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Strategies to achieve carbon neutrality and foster sustainability in data centers
Data centers and transmission networks are crucial in the digital age, with the market expected to grow from $50 billion in 2021 to $120 billion by 2030. However, their extensive computing infrastructure and continuous operation generate significant heat, necessitating energy-intensive cooling systems. The IEA report revealed that data center power consumption surged by over 60% between 2015 and 2021, with transmission networks experiencing a 60% usage increase. Addressing these growing energy demands poses significant challenges for the industry, with some countries considering restrictions on new data center licenses due to environmental concerns. To mitigate the climate impact, the industry must prioritize the procurement of low-carbon or carbon-free electricity to reduce Scope 2 emissions related to electricity, heating, and cooling. Tech giants like AWS, Google, and Meta/Facebook have already adopted ambitious public targets, either running on carbon-free electricity or investing in global projects for cost-effective and large-scale emissions reduction. 2024, IGI Global. -
Building capabilities and workforce for metaverse-driven retail formats
The metaverse, a breakthrough virtual reality environment, offers boundless retail potential. Metaverse-driven retail needs a good strategy to succeed in a time of changing consumer expectations and the digital revolution. This chapter covers metaverse-driven retail preparation tactics. The metaverse allows retail innovation and adaptation during e-commerce and COVID-19 pandemic upheavals. Understanding metaverse dynamics and developing the abilities is crucial. Determine metaverse applicability to retail, define requisite capabilities, analyze staff competencies, and establish practical training and development programs. Examples include understanding metaverse technology, immersive shopping, datadriven personalization, and strong cybersecurity. Digital fluency, collaboration, design, and cybersecurity awareness are workforce competencies. This chapter stresses metaverse readiness through training, growth, and strategic alignment. It emphasizes that the metaverse transforms reality and opens up new possibilities. 2024, IGI Global. -
Impact of data centers on power consumption, climate change, and sustainability
The data-driven economy is transforming with data centers becoming a crucial business infrastructure. However, the increasing reliance on data centers is posing a threat to the environment. Climate change activists are focusing on reducing emissions from sectors like automotive, aviation, and energy. Data centers consume more electricity than the UK, accounting for 3% of global electricity supply and 2% of total greenhouse gas emissions. By 2040, digital data storage is projected to contribute to 14% of the world's emissions. The number of data centers worldwide has surged from 500,000 in 2012 to over 8 million, with energy consumption doubling every four years. The rise in internet penetration rates and the introduction of 5G technologies and IoT devices will further exacerbate the issue, increasing the demand for data processing. 2024, IGI Global. -
Incorporating the metaverse into the green banking revolution: Spearheading the implementation of eco-friendly financial practices
This study aims to explore the awareness and perceptions of green banking among bankers and customers in rural and semi-urban areas of India. A structured questionnaire was employed to gather information from 807 customers and 200 officials of selected commercial banks, utilizing the snowball sampling method. The study utilized chi-square and factor analysis techniques. The chi-square test results revealed an association between educational status and the customer's opinion regarding green banks. Factor analysis derived three key factors influencing the adoption of green banking: convenience and environmental sustainability, financial and technological advantages, and customer retention and prestige. The findings indicate that green banking services provide more benefits to its customers than traditional banking. 2024, IGI Global. -
Automated neurological brain disease detection in magnetic resonance imaging using deep learning approaches
A neurological type of brain disease called multiple sclerosis (MS) impairs how well the nervous system is able to function efficiently and causes people to experience visual, sensory, and problems with movement. Multiple methods of detection have been proposed so far for diagnosing MS; among them, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has drawn a lot of interest from healthcare providers. The ability to quickly diagnose lesions related to MS depends on a fundamental understanding of the anatomy and workings of the brain that MRI technology provides doctors. Using an MRI for diagnosing MS is tedious, time-consuming, and prone to human error. In the present investigation, lesion activity involves preprocessing and segmentation of the MS images from two time points using deep learning approaches. 2024 by IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Impact of visual hierarchy on user experience in e-commerce websites
The primary aim of this book chapter is to propose a model that explains the influence of four elements of visual hierarchy-colour, size, alignment, and font/characters-on the user experience of e-commerce websites. The study's sample comprised 312 customers of e-commerce websites, with the four elements of visual hierarchy as independent variables, and the user experience of e-commerce websites as dependent variable. To analyze the data obtained from e-commerce website users, the researchers employed structural equation modeling to assess the relationships. The results of the analysis showed that the proposed model had acceptable fit indices and all the four elements of visual hierarchy had a positive impact on the user experience of e-commerce websites. While this book chapter examined the individual contributions of visual hierarchy elements, investigating how different combinations of visual hierarchy elements influence user experience could provide insights into optimal design strategies for e-commerce websites. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
The digital transformation: Crafting customer engagement strategies for success
In the business world, the digital transformation has ushered in an era of unprecedented change. The explosive growth of digital technology over the past three decades has profoundly changed how businesses operate, compete, and engage with their customers. Businesses across industries have been forced to navigate this constantly changing environment due to the adoption of cloud computing, data analytics, the growth of e-commerce, and the rise of artificial intelligence. Organizations are forced to reconsider their strategies, operations, and consumer engagement models as a result of this significant instability. This chapter discusses the role of artificial intelligence in aiding customised and personalized marketing strategies, acknowledging the diverse preferences and behaviour of consumers. It shares insights on branding and customer management in an AI-driven environment. It also emphasises on online and technology-mediated customer engagement. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Enhancing language teaching materials through artificial intelligence: Opportunities and challenges
Incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into language education signifies a paradigm shift that promotes originality and inclusiveness. The partnership between AI developers and educators effectively tackles obstacles and establishes a foundation for continuous progress. Anticipating the future, the progression of AI holds the potential to deliver intricate customization, customizing educational encounters to suit the unique requirements of each individual. Responsible incorporation of AI into teaching methodologies transforms them into a collaborative model that empowers educators to engage in individualized interactions. Ethics remain of the utmost importance, encompassing bias mitigation and privacy. In essence, the integration of AI into language education signifies an impending era in which the combined powers of technology and human proficiency foster the development of capable individuals who are prepared to navigate an interconnected, digitally globalized society. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
ML in drug delivery-current scenario and future trends
Machine learning (ML) has enabled transformative applications and emerged as a domain-agnostic decision-making tool as a virtue of its rapid democratization. The authors believe that a systematic assortment of important publications on this issue is indispensable in this context. In terms of data ingestion, data curation, data preprocessing, data handling, and model cross-validation, this review gathers together several studies that have demonstrated a minimum ML framework approach. In general, ML models are described as black-box models, with limited information supplied about their transparency. The authors propose techniques based on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s current good ML practice (GMLP) in order to improve the ML framework and minimize the aforementioned gap, especially for data. Considering this, the conversation around a model's logic and interpretability are additionally provided. Explicitly, the authors explore the challenges and constraints that ML execution confronts throughout the development of pharmaceuticals. In this context, a structural approach in statistics is presented to allow the scientist to assess the quality of data and incorporate important ideas and techniques that would be implemented in modern ML. The data analytics tetrahedron proposed here can be applied to data of any size. To further contextualize, selected case studies capturing good practices are highlighted to provide pharmaceutical scientists, pharmaceutical ML enthusiasts, readers, reviewers, and regulatory authorities an exposure to fundamental and cuttingedge techniques of ML and data science with respect to chemistry, manufacture, and control (CMC) of drug products. In addition, the authors believe that leveraging ML within CMC procedures can assist in improving decision-making, increasing quality, and enhancing the speed of pharmaceutical product development. IOP Publishing Ltd 2023. All rights reserved. -
Social media advertising: A dimensional change creator in consumer purchase intention
The chapter discusses the importance of social media platforms, especially Instagram and YouTube, in advertising for influencing the consumer purchase intention of Generation Z. Various methods of business expansion through social media advertising have been explored. The authors examine in detail several key characteristics of social media advertising that affect consumer purchase intentions, including emotional appeal, interactivity, trust, creativity, and the role of e-word of mouth. The impact of Web 2.0 technologies on the development and effectiveness of social media advertising is emphasized, highlighting the close relationship between the Web 2.0 systems to enable the delivery of advertisements based on usage and preferences to accurately target, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of advertising campaigns mobile, Web 2.0. Implicit communication, mobile-related advertising, and mobile-specific content have become important parts of social media advertising. Researchers from various fields have drawn on rapidly evolving social media platforms, each with its own unique perspective. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Integrating mindfulness and addiction awareness in higher education: Strengthening resilience and promoting well-being
This chapter explored integrating mindfulness and addiction awareness within higher education. The journey uncovers these practices' profound potential in enhancing student resilience and well-being. The transformative impact of a mindful approach is underscored by examining their symbiotic relationship, individual benefits, and intersection with microlearning. From understanding addiction's prevalence among students to fostering a compassionate learning environment, the discussion navigates ethical considerations, cultural sensitivity, and challenges. A resounding call to action resonates, urging higher education institutions to embed these practices strategically, cultivating an environment prioritizing holistic student growth and development. The promise lies in a brighter future-a generation of self-aware, resilient individuals empowered to navigate challenges with poise, empathy, and well-being. 2024, IGI Global. -
Ensuring robust and secure supply chain: Deploying blockchain
Transparency, visibility, security, source-to-store traceability, and rising customer expectation are the critical points in the retail supply chain. The global supply chain involves a nexus of manufacturers and suppliers who urge for a robust network addressing the above challenges in the supply chain. A better provenance tool can benefit retailers, as customers are more concerned about the retail journey of the product start from its origin. Within the small span since its inception, blockchain has revolutionized the businesses and shown promising result in reshaping the supply chain. Blockchain in retail can provide evidence for the authenticity of product, tacking details for reliable retail delivery and enriching customer experience through product provenance. This chapter aims to explain to retailers the challenges, opportunities, and potential application of blockchain in the retail supply chain. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Catchment-specific approaches in human resource management: Enhancing recruitment practices
In today's dynamic business outdoors, identifying the most skilled employees has become a challenging and captivating challenge. This chapter explores the catchment-specific approach in human resource management in the information technology (IT) industry. This conceptual chapter analyzed peer-reviewed academic literature, the business press, and other media outlets. This conceptual chapter outlines the key issues for catchment-specific approaches in human resource management in the area of recruitment with the changing trends of the recruitment process. Certain emergent practices include analyzing the catchment area, tailoring recruitment strategies, and evaluating and refining catchment-specific in recruitment. This chapter helps raise awareness and understanding of this new and emerging aspect of catchment-specific approach in human resource management. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Evaluating the impact of microlearning and micro-lessons and implications for general education
The educator training approach known as microteaching, which is used now all over the world, offers teachers the chance to sharpen their teaching abilities by enhancing the many straightforward activities referred to as teaching skills. Microteaching supports the growth of in-person teaching experiences thanks to its success with both beginners and older students. The fundamental abilities of microteaching, such as exposition and reinforcing abilities, aid new instructors in mastering the craft of instruction with ease and to the fullest. This method's effects have been widely observed in a variety of educational settings, including the biological sciences, health sciences, and other fields. The chapter reflects upon the basic concepts of microteaching, microlearning, and micro lessons. The study discusses the fundamental teaching techniques, implementation issues, and the effects of microlearning on education. The study also throws light on the impact and advances of technology on microlearning in the context of the digital age. 2024, IGI Global. -
DeFi's transformative influence on the global financial landscape
The rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) has fundamentally reshaped the financial industry, challenging traditional banking systems and opening up a world of possibilities in global finance. This chapter explores the multifaceted impact of DeFi on the global economic landscape, addressing critical themes through a series of subtitles. DeFi is disrupting traditional banking models by offering alternative financial services directly on blockchain networks, such as lending, borrowing, and trading. One of the remarkable achievements of DeFi is its ability to provide financial services to previously underserved and unbanked populations. Tokenization is a crucial aspect of DeFi, enabling the representation of real-world assets as digital tokens on the blockchain. DeFi offers numerous advantages but poses security challenges, including smart contract vulnerabilities and hacks. This chapter provides an overview of the major themes and implications of DeFi's influence on finance, highlighting its opportunities and challenges. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Transitioning from anthropocene to anthropause? A study of the consumer behavioural shifts in the hospitality sector
The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the human race to transition from anthropocene to anthropause philosophy. Against this backdrop, the term "anthropause" describes the abrupt and intentional cessation of regular human activities caused by the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The human response to this global health crisis has massively affected and altered human behaviour. The pandemic had an enormous impact with a sudden halt in the global human mobility phenomenon, and businesses were pushed to cater to altered consumption patterns. Hospitality is one such sector that has been impacted immensely. The study examines the key factors influencing consumer behaviour in the hospitality industry during the post-pandemic times. The study can be classified as conceptual research and would assess the theoretical underpinnings of the studies focusing on altered consumer behaviour. The chapter would also lead to a critical discussion on the transformation of consumption behaviour in the aftermath of this outbreak. Thematic content analysis of the data collected through the review of critical works in the domain of hospitality management has been triangulated with the authors' reflections to reach a consensual position. This work would also focus on understanding the theoretical standpoint of the researchers about the various stages of evolution in consumer behaviour in the field of hospitality businesses. Lastly, this conceptual study aims to analyse the current trends and future directions in consumer behaviour with particular reference to hospitality businesses. As post-pandemic consumer behaviour is still evolving, the present chapter would help trigger a broader discussion within academia and practitioners of hospitality businesses. Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023. All rights reserved. -
Interventions to help students find a deeper purpose during their academic journey
This comprehensive exploration delves deeply into academic interventions aimed at guiding students toward a more profound sense of purpose throughout their educational journeys. It emphasizes that education offers a unique opportunity for students to discover their passions, interests, and aspirations beyond textbooks and exams. The interventions discussed, including mentorship, career counseling, experiential learning, and self-discovery exercises, are meticulously designed to empower students to recognize their distinct strengths and interests. These interventions not only aim to facilitate academic excellence but also enable students to pursue careers aligned with their core values and aspirations. The exploration scrutinizes effective strategies, programs, and support mechanisms, addressing challenges students face when making career choices, and culminates in recommendations for educators, career counselors, and policymakers interested in enriching students' educational experiences and fostering purpose-driven learners. 2024, IGI Global. -
Cultivating holistic learning environments in higher education: Mindfulness, compassion, and ubuntu philosophies
Within the context of higher education, namely in microlearning and micro-credentials, the core principles of mindfulness, compassion, and Ubuntu play a pivotal role in instigating a significant and transformative shift in the educational landscape. Mindfulness practices enable the cultivation of engaged awareness in the current moment, while the cultivation of compassion enhances an individual's ability to empathize. Moreover, Ubuntu fosters a sense of connectivity among individuals. Integrating these elements within the educational curriculum, pedagogical strategies, and cultural customs fosters comprehensive growth, moral progress, and interconnectivity. It facilitates the development of individuals who exhibit social responsibility and empathy and provides a comprehensive foundation for leadership. The successful application of educational practises requires the integration of many strategies, which in turn facilitates substantial and compelling growth. 2024, IGI Global. -
From automation to optimization: Exploring the effects of al on supply chain management
Automation and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping modern business operations. This evolution has historical roots, with a growing emphasis on efficiency and cost reduction. AI's transformative role in supply chain optimization is evident through key technologies and applications, which empower businesses to make data-driven decisions, enhance customer experiences, and reduce costs. Real-world examples illustrate how companies leverage AI to streamline operations and deliver products and services with precision. 2024, IGI Global.