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Smart Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Algorithms (STARA): Human Resource Professionals Perceptions on the Future of Work
Technology is revolutionizing the manner in which human resources are governed in establishments worldwide. As an increasing number of businesses adopt digital instruments to monitor employee performance, optimize procedures, and enhance communication, HRM must persistently innovate to keep pace with these alterations. The utilization of contemporary technology enables HR departments to become more proficient, streamline procedures, and make more astute decisions. Intelligent Technology, Synthetic Intelligence, Robotics, and Algorithms (STARA) technologies can be groundbreaking in this aspect, empowering establishments and their corresponding HR departments to exponentially flourish with their human resource relative initiatives. The objective of this investigation is to scrutinize the perspectives of HR Professionals on STARA awareness and their vision regarding the prospective influence of its integration on the future of work. Through the utilization of a mixed-data-based exploratory analysis, the researcher examines the facets of STARA awareness, STARA advantages, implementation challenges, and future scopes of STARA relative technologies to expedite HRM and organizational superiority. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Decent Work Deficit: A Challenge on the Women Empowerment in Indian Agricultural Sector
Women play a crucial role in Indian agriculture, but they also confront several obstacles that reduce their productivity and prevent them from fully engaging in the sectors development. The majority of women in India are employed in agriculture, which is one of the sectors that contributes most to the GDP and is essential to the economic development of the nation. Although women continue to have a significant and recognized role in agriculture, their function is frequently overlooked. Women make up about 75% of the full-time labor force on Indian farms. The nation wont develop unless its women farmers are empowered. Only through decent work labour the agriculture sector will be developed which will help in the empowermentof women agricultural Labourers in India. So the government should take all steps to implement the decent work concept of ILO in the Indian agricultural sector. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Computational techniques for sustainable green procurement and production
Computational techniques are used to generate, solve, analyze, explain, or manage any simple or complex task. The use of environmentally responsible techniques to meet demand for resources, commodities, utilities, and services is known as green procurement. Computational technique in green procurement and production is one of the components of sustainable procurement, along with a commitment to social responsibility and good corporate behavior. Some solutions for this kind of issue are low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and long-lasting. Several experts and researchers provided their findings on the environmental impact of ICT with the use of computational techniques. Also, the importance of energy-efficient information technology for environmentally conscious and feasible information technology is a hot topic because a computer faces environmental challenges at every stage of its life, from development to use to disposal. Due to changing environmental conditions, corporations have prioritized carbon emissions in procurement and transportation, which have the highest carbon impact. To encourage potential suppliers to adopt environmentally friendly practices, green criteria should be introduced into public procurement. Environmentally friendly corporate practices and environmental conservation are considered significant tools through public procurement. Techniques for green procurement and production procedures have recently been correlated with the concept of computational techniques of green procurement and production, owing to the increased emphasis on the concept of computational approaches. For eco-friendly procurement and production operations, computational approaches are inculcated and presented in the same way that they are for green procurement and manufacturing. From this perspective, this chapter presents a methodology for merging computational techniques into green procurement and production in public procurement in the form of green computing. 2024 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. -
Strategizing Talent Acquisition for Fostering Future Workforce Success: Addressing Millennial Turnover and Hiring Challenges in a Rapidly Evolving Business Landscape
Rapid technical breakthroughs and a competitive labor market characterize today's business prospects, emphasizing the need for successful recruitment and talent acquisition. Preparing for your company's future workforce entails evaluating who, when, why, and how you hireall of which are mirrored in your talent acquisition strategy. If given the option, 49% of Millennial workers would quit their present employment within the next two years (2019 Deloitte Global Millennial Survey). Many businesses consider finding the right people with the proper abilities their most pressing hiring challenge. Companies that employ effective talent acquisition methods lead to a successful workforce. However, lousy hiring can significantly reduce company profitability and efficiency. This research paper aims to analyze the current talent acquisition practices and processes adopted by the company and to understand the various factors affecting talent acquisition practices. A proactive talent acquisition strategy, encompassing strategic workforce planning, employer branding, continuous talent pipelining, technological integration, skill development, collaboration with educational institutions, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, forms a comprehensive model for long-term sustainable success. By adopting and adapting these practices, organizations can build a resilient and adaptable workforce capable of navigating the challenges of an ever-evolving business landscape. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Portfolio optimization using simulated annealing and quantum-inspired simulated annealing: A comparative study
Portfolio optimization has been a highly studied problem in financial investment expert systems. The nonlinear constraint portfolio optimization problem cannot be efficiently solved using traditional approaches. This chapter presents a metaheuristic approach to portfolio optimization using simulated annealing (SA). Experiments have been conducted on over 10 years of NASDAQ stock price data. This first-of-its-kind effort is also made to implement the quantum-inspired version of SA (QiSA) for portfolio optimization, and the results are compared with the classical approach. The optimization parameters are chosen using sensitivity analysis, and the results are compared using different statistical measures. Preliminary results show that the QiSA approach is very promising and faster than SA when applied to the portfolio optimization domain. 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved including those for text and data mining AI training and similar technologies. -
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. -
Global Trade and Food Security
Global trade can increase food availability and improve food security by facilitating food movement between countries and regions. However, it also poses challenges to food security, including the displacement of small-scale farmers and food producers, food safety risks, dependence on imports, and the distortion of global trade through agricultural subsidies. To ensure food security in global trade, a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach is needed that promotes sustain-able and equitable food systems, local food production, and food safety. Addressing these challenges is critical for ensuring the adequacy and accessibility of sufficient, safe, and nutritious food while fostering economic development and environmental sustainability. Economic development and government policies are crucial deter-minants of a countrys ability to engage in global trade and ensure food security. Climate and weather patterns, agricultural practices, infrastructure and transporta-tion, and market demand influence food security significantly. Furthermore, interna-tional conflicts disrupt trade and impact food security. Policymakers must consider all these factors while developing policies promoting trade and ensuring food secu-rity. To solve these complicated concerns and promote sustainable agriculture and trade practices, governments, international organizations, and the corporate sector must work in concert to improve food security. Food security has a significant impact on global trade, as the availability and accessibility of food directly affect a countrys ability to engage in international trade. When a country experiences food shortages may reduce or halt its exports, causing a ripple effect in the global economy and leading to higher food prices and insecurity in other countries that rely on imported food. Nevertheless, economies with high levels of food security and surplus food production are better positioned to engage in global trade. They export food to other countries, generating revenue and supporting economic growth by creating trade barriers, as importing countries may reject or restrict such food products, nega-tively impacting global trade. In addition to the economic impacts, food security also has broader societal and environmental implications. For example, food insecu-rity can lead to malnutrition, affecting individuals physical and cognitive develop-ment, particularly children. Moreover, unsustainable agricultural practices can lead to environmental degradation, affecting biodiversity, soil quality, and water resources, affecting food security. The determinants of food security in global trade and its impact are analyzed in this chapter. Since food security is an essential factor in inter-national trade, impacting trade flows, economic growth, and public health. Promoting sustainable agriculture and trade practices and building robust food security systems can support a more resilient and equitable global food system, benefiting producers and consumers. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Delving into the Bubble Detection of Specific NSE Sector Indices
This study meticulously examines market bubbles within specific sectors of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) over the period from January 2017 to December 2023, employing robust methodologies like RADF, SADF, and GSADF tests. The analysis, centered on 11 sectoral indices, integrates GSADF values with RADF and SADF, offering nuanced perspectives that underscore the sector-specific nature of bubbles. Notably, the study highlights bubble occurrences during the 2020 global crisis due to pandemic, emphasizing their dynamic and diverse manifestations amid the pandemic. Exclusive identification of bubbles in NSE IT, NSE Metal, and NSE Pharma enriches the strategic insights available to investors, facilitating informed decision-making and risk management. The sector-wise approach contributes to a holistic understanding of market dynamics, providing investors with valuable tools to navigate the intricacies of the financial landscape. Future research avenues may delve into regulatory impacts on sector-specific bubbles and explore the interplay between macroeconomic indicators and sectoral bubbles, offering deeper insights into market dynamics. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Employees Job Satisfaction, Work-Life Balance, and Health During the Pandemic
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on private enterprises has been particularly noticeable in the IT and non-ITES sectors. Work came to a complete halt due to the ensuing lockdown, severely affecting businesses and further harming industries like aviation and hospitality. Widespread job losses, shortened workweeks, minimum wage reductions, short-term leave policies, and even company closures have been the results. To understand the extent of these impacts, a descriptive study was conducted online in AprilMay 2021, involving 2439 white-collar workers from various private companies. Convenient sampling methods were used to gather data on the experiences of employees in these sectors during the pandemic. The survey's findings demonstrate a positive but weak association between Work-Life Balance and Health Stress (r?=?0.24, p?<?0.01) and a positive low correlation between Work-Life Balance and Job Satisfaction (r?=?0.23, p?<?0.01). Therefore, work-life balance and job satisfaction among employees were significantly correlated throughout the epidemic. Additionally, there was a negative moderate correlation between Health Stress and Job Satisfaction (r?= ?0.48, p?<?0.01), indicating that as Health Stress decreases, Job Satisfaction increases at moderate levels. The implications of the study were discussed further. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
A fuzzy soft coronavirus alarm model
The entire world experienced a rampant outbreak of Covid-19 beginning in December 2019. The spread of this disease was so rapid and aggressive that many developed countries struggled to control it. However, some countries such as China and Australia have done a commendable job of controlling this virus. Various studies have been done in parallel to analyze strategies to curb the spread of the virus. In many locations, people displayed swarm intelligence. The collective behavior of people was mixed. Some people followed the instructions of the health authorities. In addition to the instructions, people in some localities developed self-organization to resist the spreading of the virus. This research work mainly focuses on the prediction of coronavirus spread in different districts of Kerala by use of a fuzzy approach as the fuzzy approach is considered the best tool that would not show imprecise data in any situation. The PRONE (Predicted Risk of New Event) indexing algorithm was used for finding the intensity of the spread in five districts of Kerala (Trivandrum, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod) and was evaluated under the input parameters of immunity of person, food habits, financial factors, and age with the total number of infected people as the output variable. An eight-step algorithm is provided to determine the PRONE index. Kasargod is more vulnerable to the virus. The final results show that this proposed model better predicts virus spread. 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved including those for text and data mining AI training and similar technologies. -
Production of bioactive compounds from cell and organ cultures of Centella asiatica
Centella asiatica, commonly known as mandukaparni, has garnered recognition for its efficacy in addressing a spectrum of health concerns. Its diverse pharmacological properties encompass roles in treating neuro-related issues, gastrointestinal problems, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, it exhibits multifaceted therapeutic effects, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, wound healing, skin protective, and anti-osteoporotic properties. This herbaceous plant is rich in bioactive compounds such as centellosides (triterpene saponins) including madecassoside, madecassic acid, asiatic acid, and asiaticoside. These compounds, crucial for their pharmacological potential, are biosynthetically produced through the mevalonate and methylerythritol phosphate pathways. However, the challenge lies in the production of these important secondary metabolites, given the adverse impact on the availability of mandukaparni due to increasing demand. To address this concern, this chapter emphasizes the biotechnological interventions for the production of bioactive phytochemicals. These include plant tissue culture techniques, such as cell and organ cultures, along with elicitation strategies, genetic engineering approaches, and bioreactor-scale production. These methods aim to enhance the sustainable production of centellosides, providing valuable insights for researchers and paving the way for future opportunities in the field of plant-based therapeutics. 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved including those for text and data mining AI training and similar technologies. -
Autoimmune diseases and an approach to type 1 diabetes analysis using PSO, K-means, and silhouette values
An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases, as per the report from AARDA (American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association). More than 30 million people suffer in India from type 1 diabetes. More than $100 billion is spent on healthcare for autoimmune diseases in America, more than for cancer healthcare. Host genes and environmental factors control autoimmune diseases, and typically they do not have any specific cure. This paper proposes an artificial intelligence-based framework for the initial prediction of autoimmune diseases. This work attempts to identify characteristics of autoimmune diseases, and it lists the commonly occurring autoimmune diseases, the organs attacked by them, and the different stages involved. It also seeks to identify ways to prioritize the severity of the patient's disease, for providing treatments based on the severity, with the goal of reducing the pressure on the healthcare sector. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and identifying the risk associated with diabetes and other related health problems could help to improve health worldwide. This work proposes a framework while exploring autoimmune disease prediction using machine learning techniques. The autoimmune disease considered is type 1 diabetes. The usage of machine learning techniques can help to enhance patient care and early prediction. This research is an attempt to explore the possibilities and also to propose a framework for early prediction of type 1 diabetes. Clustering is performed using K-means and PSO K-means. Validation of the clusters is carried out using silhouette coefficient. 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved including those for text and data mining AI training and similar technologies. -
Waste Management for Waste Entrepreneurship: An Emerging Concept
Since the very beginning of civilization, waste has always been an incessant problem and their management remains burdensome till date, as the rate of waste generation is increasing with the increase in population, land use and development of economy. Waste is generally considered as an unavoidable trash/nuisance with zero value and concerns which can be overruled by the waste management system. It is a well-organized holistic expensive process that includes segregation at sources, on-time collection, transportation, reuse, recycle, reprocess and disposal of the leftover materials into the landfills, which usually receives inadequate attention as public get easily acclimatized to live along with the generated wastes. Managing waste in an environmentally favorable, culturally acceptable and techno-economically feasible manner is a need in recent times. Society is in a need to think of ways to minimize and utilize waste for other uses. Understanding waste management in terms of its challenges involves knowledge dissemination to the public, waste prevention, valorization, responsible material production and packaging, maximum recycling, conservation of resources, enhancement of sustainability and reduction of greenhouse gasses. Opportunities in waste management could be achieved by exercising circular economy practices which reinforce environmental, societal and economic benefits. Role of entrepreneurs in the waste management system encompasses a cluster of skilled as well as unskilled workers, as it is a labor-intensive system. Entrepreneurs may invest money as well as infuse novel skills and technologies to transform trash into treasures. The efficacy and significance of waste management will eventually increase with the active participation of entrepreneurs. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Applications of artificial intelligence in Echo Global Logistics
Echo Global Logistics is a premier provider of business process outsourcing, using technology to meet its clients logistics and transportation needs. They deliver substantial transportation savings to clients while providing top-tier service, thanks to state-of-the-art web-based technologies, dedicated service teams, and significant purchasing power. The most significant business risk in 2023 will be supply chain interruptions, which can impact cash flow, growth, and shareholder value. Echo Global Logistics has introduced an innovative self-service website called Echo Ship, designed for shippers of less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. Echo Ship simplifies LTL shipping with excellent visibility, outstanding functionality, and a quick, user-friendly design. Logistics is evolving at Echo Global Logistics, with patented technology incorporating the latest developments in the most flexible and reliable transport management system (TMS) currently available. This TMS is developed using Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and complex load-matching algorithms. Echos unique software is user-friendly, adaptable, and highly scalable, addressing the evolving needs of carriers and shippers regarding transportation management, enabling customers to move their goods swiftly, securely, and affordably. A transportation management company leverages AI to provide supply chain solutions that optimize transportation and logistics needs. The list of services also encompasses executive dashboard presentations, rate negotiation, transportation procurement, shipment execution and tracking, carrier management, carrier selection, reporting, compliance, and comprehensive shipment reports, Over the next five years, supply chain companies anticipate a twofold increase in the use of machine automation in their operations. Similarly, there is a projected 40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next seven years, going from $1.67 billion in 2018 to $12.44 billion in 2024. Supply chain executives are often time-constrained, making it challenging to attend numerous meetings for solution implementation. Actionable insights from integrated AI tools can remove bottlenecks and unlock real-time value. This is vital because supply chain businesses require more action rather than excessive analysis. This chapter delves into the AI and supply chain practices at Echo Global Logistics, illustrating how AI-based solutions reduce costs, enhance supply chains, boost productivity, and improve service quality. It aims to determine whether the company can transform its products and services, creating new value propositions for Echo Global Logistics customers with the aid of AI. 2024 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. -
Traditional Ecological Knowledge Repository in the Indian Himalayas: An Overview
Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) refers to a body of informa-tion that is also referred to as local knowledge, traditional knowledge, native knowledge, and indigenous technological knowledge. A number of studies show the role of traditional ecological knowledge in decision-making in social-ecological systems that support sustainability and resilience. International agencies have also highlighted and emphasised the importance of TEK practises in the preservation of biological variation. For instance, the UN Convention on Biodiversity, Article 8 (j), makes it very plain that respect, maintain, and promote innovation and practises of indigenous and aboriginal populations connected with sustainable use of biolog-ical diversity are essential. The benefits of TEK for sustainable forest management were acknowledged in the 2005 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report by the World Bank. As environmentalists, anthropologists, and arborists share interests in TEK for academic, social, or economic reasons, this highlights the significance of TEK in difficulties relating to biodiversity protection. Numerous components of TEK are seen favourably by experts in fields of forestry, irrigation, architecture, ethno-biology, irrigation, agriculture, medicine, sun and water conservation, conventional weather prediction, adaptation to climate change, and disaster risk reduction. Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is predominantly populated by indigenous peoples and local societies, which are quite diverse in terms of socio-culture and race. The region has nearly 40% of all of Indias indigenous tribes. This area is also special for its tradi-tional ecological knowledge. Many of the TEK-based practices have supported local communities in earning a livelihood. The indigenous peoples expertise and expe-riences are said to play a crucial part in preventing climate change, and they may give important information on the implications of climate change. Hence, sustaining biodiversity in the IHR is also a means of defending indigenous peoples rights. By making the TEK the focal point of governance systems at the IHR, the variety of options for sustainable growth and even the co-production of the body of knowl-edge would be expanded. Therefore, it seems sensible to get knowledge from the TEK before it is lost to the onslaught of modernity. However, there are numerous problems or issues with traditional ecological knowledge in India, including igno-rance in considering conservation policies by the Indian government and the lack of effective documentation of this priceless knowledge. To develop sustainable and culturally suitable management techniques, it is currently a challenge to combine indigenous knowledge standards and management methods with Western science. Realising the above, this chapter attempts to comprehend the concept of TEK and its application throughout a variety of resource management contexts throughout a variety of resource management scenarios. Further, it will explore various issues and challenges and examine the regulations thereof. Lastly, this chapter concludes by highlighting the strategies and suggestions for an effective repository of traditional ecological knowledge in the Indian Himalayan Region. 2024 The Author(s). -
Recent advances in cancer nanotheranostics
The innovative synthetic approaches coupled with bioengineering aptitude created multiple functional materials in the nanoscale dimension aiming for a combination of therapeutic and diagnostic capacities, often referred to as nanotheranostics. The diverse role played by nanomaterials has been broadly examined in biomedicine, especially in the disciplines of imaging and drug delivery. In this view, cancer is an intimidating foe to the entire human species by adopting various survival skills. Conventional therapies remain to be a failure in meeting the anticipations of the entire medical community. Stepping to the emphasis on cancer nanotheranostics, which requires more advancement to amalgamate and fine-tune diagnosis and therapy, has already attracted significant research interest among researchers in chemistry, material science, life science, and clinicians. Monitoring the therapeutic response in a real-time manner with the intelligent fabrication of nanotheranostic agents could strike down the daunting claws of cancer by facilitating personalized treatment approaches. Here, we aimed to portrait the key approaches and recent developments in nanotheranostics with a focus on its clinical impact in oncology. 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. -
Food Security and Its Impact on Society: Cases of Developing World
Food security is a matter of concern in the twenty-first century as is evident from the importance given to it in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Despite attempts to address food scarcity concerns at global conventions such as the World Food Summit of 1996, food remains scarce. Scholars further suggest that though food scarcity is a global issue, its roots and impact is local. Consequently, a study of food must study the major challenges that converge to undermine food security worldwide including conflicts, climate change, global policies and in recent times even the Covid 19 pandemic. However, at a fundamental level food scarcity is the by-product of not just a legacy of past failures to build more just, sustainable, and resilient food systems, but rather a by-product of our inability to be responsible and sustainable consumers. This chapter highlights that despite surplus food production, developing nations often face food insecurity owing to the diversion of food towards developed nations. These nations, instead of sharing global resources (including food and agricultural labour), often contribute towards the global food crisis. Moreover, some of these developed nations engage in an industrialised system of food produc-tion which might meet the nations food requirements but are not sustainable modes of production and pose a serious threat to the environment. Nevertheless, the indis-cretions of the developed nations affect the developing nations economically as well as socially. As social outcasts, marginalised communities and individuals within the developing world are worst affected. As a result, this chapter offers insight into the social struggle brought on by inaccessibility to food. The chapter further suggests that addressing concerns of food security is not only a matter of addressing the inequalities manifest in the production, distribution and consumption of food but also learning to be responsible and sustainable consumers. Simply stated, the chapter recommends connecting SDG 2 with SDG 12. This chapter would also include the position of India in GHI, the Ukraine crisis and its aftermath in various developing countries, the earthquake in Turkey and how it affects the food security, and a few instances from Africa to highlight the concepts of food security and its correlation with sustainability of any society. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Improvement in food preservation with nanozymes
To ensure safety, quality, and extended shelf life of perishable food products, food preservation is a critical aspect of food industries. Concerns regarding the potential health risks and loss of nutritional value of food because of traditional methods of preservation such as using chemical additives and high temperatures have set the need for finding alternative methods of preservation, for the betterment of health and the environment. Enzymes have the potential to kill microorganisms. Enzymes such as oxidases, peroxidases, hydrolases, catalases, and others have been extensively studied for their microbicidal activities. However, natural enzymes have shortfalls as they can be easily denatured and cannot be recycled. Nanozymes have gained the limelight in recent years as they can be applied in food industries to overcome the shortfalls of natural enzymes. They embody the highly beneficial properties of both enzymes and nanoparticles at the same time. Due to their enzyme-mimicking properties and versatile applications, nanozymes have become more popular in the last few years. Nanozymes have evolved as a promising alternative for food preservation and the detection of various contaminants in food. However, before the integration of nanozymes into the food industry, several factors such as their stability, biocompatibility, longevity, toxicity, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and regulatory approval need to be addressed. This chapter discusses the concept of nanozymes, its classification, and various applications in food industries specially designed for preservation of food products. 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved including those for text and data mining AI training and similar technologies. -
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Travel and Tourism Industry of India and Middle East Nations
Travel and Tourism is one of the business sectors across the world that experienced a devastating effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic. All allied sectors of tourism were also affected by the pandemic in an unprecedented manner. The Tourism sector is one of the significant contributors to the GDP of many countries and the largest service industry, where a greater number of women and youth are employed. The Middle East nations and India which are highly reliant on international tourism for economic growth, have been seriously affected by the Pandemic. Apart from the mainstream, a large number of people are informally associated with the tourism sector for their livelihood all over the world. Tourism industry occupies a significant position in enhancing the demand for products and services from different sectors of the economy. In the post covid- period there is a drastic fall in the GDP contribution of the Tourism sector to the economy of Middle East countries and India. This chapter examines the impact of the Pandemic on the Travel & Tourism sector of Middle East nations and India, and proposes the strategies to overcome the present adversities and to revive the industry in the new normal situation even though there is uncertainty and challenges in the road ahead. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024. -
Environment or Development: The Way Forward
This chapter explores the relationship between the environment and development, focusing on the challenges of balancing environmental protection and development goals. Historical perspectives on development and the environment and the emergence of sustainable development are discussed. The chapter examines the challenges in balancing economic growth, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability, with particular attention given to the issues of climate change and ecological justice. Sustainable development is presented as a solution, with examples of sustainable development initiatives. Critical strategies for balancing environment and development are outlined, including ecosystem-based approaches, integrated land-use planning, the green and circular economy, and sustainable consumption and production. The role of different stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, and civil society, is also discussed. The chapter concludes with recommendations for policymakers and other stakeholders on effectively balancing environmental protection and development goals. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.