publicly available reviews of employees from the platform Glassdoor. A mixed-methods design is chosen so that computational sentimental analysis can be integrated along with qualitative insights such that patterns of emotional response and disparities across hierarchical levels can be identified. The results obtained highlight that sentiments vary significantly across organisational roles and underscores the significant psychological impact these microaggressions have on job satisfaction and career growth. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Herding Behaviour on Investment Decision: Mediating Effects of Risk Tolerance of Generation Z Investors
The study explores whether the financial risk tolerance capacity and herding behaviour affect the Generation Z investors investment decision. A structured questionnaire has been developed, and used with Five-point Likert scaling technique for measuring the constructs in the study. The data was collected through both offline and online mediums from Generation Z individual investors, and the authors have used PLS-SEM technique to examine the data. The study reveals as the herding behaviour influences investors investment decisions. Also, it states the association between herding behaviour and financial risk tolerance capacity be positively associated. In contrast, financial risk tolerance capacity is without any mediating value between herding and their investment decisions. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Analysing Customer Profile, Expectations and Satisfaction with Airport Retail in Coimbatore, Insights into the Airport Environment and Decision Making Dynamics
Airport retailing has become a crucial income source and a fundamental aspect of improving traveler experiences. Nevertheless, the intricate relationship between traveler characteristics, anticipations, shopping environments, promotional tactics, purchasing choices, and contentment remains insufficiently examined. This research fills this knowledge gap by exploring the structural associations among six key factors: Customer Profile (CP), Customer Expectation (CE), Airport Retailing Environment (ARE), Retail Marketing Strategy (RMS), Customer Preference Decision (CPD), and Customer Satisfaction (CS) in the context of airport retail environments A descriptive study framework was implemented, concentrating on travelers participating in retail purchases at Coimbatore airport. Firsthand information was obtained from 203 participants using a structured survey. The collected information was assessed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to determine the interconnections among these elements and their overall effect on passenger contentment. The findings reveal that Customer Expectation is significantly influenced by Customer Profile, while Airport Retailing Environment is directly shaped by Customer Expectation but not by Customer Profile. Retail Marketing Strategy is strongly impacted by Airport Retailing Environment but shows no significant relationship with Customer Expectation. These findings emphasize the significance of analyzing traveler behavior and tailoring retail strategies to enhance contentment in airport shopping environments. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Beyond Surveys: A Study on Metrics and Tools in Employee Engagement Analytics
In the evolving landscape of employee engagement assessment, this current research explores the shift from conventional survey methods to a dynamic paradigm employing advanced metrics and tools. The study delves into the significance of employee engagement for organizational success and individual well-being, emphasizing the limitations inherent in traditional survey approaches. The current research uses a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review and case studies. The research unveils the transformative potential of advanced analytics, shedding light on recent trends where organizations integrate artificial intelligence, sentiment analysis, and continuous feedback mechanisms to gain a more nuanced understanding of workforce dynamics. The findings highlight the importance for organizations to move beyond static surveys, adapting strategies to the real-time, multifaceted nature of employee engagement for fostering a positive and thriving work environment. This study serves as a practical guide for HR professionals, organizational leaders, and researchers navigating the complexities of modern workplaces, offering insights that bridge theory and implementation in the realm of employee engagement analytics. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Gen Z and the Road to Electric Vehicles: Navigating Practical Barriers
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are regarded as a solution to lowering a countrys carbon emissions in numerous countries worldwide. When compared to traditional fueled vehicles, also known as Internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), EVs emit significantly less carbon. Numerous countries including India, are looking to increase EV adoption as part of their plan to curb their overall carbon output. However, transforming a substantial portion of a countrys vehicles to EVs, comes with its own set of challenges in areas like infrastructure required to maintain EVs as well as meeting the increased demand in energy in a sustainable and environment friendly manner. The present study dives into the exploration of perception among Gen Z towards adoption of EVs particularly related to factors such as cost, infrastructure, functionality and environment. The study signifies the importance of functionality features in electric vehicles such as facilities, technological features and benefits in the long run that have significant effect in effecting the perception of Gen Z in adopting electric vehicles. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.