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Frictionless shopping in the digital era: A comprehensive analysis of instant gratification, ethical considerations, and future prospects
This research chapter investigates the dynamic interplay between instant gratification and smart retailing, focussing on the transformative impact of frictionless shopping experiences. This chapter examines various channels, including omnichannel shopping, personalized recommendations, gamification, and rewards, highlighting their roles in bridging the gap between physical and digital realms. Additionally, it delves into the immersive world of virtual try-ons, analyzing their influence on immediate decision-making and customer satisfaction. This chapter also explores the intersection of instant gratification and smart retailing, emphasizing frictionless shopping's transformative impact. It examines ethical implications, envisions future frameworks, and anticipates enhanced consumer empowerment in evolving retail landscapes. This chapter employs a comprehensive literature review approach to analyze the existing body of knowledge on frictionless shopping, instant gratification, and smart retail technologies. This chapter highlights the transformative potential of smart retail, emphasizing ethical considerations. Anticipating enhanced consumer empowerment, it envisions a moral evolution in retail practices for immediate satisfaction. Informing retailers on ethical considerations, influencing policy development, and guiding the industry towards transparent, consumer-centric smart retail practices for sustainable growth and customer satisfaction. This chapter contains updated work from Frictionless shopping, Smart retailing, Instant gratification, and Ethical considerations. A comprehensive exploration of instant gratification's interplay with smart retailing, emphasizing ethical considerations and forecasting future frameworks to guide the evolving landscape towards responsible and transparent consumer-centric practices. 2025 Talasila Harshitha, Prathiba S., Narasimha Murthy H. and Joel Jebadurai Devapictahi. Published under exclusive licence by Emerald Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. -
Leveraging data sharing for enhanced experiences in service industries: Role of experience orientation and privacy calculus
In the context of customer experience, the acquisition of personal and behavioural data plays an integral role, yet it raises significant privacy concerns. This study suggests employing the privacy calculus framework to craft a meaningful customer experience while addressing these privacy apprehensions. Drawing from an extensive review of literature, the study formulates propositions, subsequently validated through case studies. Beyond existing literature, this research introduces novel factors pertinent to the service industry, expanding the understanding of privacy-tradeoff dynamics. Factors such as brand reputation, transaction frequency, campaign design, grievance redressal mechanisms, ethical conduct, and marketer behaviour emerge as pivotal triggers influencing privacy-tradeoff decisions. However, empirical validation is required to consolidate these propositions. The study highlights the imperative of bridging the privacy calculus concept with customer experience, particularly within the service sector, shedding light on factors that can effectively navigate this terrain. By clarifying the relationships between privacy considerations and customer experience, this chapter contributes to a deeper comprehension of the intricacies involved. It not only identifies key factors but also underlines their potential to shape and optimize the customer journey amidst privacy concerns. The proposed framework offers a better understanding of how businesses can navigate the delicate balance between data privacy and delivering exceptional service. The study recommends further empirical scrutiny to validate and refine the proposed framework, ultimately fostering a more robust understanding of privacy dynamics in the service industry. 2025 Elangovan N., Aishwarya Nagarathinam, Sundaravel Elangovan, Aarthy Chellasamy and Sangeetha Rangasamy. Published under exclusive licence by Emerald Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. -
Ethical Decision-Making in HRM: Insights From India Ethos
This research is especially relevant given the dynamic nature of Human Resource Management (HRM) and its objectives to offer a systematic view of ethical decision-making, focusing on the Indian system. The research relies on the combination of investigations from ethics, HRM, cultural studies, and organizational behavior to reach a maximum understanding of the research subject. The findings of the study are based on a multilayered exploration of ethical decision-making in HRM. It explores the current challenges of human resources (HR) professionals who must consider both business and ethical aspects while promoting their organizations. Also, this study focuses on ideological and cultural aspects to describe the Indian ethical phenomenon. The anticipated results of the proposed research will have practical implications for HR practitioners and leaders. The study will further assist in understanding how HR professionals and leaders can encourage ethical decision-making. Based on the unique indigenous qualities of the Indian continent, the research will also help in the establishment of more culturally suitable HRM ethical practices. It will add value internationally due to the coordination brought by different cultures. This research contributes to existing HRM research on ethical decision-making complexities since it stresses the need for a culture-sensitive approach to these complexities. The utilization of Indias indigenous ethics makes the researchs point of view unique, making it beneficial for both practitioners and scholars. The novelty of this study is uncovering the cultural crossroads of the Indian ethos and HRM ethics as a part of the greater debate on organizational decision-making. 2025 Anitha K., Indrajit Ghosal and Mohammad Irfan. -
Blockchain disrupting supply chain finance: Transformative solutions and emerging challenges
Purpose: The study aims to provide a concise summary of the adoption of blockchain technology in supply chain financing and value creation and explore how blockchain technology has revolutionized and optimized traditional supply chain finance practices. Study Design/Methodology: This study dives into the dynamic landscape of supply chain financing, highlighting the recent trends in supply chain financing and innovative approaches revamping the traditional supply chain financing models. It provides a comprehensive review of the available blockchain-enabled supply chain financing literature. Methodology/Approach: The study takes a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from supply chain management, finance and information technology to understand the potential and challenges of blockchain technology in supply chain financing. Initially, the chapter examines the area of fintech innovations relevant to supply chain finance. Findings: The study on blockchain technology disrupting supply chain finance infers that blockchain offers numerous advantages for optimizing supply chain financing, such as faster settlements, reduced financing cost, limiting intermediaries, real-time settlements, and enhanced transaction efficiency. Blockchain in finance also suffers from drawbacks such as issues relating to scalability, regulatory compliance, privacy and security of data, and problems relating to educating users. Practical Implication: This study would be helpful for practitioners and future researchers of blockchain-supported supply chain financing. It contributes to the growing research on the applications of blockchain technology in supply chain finance, highlighting the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of implementing blockchain technology better. 2025 Naseema N., Shakeb Akhtar and Pratiksha Jha. -
Equity and inclusion in GenAI innovation: Exploring the challenges and strategies for ensuring equitable access to and benefits from GenAI-driven innovation
This chapter examines the critical need for equity and inclusion in the development and deployment of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) technologies. As GenAI rapidly transforms various sectors, from health care to education, its benefits are not evenly distributed, risking the exacerbation of existing social inequalities leading to a huge digital divide. The chapter explores theoretical frameworks like critical race theory (CRT) and intersectionality to understand how biases embedded in AI systems can perpetuate discrimination. It also highlights the role of open-source platforms and emerging AI initiatives in the Global South in democratizing access to these technologies. Through case studies of companies like Procter & Gamble and Microsoft, the chapter demonstrates both the potential of GenAI to drive innovation and the challenges of integrating AI ethically into global operations. The discussion underscores the importance of deliberate, inclusive strategies to ensure that AI serves as a force for social good, fostering global equity rather than deepening divides. 2025 V. Padmaja, P. Bhanumathi and Bishal Patangia. All rights reserved. -
A Framework for Smart Innovations in Islamic Pilgrimage: Utilizing AI and IoT within the Context of Halal Tourism
Despite growing discourse on smart tourism and AI applications in travel, limited scholarly attention has been given to understanding the reasons for the growth of AI usage and the various facets of its application, specifically within Islamic pilgrimage. This includes the absence of a developed framework for innovative inventions. This paper addresses the research gap by exploring how AI and IoT technologies can transform halal tourism management, focusing on the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. The paper deals with three objectives: (1) To understand the reasons for the growth of AI usage in halal tourism with special reference to Islamic Pilgrimage, (2) to examine the various facets of AI usage in Islamic pilgrimage, and (3) to develop the framework for Smart inventions in Islamic pilgrimage. Methodologically, this is a conceptual paper grounded in a secondary literature review. It incorporates a thematic content analysis of both academic publications and gray literature. With this approach, the researchers were able to gain a holistic view of how AI can intersect with Islamic pilgrimage and halal tourism. The results are demonstrated through the ideation of the FSIIP framework. This framework highlights AIs vital role in improving pilgrims experiences through tailored services, streamlining crowd control, and advancing sustainability through astute resource management. 2026 by Priyakrushna Mohanty, M Sharanya and Saurabh Bharti. -
Factors Influencing Rural Youth Engagement in India: A Comprehensive Analysis
India is currently in a crucial situation where utilizing the potential of its rural youth could greatly influence the countrys overall growth, given its large rural areas and young population. This chapter explores the various factors that affect the involvement of rural youth, such as education, job prospects, infrastructure, technology, and government policies. It also examines the current engagement of rural youth in India, their aspirations for rural development, and the factors influencing their participation. First, the chapter examines the factors that influence rural youth engagement in development activities. It identifies driving factors such as resource access, supportive policies, and community backing, while also addressing hindrances including resource limitations, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-cultural barriers. Second, it identifies proven practices that effectively involve young people in rural settings, including empowerment programs, skill development workshops, and technology integration. These practices provide insights into how rural youth are currently contributing to and benefiting from development initiatives. Finally, the chapter proposes a research framework and instrument designed to assess and enhance youth involvement in various developmental areas. The findings offer valuable recommendations for enhancing youth involvement in rural development and addressing their unmet needs, ultimately contributing to more effective and inclusive development strategies in rural India. Through a synthesis of existing literature and insights from focused group discussions at rural colleges, this work explores the challenges and aspirations of rural youth in India. CAB International 2026. -
Factors Influencing Rural Youth Engagement in India: A Comprehensive Analysis
India is currently in a crucial situation where utilizing the potential of its rural youth could greatly influence the countrys overall growth, given its large rural areas and young population. This chapter explores the various factors that affect the involvement of rural youth, such as education, job prospects, infrastructure, technology, and government policies. It also examines the current engagement of rural youth in India, their aspirations for rural development, and the factors influencing their participation. First, the chapter examines the factors that influence rural youth engagement in development activities. It identifies driving factors such as resource access, supportive policies, and community backing, while also addressing hindrances including resource limitations, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-cultural barriers. Second, it identifies proven practices that effectively involve young people in rural settings, including empowerment programs, skill development workshops, and technology integration. These practices provide insights into how rural youth are currently contributing to and benefiting from development initiatives. Finally, the chapter proposes a research framework and instrument designed to assess and enhance youth involvement in various developmental areas. The findings offer valuable recommendations for enhancing youth involvement in rural development and addressing their unmet needs, ultimately contributing to more effective and inclusive development strategies in rural India. Through a synthesis of existing literature and insights from focused group discussions at rural colleges, this work explores the challenges and aspirations of rural youth in India. CAB International 2026. -
Empowering Indigenous and Rural Women through Community-Based Sustainable Tourism Development: Building Resilient Communities
Gender inequality and climate change are pressing global issues, with income disparity further exacerbating the challenges faced by women, especially in rural and tribal communities. This chapter investigates the empowerment journey of rural and tribal women through rural entrepreneurship, specifically focusing on the efforts of the Uravu Organization in Wayanad, Kerala, India. Uravu, a non-profit non-governmental organization, aims to empower rural communities through sustainable practices, particularly emphasizing the bamboo industry and womens skill enhancement in handicrafts. Using Scheyvens theoretical framework, the qualitative research this chapter is based on in-depth interviews with female employees of Uravu to evaluate their empowerment levels. The findings reveal that while these women experience significant psychological and economic empowerment, they continue to face challenges in achieving political and social empowerment. This study underscores the potential of zero waste and environmentally friendly organizations in fostering job creation for rural and tribal women, thereby contributing to resilient community building and community-based sustainable development. CAB International 2026. -
Harvesting Innovation: Women Agripreneurs Revolutionizing with Technology
The operational world today increasingly considers agricultural sustainability and gender equality as twin requirements for a bright future. In such a scenario, the rise of women agripreneurs from rural India, showing passion towards sustainable agribusinesses, can be considered as a positive and powerful transformation. Sharing their success stories, these women elevate their own voices and contribute to an agricultural ecosystem that has become more inclusive and inspiring for future generations. This chapter presents the journey of women agripreneurs living in various rural areas of Tamil Nadu. The chapter covers how these women agripreneurs are using various technologies in driving innovation, fostering sustainable practices to enhance their productivity. It explores social media platforms, namely YouTube channels, to locate women agripreneurs from remote locations in Tamil Nadu and uses the opportunity sample method for data collection. On receiving consent to participate in the research, nine women agripreneurs were interviewed who are very active in social media in developing their businesses, in the process creating a unique identity for themselves. First, the chapter focuses on understanding their experiences as agripreneurs and the passion, drive, and motivation that has ignited them so far. Second, their approach to sustainable practices in their agri-venture is covered. Third, the chapter presents the challenges and mitigation strategies adopted for sustainable growth. The chapter offers valuable insights for policy makers, stakeholders, and aspiring agripreneurs seeking to leverage technology for agricultural advancement and community empowerment. CAB International 2026. -
Microbial Pigments in Textile and Dyeing Industries
[No abstract available] -
Mitigating Abiotic Stress Using Nanoparticles and Involved Cellular Processes Studied by Multiple Omics
Crop yield is greatly impacted by abiotic stress, necessitating creative methods to increase plant resilience. In order to reduce these stressors, this chapter focusses on the possibilities of integrating multi-omics technology with nanoparticle applications. Studies suggest that nanoparticles improve plant tolerance by improving antioxidant activity and minimizing oxidative damage. In addition, multi-omics techniques (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) offer a comprehensive understanding of the molecular processes that stress initiates. The creation of nanoparticles designed to specifically target particular stress-response pathways is made possible by these findings. The chapter's case studies demonstrate how tailored nanoparticles made with multi-omics data might improve crop performance in difficult conditions. The chapter highlights a promising avenue for developing targeted, sustainable solutions to increase crop resilience under abiotic stress conditions by combining nanotechnology with omics techniques, providing long-term sustainability. CAB International 2025. All rights reserved. -
Future Crop Designing: Antistress Capacities Gained by CRISPRmediated Releasing the Potential of Functional Genomes
Abiotic stresses, including temperature fluctuations, salinity, and drought, as well as biotic stresses such as viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, exert detrimental effects on plant growth and development, thereby significantly impeding overall plant productivity and crop yield. Traditionally, the sustainable mitigation of abiotic stress has been achieved through the breeding of tolerant cultivars; however, this process is characterized by its timeconsuming and labor-intensive nature, as well as its inherent lack of precision. Thus, there is a pressing need to adopt advanced genome technology to address these limitations and enhance the efficacy of stress-tolerance breeding efforts. This can be addressed by facilitating site-specific modifications of selected functional genomic elements, thus providing a potential avenue for introducing desired traits to combat adverse stress conditions. Among various genome engineering methodologies, CRISPR-Cas9 has emerged as the most promising genomeediting tool, attributed to its notable efficiency, precision, and rapidity. This study offers insights into the prospective trajectory of crop improvement through the advancement of crop enhancement strategies, employing CRISPR technology to enhance crop resilience against stress conditions by selectively modifying or activating specific functional genomes. CAB International 2025. All rights reserved. -
Integrating Advanced Metabolomics with Plant Functional Genomics
Metabolomics encompasses the entire suite of small-molecule compounds or metabolites synthesized by an or ganism, whereas functional genomics refers to the gene-level functioning of an organism. The genome of a plant will dictate its metabolome, but the link between the two omics data may not always be clearly visible or properly explored. This chapter delves into the integration of advanced metabolomics with plant functional genomics, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing our understanding of plant biology and its applications in agriculture. Metabolomics provides a comprehensive analysis of small molecules, bridging the gap between genotype and phenotype by elucidating the dynamic interactions within plant systems. Key techniques such as mass spectrom etry and nuclear magnetic resonance are explored, emphasizing their importance in high-throughput and high-resolution metabolite profiling. The chapter further discusses the synergy between metabolomics and other omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, underscoring its significance in iden tifying gene functions and metabolic pathways linked to complex traits such as stress tolerance. Applications in plant breeding are also highlighted, showcasing how metabolomics can drive the development of crops with en hanced stress resilience, yield, and nutritional quality. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the transformative potential of this integrated approach in shaping future agricultural practices and improving food security. CAB International 2025. All rights reserved. -
Tourist Accommodation Regional Demand Investment and Supply (TARDIS) Model
Amid the competition and dynamic environment, the travel and tourism industry strives to survive by integrating the efforts of the multiple stakeholders involved. Destinations that employ competent strategies and innovative management practices emerge successfully in the global context with the application of the Tourist Accommodation Regional Demand Investment and Supply (TARDIS) model. Global destinations aim to promote regional development through a sustainable orientation with the adoption of certain best practices in the industry for ensuring long-term growth and success. But Regional Demand Investment and Supply Model stratifies the growth with increased cost and cost-efficacy at touristic destinations. This research assesses how the interests of stakeholders can be managed effectively through TARDIS business model, which integrates profitability with the impact on touristic destinations and their hospitality industry. This study analyzes key stakeholders including local communities, government bodies, private sector entities, and tourists, focusing on their roles, responsibilities, and collaborative potential in fostering a sustainable destination. By the integration of the principles of TARDIS approach into the tourism and hospitality sector, this research proposes the practical solutions to regional growth and stakeholder prioritization, mapping with value co-creation. CAB International 2026. -
Structure and mechanism of zinc-finger nucleases-mediated genome editing in plants
The chapter provides a comprehensive exploration of zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), intricate molecular tools designed to integrate genes of interest into target sites, thereby instigating both phenotypic and genotypic transformations. The focal point of this genetic manipulation lies in the activity of the FokI endonuclease enzyme, which, through the formation of homodimers, orchestrates precise cleavage at integration sites. Leveraging the wealth of genomic information across diverse organisms, the chapter elucidates the mechanistic underpinnings of ZFNs. A particular emphasis is placed on the modular assembly of ZFNs, unravelling the formation of ??? motifs and explicating the nuanced mechanisms governing their actions. The application of this methodology in plant engineering holds paramount significance, particularly in the realm of augmenting stress tolerance and nutritional value. The chapter systematically examines the gene of interest for various plants, including tobacco, soybean, Arabidopsis thaliana, rice, and wheat, elucidating the corresponding ZFN mechanisms. The amalgamation of sophisticated genetic tools with a detailed understanding of plant genomes presents a promising avenue for tailoring crops to meet diverse agricultural challenges. This work not only contributes to the fundamental understanding of ZFNs but also underscores their practical implications in advancing crop improvement strategies for sustainable agriculture. CAB International 2025. All rights reserved. -
The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare analytics: a transformative force
The healthcare landscape is undergoing a dynamic transformation driven by a confluence of factors. Patient expectations for personalized and accessible care are rising, fueled by rapid technological advancements and demographic shifts. To meet these demands, the healthcare sector is actively integrating emerging technologies such as big data analytics, electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and remote patient monitoring (RPM) - all contributing to a value-based care model. This paradigm shift prioritizes preventative care and patient-centered approaches, leveraging technological innovations to fundamentally alter how healthcare is delivered and experienced. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms empower doctors with early disease diagnosis and prompt decision-making, potentially preventing illnesses before their onset. However, a relatively new development with significant transformative potential is the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) into healthcare analytics systems. The core concept of IoT in healthcare revolves around facilitating seamless data sharing, networking, and communication between various entities. This encompasses patients, medical devices, sensors, and healthcare professionals, creating a fully interconnected ecosystem. However, the true power of IoT lies in its data generation. This data fuels sophisticated analytics systems that utilize ML algorithms, predictive modeling, and data visualization techniques to uncover hidden patterns and relationships within the vast information pool. These analytical methods empower healthcare professionals with early detection of abnormalities, accurate diagnoses, and robust disease monitoring capabilities. The resulting connectivity fostered by IoT translates into numerous benefits for the healthcare industry- increased operational efficiency, improved patient care, and advancements in medical research. This convergence of technologies is redefining how healthcare data is collected, exchanged, and analyzed, ultimately providing crucial insights to support clinical decision-making and evidence-based guidance for healthcare practitioners. This chapter delves into the multifaceted integration of IoT into healthcare analytics systems, highlighting its transformative potential for patient outcomes, data-driven decision-making, and healthcare delivery itself. We explore the diverse applications of IoT technology in healthcare analytics, encompassing population health management, remote diagnostics, real-time patient monitoring, and clinical research. Furthermore, we investigate the role of IoT gadgets such as wearables, sensors, and smart medical instruments in data collection. These devices capture a comprehensive picture of a patient's health through information on behavior, environmental factors, and physiological parameters, providing healthcare professionals with a holistic and continuous view. Additionally, the chapter addresses critical challenges associated with IoT integration, including data interoperability, security, and scalability. We examine how technologies like edge computing, blockchain, and cloud computing play a vital role in safeguarding patient privacy and ensuring data integrity. The Institution of Engineering and Technology and its licensors 2026. -
Graphene-metal oxide composite materials for supercapacitor applications
Recently, supercapacitors have emerged as one of the potential candidates for electrochemical energy storage applications owing to their excellent capacity properties, high power density, appreciable cyclic stability, and environmentally benign nature. Graphene has paved the way as a supercapacitor electrode because of its exceptional attributes, including its conductivity, and mechanical and electrical properties. The efficiency of supercapacitors has been significantly impeded by the aggregation of graphene layers brought on by the considerable van der Waals attractions. Numerous methods have been developed to get over the limitations and make graphene a prime choice for supercapacitors. It is anticipated that combining graphene with metal oxides will improve its capacitive properties due to the mutual contribution of the individual components. In this chapter, various synthetic methods for graphene-metal oxide-based binary and ternary composites, as well as their application as supercapacitor electrodes, are explained in detail. The current research directions and future scope of graphene-metal oxide-based composites for supercapacitor application are also included. The Royal Society of Chemistry 2025. -
Graphene-metal oxide composites for electrochemical energy storage and conversion
The development of clean and renewable alternative energy sources is essential due to the rising energy consumption. Advancements in energy conversion and storage technologies, such as fuel cells, batteries, and solar cells, are currently the subject of active research. The unique structure and properties of two-dimensional graphene materials are explored in developing energy devices. The efficient utilization of graphene's enormous specific surface area and exceptional electrical, chemical, and mechanical properties still remains a challenge to researchers due to the agglomeration of its layers. The introduction of metal oxides into these 2D layers helps to enhance their structural and electrochemical stability, which helps in the production of energy storage devices. This chapter discusses the synthesis protocols, tunable properties, as a function of size and shape, and characterization tools. It also provides a deeper understanding of graphene-metal oxide composites in various energy storage devices, highlighting the importance of the synergistic effects between graphene and metal oxides. The chapter concludes with the prospects and potential of graphene-metal oxide composites for energy storage applications. The Royal Society of Chemistry 2025. -
Basalt Fiber Composites in High-Performance Sports Equipment
This chapter explores the revolutionary role of basalt fiber composites in the development and production of high-performance sports equipment. Basalt fibers, produced from naturally occurring volcanic rocks, are a strong alternative to conventional reinforcement materials such as carbon and glass fibers. Their outstanding resistance to heat, moisture, and chemicals is complemented by their remarkable mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, impact resistance, and good vibration damping. These attributes make basalt fiber composites particularly suited for sports equipment subjected to dynamic loads and harsh environments, such as bicycles, tennis rackets, skis, snowboards, and surfboards. The chapter explores the most modern scientific and commercial advancements, demonstrating how basalt fiber composites can improve user comfort, reduce weight, and increase performance, durability, and safety. Illustrative examples compare basalt fiber composites with traditional materials to demonstrate their cost-effectiveness, reduced environmental impact, and successful applications. The manufacturing processes and potential challenges in adopting basalt fibers are discussed in detail. Finally, the chapter addresses emerging trends and prospects, positioning basalt fiber composites as a key material in the evolution of sustainable, high-performance sports equipment. This comprehensive overview provides valuable insights for researchers, manufacturers, and sports technology innovators. 2026 American Chemical Society