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Unlocking the Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Anticancer Power of Chitosan-Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become a research focus due to its antimicrobial, anticancer applications and cost-effective properties. In this study the effectiveness of green synthesis of NPs using biological macromolecule chitosan which isacting as a reducingcum stabilizing agent is carried out. An in-depth analysis of the synthesized AgNPs was conducted using a variety of sophisticatedcharacterization techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy, particle size analysis, zeta potentialmeasurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antimicrobialactivity of the formulated AgNPs were inspected against two human pathogenic strains. In the antimicrobial activity, the synthesized AgNPs exhibited a reduction in the growth of both themicrobes. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.22 M was observed for both Candida albicans and Mycobacterium smegmatis. Consequently, AgNPs may be used as an opportunity for modern-day antibiotics to treat infections due to human pathogens. Antiproliferative analysis revealed that AgNPs showed antiproliferative characteristics against MDA-MB-231 cells compared to the control. Such AgNPs have an anticancer effect and are likely to be used as smart drug delivery mediators to treat late-stage cancer. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. -
Unlocking IoT: AI-enabled green fintech innovations
Meeting ESG (environmental, social, and governance) standards is becoming an essential goal for businesses, one that is supported by both investors and customers. FinTech can help companies evaluate and reduce their environmental effect, as well as investors channel their operations toward more sustainable assets. Embracing sustainability has become one of the priorities for many fintech companies today. Green fintech innovations have provided technologically enabled solutions for financial services that help in increasing the flow of financial resources for sustainable development. Recognizing the importance of green fintech in today's scenario, this chapter will initially focus on the components of the fintech ecosystem and IoT and AI-enabled fintech innovations in India, drivers of green fintech potentials of green fintech IoT, and AI-enabled green fintech from global perspective and has highlighted the green fintech solutions provided by the topmost companies. 2022, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Unlocking Insights into Mental Well-Being: A Deep Learning Approach to Depression Detection
Depression, a prevalent global mental health disorder, poses significant challenges for timely diagnosis and effective intervention. Our research leverages the power of deep learning to develop a novel approach to depression detection, with the ultimate goal of enhancing early diagnosis and improving mental well-being. To evaluate the effectiveness of our method, we carried out an examination on a sizable dataset consisting of real-world data from individuals with and without diagnosed depression. The report discusses the performance metrics to examine the proposed technique effectiveness in depression detection. Additionally, this proposed work emphasizes the ethical and privacy considerations surrounding mental health data. The findings of this research indicate promising results in early depression detection, offering the potential to revolutionize mental health care by facilitating timely interventions. We discuss the implications of our approach in terms of supporting mental health professionals, improving mental health care accessibility, and addressing the pressing global mental health crisis. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
Unlocking India's growth: UPI's digital impact on GDP
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has emerged as a pivotal driver of economic growth. By offering a seamless and efficient platform for digital transactions, UPI has significantly expanded financial inclusion, allowing even those without access to traditional banking services to participate in the formal economy. Utilizing secondary data the study examines the long-term relationships between UPI's digital impact (measured by UPI transaction volume, CPI, number of banks participating live on UPI), and GDP growth. 2025 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Unlocking Happiness: The Power of Spiritual Intelligence for Emerging Adults
This study investigated the relationship between spiritual intelligence (SI) and happiness among emerging adults. 163 undergraduate and postgraduate psychology students from private universities completed standardized measures of SI and subjective happiness. Results showed positive correlations between SI and happiness (r = 0.26 to 0.59, p <.01). Two SI domains - transcendental awareness and conscious state expansion - were found to be significant predictors of happiness. The findings suggest that SI plays a crucial role in promoting happiness among emerging adults, supporting the hypothesis that SI can be used as an aid in the process of achieving happiness through independent decision-making and responsibility. 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. -
Unlocking Happiness: The Power of Spiritual Intelligence for Emerging Adults
This study investigated the relationship between spiritual intelligence (SI) and happiness among emerging adults. 163 undergraduate and postgraduate psychology students from private universities completed standardized measures of SI and subjective happiness. Results showed positive correlations between SI and happiness (r = 0.26 to 0.59, p <.01). Two SI domains - transcendental awareness and conscious state expansion - were found to be significant predictors of happiness. The findings suggest that SI plays a crucial role in promoting happiness among emerging adults, supporting the hypothesis that SI can be used as an aid in the process of achieving happiness through independent decision-making and responsibility. 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. -
Unlocking eudaimonic well-being: Assessing the impact of adolescent social cognitive skills training
Eudaimonic well-being (EWB) has long-lasting effects on individuals' mental health, enabling them to find purpose and meaning in life, depending on the individual and society. Social cognitive skills training constitutes a new aspect of the adolescent's social development, including three domains: cognitive ToM, affective ToM, and an inter-intra-personal understanding of social norms. This chapter identifies the effectiveness of A-SCST on eudaimonic well-being (EWB) during adolescence. A quasi-experimental research design was used in this study. The authors administrated the PWB-18 scale as a screening tool and the PWB-42 item scale as an outcome measure. Seventy-four participants and adolescents participated in this study. This study confirmed that A-SCST has a positive outcome on the eudaimonic well-being of adolescents post-training with a large effect size, t =-13.0, df = 35, p <.001, r =-2.17 in the experimental group. The A-SCST has successfully improved the eudaimonic well-being of adolescents. 2024, IGI Global. -
Unlocking efficiency: experimental and theoretical insights into biomass-derived carbon nanofluids with enhanced thermal conductivity
The study presents an experimental investigation, supported by theoretical analysis, into the effects of nanoparticle (NPs) concentration, particle size, and shape on the thermal conductivity (TC) of carbon nanosphere (CNS)-based nanofluids (NF). CNS was synthesized from garlic peels (Allium sativum) via pyrolysis at varying temperatures and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and other techniques. The NFs were prepared using a two-step method with different CNS concentrations in propylene glycol (PG) and deionized water (DI)/PG mixtures. Particle size distribution and colloidal stability were evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analysis. The TC of the NFs was measured across various temperatures, revealing a significant dependency on both particle size and concentration. All NFs exhibited enhanced thermal conductivity to the base fluid (BF), with increases of 52.60%, 101.28%, 108.51%, 114.60%, and 122.64% at 80 C for CNS synthesized at 500 C (AS500), 600 C (AS600), 700 C (AS700), 800 C (AS800), and 900 C (AS900), respectively. Rheological analysis showed a linear increase in dynamic viscosity (V) with rising CNS concentration within the dilute limits (0.01 to 0.1 wt%) and a strong correlation between particle size and thermal conductivity enhancement. These findings emphasize the critical role of CNS particle size in optimizing thermal performance, with potential applications in heat transfer systems. The study culminates with an exercise aimed towards presenting thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity as surface plots. These plots provide behavioral trends for understanding the dependence of TC and V on nanoparticle size and temperature. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Unlocking Credit Default Swaps to the Retail Investors to Boost Liquidity and Risk Diversification
Credit Default Swaps, is one of the significant contributors to the 2008 financial crash due to raise of illiquidity and its limited space to mitigate the risk, the market is dictated by few institutions across the globe. Hence the research investigates realistically by probing the credit default swaps role and contribution in the financial crash, existing gaps and current mechanism of the credit default swaps, as a result we anticipate the outcome might force us restructure the existing mechanism or possible innovative alternate models in order to boost the liquidity and to establish robust platform which helps to minimize the counterparty risk. Financial tsunami in the year 2008, alarmed researchers, regulators, economists, sovereigns and financial institutions across the globe to emphasize on the need of strong liquidity and risk mitigation or diversification model(s) for credit default swaps market reformation and the development along with creating superior confidence levels in the market. The literature review of the research acknowledged that the existing financial institutions and researchers analyzed and articulated the need of the retail investors participation in the credit default swaps market to create a strong liquidity and to mitigate counterparty risk. The anticipated restructuring or possible innovative alternate models may help to reform and to maintain the development of the credit default swaps market and also provoke superior confidence levels to boost strong liquidity and options to diversify the associated risk. The outcome of this research may also motivate the investments in the debt market which helps to enhance the debt capital markets and economies around the globe. Finally we verify the liquidity strength and degree of risk with the help of research proxies; the proxies are width of the bid and ask spread of the research outcome, as we strongly believe bid and ask spread have self illustrative power to explain the degree of liquidity and risk mathematically and statistically, the research assume multiple regression model to establish relationship between dependent variable and independent variables. Keywords: Unlocking, Credit Default Swaps (CDS), Retail Investors, Liquidity and Risk Diversification. JEL Classification: L810, G320 -
Unlocking Credit Default Swaps (CDS) to the retail investors to boost liquidity and minimize risk /
Global Journal of Contemporary Research in Accounting, Auditing and Business Ethics, Vol-1 (1), pp. 40-58. ISSN-2311-3162 -
Unlocking Access: Technology as a Tool for Transgender Economic Justice
The Transgender community across the world face discrimination from all walks of life. The transgender, even if educated and skilled, faces multiple hurdles during the employment process and within the workplace once employed. The challenges have even increased with COVID-19 and mass layoffs affecting employees across the globe. Transgender people have to be empowered to face the challenges of employment processes and workplace challenges as and when they arise. With the advancement of digital technologies, the Fourth Industrial Revolution can be leveraged for training, empowerment, awareness, network building, grievance redressal and sustainability for the transgender community. Digital technologies leverage the community to collaborate and be vocal about their needs and rights at a global level. Digital technology also helps the transgender community reach the proper forum to implement the required program for the benefit of the community. The decentralized and anonymous system for recording data and reporting incidents will also be a helpful, transparent process without being subject to unnecessary scrutiny. The technology-enabled system and practices will also help the companies and institutions to ascertain appropriate and efficient methods for creating gender gender-neutral environment devoid of any discrimination. Recently, there was a significant rise in concerns about employment practices for the LGBTQ community around the globe during the pandemic, such as lockdown protocols affecting employment conditions, vaccine access, support from employers, severance pay, mental health, etc. The International ecosystem has seen minimal regulatory discussion, and individual countries and companies are now implementing schemes to address the issue faced by transgender individuals in the employment and work ecosystem through the infusion of technologies. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Unleashing the Power of Animation Movies on Sustainable Tourism: A Case Study on Moana
The case study explores the possibilities of implementing the socio-cultural, environmental representation and authenticity of the indigenous community depicted in the movie Moana in real life, thus embracing cultural heritage and identity using a sustainable model of developing tourism. This case study also aims to understand how animation movies like Moana will reflect the causes of climate change and may motivate tourists to choose their destination. Walt Disney Animation Studios 2016 film Moana, which had stunning animation and inspiring themes, captured the attention of viewers worldwide. This case study examines the different factors that led to the movies popularity and its profound effect on spectators, especially regarding indigenous community identity, ecocentrism, and effects of climate because of human intervention. The case explains the movie from different dimensions: culture and heritage, power of determination and hard work, eco-friendly initiatives, climate change, sustainability lessons, and destination choice. With direction by Ron Clements and John Musker, the motion picture Moana depicts the tale of Moana Waialiki, a young Polynesian girl who sets out on a dangerous journey to save her people and find her true identity. The movie displays the rich cultural legacy of the Pacific Islands and is inspired by Polynesian folklore. In this case, we would like to emphasize the value of self-discovery, personal development, and the strength of embracing ones uniqueness. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024. -
Unleashing the Potential: How the Internet of Things Catalyzes Progress Towards the Development Goals
The world stands at a critical juncture, grappling with intertwined challenges of environmental degradation, social inequity, and economic precarity. In response, an integrated framework has been established by the United Nations in terms of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for achieving a more sustainable and equitable future by 2030. These 17 ambitious goals encompass a wide range of interconnected targets, from eradicating poverty and hunger to ensuring clean water and sanitation, fostering responsible consumption and production, and combating climate change. However, realizing this ambitious agenda necessitates a paradigm shift, one that leverages technological innovation to drive transformative change. This paper explores the burgeoning potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) as a powerful enabler in achieving the SDGs. The IoT, a webbing of interconnected physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies, offers unprecedented capabilities for data collection, analysis, and real-time communication. By harnessing this data-driven ecosystem, we can cultivate a more intelligent and sustainable world. The paper examines specific applications of IoT solutions across various SDG domains. In the realm of Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), for instance, IoT-enabled smart meters can monitor water usage patterns, detect leaks promptly, and optimize water distribution networks, leading to significant water conservation efforts. Similarly, in Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), IoT-powered traffic management systems can optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and lower emissions, contributing to cleaner air and improved urban living. Furthermore, the paper explores the role of IoT in fostering Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). By embedding sensors in products and packaging, manufacturers can gain valuable insights into resource utilization and product lifecycles. This later can then be used to optimize production processes, minimize waste, and extend product lifetimes, promoting a circular economy. In conclusion, the paper posits that the IoT, when harnessed strategically and ethically, has the potential to be a transformative force in achieving the SDGs. By fostering data-driven decision making, optimizing resource use, and promoting sustainable practices, IoT solutions can lay the foundation for a more sustainable and impartial future for all. The world faces a critical juncture, grappling with environmental degradation, social inequity, and economic precarity. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a blueprint for a more sustainable future. IoT technology, with its interconnected devices and real-time data capabilities, is a powerful enabler. In Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), IoT-enabled smart meters equipped with water quality sensors and wireless communication protocols can monitor water usage patterns, detect leaks, and optimize distribution networks. In Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), IoT-powered traffic management systems utilizing advanced sensors and data analytics can optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and lower emissions. For Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), IoT-enabled product tracking systems can monitor resource utilization and product lifecycles. This data can inform manufacturers on optimizing production processes, minimizing waste, and extending product lifetimes, promoting a circular economy. By harnessing IoT strategically and ethically, we can foster data-driven decision-making, optimize resource use, and promote sustainable practices, laying the foundation for a more equitable and sustainable future. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Unleashing the Potential: How Influencers Drive Digital Content Marketing
Digital content marketing has revolutionized the marketing landscape, and influencers have emerged as powerful drivers in this realm. Digital content marketing (DCM) is marketing information that is valuable for consumers, which is created, distributed, and managed in a virtual space to engage current and potential consumer bases. An influencer is an individual who influences a broad segment of the target audience. They shape audience attitudes through blogs, tweets, and videos using social media. This demonstrates the power of an individual where an influencer markets the product/services of a particular firm via digital platforms. DCM exhibits the power of the content where the content is marketed via digital platforms. The objective of this study is to explore the impact of influencers on facilitating digital content marketing. This study employs the exploratory research synthesis method to gain insights into the current body of research concerning influencers and digital content marketing. Additionally, a case example is employed to shed light on how influencers play a role in driving digital content marketing. 2025 selection and editorial matter, Subir Bandyopadhyay and Bikramjit Rishi. -
Unleashing the Potential: AIs Impact on Sustainable Finance in a Changing Global Economy
The world is becoming more conscious of sustainability, and the Finance sector is also influenced by this shift. Sustainable finance helps investors to make investment decisions by considering Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors. There is a rapid change in this investment decision process. The main key reason for this change is the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The study pertains to understanding the impact of AI-based technologies on sustainable finance. AI-based technologies play a significant role in the transformation of sustainable finance by identifying quality data, doing better analysis and predicting ESG trends and investment risks. AI-driven technologies help investors to understand the disclosures on ESG practices, framework and policy mechanisms of the companies so that they make informed decisions and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, use of AI-based technologies in sustainable finance is expected to be transparent, ethical, accountable and accurate. The study discussed the various applications of AI in achieving SDG goals, the use cases of AI and ESG investment and the relation of green finance and green economy. Few challenges in integrating AI and sustainability are also discussed in the chapter. 2026 selection and editorial matter, A.V. Senthil Kumar, Ankita Chaturvedi, Atul Bansal, and Rohaya Latip; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Unleashing human potential: Integrating cognitive behavioral neuroscience into HR strategies
The world of work is transforming, driven by insights from the frontiers of science. Human resource (HR) practices are no longer limited to traditional methods and increasingly incorporate knowledge from disciplines like Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience (CBN). By understanding how our brains work, we can design HR practices that enhance employee well-being, engagement, and, ultimately, performance. Drawing from neuroscientific research on decision-making, communication, stress, learning, motivation, and workplace design, this chapter delves into the intersection of CBN and HR, offering evidence-based practices that support a thriving workforce. This interdisciplinary approach holds promise for maximizing human potential in the context of the modern workplace. 2024 by IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Unleashing economic potential: decoding the FDI-economic growth nexus in G-15 economies amidst unique host country traits
This study examined the impacts of ForeignDirectInvestment (FDI) on economic growth across top the five G-15 countries over a period of 33years, while considering the influence of key host country traits, namely macroeconomic stability, financial development, human capital, and trade openness. The selection of these variables was firmly supported by both theoretical foundations and empirical studies that highlight their significant role in shaping the FDIgrowth interconnection. Panel data derived from World Bank Indicators, spanning the period from 1989 to 2021, were analyzed using a feasible generalized least squares method (FGLS), a rigorous approach, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, cross-sectional dependence tests, unit root tests, and multiple regression models. By exploring the interconnection between FDI and the characteristics of the host country, this study sheds light on how these factors collectively contributed to economic growth in the G-15 economies. Descriptive statistics indicated a favorable trend in economic growth, with an average of 3.470 and a standard deviation of 4.289. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between Economic Growth and Gross Capital Formation, Human Capital, and Liquid Liabilities. Conversely, FDI, Inflation, and Trade Openness displayed insignificant positive correlations with Economic Growth. The findings also demonstrated that favorable host country traits magnified the impact of FDI on economic growth. Specifically, increased Financial Development, Human Capital, and Trade Openness enhanced the positive effects of FDI on economic growth. However, Inflation had a dampening effect on the growth factor. Policymakers in G-15 countries should give precedence to developing strong financial markets, promoting trade liberalization, and investing in human capital to optimize the advantages of FDI. This research addresses a critical gap in the literature as limited empirical work has been conducted on the FDIgrowth relationships specific to the G-15 economies, which hold substantial influence in the global investment landscape and showcase remarkable economic growth. By employing rigorous panel data methodology and a long-term dataset, we provides original insights into the interaction between FDI and host country characteristics, contributing to the existing body of knowledge. The Japan Section of the Regional Science Association International 2024. -
Unleashing AI's potential for optimal student learning in education: Ethical implications
The impact of technology and its advancements has proliferated in all the sectors of the economy, including the education sector. The integration of technology into the education sector is very evident from the teaching pedagogy and strategies followed by educational institutions worldwide. The concept of blended learning has gained much attention due to its multifaceted nature; as it includes blending traditional face to face teaching with the use of online and electronic media. As the integration of technology requires huge amounts of student data to be processed, it can also lead to ethical dilemmas and concerns due to its sensitive and confidential nature. This chapter focuses on the various dimensions of technological integration in the education system and its practical implications on enhancing student learning and engagement. In order to provide a road map for future research on developing an education model that can improve learning and teaching experiences, the article also addresses key hurdles, ethical issues, and potential risks of integrating AI for education. 2023, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
University-Community Collaboration for A Sustainable School-Based Program for The Holistic Education and Wellness of Adolescents
Adolescents have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of schools that are already struggling to carry out their mission of quality education and holistic well-being of students. Research suggests that community-collaborative schools are improving students' academic engagement and reducing learning barriers. When communities and universities are involved in holistic education, it benefits all the stakeholders by enhancing mutual learning and strengthening both. Community members' involvement for student development encourages students and their families to be more involved in community-service initiatives. The paper reports DREAMS, a multi-stakeholder partnership (schools, universities and communities) after-school mentoring model's sustainability. The study identifies and delineates how the model has incorporated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) calling for Good Health and Well-being (SDG-3), Quality Education (SDG-4), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG-11) through Partnerships to Achieve its Goals (SDG-17) and proposes it as a sustainable afterschool plan for the post COVID scenario. The Electrochemical Society -
Universality of black hole thermodynamics beyond the thermal approximation
Mathur and Mehta were awarded the third prize in the 2023 Gravity Research Foundation Essay Competition for their work demonstrating the universality of black hole (BH) thermodynamics. Their research established that any Extremely Compact Object (ECO) exhibits the same thermodynamic properties as a BH, irrespective of the presence of an event horizon. This significant finding was derived under the assumption that the BH emission spectrum behaves thermally. However, compelling arguments rooted in energy conservation and the BH back reaction indicate that the spectrum of Hawking radiation cannot be perfectly thermal. In this paper, we explore the extension of Mathur and Mehtas findings to scenarios where the radiation spectrum deviates from exact thermal behavior, utilizing the concept of the BH dynamical state. 2025 World Scientific Publishing Company.