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Nature-inspired Metaheuristic Algorithms: Solving Real World Engineering Problems
This comprehensive text provides practical guidance for implementing nature-inspired algorithms and metaheuristics in real-life scenarios to solve complex optimization problems. It further demonstrates how nature inspired metaheuristic algorithms have the potential to contribute to multiple United Nations sustainable development goals such as climate action, clean energy, and sustainable cities. This book: Discusses load balancing and demand response using nature-inspired optimization techniques Presents energy-efficient routing and scheduling, energy management, and optimization using metaheuristic algorithms Covers disease diagnosis, and prognosis using metaheuristic algorithms, drug discovery, and development using nature-inspired optimization techniques Explains waste reduction and recycling, image processing, and computer vision using nature-inspired optimization techniques Illustrates medical image analysis and segmentation using Ant Colony optimization, and Particle Swarm optimization techniques Nature-inspired Metaheuristic Algorithms is primarily written for senior undergraduates, graduate students, and academic researchers in the fields of electrical engineering, electronics and communication engineering, computer engineering, and information technology. 2025 selection and editorial matter, Sulabh Bansal, Aprna Tripathi, Shilpa Srivastava and Prem Prakash Vuppuluri; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Nature-Inspired Photoresponsive Bionic Robots Using the TelluriumMoS2Graphene Hybrid Structure
Motivated by biological natural living things, multifunctional soft robots have become an exciting system that can navigate by overcoming difficult situations. Photothermal self-excited actuators offer potential for self-driven soft robotics since they provide wireless power and control. However, it remains challenging to achieve photoresponsive actuation, which can serve as basic component in soft-bioelectronics. Tellurium (Te)-based nanostructures can be a promising candidate and offer greater infrared-photoresponsive properties. Therefore, in this work, we have systematically studied the effect of Te nanoparticles on the two-dimensional hybrid structure for advanced photoresponsive actuation under near-infrared (NIR) light exposure, which reaches ?85 C within ?5 s. This approach substantially improves the photothermal behavior including thermal conversion (? ? 12.7%), large bending (?5.74 cm1), and fast response (?250 ms), by increasing the internal temperature of the system. Leveraging this strategy, we have developed soft bionic Dragonfly, and it demonstrates multiple performances including controllable bending and wing movement at a maximum speed. The density functional theory (DFT) calculation and in situ Raman spectroscopy measurement reveal the photoactuation behavior of the system. This research proposes new idea of hybrid structure and exhibits substantial photothermal conversion efficiency with significant deformation for soft bionic applications. 2026 American Chemical Society -
Nature's Lament: A Comparative Psychoanalytical Reading of Childhood Trauma in Select War Narratives
Sustainable Development has become an inevitable need of the hour. This paper problematizes the trauma of children as represented in the narratives, Beasts of No Nation by Uzodinma Iweala and A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah. The incomprehensibility of trauma, it's varied representation in fiction, dissociation of child psyche, and its detrimental effect on children is substantiated using psychoanalytic theory of trauma proposed by Cathy Caruth and contemporary trauma theorists. The paper argues the atrocities children are forced to be involved into, causes profound trauma in themselves leading to, encumbering of sustainable developmental goals. A comparative study of interpretive textual analysis is employed to study the havoc the society endears as a result of war, that wrecks the child, hindering the overall sustainable development. As it voices out the voiceless trauma of children the paper also aims in divulging the decisive influence of the select literary narratives in sensitizing the society in achieving societal as well as environmental sustainability. The Electrochemical Society -
Nautical tigers: Contributions of cholas to India's maritime tradition
India is known for its rich maritime tradition and heritage. Contributions of kingdoms of peninsular India - Sathavahanas, Chalukyas, Cholas, Pandyas, Pallavas, Cheras - are notable in this regard. Of all the kingdoms, Cholas stood out in their maritime ventures into Southeast Asia and Indian Ocean regions. They not only maintained strong and sophisticated navy (dubbed as "Chola Armada") but also developed ports like Mamallapuram, Kaveripattinam, Korkai, Nagappattinam, Periyapattinam, Devipattinam, Machilipatnam, Thoothukudi, Poompuhar and Arikamedu along the Coromandel coast. Cholas followed what can be called the "Watch East Policy" to mainly safeguard their trade/commercial interests. But the story is not that simple. Rajendra Chola-I went on to occupy Malaysia (then called Kadaram) and assumed the title Kadaram Kondan (one who captured Kadaram) to control the Malacca Straits. He also acquired Java and Sumatra by defeating Sailendra rulers during his digvijaya. As a result, the Bay of Bengal was once called "Chola Lake," Such expeditions not only secured trading rights of Tamil merchant guilds in the region but also brought enormous riches to the then-Chola empire. The amalgamation of projection of military power with underlying commercial interests reverberated later during the European colonization of the region and holds true even today. No wonder, various adages like "Imperial Cholas" and "Barbarians of the Southern Sea" are used in the historical literature to describe Cholas' maritime expansion during the 10th and 11th centuries. Peeking at the Cholas' maritime prowls in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region raises many questions: What was the larger context of Chola's maritime expedition? What were the motives behind? Were they purely commercial or were there cultural, political and military undercurrents? Seen from the current perspective, are there any parallels to maritime tussles among big powers in the region then and now?. 2025 Adluri Subramanyam Raju and R. Srinivasan. All rights reserved. -
Navigating AI and chatbot applications in education and research: a holistic approach
Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors influencing AI/chatbot usage in education and research, and to evaluate the extent of the impact of these factors. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative methods. It is based on both primary and secondary data. The primary data were collected through an online survey. In total, 177 responses from teachers were included in this study. The collected data were analyzed using a statistical package for the social sciences. Findings: The study revealed that the significant factors influencing the perception of the academic and research community toward the adoption of AI/interactive tools, such as Chatbots/ChatGpt for education and research, are challenges, benefits, awareness, opportunities, risks, sustainability and ethical considerations. Practical implications: This study highlighted the importance of resolving challenges and enhancing awareness and benefits while carefully mitigating risks and ethical concerns in the integration of technology within the educational and research environment. These insights can assist policymakers in making decisions and developing strategies for the efficient adoption of AI/interactive tools in academia and research to enhance the overall quality of learning experiences. Originality/value: The present study adds value to the existing literature on AI/interactive tool adoption in academia and research by offering a quantitative analysis of the factors impacting teachers' perception of the usage of such tools. Furthermore, it also indirectly helps achieve various UNSDGs, such as 4, 9, 10 and 17. 2024, Abhishek N., Sonal Devesh, Ashoka M.L., Neethu Suraj, Parameshwara Acharya and Divyashree M.S. -
Navigating brand equity in personal care: Examining the influence of direct-to-consumer brands and the mediating power of brand image
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered consumers to buy products online, leading t o unprecedented and unforeseen growth in the e-commerce sector. Therefore, the revolution made by Direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands went unnoticed. Unlike the conventional approach, which took years to build brand trust and equity, the DTC business model allows companies to grow exponentially with their presence in personal care online marketplaces. Therefore, the rise of DTC brands empowers small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India, mainly because the return on ad spend (ROAS) for these brands is a huge problem when compared to giant companies. Also, branding in tier 2 and tier 3 markets has triggered new hurdles as consumers need to build brand trust to pay or transact online. The present research examines how a DTC website and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) can enhance the effectiveness of branding for direct-to-consumer brands. The study employed a quantitative methodology by analyzing the survey-based research design, with 389 respondents who were aware of and/or used DTC personal care brands in India participating. The present studys findings demonstrate that website attractiveness and electronic word-of-mouth enhance DTC brands and minimize costs developed to advertise a product, increasing ROAS. Further research studies would broaden DTC brands' knowledge by investigating the impact of e-commerce and social media channels on enhancing consumers' brand equity or purchase intention. 2024 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. -
Navigating Brand Hate Research: Deciphering Enablers and Emanating Potential Implications
In todays world, consumers possess a unique power, i.e., the power to praise, to critique, or even to reject a brand. At the zenith of challenges stands an issue known as Brand Hate which is a negative set of perceptions consumers develop towards a brand or product etc. Unlike simple dissatisfaction, brand hate stems from frustration, ethical objections and betrayal, with reactions from boycotting to even running anti-brand campaigns online. Social media amplified these feelings of frustration and can spread to more people, greatly affecting the reputation of the brand. The roots of brand hate vary, for some, it begins with a disappointing product experience; while for others, it is the result of unethical steps takenby the company. Whether it's an issue with the quality or a failure of the brand to meet the expectations of the consumers, regardless of the case the consequences are severe. Our study aims to explore the complexity in these variables leading to brand addiction and provide dependence and driving power of these factors and provide recommendations for the same. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Navigating Digital Transformation: The Role of Technology in HRM Efficiency and Effectiveness
Technology has grown increasingly common in contemporary workplaces, helping to improve the efficiency and efficacy of Human Resource Management (HRM) processes. The purpose of this research is to investigate the ever-changing role of technology in HRM, especially its impact on organizational efficiency and effectiveness. The goal of this study is to look at the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in human resources (HR) activities in order to identify the possible advantages and obstacles of incorporating technology. Furthermore, the goal is to identify the best techniques for using technology to improve HR operations and decision-making processes. The goal of this research is to highlight the importance of HR analytics in allowing data-driven decision-making and improving organizational performance by a thorough examination of current literature and empirical data. Furthermore, this study investigates the practical implications and empirical examples of technology integration in the field of HRM, focusing on its influence on both organizational success and employee engagement. To leverage the benefits of technology-driven HRM practices, the passage highlights the need of aligning HR strategy with organizational goals and cultivating a data-driven culture. This study adds to the current literature by giving valuable insights into the changing environment of HRM in the digital age. It also advises professionals and academics on how to utilize technology most effectively in order to achieve organizational success. 2025 by Dr Sofia Khan and Dr Kartikeya Singh. All rights reserved. -
Navigating Financial Decisions: A Review on the Impact of Spousal Loss on Widows during Uncertainties
Emotional setbacks and theloss of identity are commonly seen as the primary outcomes of spousal loss for widows. However, are these the only factors that impact widows in their new phase of life? Certainly not; many other invisible factors may hinder the livelihood of a widow and their surviving family during the phase of bereavement. This study aims to address one such important factor by analysing various literature available in related areas, specifically focusing on the financial aspects of widowhood, which cannot be avoided by the surviving family even prior to, during, and the later stage of bereavement. An integrated review method is adopted to support the aim of the study. Four major themes have emerged from the review, reflecting significant dimensions of finance. Each theme isfound to be interrelated with others, highlighting the challenges faced, decisions made, and outcomes experienced by the widows during widowhood. A conceptual model has been developed depicting the factors that influence the financial behaviour of widows. The findings of this study emphasise the need for future research to explore widows financial dimensions during the widowhood phase in underdeveloped and developing nations where deprivation is alarming. The implications can lead women to participate actively in household decisions to resist financial adversities during lifes uncertainties. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Navigating Financial Waters: Exploring the Intersection of Algorithmic Trading and Market Liquidity Dynamics
Algorithmic trading has ushered paradigm shift in trading. The market regulators although welcome this new technological advancement but are still keeping a tight leash. This can be owing to the contradicting and inconclusive evidence of its implications and impact on market microstructure. This study focuses on liquidity which is an integral part of a thriving stock market. We aim to examine if there is a statistical significance between volume of algorithmic orders and market capitalization. The liquidity provision is measured using Amihuds Illiquidity measure which is a proxy for measuring illiquidity. The liquidity measure is examined for chosen 8 stocks based on their market capitalization. The volume of algorithmic orders is examined using the Limit Order Book (LOB) data obtained from the BSE and orders for 23 trading days have been considered. We observe that large capitalization stocks display higher liquidity and algorithmic traders are able to contribute significantly to liquidity when compared to non-algorithmic traders. It was also looked at if there was a big difference in the amount of algorithmic trading done on stocks with big and small capitalization. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Navigating Financial Waters: Exploring the Intersection of Algorithmic Trading and Market Liquidity Dynamics
Algorithmic trading has ushered paradigm shift in trading. The market regulators although welcome this new technological advancement but are still keeping a tight leash. This can be owing to the contradicting and inconclusive evidence of its implications and impact on market microstructure. This study focuses on liquidity which is an integral part of a thriving stock market. We aim to examine if there is a statistical significance between volume of algorithmic orders and market capitalization. The liquidity provision is measured using Amihuds Illiquidity measure which is a proxy for measuring illiquidity. The liquidity measure is examined for chosen 8 stocks based on their market capitalization. The volume of algorithmic orders is examined using the Limit Order Book (LOB) data obtained from the BSE and orders for 23 trading days have been considered. We observe that large capitalization stocks display higher liquidity and algorithmic traders are able to contribute significantly to liquidity when compared to non-algorithmic traders. It was also looked at if there was a big difference in the amount of algorithmic trading done on stocks with big and small capitalization. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
NAVIGATING FOR PEACE IN THE CONUNDRUMS OF RELIGION AND LAW
It is a critical question whether unrestricted freedom of religion is detrimental to the development of peace. Recently the religious dictate of wearing a hijab has come in conflict with the prescription of uniforms at educational institutions. This led to large-scale violence and unrest in society. It raised concerns about the scope of the right to freedom of expression, protection of religious expression, the overarching requirement of a need for public order, and reasonable accommodation of diversity in society. This research explores these issues in the context of educational institutions by critically analysing the laws and operative principles and the role of law and religion in promoting social cohesion and integrity. It addresses the counterarguments of reasonable accommodation and argues that the concept of reasonable accommodation fails to address deep-rooted structural inequalities, and in an education setup prescription of uniforms is justified as it portrays higher values of equality, development, and peace. 2022 Journal of Dharma: Dharmaram Journal of Religions and Philosophies (DVK, Bangalore),. -
Navigating GDPR compliance: Transforming digital marketing in a privacy-first world
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), implemented by the European Union (EU), safeguards the personal data and privacy of individuals, granting them greater control over how their information is used and stored. This legislation mandates businesses to maintain transparency and responsibility in handling personal data, ensuring enhanced privacy and security for users. GDPR has significantly transformed the landscape of digital marketing by redefining data collection and usage practices. It necessitates that marketers adopt clear and transparent methods to respect user rights, fostering trust and compliance. Moreover, GDPR aims to prevent digital fraud and manipulation, particularly on E-commerce platforms, by reinforcing stringent data protection measures. As a result, GDPR not only strengthens individual privacy but also compels businesses to adopt ethical data practices, shaping a privacy-first approach to digital marketing. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Navigating Global Poverty in the midst of Rising Income Inequality: A Human Security Approach
From the dawn of civilization, poverty has been a predominant concern. Among them, the post-Second World War welfare state policies and economic development had a significant effect. Scientific and technological advancements and economic growth increased the GDP of almost all countries. However, it also widened the gap between the rich and the poor. This became evident with neoliberalism, privatization, and deregulation of the economy. The private assets increased enormously, losing the public sector's control over the economic interactions. As a result, income and wealth inequality increased rapidly. The World Inequality Report (2022) affirms the massive concentration of income and wealth in the hands of a few individuals. It adversely affects poverty alleviation strategies as poverty increases along with the rising income inequality. The World Bank (2024) affirms this precarious situation. From this perspective, this chapter examines the significance of the human security approach in addressing these human insecurities. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Navigating green synthesized metal-based nanoparticles as anti-inflammatory agent Comprehensive review
The biosynthesis of nanomaterials is a vast and expanding field of study due to their applications in a variety of fields, particularly the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. Various synthetic routes, including physical and chemical methods, have been developed in order to generate metal nanoparticles (NPs) with definite shapes and sizes. In this review, focused on the recent advancements in the green synthetic methods for the generation of silver, zinc and copper NPs with simple and eco-friendly approaches and the potential of the biosynthesized metal and metal oxide NPs as alternative and therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Inflammation is a body's own defense mechanism that can become chronic inflammation affecting healthy cells. Owning to the size-based advantages of NPs which can mitigate in theses medical conditions and serve as anti-inflammatory drugs. The factors influencing their physicochemical properties, toxicity, biocompatibility and mode of action to formulate an effective nanomedicine in the treatment of inflammation. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
Navigating Hope and Despair: The Agonizing Boat Journeys of the Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees
This study investigates the psychological experiences of Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees (SLTRs) involving boat journeys and the refugee lives that follow. Thirty participants from rehabilitation camps in Tamil Nadu, India, were interviewed. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the responses. The two overarching themes were 'the motives and consequences of exile' and 'the complexities of refugee life.' The findings reveal that the participants experienced psychosomatic symptoms immediately upon arrival, reflecting the inner conflicts resulting from war trauma and boat crossings. They reported serious bouts of trauma during and after their crossing. The first- and second-generation participants recounted nightmares pertaining to boat journeys which contributed to hauntedness, which is a state of emotional or mental disturbance often attributed to past trauma. Refugee life is complex, encompassing hopelessness and haunted memories which are passed down to subsequent generations, leading to intergenerational trauma. The boat journey in itself is an ambivalent phenomenon blending hope and profound agony. This study is a novel attempt to gain coherent insights into the boat travel experiences of the SLTR, the dynamics of the interplay of collective unconscious mechanisms, and anxieties in exile. These insights can play a seminal role in facilitating psychological reconstruction and developing effective coping strategies. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Navigating leadership and technology integration in the digital age: Success factors and determinants
This chapter explores the importance of leadership in building an environment that encourages technological innovations and developments, the role of organizational leaders in inspiring employees to accept and use new technologies and the future for business organizations concerning technological advancements. Through a comprehensive literature review analysis, the need for technology embracing leaders who can adopt and help adapting to intelligent communication technologies for facilitated communication, manage the new change and implement strategic solutions have been emphasized. The chapter also includes two case analysis of Cleveland Clinic and Arizona State University demonstrating successful leadership and technology integration and a machine learning approach based on correlation matrix using SUV to assess the relationship between transformational leadership, knowledge-based work passion and organizational citizenship behaviour. The implications of this study are beneficial as it explores the multi-facets of successful technology-integrated leadership in the digital age. 2025, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Navigating network security: A study on contemporary anomaly detection technologies
In an era that has been overtaken by digital connectivity, the fact that networks are the center of modern commerce and the operation of life is more than ever evident. And it stands to reason that ensuring proper management of these networks is cardinal especially during the explosion of network attacks and cybersecurity incidents. Security of networks is a high priority, and system intrusion detection is one of the most important tools used for this purpose. The paper discusses various approaches that operate from the classical clustering techniques to the cutting-edge methods integrating blockchain, autoencoders, and graph neural networks. The advised technique supports a holistic and formative model that integrates the contributions of the already accumulated literature. The approach involves combining techniques from various domains such as cloud security, machine learning, and intrusion detection systems. Research is summed up by pinpointing the key emphasis taken to deal with the dynamic nature of network security through cross-functional thinking, offering the prospect of the future in the face of dynamic cyber threats. 2025 Scrivener Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. -
Navigating New Culture: The Role of Attachment Styles in the Adaptation of International Students in India
Background: International students frequently look for programmes that are not offered in their home countries in order to pursue high-quality education, cultural exposure, professional prospects and personal development while studying abroad. Understanding attachment styles enables people to better comprehend local norms and values, facilitating easier social interactions and minimising misunderstandings, even though adjusting to the host country might be difficult. Purpose: The present study aimed to explore the relationship between attachment styles and sociocultural adaptation among international students in the host country. The studys specific goal was to comprehend how different attachment styles affect international students adjustment to new cultural customs, social norms and values. Methods: The study included 240 international students (male = 120 and female = 120) enrolled in various universities and educational institutions in Varanasi City, Uttar Pradesh, through purposive sampling. Participants were selected between the ages of 19 and 35 years. The Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and Revised Sociocultural Adaptation Scale (SCAS-R) were used in data collection. Results: The findings show that secure attachment style increased sociocultural adaptation, whereas insecure attachment styles decreased it among international students in the host country. A secure attachment style offers consolation, confidence and strong social bonds, all of which significantly enhance international students sociocultural adaptation in India. Conclusion: Social integration of international students may be greatly aided by planning inclusive cultural activities that promote engagement, lower social barriers and create a friendly atmosphere. Educational institutions may foster cross-cultural understanding and improve the overall campus experience for both domestic and international students by giving priority to such efforts. The Author(s) 2026. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).