Browse Items (16481 total)
Sort by:
-
Empowering Local Action: Strategies for ClimateResponsive Governance
Governance explores the pivotal role of local governance in addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change. As the effects of climate disruption become increasingly localized, cities, towns, and communities are on the front lines, facing the immediate impacts while also offering innovative solutions. This chapter examines the strategies that enable local governments to integrate climate resilience into their policies, governance structures, and day-to-day decision-making processes. It discusses the importance of building local capacity, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and utilizing data-driven approaches for adaptive management. Through case studies and real-world examples, the chapter highlights how local leadership can empower citizens, engage in sustainable urban planning, and implement climate-mitigation practices. By enhancing the capacity for climate-responsive governance, this work underscores the need for a bottom-up approach in achieving global climate goals and creating resilient communities. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Leadership for Digital Transformation
The chapter explores the critical role of leadership in navigating the complexities of digital transformation, emphasizing the integration of technology, culture, and strategy to drive sustainable organizational change. Through comprehensive case studies, it highlights successful transformation journeys at Microsoft, Tesla, and Walmart, alongside challenges faced by organizations like General Electric. The discussion delves into frameworks such as Transformational Leadership Theory, Agile methodologies, and Digital Maturity Models, underscoring their importance in fostering adaptability, innovation, and inclusivity. Key themes include addressing resistance to change, bridging digital skills gaps, and embedding ethical practices in leadership strategies. The chapter concludes by providing actionable recommenda- tions for future leaders to harness emerging technologies, balance innovation with sustainability, and build resilient organizations in an interconnected global economy. 2025 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Advancements in Psychotherapy and Treatment: The Use of AI Interventions for Psychopathologies
This chapter explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence in mental health, with a special focus on psychopathologies. The researchers expand on AIs role in assisting clinicians diagnosis, symptom tracking, predictive modelling, and therapy for psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders like Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Substance Use Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and ADHD. Crucial interventions include wearables for anxiety, virtual reality exposure for PTSD, and robotic social companions for children with ASD. Despite these advancements, the use of AI chatbots as a replacement for therapy has been a subject of debate, largely due to issues around safety. The study highlights potential limitations, including risks in user interactions, limited therapeutic support, algorithmic biases, accessibility issues, and ethical concerns; advocating for Human in the Loop models where AI and clinicians work together, and calling for ethically designed AI systems that augment access without compromising on empathy, nuance and relational depth. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Through Gendered Lens: Addressing the Health Inequities of Women in Prison
The chapter delves into a nuanced examination of the epidemiological factors associated with the physical and mental health challenges faced by women in incarceration. The study represents the inaugural thorough synthesis of evidence regarding the prevalence of these conditions among the prison population, presented through an umbrella review of meta-analysis. A comprehensive overview of the overall burden of disease among prisoners is notably limited, as much of the existing literature tends to concentrate on one or two specific health issues. Data were extracted to ascertain the prevalence of serious illness among inmates, uncovering levels of illness that frequently surpassed those found in the general population, along with notable gender disparities. The researchers documented a notable prevalence of mental health disorders, including major depression and other maladies. The initiative fosters beneficial communities by controlling disease reservoirs, enhancing the management of chronic conditions, and promoting rehabilitation and reintegration into society. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Artificial Intelligence in Mental Wellbeing in a Unit of Healthcare Industry in India
Artificial Intelligence is of great help in healthcare sector in saving the human lives from deadly diseases like cancer, brain tumour etc. The present conceptual paper emphasise over a prominent unit of health care which is mental health care. Method: The paper envisages the role of artificial intelligence in identifying and curing mental disorders. For this the literature was collected from the database of scopus, WOS, government websites, newspaper articles and WHO. Results: Further the results revealed that with the use of AI enabled technology, (Machine learning, Deep learning, Natural Language Processing, Teletherapy, Computer vision), the medical professionals are able to diagnose and cure the mental disorders accurately and at early stage. With the government assistance for research centers, the inclusion of AI in mental healthcare can prove to be a great help for the wellbeing of mankind specifically in a developing country like India. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Globalization, security challenges, and the evolving landscape for contemporary democracies
Globalization has significantly impacted contemporary democracies, presenting both opportunities and security challenges. The rapid flow of information, capital, and people across borders has fostered economic growth and cultural exchange but has also exposed nations to cyber threats, terrorism, and foreign interference. Digital technology has amplified these risks, enabling misinformation campaigns and cyberattacks that undermine democratic institutions. The rise of authoritarian regimes leveraging globalization to exert influence further complicates the landscape. Democracies must adapt by strengthening cybersecurity measures, promoting media literacy, and fostering international cooperation. Balancing national security with democratic values, such as privacy and freedom of expression, remains a critical challenge. As the global order evolves, democracies must find innovative ways to safeguard their institutions while remaining open to the benefits of globalization. 2025, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Poverty, globalization, and human security: A policy perspective
Poverty has been an ongoing insecurity to humanity. But it was mostly understood in relation to basic needs, income, and wealth. Bretton Woods Institutions and the World Trade Organization propagated globalization and its interconnectedness as capable mechanisms for poverty eradication. Although globalization takes the credit for alleviating poverty, many authors argue that it was the outcome of the successful welfare policies of China and India. Globalization is criticized for prioritizing the developed world's interests and its multinational and transnational corporations and equating development only with an increase in gross domestic product. However, together with interconnectedness, human insecurities like poverty and inequality also increased. The latest World Bank (2024) and World Inequality Lab (2022) data affirm this precarious situation. This chapter thus examines the feasibility of the United Nations Development Program's human security approach for a successful (national and international) poverty eradication program through its people- centered perspective. 2025, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Intellectual property and human rights of farmers: Striking a balance in the era of globalization
Globalization has fueled a knowledge- based economy, and intellectual property rights (IPR) are a key driver of innovation. Agricultural businesses have traditionally not been linked to IPRs since farming and related processes were deemed common and traditional knowledge. Globalization of agriculture presents both threats and opportunities for innovative ideas and inventions. It creates a complex tension between IPRs and human rights of farmers, particularly in developing countries. IPRs restrict farmers' access to traditional seeds, limit ability to save and exchange seeds, and force them into dependence on patented technology. This dependence led to indebtedness, loss of biodiversity, and decline in food security. Providing farmers with access to information, training, and financial resources can help them to make informed decisions about their farming practices and to negotiate with corporations on equitable terms. Keeping in view the above, this chapter provides a comprehensive roadmap to explore the intersection of globalization, intellectual property, and farmers' human rights. 2025, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Leveraging technology for climate resilience in urban areas
Urban areas, densely populated and often located in vulnerable coastal regions, are particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. This chapter explores the diverse ways technology can be leveraged to enhance climate resilience in these urban environments. Focusing on mitigation and adaptation strategies, the study examines the potential of smart city technologies, including sensor networks, data analytics, and AI, to improve infrastructure management and disaster preparedness. Specific examples include real- time flood monitoring systems, predictive modelling for extreme weather events, and optimized energy grids for reduced carbon emissions. Furthermore, the chapter investigates the role of digital platforms in facilitating community engagement and fostering collaborative responses to climate- related challenges. Furthermore, the importance of equitable access to technology and the need for robust data governance frameworks to ensure that technological interventions effectively contribute to building climate- resilient and sustainable urban futures is explored. 2025, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
The Role of Big Data and Predictive Analytics in Financial Decision-Making
Big data refers to enormous amounts of structured and unstructured data that arise daily. All the finance sector records transactions, market data, social media sentiments, customer behavior, and macroeconomic indicators. The big three dimensions of big data that are commonly called the "3 Vs" include Volume, Velocity, and Variety. It means the data came from sources such as social media, IoT devices, transactions, and sensors. This process involves large amounts of data hence requiring scalable storages, complex processing tools, and resources for effective data management and analytics. Velocity means the rate or speed at which data is originated and processed. Lastly, Variety denotes the different kinds of data, which include the structured ones such as databases and the unstructured kinds, such as images, video, social media post, and audio. Collectively, the 3 Vs capture both the richness and the potentiality of big data, demanding the need for innovation in terms of technologies and strategies to leverage this value. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
The Impact of Technological Advancements in Financial Markets
The technological advancements have transformed the financial markets by increasing the efficiency, transparency and accessibility. Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain technology, Machine learning and Big data analytics have reshaped the investment strategies and enhance risk management techniques. However, concerns cybersecurity and regulatory challenges still persist. This chapter mainly discuss about how the technological advancements is changing financial markets, while taking into account both the advantages and disadvantages of these advancements. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. 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. -
Sustainable Finance and Investor Dynamics in Emerging Markets
This chapter examines the role of sustainable finance in emerging markets, focusing on the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles to promote economic growth and social impact. It discusses how ESG investments address challenges like poverty, financial inclusion, and climate change, while exploring factors influencing investor behavior and barriers such as data transparency and greenwashing. The chapter compares ESG adoption in developed and developing economies, highlights sector-specific trends, and emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships and multilateral collaborations. It also explores sustainable finance's potential for social innovation, supporting gender equality, inclusive development, and green technologies, and advocates for improved transparency and impact measurement to build investor confidence. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Regulation and innovation in financial markets: The impact of fintech on traditional banking and financial systems blockchain technology
In this chapter, we present the underlying technical principles of distributed ledger technology (DLT) and blockchain technology and outline their practical applications in FinTech. In the recent years, DLT and blockchain technologies in general and cryptocurrencies, in particular, have attracted substantial attention from both researchers and practitioners due to their unique technological features such as the lack of centralized control and high level of anonymity. Because of the disruptive nature, DLT and blockchain have led to the evolution of decentralized applications in multiple domains such as finance, health care, supply chains etc. In this chapter, we first outline basic principles and foundations underpinning the DLT and blockchain technologies. Second, we discuss several applications in the FinTech domain such as cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, risk management, corporate finance, governance, crowdfunding, and derivative markets. 2025, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Superfoods or Hype: Decoding the Wellness Trend and Disease Cure
Superfoods have become a buzzword in the wellness world foods that can be marketed as particularly nutrient- dense and possessing extraordinary health and even disease- cure properties. Foods like these are revered for their concentrated doses of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Some of these claims are backed by scientific studies, supporting the notion that these foods can help reduce inflammation, lower the risk of chronic diseases and support overall well- being. For example, curcumin found in turmeric is associated with anti- inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and omega- 3 fatty acids in chia seeds contribute to heart health. Consumers should remain critical of marketing claims and be guided by the science when adding superfoods to their wellness regimens. Biological plausibility and population- based studies are not sufficient, alone, to establish the validity of disease prevention and health promotion functions for foods towards disease prevention and health promotion. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Financial Analytics AI in Sustainable Innovations
Financial analytics integrates AI, ESG factors, and risk management to drive sustainable investments. It enables data-driven decision-making, optimizing financial and environmental outcomes. AI-powered tools like machine learning and predictive analytics enhance risk assessment and portfolio optimization. ESG integration ensures ethical and impactful investments. Despite challenges like data reliability, financial analytics is key to fostering a resilient, equitable, and sustainable global economy. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Characterization of Negative Exponential Distribution Based on Patil-Seshadri Condition
In this paper, the different characterizations of the negative exponential distribution in the context of the Patil-Seshadri (P-S) condition are analyzed. To support this conclusion, we next show in the case of several continuous probability distributions including the generalized logistic, Laplace, lognormal and more, that under certain conditions they can be seen as a damaged rendition of the negative exponential distribution. The results offer new insights into the ways to continue previous research on how damaged data may appear to follow simpler exponential forms. The paper also presents the theoretical judgments of these characterizations and practical uses in biological frameworks, fund and signal handling where exponential developments and decays are usual scenes. Our research aims to have the following implications to these fields; it provides a fresh view to exponential model. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Robust Estimation for P[Y
Reliability analysis is critical in measuring the effectiveness and detecting the weakness or mode of failure of other systems in various sectors such as engineering, healthcare, and social science. Stress-strength reliability is the measure of the reliability of a component; that is, the likelihood of a given strength being more significant than the applied stress so that the component will perform the intended function satisfactorily. In the present paper, we are concerned with the estimation of stress-strength reliability R=P[Y -
Evolving Dynamics of Contactless Technology in Hospitality: Insights From Recent Research and Future Implications
The hospitality sector has been forced by the COVID-19 pandemic to go contactless to protect safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Innovations like mobile check-ins, smart room controls, and touchless payments have brought new services to the market that are customer-friendly and still safe to use. These technologies provide a double advantage by either enhancing guests experience or efficiency for the staff. On the other hand, such factors as the high costs, problems of system integration, and fears of depersonalization are still raising the worries of the hoteliers. It is therefore very important to balance the degree of technology} The concept of Hospitality 5.0 aims at the fusion of both the traditional and the modern elements to create secure yet personalized experiences. The main strategies for achieving the requirement include trust-building, technology simplification, and gamification to promote guest engagement. By taking such approaches, the hospitality industry will be able to redefine and be still competitive and client-oriented. Copyright 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global Scientific Publishing is prohibited. Use of this chapter to train generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is expressly prohibited. The publisher reserves all rights to license its use for generative AI training and machine learning model development. -
Influence of Social Media Marketing on Student Decision-Making in Higher Education
This present study looks into the role of social media marketing as an important tool that helps organizations achieve their goals, bearing in mind the rapid spread in the modern digital world. Higher education institutions, such as colleges and universities, are making use of these social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to share information regarding their academic programs, campus life, and even success stories. These websites have helped institutions to increase their access and engagement at the grass-roots level. It, thus, has also become an excellent tool to enroll prospective students. College or university search methods have undergone many significant changes in the present day. Over the centuries, students relied mainly on familial and social connections along with printed sources of information, to guide choices. Today, however, they increasingly use social media sites to research available choices, read reviews, watch multimedia and communicate with educational institutions. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.