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Eradication of Global Hunger at UN Initiative: Holacracy Process Enriched byHuman Will and Virtue
The researchers have directed their attention to the UNs 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a specific focus on two critical objectives: hunger and poverty alleviation. While the UN has been vocal about eradicating hunger and poverty, the researchers believe that a fundamental shift in human perspective is needed. They propose a novel approach rooted in holacracy to revolutionize food production, distribution, and management. At the core of their proposal lies the ancient Indian principle, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which translates to The World Is One Family. While it may seem utopian, the researchers see it as a reachable goal through holacracy. Their hypothesis centres on producing food for all and collectively utilizing it, transcending national boundaries and individual interests. The researchers advocate for a transformation in the way the UN operates by embracing holacracy as a practical social technology rather than a mere concept. Holacratic organizations, they argue, have the potential to remove barriers obstructing progress. The implementation of their vision begins with the UN functioning as a global nerve centre for data, with its 193 member nations acting as equal and interdependent contributors. This Centre would display the worldwide food landscape and foster a moral and ethical awakening, emphasizing the shared responsibility for all humanity. Real-time data on food availability, supply chains, and consumption would be accessible on a public website. Holacracy, they contend, should inspire individuals to prioritize love for humanity as a panacea. Power circles interconnect to collaboratively address issues. The UN could serve as a catalyst for this transformation. The knowledge nerve centre would provide critical data on arable land, water resources, and supply chain infrastructure to facilitate problem-solving at various levels. Timely responses and actions would be driven by the principles of holacracy and advanced digital technologies, addressing concerns hindering the achievement of UN goals. This data-driven approach, coupled with actionable plans, aims to eliminate food shortages and subsequently combat poverty and hunger worldwide. In conclusion, the researchers envision a future where holacracy and a shared sense of responsibility propel humanity towards ending hunger and poverty, with the UN playing a pivotal role as a catalyst for change and a provider of essential data and guidance. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Influencing the influencers through co-creation: Approaches to successful brand strategies
In today's technology-driven landscape, the internet and social media have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of both brands and consumers' lives. Among the arsenal of modern marketing strategies, influencer marketing has emerged as a formidable force. It bestows organisations the privilege of accessing extensive and dedicated online influencers and co-creation as a technique, making it one of the most potent tools in their marketing toolkit. This chapter focuses on the intricate art of how brands strategically harness the power of social media platforms and influencers to extend their reach far and wide, aiming to connect with as many consumers as possible. By forging these connections, brands aspire to cultivate a devoted and unwavering fan base, fostering long-term customer loyalty. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Beyond the borders: Fashion influencers shaping global trends
Social media has emerged as a powerful platform that revolutionized the way the fashion industry operates. Fashion influencers have significantly impacted global consumer trends and brand perceptions with their large followings and engaging content. This chapter investigated the ways in which fashion influencers leverage social media platforms to shape consumer behavior, promote sustainable fashion practices, and bridge cultural boundaries to create a more inclusive fashion community across borders. This chapter has contributed to a better understanding of fashion beyond borders, social media influencers' role in transforming the fashion landscape, and their potential to influence positive change in the industry by conducting a comprehensive literature review. This chapter explores social media influencers' multifaceted roles in redefining fashion globally. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
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Mind and Nature: Study on Mental Health, Nature Connectedness, Pro-Nature Conservation Behaviors and Geographical Green Cover among Indian Adults
For centuries the relation between mind and nature has been represented through literature, songs and cultural traditions. However with increasing urgency of the climate crisis and the corresponding growing distance between humans and nature, we find very limited scientific work exploring their relationship, which could perhaps help re-bridge the connection between the two. A significant, yet not directly observable, and often overlooked impact of the climate crisis is its impact on mental health. This study looks at this relationship in the Indian context, through a relatively unexplored perspective, by investigating the effects of nature connectedness (NC), pro-nature conservation behaviours (ProCoB) and geographical green cover (GGC) on mental health (MH) among middle-aged adults residing in India, and the existing inter-relationships. 180 middle-aged Indian adults, selected through purposive and snowball sampling, from across 21 states and 2 Union Territories (UTs), were administered questionnaires through a Google form. Their data was collected and scored, and the GGC was calculated for each state/ UT from the India State of Forest Report 2021. Correlation and Regression analysis were conducted on the scores using SPSS. A positive and statistically significant correlation exists between the variables NC, ProCoB and MH; NC, MH and GGC; and NC and ProCoB. NC and ProCoB predict MH. Gardening also predicts MH. The findings are new and contribute to the field of Environmental Psychology. It provides a scientific basis for the often romanticized relationship between man and nature as found in literature. It has great implications for the future, such as increasing awareness and understanding, and planning interventions to improve both environment and wellbeing. 2024 selection and editorial matter, Dr. Sundeep Katevarapu, Dr. Anand Pratap Singh, Dr. Priyanka Tiwari, Ms. Akriti Varshney, Ms. Priya Lanka, Ms. Aankur Pradhan, Dr. Neeraj Panwar, Dr. Kumud Sapru Wangnue; individual chapters, the contributors. -
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on e-learning adoption in an emerging market: a longitudinal study using the UTAUT model
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic provided unprecedented impetus to the evolution of the e-learning learning ecosystem by compelling students to adopt e-learning systems. This paper aims to use the UTAUT model to provide insight into the differences in factors influencing the adoption of e-learning systems before and after the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: This longitudinal study uses two surveys conducted among graduate students in the city of Bengaluru in India. One prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and a second in its aftermath. PLS-SEM is used to analyze both data sets to draw insights into the constructs that influence Behavioral intention to adopt e-learning systems. The moderating effect of gender is also analyzed. Findings: Pre COVID-19, Facilitating Conditions, Performance Expectancy and Effort Expectancy (quadratic behavior) were dominant factors influencing the adoption of e-learning technologies. Post pandemic, Performance Expectancy and Social Influence are drivers of e-learning adoption. Effort Expectancy and Facilitating Conditions grouped as Ease of Use is a significant driver of e-learning adoption post pandemic. Gender is found to not have a moderating influence. Originality/value: The unique longitudinal study of the differences in factors influencing students intention to adopt e-learning pre- and post-COVID-19 can prove useful to policy makers in the higher education sector. Academics can use the post-pandemic e-learning models findings in multiple contexts such as generational cohorts, educational contexts and social contexts. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
"The sense" and its manifestations launch new trends in marketing
The chapter investigates the latest developments in marketing and consumer science. The study deepens and strengthens the prospects of marketing. In the process, human sense plays a vital role. The study seeks the assistance of hermeneutics to understand the permutations and combinations generated by a plethora of multifarious conceptual variations in both perception and aesthetics. The "sense" influences marketing of goods and products in business. The proposed configurations relate business functions with aesthetic characteristics. The first part by the research picks the application of senses in the perception level. The second part the researcher chooses sense in the cognition level. The whole study substantiates how Aesthetics and Sense during last decades generate a fast progress in business and marketing. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Impact of nanoparticles on immune cells and their potential applications in cancer immunotherapy
Nanoparticles represent a heterogeneous collection of materials, whether natural or synthetic, with dimensions aligning in the nanoscale. Because of their intense manifestation with the immune system, they can be harvested for numerous bio-medical and biotechnological advancements mainly in cancer treatment. This review article aims to scrutinize various types of nanoparticles that interact differently with immune cells like macrophages, dendritic cells, T lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells. It also underscores the importance of knowing how nanoparticles influence immune cell functions, such as the production of cytokines and the presentation of antigens which are crucial for effective cancer immunotherapy. Hence overviews of bio-molecular mechanisms are provided. Nanoparticles can improve antigen presentation, boost T-cell responses, and overcome the immunosuppressive tumor environment. The regulatory mechanisms, signaling pathways, and nanoparticle characteristics are also presented for a comprehensive understanding. We review the nanotechnology platform options and challenges in nanoparticles-based immunotherapy, from an immunotherapy perspective including precise targeting, immune modulation, and potential toxicity, as well as personalized approaches based on individual patient and tumor characteristics. The development of emerging multifunctional nanoparticles and theranostic nanoparticles will provide new solutions for the precision and efficiency of cancer therapies in next-generation practice. Copyright 2024 The Authors. -
Advanced Materials from Biomass and Its Role in Carbon-Di-Oxide Capture
This chapter explores utilizing agricultural waste for developing advanced materials for CO2 capture, overcoming drawbacks of conventional adsorbents. It compares biomass-based activated carbons CO2 adsorption capabilities to commercial adsorbents, highlighting promising performance. Strategies for enhancing selectivity and efficiency through functional group hybridization are discussed, alongside investigations into operational parameters effects on material properties and CO2 uptake. Additionally, the chapter reviews biomass-derived carbon materials role in CO2 capture, detailing conversion techniques like pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization. Various modification methods, including activation and N-doping, are examined for enhancing CO2 capture. Discussion extends to diverse advanced materials derived from biomass, including biochar and activated carbon. The chapter underscores the circular-economy impact of utilizing biomass-derived porous carbons in CO2 capture processes, particularly in biogas upgrading to biomethane. Overall, it offers insights into addressing CO2 capture challenges, proposing future research directions in this field. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024. -
Readiness factors for information technology adoption in SMEs: testing an exploratory model in an Indian context
Purpose: Extant literature regarding factors essential for successful information technologies (IT) implementation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) does not significantly address readiness factors for IT implementation in an Indian context. This exploratory research develops and tests a framework to analyse the antecedents to organisational preparedness for adoption of IT infrastructure in SMEs. Design/methodology/approach: This exploratory research adopts a mixed-method approach to test the technology, organization and environment (TOE) framework. In-depth interviews with SME owners are conducted to develop the case study, and the measures obtained are tested through a survey at a small and medium business industrial cluster in Southern India in SMEs. Findings: The case study indicates SME owners drive to initiate technology preparedness for organisational sustainability is a key factor, a measure not seen during the literature review. An empirical study tests the measures. Pressure from customers, owners age, sales of SME, owners attitude towards IT and owners knowledge of IT was confirmed, which indicates organisational factors have more impact compared to technological and environmental factors. Research limitations/implications: The academic scope of this research paper can be extended to contexts such as readiness in IT infrastructure for digital transformation. Practical implications: The validated research framework can be used by organisation stakeholders and SME IT practitioners for successful IT adoption. Social implications: SMEs contribute significantly to gross domestic product (GDP) and provide employment opportunities. Hence, this research provides a tested model that SMEs owners/managers can adopt as a framework to augment competitiveness to implement IT. Originality/value: The study adopts a mixed-method research design and is, perhaps, a first in the Indian context to explore variables through case study and validate identified measures through an empirical study. The model can be used by SME owners and practitioners to ascertain factors for organisational preparedness for IT adoption. 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Visual Culture, Spectatorship and Humanitarian Disaster: Vanni Eli and the Representation of the Sri Lankan Civil War
This article examines the dialogic encounter between the spectator and the spectacle in the context of war crimes and humanitarian disasters (in this context, the Sri Lankan civil war) in Vanni Eli, a short film by a Sri Lankan Tamizh diasporic filmmaker Tamiliam Subhas. The narrative introduces us not only to the military disaster that is war but also to the humanitarian disasters effected through war. The article studies the role of the spectator who 'witnesses' the torture, and thus complicates the ethics of both the act of torture and the viewing of it.By looking closely at the ingenious ways of narrating torture the article argues that the creative representation of war and disaster implicates within its discourse not merely the participants and the victims of the war alone but also the 'peripheral' subjects like the mice (the film's lead 'actors'), and by extension, the spectators participating in the discursive construction of the victimized. Despite the symbolic disembodiment and effacement of the tortured, their suffering is recognized as a humanitarian disaster with the shared grammar of suffering common to all. 2012 Mudra Institute of Communications. -
Enhancement of free convection from horizontal-base straight-fin heat sink by partial shrouding
This work presents a simple method to improve natural convection heat transfer performance of horizontal-base straight-fin heat sink by adding partial shroud plates on top of the heat sink at both ends. Experiments are conducted in conjunction with a detailed three-dimensional (3D) computational study. The numerical model is validated using experimental results. With partial shrouding, the modification and effective utilization of airflow surrounding the heat sink leads to significant heat transfer enhancement. The installation of shroud plates effectively improves the mass flowrate of air admitted into the fin channel. Further, the airflow drawn above the heat sink dissipates heat from the upper surface of the shroud plate. There is also a significant heat dissipation from the lower surface of the shroud plate which is exposed to cold air drawn from the side-end of the heat sink. The heat transfer from the existing optimal conventional heat sink is improved by 17% with the introduction of shroud plates. An optimal width of the shroud plate is identified to exist for the maximum heat transfer. The percentage enhancement in heat transfer achieved by partial shrouding increases with a decrease in the fin height and with an increase in the fin spacing. The proposed compact heat sink design would be of application in enhancing passive heat dissipation from light-emitting diode (LED) lights and other electronic devices, especially when size constraints exist. Copyright 2020 by ASME -
"Case" as "text" in the class: Plethora of pedagogical and structural nuances
The research work undertakes to examine "case, ? "case study, ? and "case pedagogy. ? As the first step, the chapter explores the feel of the Case. This leads to a further investigation and lets out certain malfunctions: gross lapses, loopholes, casualties, and shortcomings. Case then has been subjected to further investigations. Keeping intact the primary concerns of case scan and its explications thereupon, the study takes up the interpretations and intricacies involved in understanding the case. These expose the puzzles involved in the pedagogical exercises in educational institutions. The research with astute expedience does the operation with logical reasoning. The work leads to proper remedial measures and redefines case and case grasp. Using theory of ontology, case is subjected to closer examination. Theory of epistemology further deepens research pursuits to unravel a few more case mysteries. From these, the authors evolve a few keys and tips to study case more effectively. All help readers build up exemplary teaching methods and effective learning concepts. 2022, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Gut Microbiome Characterisation of Chrysomya megacephala: Isolation, Identification, Antibiotic Profiling, and Initial Documentation of Leclercia adecarboxylata from the Fly
Chrysomya megacephala, known for its vector potential, harbors a diverse microbiota crucial in understanding disease transmission dynamics. Herein, we report the first documentation of Leclercia adecarboxylata isolated from C. megacephala. L. adecarboxylata is an Enterobacteriaceae, gram-negative bacillus that cause infections in human and animals. Additionally, we have reported the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis from C. megacepahala. The study carried out the antibiotic profiling and hemolytic assays, which revealed distinct resistance patterns and virulence characteristics, shedding light on potential public health implications. L. adecarboxylata, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis showed positive result for hemolysis and in terms of antibiotic resistance P. aeruginosa strains showed resistance to Amoxicillin, Ampicillin and Tetracycline while, E. faecalis showed resistance towards Streptomycin and Tetracycline. However, L. adecarboxylata showed sensitivity to all antibiotics. This study was conducted from Kozhikode, Kerala, India, and this is the first of its kind of study from the region to analyse the vector potential of C. megacephala. These findings underscore the significance of comprehensive microbiological investigations in vector-borne disease surveillance and management strategies. The Author(s) 2024. -
Understanding the technological evolution in electronic payments system in India and the acceptance
Banking in India has seen amazing technical and infrastructure advancements during the last two decades. Businesses can use the payment and settlement system to receive and make payments for goods and services, as well as to repay money. The RBIs commitment to providing the general population with low-cost, accessible, and all-inclusive payment services has contributed in the quick acceptance and paradigm shift from paper to electronic medium. Using the larger TAM model, this article evaluates payment technology advancements from 2019 through 2022. According to the study, there was a 100% rise in UPI/IMPS and a 40% increase in NEFT compared to December 2018. The paper discusses the acceptability of the paradigm transition from paper to electronic payment media. The papers scope is limited to three years, from January 2019 to December 2021. The study contributes to various findings and insights on Indias embrace of digital payment and the payment paradigm change. 2024 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
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Application of Corn Oil Derived Carbon Nano-onions Using Flame Pyrolysis as Durable Catalyst Support for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
The reliance of carbon black as catalyst support for Pt in PEM fuel cell has posed a major challenge in its durability as carbon blacks are highly prone to corrosion. As an alternative, CNTs, CNFs, and graphene are explored as catalyst support, however at the expense of tedious synthesis procedure and production cost. So to combat this issue, a facile flame pyrolysis route was adopted to produce carbon nano-onions using eco-friendly corn oil. Further modification in the carbon nano-onions exhibited better corrosion resistance in comparison to carbon black (Vulcan XC-72R). Also, a systematic approach was adopted towards developing a durable electrocatalyst which was designed to withstand harsh fuel cell operating conditions. The electrocatalyst was successfully analyzed using stringent standard testing protocols (< 40% ECSA loss). Among all the electrocatalyst studied, Pt/fOC exhibited only 37.1% loss in electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) after 5000 cycles, thus indicating its excellent durability. A full cell was also constructed with Pt/fOC as cathode electrocatalyst which showed a maximum power density of 365 mW cm?2, comparable to commercial Pt/C (367 mW cm?2). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the application of corn oil derived carbon nano-onions as catalyst support for PEM fuel cells. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
One-step synthesized Pt-dispersed N, P co-doped graphene as an efficient oxygen reduction reaction ORR electrocatalyst
A simple yet effective strategy to simultaneously deposit Platinum and co-doped (Nitrogen & Phosphorous) graphite oxide (rGO) using microwave irradiation has been carried out, labeled as Pt/NP-rGO. The successful deposition of Pt was confirmed using X-ray diffractogram (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern. The Pt particles with average size of 3.5nm were deposited during microwave irradiation. Further, co-doping was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The synthesized Pt/NP-rGO was analyzed in situ as an oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalyst in acidic medium. Our results indicate that Pt/NP-rGO follows a four e? ORR process attributed to increased adhesion between the Pt and N, P co-doped graphene oxide due to e? transfer from graphene to N and P atoms, thus indicating its potential in energy-related applications as an effective ORR electrocatalyst. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Materials Research Society 2024. -
ARise to the occasion: Elevating customer engagement
Augmented reality (AR) is being used to transform the landscape of online retail by enhancing customer engagement and experience. This chapter delves into how AR's unique capabilities, such as virtual try-on and interactive product visualisation, can overcome the limitations of traditional online shopping and create deeper connections between brands and consumers. It explains how AR personalises the customer journey by providing customised product recommendations and immersive virtual experiences that drive purchase decisions. By analysing past implementations and future trends, this chapter demonstrates how ARM can usher in a new era of customer engagement and personalised experiences in online retail. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Carbon-Based and TMDs-Based Materials as Catalyst Support for Fuel Cells
Global energy consumption and environmental pollution caused by the extensive use of fossil fuels have increased the need to look forward to more renewable energy sources. Fuel cell, one of the promising energy conversion devices, has the potential to outsmart the existing devices but has several setbacks to be employed on a larger scale. One of the hindrances is the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction kinetics at the cathode and hence requires electrocatalysts to improve its overall performance. This chapter provides a brief overview of graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs)- based composites that have the potential to be used as a catalyst support. 2024 World Scientific Publishing Company.