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The Role of AI, IoT, and blockchain in mitigating the impact of COVID-19
In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, humanity faced unprecedented challenges that necessitated innovative technological solutions. The Role of AI, IoT, and Blockchain in Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 explores the transformative influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain technologies in combating the pandemic's effects. Key themes: Data Precision: Accurate and reliable data are essential for tracking virus spread. The book demonstrates how AI, IoT, and Blockchain can establish digital databases that ensure data accuracy, accessibility, and real-time monitoring, addressing the challenges faced by public healthcare systems. Innovative Applications: Chapters in this book cover a wide array of applications, from AI-driven models for COVID-19 analysis and prediction to the use of 3D printing technologies, IoT tools for virus control, and the impact of AI and IoT in healthcare. It also explores the role of social media in promoting social distancing. Advanced AI Techniques: Readers gain insights into cutting-edge AI techniques applied to COVID-19 in areas such as treatment, diagnosis, prognosis, chest X-ray and CT analysis, pandemic prediction, and pharmaceutical research. Industry 4.0: The book discusses Industry 4.0 technologies and their contribution to sustainable manufacturing, efficient management strategies, and their response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. Contributed by a distinguished panel of national and international researchers, with multidisciplinary backgrounds specializing in Artificial Intelligence, biomedical engineering, machine learning, and healthcare technology, public health and industrial automation. Each contribution includes derailed references to encourage scholarly research. This book serves as a valuable resource for academic and professional readers seeking to understand how modern computing technology has been harnessed to address the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers insights into technological innovations and their potential for the betterment of society, especially in times of crisis. Readers will be introduced to computing techniques and methods to measure and monitor the impacts of medical emergencies similar to viral outbreaks and implement the necessary infection control protocols. 2023 Bentham Science Publishers. All rights reserved. -
The role of AI in educational robotics
This chapter investigates the revolutionary combination of AI and educational robotics, looking at developments in technology, real-world applications, and ethical issues. Key case studies, comparative approaches, and effects on learning outcomes and student engagement are highlighted. In addition, the chapter discusses issues of equity and accessibility, makes strategic recommendations, and sketches out potential future research avenues before offering some final thoughts on how artificial intelligence might completely transform education. 2025, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
The Roadmap Implementation for Smart Cities via High Level Communication Technology
This paper explores the integration of smart city technologies to enhance urban living standards and optimize city services. Leveraging modern 6 g technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), fog computing, robotics, and predictive analytics, smart cities aim to improve efficiency across various sectors including healthcare, transportation energy, and education. Through real-time monitoring enabled by Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), IoT devices, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), smart cities can efficiently manage resources and infrastructure. In this paper proposes an architectural design to improve urban security using 6G technology and present an extensively light weighted secured mechanism for easing intricacy in medium channel. This study validate and test arithmetical framework with respect to extensively light weighted secured mechanism. The instant study explores the background of defined urban security framework focusing on Internet of Things technology and its application in urban development. This study also introduces a lightweight edge fogging algorithm to optimize general computer network topologies. The proposed framework is thoroughly analyzed and evaluated through computational analysis, simulation, and comparison with existing models. The results show that the proposed framework with 6 G technology and lightweight security model shows better performance, less service downtime, and higher connectivity with current models. 2024 IEEE. -
The Road to Reducing Vehicle CO2 Emissions: A Comprehensive Data Analysis
In recent years, the influence of carbon dioxide (CO2) releases on the environment have become a major concern. Vehicles are one of the major sources of CO2 emissions, and their contribution to climate change cannot be ignored. This research paper aims to investigate the CO2 emissions of vehicles and compare them with different types of engines, fuel types, and vehicle models. The study was carried out by gathering information about the CO2 emissions of vehicles from the official open data website of the Canadian government. Data from a 7-year period are included in the dataset, which is a compiled version. There is a total of 220 cases and 9 variables. The data is analyzed using statistical methods and tests to identify the significant differences in CO2 emissions among different Car Models. The results indicate that vehicles with diesel engines emit higher levels of CO2 compared to those with gasoline engines. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, have zero CO2 emissions, making them the most environmentally friendly option. Furthermore, the study found that the CO2 emissions of vehicles vary depending on the type of fuel used. The study also reveals that the CO2 emissions of vehicles depend on the model and age of the vehicle. Newer models tend to emit lower levels of CO2 compared to older models. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the CO2 emissions of Cars and highlights the need to adopt cleaner and more sustainable transportation options. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
The Road to Marketing Success: Drivers and Barriers in SME Strategy Implementation
Purpose: The paper seeks to present the drivers and barriers to implementing effective marketing strategies by SMEs in India. In this current research, a systematic literature review (SLR) was adopted to collect existing literature; after identifying relevant literature, topic modeling was used to identify significant research themes in the SME sector. Methodology: A semi-structured interview was conducted for data collection by interviewing SME owners and managers, which was analyzed via thematic analysis (TA) to identify different barriers and drivers of SMEs in implementing effective marketing strategies. Findings: The discussion of the study has collated and proposed a combined set of drivers and barriers from all three methodologies. The studys findings highlight that external and internal barriers and drivers impact SMEs implementation of effective marketing strategies in India. Originality: This paper combines three approaches, namely structured literature review, topic modeling, and TA, to identify SMEs different barriers and drivers in implementing effective marketing strategies. 2026 by Apple Academic Press, Inc. -
The Road Ahead: Charting Future Research Directions in Computational Intelligence
The synergy between neuroscience and computational intelligence fosters a dynamic exchange that significantly advances both fields. At its core, this convergence focuses on emulating the brains intricate mechanisms to inspire and enhance machine learning (ML) models. Neural networks (NNs), foundational to computational intelligence, are modeled after biological neurons and drive artificial neural networks (ANNs) that excel in tasks simulating human cognition. Neuromorphic computing furthers this concept by designing hardware and software with braininspired architectures, enabling energy-efficient AI systems. A notable breakthrough is brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), which translate neural signals into actionable commands, offering transformative solutions for individuals with paralysis. Additionally, cognitive computing leverages neuroscience insights to emulate higher-order mental processes, enabling the development of intelligent, context-aware systems. Conversely, ML algorithms, especially in pattern recognition, empower neuroscience by analyzing large-scale brain imaging data to uncover hidden patterns and correlations. This bidirectional interaction accelerates discoveries in neurology and psychology while deepening our understanding of brain function. Together, neuroscience and computational intelligence form a powerful alliance, shaping the future of intelligent technologies and brain science. 2026 by Apple Academic Press, Inc. -
The Rise of Quick Commerce: Redefining Retail Through Digital Innovation and Sustainable Practices
There has been a sea change in retail with the new wave of consumers who are looking to get instant access to products, which is leading to Q- commerce. Q- commerce can be defined as Quick Commerce, a means through which retailers/retailing can attempt to be different by delivering products within a minute. This chapter is an elaboration of how Q- commerce affects consumer behaviour and retail strategies. The COVID- 19 pandemic really speeded up the transition from traditional retail to e- commerce and placed convenience at a new standard that challenges traditional retailing practices.In that regard, technological developments are the bedrock of Q- commerce, but at the same time, operational efficiency is enhanced through artificial intelligence, real- time analytics, and well- improved logistics. While delivery becomes faster through innovations, increasing customer loyalty, it creates ethical and sustainability concerns. The section highlights how the retailers should align rapid growth with responsible practices to manage the adverse environmental effects caused by fast delivery. Copyright 2025 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
The rise of new age social media influencers and their impact on the consumers' reaction and purchase intention
The internet revolution and digitisation have created innovative platforms and spokespersons for brands beyond traditional media. The marketing landscape for brands and customers is evolving towards a more personal and authentic approach; adopting various social media platforms and influencers creates more brand engagement. Influencers are the new third-party endorsers, catering to and recommending products to their loyal community of followers. The influencer and their fans/followers are a brands new storytellers. However, selecting the right influencer for a brands promotional strategy requires careful consideration of several factors. This paper aims to study the impact/effect of these variables, namely, endorsers credibility and corporate credibility, on consumers attitudes towards the brand and its impact on purchase intention, with respect to the millennial era. In the present study, 14 Likert-based questions were designed, asking the respondents to rank their choice of agreement on a scale of 1 to 5. The results were obtained through statistical analysis, including measuring the relationship between variables using confirmatory factor analysis and regression techniques. And the study found that corporate credibility has a significantly higher impact (approximately 90%) than individual endorsements (including those by celebrities) in enhancing customers brand perception. Copyright 2024 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
The rise of digital currency: A bibliometric evaluation and future research prospect
This study aims to get an insight into the intellectual structure, current research themes, and future research directions on digital currency, cryptocurrency, and blockchain. Bibliometric analysis coupled with performance analysis and cluster analysis has been conducted on the digital currency articles, published between the years 2011 and 2023, filtered using PRISMA protocol, and extracted from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Network analysis was carried out in the Biblioshiny package of R software and VOSviewer. The study highlights that the research of digital currency is classified into four broad categories: "emerging technology", "cryptocurrencies portfolios", "cryptocurrencies as a medium of exchange and an asset class", and "cryptocurrencies and financial risk". The chapter presents an innovative model focusing on productive avenues for future research by synthesizing the latest research articles extracted from the databases, related to digital currency through bibliometric analysis. 2024 by IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
The Rise of Defi: Functional Applications and Its Comparison With Conventional Finance
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is rapidly transforming the traditional financial system by introducing a permissionless, transparent, and trustless financial ecosystem powered by blockchain technology. It eliminates intermediaries by utilizing smart contracts on public blockchains like Ethereum, thereby promoting financial inclusion and operational efficiency. This paper explores the fundamental concepts of DeFi, the underlying technology including Ethereum, smart contracts, and Layer 2 solutions, and the wide array of its applications such as (DEXs), lending/borrowing platforms, yield farming, and stablecoins. In addition to examining the functional advantages of DeFi like reduced transaction costs and increased accessibility, the paper also critically analyzes the potential risks including smart contract vulnerabilities, regulatory concerns, and systemic dependencies. A special focus is given to the Indian regulatory framework and how it compares with global jurisdictions. The paper concludes with a discussion on the future prospects of DeFi. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
The right to information act, 2005 and the media drive: Role of print media in the RTI regime /
Media is regarded as an influential and powerful medium. It is one of the superior powers in our country to make people aware of the happenings of the society. The media performs the role of a ‘watchdog’ in order to cater to the general public. This paper aims to study the media coverage that was given months before passing of the RTI bill, thereby aiming to prove that the media had a significant role in passing this bill. -
The right method of choosing good professors
Recruitment practices can sometimes leave students in the hands of professors who are experts in their subject but struggle to explain it clearly, writes P John J Kennedy -
The response of guide dogs and pet dogs (canis familiaris) to cues of human referential communication (pointing and gaze)
The study raises the question of whether guide dogs and pet dogs are expected to differ in response to cues of referential communication given by their owners; especially since guide dogs grow up among sighted humans, and while living with their blind owners, they still have interactions with several sighted people. Guide dogs and pet dogs were required to respond to point, point and gaze, gaze and control cues of referential communication given by their owners. Results indicate that the two groups of dogs do not differ from each other, revealing that the visual status of the owner is not a factor in the use of cues of referential communication. Both groups of dogs have higher frequencies of performance and faster latencies for the point and the point and gaze cues as compared to gaze cue only. However, responses to control cues are below chance performance for the guide dogs, whereas the pet dogs perform at chance. The below chance performance of the guide dogs may be explained by a tendency among them to go and stand by the owner. The study indicates that both groups of dogs respond similarly in normal daily dyadic interaction with their owners and the lower comprehension of the human gaze may be a less salient cue among dogs in comparison to the pointing gesture. 2008 Springer-Verlag. -
The repercussions of teaching in the digital era: A boon or bane?
Recently, the world has experienced a big change due to the pandemic controlling our lives. The change is also experienced by the education sector. The pandemic has forced the whole system to go digital overnight. Although the learning system has been slowly moving towards digitalisation for a considerable period of time now, the social media platform is taking over the traditional method of learning. The study has 61 respondents and the data is collected through a questionnaire. The paper applies regression analysis with the help of SPSS. The development of digital learning platforms provides an alternative to offline learning. This recent spread of the e-learning environment was fast forwarded in the COVID period. The independent variables of the paper are professional skills and ethical proficiency in online learning. These challenges are evaluated, and their impact is assessed on the learning outcome. The chapter limits its approach to professional and ethical scales by ignoring the other important variables that decide the learning outcome of the students. However, the current body of literature has a very narrow approach to the learning system. So, the chapter inspires us to cover the gap through the proposed framework model for teaching practices in the digital era. The chapter intends to develop the teaching skills and moral conscience of the academicians and ease the learners into the new path of education. The future scope makes it definite for the growing learners to understand the advancement in technology and its repercussion on the skill development process. 2024 River Publishers. All rights reserved. -
The Renaissance of Ferrocene-Based Electrocatalysts: Properties, Synthesis Strategies, and Applications
The fascinating electrochemical properties of the redox-active compound ferrocene have inspired researchers across the globe to develop ferrocene-based electrocatalysts for a wide variety of applications. Advantages including excellent chemical and thermal stability, solubility in organic solvents, a pair of stable redox states, rapid electron transfer, and nontoxic nature improve its utility in various electrochemical applications. The use of ferrocene-based electrocatalysts enables control over the intrinsic properties and electroactive sites at the surface of the electrode to achieve specific electrochemical activities. Ferrocene and its derivatives can function as a potential redox medium that promotes electron transfer rates, thereby enhancing the reaction kinetics and electrochemical responses of the device. The outstanding electrocatalytic activity of ferrocene-based compounds at lower operating potentials enhances the specificity and sensitivity of reactions and also amplifies the response signals. Owing to their versatile redox chemistry and catalytic activities, ferrocene-based electrocatalysts are widely employed in various energy-related systems, molecular machines, and agricultural, biological, medicinal, and sensing applications. This review highlights the importance of ferrocene-based electrocatalysts, with emphasis on their properties, synthesis strategies for obtaining different ferrocene-based compounds, and their electrochemical applications. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG. -
The Renaissance of Electro-Organic Synthesis for the Difunctionalization of Alkenes and Alkynes: A Sustainable Approach
Electro-organic reactions are now considered as one of the most efficient and environmentally benign methodologies to synthesize highly functionalized motifs like difunctionalized unsaturated compounds from readily available substrates. Excellent regioselectivity, functional group tolerance and broad range of substrates are the main advantages of electrochemical difunctionalization reactions. Alkenes and alkynes readily accept radical or ionic derivatives which makes it vital precursors for the electrochemical synthesis of industrially relevant and biologically active molecules through difunctionalization. This review aims to provide the readers an excellent coverage of the different electrochemical difunctionalization of alkenes and alkynes such as 1,2-homodifunctionalization, 1,2-heterodifunctionalization, rearrangement, ipso-migration, cyclization and dehydrogenative annulation reactions. 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH -
The relationship of workplace flexibility to employee engagement among information technology employees in India
Historically, organizations have been provisioning flexible work arrangement (FWA) options in the workplace to help employees achieve a balance between work obligations and private obligations. We explore the utilization of FWA offerings in the Indian information technology (IT) industry and its relation to employee engagement (EE). Employees working in IT organizations in Bengaluru, India, were approached and data were obtained from 504 participants. The study found that availability of FWA options coincided with their utilization. Disconcertingly, only 7 per cent of the employees were highly engaged, 51 per cent were neither engaged nor disengaged and 41 per cent of the employees were disengaged with their current organization. FWAs were positively related to EE. We find congruence that FWA options lead to better EE warranting further exploration that can guide FWA policies. 2018 SAGE Publications India Private Limited. -
The Relationship Between Developmental Crisis and Meaning in Life in Emerging Adulthood: An Analysis of Data from Eight Countries
Developmental crisis episodes are common during emerging adulthood. Evidence from existing research suggests that existential concerns about lifes meaning are prominent during crisis episodes in emerging adulthood, but little quantitative research exists on this topic. The current cross-cultural study investigated the relationships between components of developmental crisis (measured using the 3-factor Developmental Crisis Questionnaire), and meaning in life (measured using the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, which has two factors: search for and presence of meaning in life). The sample comprised 1967 emerging adults across eight countries (Brazil, Czechia, Greece, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey and the United Kingdom). Two components of developmental crisis being in transition/turning point and feeling disconnected/distressed were positively associated with a search for meaning in life. Feeling disconnected/distress and lacking clarity/control were negatively associated with a presence of meaning in life. The findings emphasize the need for organizations and services that focus on supporting young adults in crisis, and that these should provide help with the often-hidden existential sense that life may be lacking meaning, and the corresponding endeavour to search for meaning. The Author(s) 2026. -
The relationship between density of drug outlets, crime hot spots and family factors on the consumption of drugs and delinquent behaviour of male adolescent Mexican students
This study examined the relationship between community risk factors (drug outlets density and crime hot spots) and family factors on the risk behaviours (drugs consumption and delinquent behaviour) of male adolescent Mexican students. Results were obtained based on data bank analysis and direct collection of information regarding family factors and risk behaviours of adolescents attending school. Spatial and statistical analysis was performed. The final sample was composed of 1450 male adolescents, from 11 secondary and high schools located in marginal and violent areas of Mexico. Spatial analysis revealed that when considering only the prevalence of the risk behaviours of the adolescents, the area of highest risk was the northwestern area of the city. However, after performing conjunct analysis of all evaluated variables using density point risk (aside from confirming that the northwestern area is still the one with the greatest risk), results indicated that the southern area has a high-density point risk. All densities of the variables showed a statistically significant positive association (p < 0.05). However, the results of the structural equation model indicated than only the family factors influenced the risk behaviours of adolescents (p < 0.05). The spatial distribution of the risk behaviours in male adolescent students and community risk variables surrounding the area where schools are located allows for the description of patterns and hotspot detection that facilitate the prioritization of where interventions must be directed. Besides, the interventions should target family factors. 2021 Elsevier Ltd -
The Relationship between Assertiveness and Decision Making Styles among Emerging Adults
Emerging adulthood, the prolonged years from late teens through twenties marked by change and exploration before arriving at enduring life choices is becoming a normative period for young people worldwide. Past researches have described the emerging adults to be optimistic, assertive, self confident and making independent and effective decisions at the same time as miserable and indecisive. Lack of coherence in the conception about this new and distinct period in human development, the likelihood that it is pervading Indian culture and significance of this stage make it an important area to be explored. Hence, the current study investigates the relationship between assertiveness and decision making styles of emerging adults and attempts to identify the gender differences in their assertiveness and decision making styles.The Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire that measures self-reported decision making coping patterns and Rathus Assertiveness schedule that assesses self reported assertiveness level were administered to 1209 (Male, N = 581; Female, N= 628) undergraduate and post graduate students who were in the age range of 18-25 from five colleges in the city of Bangalore. The results of one way analysis of variance shows that decision making styles do have an influence on assertiveness such that assertiveness is significantly different for vigilance and buck-passing; vigilance and procrastination; vigilance and hyper-vigilance; buck-passing and procrastination and buck-passing and hyper-vigilance. Assertiveness was not significantly different for procrastination and hyper-vigilance. The emerging adults with vigilant style found to be more assertive than those with other decision making styles. 69% of the total sample had vigilant decision making style which is considered to be the effective coping style while only 31% had maladaptive coping styles like buck-passing (10%), procrastination (10%) and Hyper-vigilance (11%). A multiple regression results indicates that decision making style and assertiveness are moderately correlated (R=0.661); decision making style can predict assertiveness with a 0.661 accuracy level and that this value is significant at the 0.01 level of significance and that decision making style explains 43.7% of the variance in assertiveness (R2=0.437). No statistically significant gender differences were found in assertiveness and decision making styles. The study reveals that emerging adults choice and the frequency of usage of decision making style indicate the individual differences like assertiveness. It is recommended that existing literature on the decision making style and assertiveness can be enhanced with additional research that further examines the relationships among these constructs with a sample of emerging adults from different social, economic, cultural and academic background, adopting both qualitative and quantitative methods to reduce the sampling error and weaknesses of self report measures. In line with the findings obtained from the research, a training programme for improving decision making styles like assertiveness skill training could be developed even in educational settings. The results have implications for professionals working with university-aged individuals, particularly in the area of career and guidance and making stressful personal decisions with regard to life. Key Words: Emerging adults, Decision-Making Styles, vigilance, buck-passing, procrastination, hyper-vigilance, Assertiveness