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Case study: Impact of Industry 4.0 and its impact on fighting COVID-19
The emerging development in industrial technology for automation and data sharing is known as Industry 4.0. It incorporates the Internet of Things, Cyber-physical systems, and Cloud computing, all of which contribute to the development of a "smart factory". Customers, distributors, vendors, and stakeholders in the supply chain would be capable of connecting and can exchange data easily through Industry 4.0. The COVID-19 pandemic is quickly spreading and posing a threat to people all over the world. Employment and activities in all markets have been disrupted, putting economies all over the world in serious jeopardy. To combat the pandemic, retailers will benefit from Industry 4.0 because it will help to mitigate the impact of identified risks. I4.0 executives were focused on gaining a competitive edge, rising efficiency, lowering prices, and, ensuring profitability as their primary aim was to enhance the productivity of business during the time before the COVID-19 crisis. Our Government has imposed new behavioral trends including social distancing, isolation and, lockdown. The Government needs additional financial resources to combat pandemics as a result of these actions, there has been a global economic slowdown. This chapter enlightens the significance and technologies of Industry 4.0, showing how those technologies and applications help in attaining a better society. It also explains how Industry 4.0 helps in accomplishing sustainable manufacturing and the management tactics it used to boost the company's efficiency, as well as the effects of COVID-19. 2023 Bentham Science Publishers. All rights reserved. -
Predictive analysis in smart agriculture
Analyzing large databases for hidden connections, correlations and insights is known as big data analytics. Although many countries still use outdated farming methods, technological advancements have allowed for specific improvements (especially in developing countries). Big data analytics has the potential to expand the agricultural sector in this regard significantly. The farmers rely heavily on old methods for deciding what to plant and how to cultivate it. Walking through fields, selecting soil samples for moisture analysis, and visually inspecting plant leaves are typical examples of these time-honored practices. Understanding the significance of technology for acquiring crop information in considerable amounts and turning that data into usable knowledge is crucial for agriculturists (mainly farmers). Integration of big data could help agriculture make changes to its current practices. If used correctly, big data analytics can shed light on the most efficient crop cultivation methods. Extensive developments in three areas-crop prediction, precision farming and seed production-are reshaping the agricultural industry. There are four parts to this chapter. The first part of this paper provides an introduction to analytics on big data in agriculture. The second part will then focus on the various big data methods used in the agricultural sector. The third section provides two examples of how big data analysis methods were put to use in the field of agriculture. In the fourth section, the authors examine the several agricultural research avenues open to scholars and scientists. This chapter concludes with a brief overview. 2023 River Publishers. All rights reserved. -
Potential applications of AI and IoT collaborative framework for health care
Digital technology has infiltrated the entire planet. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are the two buzzwords that became popular in the current digital world, especially in recent decades. Both these technologies have their contribution in various domains. The existing frameworks will benefit from the AI-IoT collaborative system, which will assist them in having more intelligent or smart responses. Furthermore, these collaborative systems can provide improved devices with better decision-making capacity to facilitate the users. AI can work with IoT to increase functional precision in the healthcare domain by automating and tracking, monitoring, managing, optimizing, and predicting processes in 24x7 mode. Health professionals are the people involved in activities whose primary commitment is to improve the wellbeing of the community. They are a group of people who face various obstacles, including their health and safety concerns, especially during pandemic outbreaks. This book chapter aims to illustrate the impact of AI and IoT on the health care domain and the challenges that healthcare professionals face, especially when dealing with such an pandemic and suggests some potential health care advancements through AI and IoT. 2023 Bentham Science Publishers. All rights reserved. -
Social media and economics education: Addressing challenges and leveraging tools for K-12 educators
This case study focuses on the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating social media into the K-12 economics curriculum. Ms. Smith, a high school economics teacher, faced a number of challenges when implementing social media into her teaching practices, including issues related to student engagement, cyberbullying, and privacy concerns. However, she also recognized the potential benefits of using social media in the classroom, including increased student engagement, improved collaboration and communication, and enhanced access to information and resources. To address these challenges, Ms. Smith implemented a number ofremedies and measurements, including providing professional development for teachers, establishing clear guidelines for social media use, providing technical support, encouraging parent involvement, and regularly assessing the impact of social media on student learning. Through her approach, Ms. Smith was able to effectively integrate social media into her economics curriculum and enhance student learning and engagement. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Contemplating hair: Many shades of hair oppression in India
What is it like to be a woman with wavy/curly hair in a country like India? Although hair stories are different for different women, one common hair story for all Indian women with wavy/curly hair is moments of insecurity regarding the normalcy and beauty appeal of their hair. Aside from the discrimination faced due to the texture of hair, Indian women also face restrictions and suffocations in terms of creative self-expression of hair. This chapter presents an overview of the hair culture in India from a historical perspective along with religious narratives. The nature of hair discrimination of women in India is discussed and the chapter also shed light on institutionalised illogical restrictions. The author's personal hair stories will serve as an example to underline the complexity of hair discrimination in India. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Ai-assisted models for dyslexia and dysgraphia: Revolutionizing language learning for children
Dyslexia and dysgraphia are two common learning disabilities that affect children's ability to read, write, and spell accurately. These disabilities can significantly impede a child's academic performance, leading to lack of self-confidence, anxiety, and frustration. Traditional approaches to address these disabilities often involve one-on-one sessions with a tutor or special education teacher, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Artificial intelligence (AI) language learning models have shown tremendous potential in assisting children with dyslexia and dysgraphia. These models can provide real-time feedback and personalized instruction to help children overcome learning difficulties. This chapter highlights the importance of addressing these challenges and proposes a solution that leverages AI language learning models to assist children with dyslexia and dysgraphia. By embracing AI language learning models, educators and parents can empower children with dyslexia and dysgraphia, providing them with the necessary tools and support to overcome their learning challenges. 2023, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Exploring motivations, impact, and coping mechanisms of post-dating on female dating app users
Online dating apps are a popular platform for forming new connections. Generally, a virtual acquaintance intensifies between the users, eventually converting it into an offline relationship. Despite the anonymity of users being a prime motivation to initiate a conversation, it does pose challenges, including mental health issues and sexual abuse. There are increasing reports of privacy violations, extortions, cyberstalking, and sexual assaults connected with dating apps. While people in a relationship decide to set boundaries to avoid each other, both users go through an uncomfortable phase. Unless both parties mutually share the responsibility, the relationship issues are not sorted out without going through an abusive phase. One person's separation anxiety might become a physical manifestation, including virtual and physical assaults. The current study relies on focus group discussions to understand postdating app manifestations and its impact on female dating app users. The study involves respondents mostly exposed to online dating. 2023, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Animal-assisted therapy for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders: A review
The increase in neurodevelopmental disorders presents the need for complementary and alternative treatment modalities to support well-being in the maximum possible way. This narrative review was conducted with the aim to explore how animal-assisted therapy as a complementary treatment approach is beneficial for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders. A search in various databases was conducted to identify articles published in the field of animal-assisted interventions. The review comprised of a total of 32 studies. The discussion of the results was presented in terms of different therapy animals incorporated into the therapeutic environment. The review indicated that animal-assisted therapy has the potential to improve symptoms and various psycho-social variables in individuals suffering from different developmental disabilities. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Constructing an e-commerce model using the framework of blockchain
Blockchain technology is gaining immense popularity in the realm of online e-commerce, advertising, and consumerism. This study aims to develop a model that comprehends how blockchain can act as a significant disruptor for various functions and applications related to e-commerce. The research explores the possibility that this technological advancement has the potential to revolutionize the core operations of e-commerce industry by providing trade connections devoid of trust or need for specialized intermediaries or central authority in case of permission less blockchains. Furthermore, it could facilitate equitable access to immutable data across supply chains which may result in a major reorganization pertaining to information and value exchanged between businesses involved in electronic commerce and their customers. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Understanding diversity: The power of differences
Diversity is a fundamental aspect of our world, encompassing differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, ability, religion, and culture. Understanding and embracing diversity is critical for building inclusive environments and fostering healthy relationships in our personal and professional lives. This chapter explores the power of diversity and how it can benefit individuals, organizations, and society. Different forms of diversity and their intersections, the benefits of diversity, and the importance of overcoming biases and building inclusive environments are discussed. The critical role of leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion and providing practical strategies for embracing diversity and creating positive change in our communities and workplaces is examined. By the end of this chapter, readers will have a deeper understanding of diversity and its significance and gain insights and practical strategies for promoting inclusivity and creating positive change. 2023, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Machine learning in smart agriculture
Agriculture is the cultivation of the soil, the growth of crops and the raising of livestock. Agriculture is critical to the economic development of a country. Farming generates nearly 58% of a country's primary income. Previously, cultivators had accepted conventional farming practices. Because these methods were imprecise, they produced less and took longer time. Precise farming boosts productivity by precisely determining which steps must be completed at what time. Precision farming entails forecasting the weather, analyzing soil, recommending crops for cultivation and calculating the amount of fertilizer and pesticides that must be used. Precise farming uses advanced technologies such as IoT, data mining, data analytics, and machine learning (ML) to collect data, train systems and predict outcomes. Precision farming employs technology to reduce manual labor and boost productivity. Farmers have recently faced several difficulties, such as crop failure due to insufficient rainfall, soil infertility and so on. The proposed work in determining the soil, managing crops and harvesting efficiently can solve the problems caused by environmental changes. It guides a person's farming strategy to produce better results through a proper prediction process. The goal of this research is to assist an individual in efficiently cultivating crops, resulting in high productivity at a low cost. It also assists in estimating the total cost of cultivation and forecasting the likely economic barriers. This would help a person plan activities prior to cultivation, resulting in an integrated farming solution. 2023 River Publishers. All rights reserved. -
Atman's awakening: Bhagavad Gita's Path to Moksha through Karma Yoga and Atmabodha
Indian psychology is characterized by its diverse and rich traditions that have evolved over several centuries. This chapter tries to fulfill four objectives: 1) To provide a brief overview of the concept of self in Bhagavad Gita; 2) to give a brief overview of the two frameworks for moksha given in the Bhagavad Gita with the help of empirical evidence of current research; 3) to propose a conceptual model using Triguna Framework and Trimarg Framework; and 4) to provide the implications of the proposed model. The chapter begins with an explanation of the Indian philosophical understanding of self from the lens of Bhagavad Gita. In the second section, an effort has been made to compare and contrast the two frameworks given in Bhagavad Gita for Moksha. The last section introduces a conceptual model to enhance sattva guna and reduce the rajas and tamas gunas to attain atmabodha that can have positive psychological implications in modern times. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Future research directions for effective e-learning
In recent years, with the rapid advancement of technology and the global shift towards digital education, e-learning has gained significant momentum from education sectors. However, there are still several challenges and areas for improvement in the field of e-learning. This work discusses several future research directions that contribute to the effective implementation and enhancement of e-learning in solving real world problems. Also, various components like pedagogical strategies, technology integration, learner support and engagement, assessment and evaluation, accessibility and inclusivity, professional development for educators, quality assurance and accreditation, and ethical and legal issues are explained towards implementation of e-learning. Hence, this chapter explains the effectiveness, accessibility, and inclusivity of e-learning as providing effective educational opportunities for learners globally. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Mindfulness-based interventions: Applications in Western and Indian psychology
This chapter examines mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in Western and Indian psychology. It begins with a summary of MBIs, their historical origins, and their theoretical frameworks. The empirical evidence then examines the efficacy of MBIs, emphasizing their impact on both Western and Indian psychology. It probes deeper into the specific applications of MBIs in each cultural context, focusing on adapting mindfulness practices to accommodate cultural differences. Case studies demonstrate the efficacy of MBIs in reducing anxiety, depression, and work-related stress. The significance of cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness, in addition to the implications of MBIs for psychological practice and future research directions, is discussed. It highlights the significance of MBI and provides recommendations for future advancements. It provides an overview of the applications of MBIs, emphasizing their potential to improve well-being, reduce psychological distress, and promote a more inclusive approach to psychological practice. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning support for e-learning frameworks
Today's e-rendering frameworks are essential in various fields such as computer graphics, virtual reality, and augmented reality to provide an effective and impressive education to modern society. The integration of big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) techniques into e-rendering frameworks hold significant potential for enhancing rendering efficiency, optimizing resource allocation, and improving the quality of rendered outputs. With the advent of big data, massive amounts of rendering-related data can be collected and analyzed. This data includes rendering parameters, scene descriptions, user preferences, and performance metrics. By applying data analytics, important information can be derived, allowing for more informed decision-making in rendering processes. Additionally, AI techniques, such as neural networks and deep learning, can be employed to learn from the collected data and generate more accurate rendering models and algorithms. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Designing social learning analytics for collaborative learning using virtual reality, life skill, and STEM approach
This chapter explores the design of social learning analytics for collaborative learning, incorporating virtual reality, life skills, and a STEM approach. Researchers employ social learning analytics, an emerging field that combines social network analysis and learning analytics, to gain insights into collaborative learning environments. The chapter emphasizes integrating virtual reality, life skills, and STEM in social learning analytics, covering data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and pedagogical applications. It also explores key considerations for designing social learning analytics in collaborative learning, encompassing the development of tools and assessment strategies. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future directions and prospects for social learning analytics in collaborative learning. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Understanding neurodiversity and mindfulness: A holistic approach to addiction in professional preparation programs
This chapter explores the interplay between neurodiversity, mindfulness, and addiction, emphasizing their incorporation into professional preparation programmes. Neurodiverse individuals, who exhibit various neurological characteristics, may encounter unique obstacles that make them more prone to addiction. The chapter begins by examining the unique challenges and requirements of neurodiverse individuals who may be at increased risk for addiction. The chapter advocates for incorporating mindfulness practises into programmes of professional preparation. It discusses how neurodiverse individuals can be introduced to mindfulness practises centred on present-moment awareness and the non-judgmental observation of thoughts and emotions as a valuable tool for addiction recovery. This chapter concludes by highlighting the importance of addressing the unique requirements of neurodiverse individuals in addiction recovery by incorporating mindfulness into professional preparation programmes. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Synergistic effect of bio-nanocarbon embedded polymer nanocomposite and its applications
For applications involving sustainable materials, bio-nanocarbon was examined as a material to improve the properties of fiber-reinforced nanobiocomposite. A thorough investigation has been conducted using nano biocarbon as a filler and reinforcing material. However, the composite's inferior mechanical, physical, and thermal properties are a result of a poor fiber-matrix interface. As a result, in this study, biocarbon nanoparticles were created and used as functional components to enhance the properties of polymeric composite materials. To emphasize the scientific and technological issues that need to be resolved in order to create artificial composites with bio-inspired structures, recent studies of bio-inspired nano-carbon composites are discussed in this study. These include the production techniques for resolving the nanocarbon dispersion problem and creating bio-inspired structures, as well as the microstructure and composite characteristics characterization. In order to reveal natural design principles and serve as a resource for future research, bio-inspired composites and their applications are thoroughly examined and explained. 2023 Bentham Science Publishers. -
Context matters: A case study of community development approaches in tribal areas
Tribal development initiatives aim to address aspects of marginality covering educational, occupational, social and political dimensions. A review of literature on the challenges in effective tribal development discusses narrow vision, implementation strategy, the attitude of people involved in the implementation and lack of community participation as hindrances in realising the desired goals. This chapter explores the need to have a context-specific approach to realise the community development goals in tribal areas considering the cultural and economic diversity of Scheduled Tribes in India. A single embedded case study has been used to understand tribal development initiatives in the three project sites, namely Manikgarh, Maharashtra; Bastar, Chhatisgarh and Niravilpuzha, Kerala. All these projects aim at the overall development of the community either through a child-centred approach or through a self-help approach. A constructive outcome-based evaluation model has been used in analysing the developmental approach, and in-depth interviews and FGDs were conducted with the project staff. An attempt has been made to study the impact on direct beneficiaries at micro, meso and macro levels. It explores the ways in which universities could become change agents through socially responsible engagements in tribal areas. This chapter would contribute towards developing a social responsibility model for other universities to emulate. 2024 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.