bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fashion-Tech Disruption
Authors: Josyula Sahithi , Sindhav Birud , Eesley Dale , Redd Shana
Published: February 2024

Conceptual research often lags in practice when firms disrupt business models. Immersive case studies help bridge this gap. This case explores the journey of a Hyderabad-based fashion-tech startup Ft.you. The fashion business is competitive and dynamic, saturated with players going head-to-head to stay relevant. Ft.you wants to change the way Indian women choose to dress with an innovative application that removes the hassles related to tailoring services, letting users customize the dress within an app, with input spaces for fabric selection and measurements. The case discusses the partnerships that Ft.you has established with fabric manufacturers and tailors and describes its marketing/sales strategies. It also documents the key decision points in the early stages of the journey of Ft.you.
Ensuring Robust and Secure Supply Chain
Authors: Kumar Nishant , Garg Pratibha , Upreti Kamal , Patil Sambhajiraje , Ohol Amol Vasant , Bhagawati Malleshappa
Published: February 2024

Transparency, visibility, security, source-to-store traceability, and rising customer expectation are the critical points in the retail supply chain. The global supply chain involves a nexus of manufacturers and suppliers who urge for a robust network addressing the above challenges in the supply chain. A better provenance tool can benefit retailers, as customers are more concerned about the retail journey of the product start from its origin. Within the small span since its inception, blockchain has revolutionized the businesses and shown promising result in reshaping the supply chain. Blockchain in retail can provide evidence for the authenticity of product, tacking details for reliable retail delivery and enriching customer experience through product provenance. This chapter aims to explain to retailers the challenges, opportunities, and potential application of blockchain in the retail supply chain.
The Digital Shift
Authors: Chawla Umesh
Published: February 2024

In the dynamic digital epoch, this exploration delves into the impact of technologies on decentralization, unraveling blockchain, AI, and IoT. It dissects their transformative influence on power structures, economic paradigms, and global interactions. From the transparency of blockchain to the decision-making of AI and the symphony orchestrated by IoT, the chapter explores technologies shaping a new decentralized reality. Blockchain disrupts traditional finance, extending its impact to healthcare and supply chain management. The intersection of AI and blockchain enhances security and governance. IoT transforms industries, ushering in real-time data exchange and automation. The chapter explores deglobalization, examining how digital platforms empower local entrepreneurship and decentralized digital identity systems enhance national security. Challenges, including security concerns and inclusive access, demand astute navigation, improved collaboration, and proactive governance. The chapter concludes with a call for collective wisdom and ethical stewardship to shape a decentralized future.
Determinants of Customer Analytics Capabilities
Authors: Arora Meenal , Mittal Amit , Prakash Anshika , Jain Vishal
Published: February 2024

Customer analytics is essential for creating insights from massive data that can be used to enhance management decision-making at various consumer levels, product creation, and service innovation. However, no studies have examined the potential of consumer analytics for achieving long-term corporate success. This research examines the structures of customer analytics capabilities in order to fill this gap by drawing upon a rigorous assessment of the big data literature. The interpretative framework for this study shows the concept of customer analytics, its significance, and the building blocks for consumer analytics capabilities. The research suggests a model of consumer analytics capabilities made up of four main constructs and some significant supporting sub-constructs. The study elaborates on developing a model to analyze sustainable firm performance through dimensions of customer analytics capabilities.
Transitioning to Digital Merchandise
Authors: Singha Surjit , Mukthar K. P. Jaheer
Published: February 2024

This chapter examines the dynamic fusion of the Metaverse and the retail industry, highlighting the fundamental shift toward digital goods and immersive purchasing experiences. It investigates the Metaverse's fundamental concepts, historical development, and current impact on retail. Digital products, such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), virtual goods, and augmented reality products, assume centre stage and potentially transform shopping experiences. However, it also faces obstacles during this metaverse transition, including technological hurdles, security concerns, and challenges related to customer adoption. Future trends and practical strategies for seamless integration, customer engagement, and marketing are discussed—the metaverse ushers in a revolutionary era for retail, presenting boundless opportunities for those who embrace it. Retailers are urged to embark on this journey to satisfy evolving customer expectations and remain competitive in the future retail landscape.
The Role of Metaverse for Enhanced Employee Retention
Authors: Vaishali M. , Kiruthiga V.
Published: February 2024

In the ever-evolving retail industry landscape of digital transformation and virtualization, practical leadership training has emerged as a pivotal factor in enhancing employee retention. This study delves into the role of metaverse in retail leadership training for enhanced employee retention to illuminate the symbiotic relationship between metaverse technologies and the cultivation of solid retail leaders. The research seeks to understand how metaverse-based leadership training programs shape leadership competencies within the retail sector and, in turn, influence employee satisfaction and loyalty. This study uncovers a dynamic shift in leadership development by exploring the methods, technologies, and strategies employed in these innovative programs. The findings suggest that metaverse-based training holds the potential to redefine leadership excellence in the retail metaverse, where employees are increasingly operating in virtual spaces. As the digital sphere and physical reality continue to converge, organizations harness the metaverse's power for leadership development.
Industry Experts and Business Consultants' Takes on India's Readiness for Metaverse
Authors: Shandilya Gautam , Srivastava Praveen , Jana Abhisek
Published: February 2024

Metaverse is a 21st-century, cutting edge technology that evolved as a science fiction in the early 90's in the western world, which captured the imagination of people across the globe. India, with its 1.4 billion population, the fifth largest economy in the world, and exalted position in software and information technology augurs well for embracing metaverse in future businesses. The present chapter aims to find the acceptance and readiness of Indian retail industry for the use of metaverse in its operation. Authors tried to do qualitative analysis of industry experts' and business consultants' opinion on metaverse in retail sector to find the opportunities and likely trends. This chapter also takes Google trend on metaverse searches into account. A systematic general review of published articles and cases from secondary sources forms the basis of this chapter. Findings suggest that the changing dynamics of social interactions in the Metaverse are on the brink of a revolution, promising transformative impacts on the retail industry and consumer behaviors.
Omnichannel Approach to Meet Retail Customers' Expectations
Authors: Bansal Manish , Kaur Sukhbir
Published: February 2024

Customer expectations are a set of ideas about a product, service, or brand that a customer holds in their mind. Customer expectations can be influenced by a customers' perception of the product or service and can be created or modified by previous experience, advertising, word of mouth, awareness of competitors, and brand image. Rising expectations and changing customers' needs are shaping the face of modern retail. Whenever customers visit an organized retail store, they expect convenience and a better experience. Omnichannel approach encompasses a business strategy that is intended to offer a magnificent shopping experience across all channels i.e. in-store, mobile, and online. An effective omnichannel retail strategy covers the major areas of contact across all possible communication channels to facilitate seamless, customized customer interaction. An omnichannel experience assures a better customer experience and helps in sustaining customer loyalty in the long run.
Revolutionary Role of Bioinformatics and Data Analytics in the Healthcare Sector
Authors: Sarkar Piyali , Sharma Sonia
Published: February 2024

Big data is a rapidly expanding and applied field that offers the potential to transform the healthcare industry. It enables efficient data modification for patient physiological analysis in bioinformatics. This assessment highlights the current status of big data and analytical techniques in all five healthcare subdisciplines. Stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare professionals, hardware manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, individuals, data scientists, scholars, and vendors, are responsible for developing and evaluating big data policies to improve patient outcomes.
Overcoming Bias in Healthcare Organization Hiring Algorithms
Authors: Sathyanath Guruprasad
Published: February 2024

In today's world, many organizations, including healthcare companies, choose the use of AI in operational functions as part of digital transformation. The case study analysis explores the use of AI in the hiring process of a fictitious company named Moya. This chapter captures the various perspectives of hiring algorithms and the leverage of AI in various HR processes. It examines the impact on the employees, the organization, its culture, the organizational theories at play, the risk it poses, and various solutions that could be applied while considering such emergent technologies for adoption and the change management effort associated with it. The chapter concludes with a few practical suggestions that can be implemented to remediate the current scenario while also providing a framework for future leverage. The chapter recommends a few areas of study to develop checklists and other guardrails to protect the interests of the company while successfully applying this digital transformation, and also extending the same in other operational processes.
Different Visions From BIOSView
Authors: Potter Lucas N. , Palmer Xavier-Lewis
Published: February 2024

In this collaborative research endeavor at the intersection of biological safety and cybersecurity for BiosView labs, the authors highlight their engagement with a diverse student cohort. The chapter delves into the motivation behind collaborations extending beyond traditional academic research environments, emphasizing inclusivity. The meticulous examination of student demographics, including gender, self-reported ethnicity, and national origin, is detailed in the methodology. A student-centric approach is central to the exploration, focusing on aligning teaching and management styles with unique student needs. The chapter elaborates on effective teaching methodologies and management practices tailored for BiosView labs. A dedicated section emphasizes the purpose of joint endeavors, featuring a thoughtfully crafted questionnaire that guides collaborations towards both educational and personally meaningful outcomes for students.
Supply Chain Focus in the Midst of a Global Pandemic for Critical Medical Equipment and Supplies
Authors: Servidio Arden E.
Published: February 2024

Enterprise risk management is best employed when organizations understand that risk is always real and most certainly always present. In so much, natural disasters, acts of God, unanticipated actions or developments can harm reputational risks; even uncertain business ventures can cause turmoil on an organization. For example, for a given sector of an organization, namely supply chain, a global pandemic could threaten business continuity as a sudden surge in demand for critical medical supplies will most likely not be able to be met as available inventory is often exhausted quickly. In an enterprise risk management approach, an organization's supply chain business unit should have a comprehensive plan in place for this type of situation to ensure back-up catalogue offerings or additional suppliers that could be activated to manufacture greater volumes and be able to quickly ramp-up production to meet the new consumer purchasing behavior.
Security Policy and Security Controls From Private Corporations in the USA
Authors: Hoy Nicole L. , Capellman Douglas
Published: February 2024

With the increasing reliance on mobile devices for various purposes, the threat of mobile ransomware has escalated, jeopardizing sensitive information, financial data, and even the functionality of these devices. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of mobile ransomware, its potential impacts, and the importance of implementing effective security measures to safeguard mobile devices from these attacks. The general problem addressed in this study is the underestimation of mobile ransomware as a threat due to current security controls and policies. Many organizations fail to recognize the severity of this issue, leading to a lack of proper security controls and policies regarding their mobile devices. Consequently, mobile ransomware becomes an active threat vector, putting organizations and individuals at risk.
Fuzzy Thresholding-Based Brain Image Segmentation Using Multi-Threshold Level Set Model
Authors: Deb Daizy , Khang Alex , Chaudhuri Avijit Kumar
Published: February 2024

Region of interest with reference to medical image is a challenging task. Clustering or grouping data objects can be used to isolate certain area of interest called image segmentation from human brain MRI scans is considered here. Together with the combination of Multilevel Otsu's thresholding and Level set approach, the most widely used fuzzy-based clustering like fuzzy C means (FCM) thresholding are taken into consideration. Here, the proper thresholding is determined using FCM thresholding. This threshold value can also be used to modify the Multilevel Otsu' method's threshold. The level set technique is then used to this segmented output image, yielding a more precise boundary level estimation. To improve brain MRI image segmentation, the proposed FTMLS system integrates the three aforementioned methods.
Leveraging Deep Learning for Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Using Comparative Analysis of Convolutional Neural Network Techniques
Authors: Ishaaq Namria , Nafis Md Tabrez , Reyaz Anam
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer's disease, a debilitating neurodegenerative condition, poses a formidable challenge in healthcare, necessitating early and precise detection for effective intervention. This study delves into the realm of Alzheimer's detection, leveraging the prowess of deep learning. A novel convolutional neural network (CNN) model is proposed for AD detection. This model achieves a remarkable accuracy of 99.99% on the test dataset, outperforming established pre-trained models like ResNet50, DenseNet201, and VGG16. The outcomes distinctly highlight the CNN model's superior precision in AD identification, marking a watershed moment in neurodegenerative disease detection. The findings of this research have important implications for the development of a more accurate and sensitive diagnostic tool, which could lead to significant advancements in the early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This research not only presents a novel diagnostic approach for AD but also demonstrates its resilience and potential for accurate classification of early Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.
Investigation on Identification of Three-Compartment Model for the Benchmark Pharmacokinetic System
Authors: Sujatha V. , Khang Alex
Published: February 2024

This chapter investigates identification of blood concentration in three compartment model of pharmacokinetic system. The dynamic behaviour of blood concentration in blood tissues are described using the compartmental models. The model is derived using first-principles method for the benchmark pharmacokinetic system. Using MATLab, the concentrations in all the three-compartments are estimated and validated with the experimental value. The quality of estimation has been verified based on the validation of experimental values with the estimated concentration values in all the three compartments. Quantitative comparison also done based on the computation and comparison of square relative error. Both the qualitative and quantitative measurements are done for benchmark pharmacokinetic system.
An Integrated Approach to Next-Generation Telemedicine and Health Advice Systems Through AI Applications in Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Komalasari Rita , Khang Alex
Published: February 2024

This chapter explores the transformative potential of integrating knowledge engineering and artificial intelligence in healthcare, focusing on constructing a knowledge-based clinical decision support system (KBCDS). The primary objective is to design an AI-enabled health portal to enhance accessibility to medical advice globally. The study investigates the application of AI in diagnosing COVID-19 and pneumonia, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy and speed, reducing the burden on healthcare systems, and saving lives. The research is based on extensive literature study, delving into the depths of knowledge engineering, AI applications in healthcare, and medical ontology. The findings underscore the transformative potential of the integrated approach, highlighting its impact on healthcare disparities globally. The AI-enabled health portal proves to be a reliable source of medical advice, demonstrating that the fusion of knowledge engineering and AI technologies empowers medical professionals and significantly enhances healthcare accessibility and diagnostic capabilities.
Audio-Based Vehicle Detection System: Enhancing Safety for Bicycle Riders
Authors: Wimalasena R. A. L. B. , Ranasinghe D. D. M.
Published: February 2024

To enhance the safety of bicycle riders an android mobile application was developed that utilizes real-time audio analysis to detect approaching vehicles and alert the riders when there is a safety issue. The application employs a CNN lite model to detect the presence of the vehicle. The CNN model was trained on a dataset of 0.5-second audio clips of vehicle and non-vehicle sounds. The root mean square value of the audio clip is calculated to figure out the approaching vehicles. Based on the model prediction and the root mean square value of amplitude, the application issues alerts to the user. Three alert levels are defined, ranging from level one for low amplitude to level three for high amplitude. The alert types are audio, visual and vibration. Users can customize and adjust the alert types and threshold values within the predetermined range according to their preferences. The evaluation of the model revealed favourable results, as indicated by low loss and high recall and precision metrics, affirming the efficacy of the model for accurately detecting vehicles. The ability of the model to proactively detect and alert bicycle riders of incoming vehicles, enable the users to take timely actions to prevent potential hazards and positions the application as a crucial and effective lifesaving tool.
Use of Chilled Mirror /Dew-Point Method (WP4C) to Develop Soil Water Characteristic Curve for Coastal Silty Sand with a Comparison of the Existing Analytical Models
Authors: Kaushalya A. A. S. , Pallewattha M. A. , Ansar F. S. A. , Nawagamuwa U. P.
Published: February 2024

Soil Water Characteristic Curve (SWCC) is one of the methods to study the behaviour of unsaturated soil. This study presents the SWCC for Sri Lankan coastal silty sand developed using chilled mirror dew-point technique WP4C and compares the performance of a few prediction models. SWCC was also developed experimentally using pressure plate and suction-moisture sensors, to verify the results obtained using WP4C. The fitted SWCC curve was developed using Van Genuchten's (VG) model. The prediction models of Arya and Paris (1981), Aubertin et al. (2003), and Wang et al. (2017) were used to compare the performance using their own suggested values and the more suitable values for this study as the model parameters which were estimated using the least square method. This study shows that chilled mirror dew-point technique which is incorporated in WP4C instrument can be used as a fast and reliable experimental method to develop the SWCC for sandy soils compared to other experimental methods. The Wang et al. (2017) model is better suited for estimating the SWCC through analytical methods for this soil type, using either the recommended values in this study or proposed values by the authors for the modal parameters.
Development of an IoT-based Real-Time Temperature and Humidity Monitoring System for Factory Electrical Panel Rooms
Authors: Medagedara O. V. , Liyanage M. H.
Published: February 2024

Internet of Things (IoT) based systems are used for monitoring the status of inventory and components including variables such as temperature and humidity, in order to maintain their quality under ideal conditions. These IoT devices can also provide real-time monitoring of quality of components, identifying any defects and issuing alerts if quality criteria are not upheld throughout the manufacturing process.This study presents the development and implementation of an IoT-based Real-Time Temperature and Humidity Monitoring System specifically designed for Industrial Electrical Panel Rooms. In the backdrop of industrial automation advancements, there is a significant need for real-time monitoring systems to ensure efficiency and safety. The proposed system establishes the capabilities of the IoT to offer a network of interconnected devices that can communicate, share data, and provide real -time feedback. The system's methodology consists of three pivotal stages: data acquisition using the "DHT22" temperature sensor, data transmission through both wired and wireless means, and user alert mechanisms that trigger email notifications when predefined temperature thresholds are exceeded. The system was tested in an actual factory environment, demonstrating its potential to mitigate risks associated with humidity disturbances and overheating in electrical panel rooms. The research highlights the significance of IoT in enhancing industrial safety and operational efficiency.
Development of a New Strategic Framework for Improving the Productivity Benchmarking Practices in Road Project Operations
Authors: Kesavan M. , Dissanayake P. B. G. , Pathirana C. K. , Deegahawature M. M. D. R. , Silva K. D. R.
Published: February 2024

Primarily, this study highlights the knowledge gaps in the field for implementing systematic techniques to benchmark and improve productivity levels of critical construction activities in road projects. Accordingly, the study aims to develop a new strategic framework that can enhance the benchmarking practices related to the assessment of labour productivity compared to labour performance with the use of potential apprenticeship tools and systems in road construction operations. A series of literature reviews and expert consultations were conducted to build a new framework with the collection of potential models/tools/systems related to labour training, performance evaluation and productivity measures. The mechanism associated with the developed framework was systematically executed in nine road construction projects in Sri Lanka. The findings show the precise patterns of significant changes in labour productivity and performance index values, which have inspired new approaches in the planning procedures for construction projects. The results assure that proposed mechanisms can be applied with reliable, generalisable and sustainable aspects in their use. The study offers a fresh road map with constructive approaches for project managers, planners and engineers to raise the bar for benchmarking labour productivity and performance levels across a wide range of tasks. The results of the study will have considerable impacts on how other emerging countries and enterprises need to operate their workflows to achieve productivity-related benefits in the future circumstances.
The Attributes and Areas for Improvement of Early Career Engineers in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijesinghe D. P. S. , Jayawardane V. P. T.
Published: February 2024

Over two thousand engineering graduates enter the job market in Sri Lanka annually from state and private sector universities. There is a growing concern in the industry whether those graduates have attained the required expectations of the employers. Academic literature also lacks sufficient evidence to demonstrate Sri Lankan early career engineers' strengths and areas for improvement. This study explores the strengths and areas for improvement of early career engineers from the perspectives of senior employer engineers in Sri Lanka. This study was conducted qualitatively by holding semi-structured face-to-face interviews with a purposively selected sample of twenty-two employer engineers. Voice-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed employing the inductive thematic analysis method. Analysis has revealed that enhanced technical knowledge, analytical skills and computer literacy are the strengths of early career engineers, while money-mindedness, negative attitudes, sticking only to the job role and lack of hard-working skills, interpersonal skills and practical knowledge as the areas for improvement of present-day early career engineers in Sri Lanka. Further, few employer engineers have suggested modifying the university education system and educating academics & training engineers to guide engineering undergraduates on the proper path to achieve the career success.
Life cycle, feeding preferences and control of Sena caterpillar (Fall Armyworm) (Spodoptera frugiperda)
Authors: Sanjeewa D. M. L. , Premathilake K. G. , Silva P. D. P. M. D.
Published: February 2024

Fall Armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an insect caterpillar which devastated the maize cultivations of Sri Lanka in 2018. Present study was undertaken to investigate the life cycle of the insect, feeding habit on selected crop plants and eco-friendly control measures for Sena caterpillar using different plant extracts. The results of feeding habit on selected crop plants showed that Sena caterpillar was able to feed and survive on Kathurumurunga (Sesbania grandiflora), rice (Oriza sativa), Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximum), Buffalo grass (Axonopus compresses) and Guatemala grass (Tripsacum laxum) in the absence of maize. Being eco-friendly control measures for Sena caterpillar, 80% Margosa seed extract and; 80% Margosa leaf + 80% Ginger rhizome extract were found to be more promising. Life cycle of FAW consists of four stages; eggs, larva, pupa and moth. Mean duration of 33 d were taken by FAW to complete its life cycle, in which larval stage consisted of 18 d.
Root cause analysis for warming delay of resilient solid tire heel compound during manufacturing
Authors: Bandara B. N. S. , Wijesinghe H. G. I. M. , Senevirathne A. M. W. K. , Dilrukshi N. M. D.
Published: February 2024

Warming of rubber compounds is carried out using warming mills to improve the processability of the tyre compounds before production. Delaying warming process causes production losses in several terms. Therefore, an experiment was set up to study the root causes for the warming delay that occurs when warming solid tyre heel compounds in warming mills. Brainstorming sessions were used and the maturity of the heel compounds and nip size of warming mill were identified as the main causes for the warming delay. The maturity time of the heel compounds varied as 6, 12, 24, and 48 h while the nip size of the mill varied from 7 to 10 mm at 1 mm intervals. The results of the two-way ANOVA highlighted that there was an interaction between maturity time and nip size on warming delay. Overall, the warming time can be reduced to 6 minutes; which was 8 to 10 minutes previously when using 9 mm nip size in the warming mill and maturing of the compound for 48 h.
Evaluation of potential methods to minimize solid loss during the manufacture of coconut milk powder
Authors: Sandarekha K. A. S. M. , Perera G. A. A. R. , Gamage K. J. , Kahandage K. M. P. , Dilshan N. D. T.
Published: February 2024

A coconut milk powder manufacturing plant encountered about 4.7% solid loss. This study was undertaken to identify measures to minimize this solid loss. Solid losses through different modes were quantified. Sample size for determination of total solid in coconut milk and conductivity cut-off point of the drain plate were optimized. Solid losses (kg run-1) through the dryer (2,954.6±106.2), drain plate (2,575.1±734.1) and due to over estimation of total solid in coconut milk (394.7±69.1) accounted for 46.5, 40.5 and 6.2% of the total solid loss, respectively. About 63% reduction in solid loss through the drain plate was evident when the conductivity cut-off point reduced from 4 to 1 mS cm-1. It was also revealed 92% reduction in over estimation of total solid when the sample size of coconut milk reduced from 2.0 to 1.5 g. In conclusion, sample size of 1.5 g for rapid total solid determination and 1 mS cm-1 conductivity cut-off point for the drain plate are recommended to minimize solid loss of this plant.
A record of thanatological type behaviour in spotted hyaenas, Crocuta crocuta (Erxleben, 1777)
Authors: Honiball Terry-Lee , Venter Jan Adriaan
Published: February 2024

We note thanatological behavioural displays by clan members of a deceased spotted hyaena, Crocuta crocuta (Erxleben, 1777) in a fenced reserve. A matriarch had a lethal altercation with lions, Panthera leo (Linnæus 1758), on 10.V.2022. The carcass was monitored with a camera trap that recorded videos until the carcass was completely decayed. Four instances of clan members were recorded observing and sniffing the genitalia of the deceased hyaena over a period of six days. Within one month, the clan killed the deceased’s cubs and moved their den location. We recommend further research be conducted into thanatological behaviours of spotted hyaenas as these behaviours could affect ethical considerations of management practices.
Biological treatment of agro-processing industrial effluents from tannery, coffee and dairy plants using green algae (Chlorella Ssp.) cultured in a photo bioreactor
Authors: Ondiba Jared O. , Kanali Christopher L. , Gathitu Benson B , Ondimu Stephen N.
Published: February 2024

Due to increased environmental pollution as a result of high emission rates from agro-processing industries, the effluents must be cleaned up before being released into the environment. This study outlines the use of green algae for nutrient removal from agro-processing effluents discharged from three agro-industries (namely coffee, dairy, and tannery) in Kenya and how they can be used for the propagation of microalgae for biofuel production. Green algae were grown inside a photobioreactor containing the three agro-industrial effluents as nutrient media for 21 days. Thereafter, the algae were harvested and evaluated for biofuel production. The effectiveness of green algae (chlorella ssp) to extract the cations from the various agro-processing effluents was used to gauge how well they performed. Additionally, the algae growth rate, quantity of lipids, and biomass generated were used to evaluate the strains' effectiveness in producing biofuel. The results indicate that the highest maximum algae growth rate of 14.528 mg/mL occurred in the dairy effluent. The corresponding values for the coffee and tannery effluents were 13.016 mg/mL and 10.866 mg/mL, respectively. Biochemical analysis was done to establish the amount of biomass in the algae. The results showed that there was higher biomass productivity per day of 293.944, 124.849, and 91.997 μg/mL for the dairy, coffee, and tannery effluents, respectively. The contents of linolenic acid in the chlorella strain in the dairy, coffee, and tannery effluents were 13.21, 12.86, and 15.98%, respectively. The values obtained were slightly above the recommended lower limit value of 12% (EN 14214, 2004) for the production of quality biofuels. The results further show that high chemical oxygen demand removal (maximum of 47.7–67.8%) and total phosphorus removal (maximum of 95%) were achieved in all three effluents. Finally, the fatty acid methyl ester profiles produced indicated that the lipid content of the cultivated green algae was appropriate for the production of biofuel.
Chromium (VI) adsorption from steel industry wastewater using biomass and agro-based adsorbents: A Review
Authors: Joseph Tinega N. , Isaiah Omosa B. , Sammy Letema C.
Published: February 2024

In recent years, increased steel production has resulted in an increased release of Cr (VI) effluent from electroplating processes. The current conventional technologies for Cr (VI) removal, for instance, chemical precipitation, ion exchange, membranes, and electrochemical technologies, have proven to be expensive and not eco-friendly. Adsorption using biomass or agro-based adsorbents has been demonstrated to be an eco-friendly method. In this study, the potential of several biomass and agro-based adsorbents for Cr (VI) removal from steel industry wastewater has been reviewed. The application of adsorption parameters, isotherms, and kinetic models has also been reviewed. The study review reveals that the maximum adsorption of Cr (VI) ions from wastewater was dependent on the pH, temperature, contact time, type of adsorbent material, and initial metal concentration. The literature review demonstrated that maximum Cr (VI) adsorption efficiency ranged from 90–100%, with optimum pH, contact time, and temperature ranging from 2–5, 30-180 min, and 25–30 °C, respectively. The equilibrium adsorption data was best described by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. It has been found that biomass and agro-based adsorbents are potentially eco-friendly alternatives for Cr (VI) removal from industrial wastewater. However, several gaps have been identified to improve the Cr (VI) removal efficiency, spent adsorbent reuse and safe disposal, optimisation, and commercial application of agro-based adsorbents.
Environmental analysis of heavy metal pollution in Mtondia dumpsite, Kilifi County, Kenya.
Authors: Kiogora Nahashon Manyara , Timamy Mohamed Khalil , Chenje Mwachiro
Published: February 2024

Dumping and open burning of waste with no regard to environmental implications is a common occurrence in Kenya. In several health surveys in communities close to dump sites, a wide range of human health problems, such as respiratory symptoms, allergies, irritation of the skin, and gastrointestinal problems, have been reported. The issue of heavy metal pollution brought about by the dump sites has become of concern in recent studies. Heavy metal contamination occurs when their concentrations exceed the recommended limits in the soil, water, or plant resources and have negative effects on humans or animals. The accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural soils is of great concern due to food safety issues, potential health risks, and detrimental effects on the soil’s ecosystems. The samples were obtained through random sampling and analysed in the laboratory using the Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. The EDXRF technique software was used to calculate the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the heavy metals. SPSS version 22 was used to calculate Pearson's correlation coefficient. It was observed that the soil and plants sampled from the dumpsite recorded higher levels of heavy metals than the control samples. This showed that the soils at the dumpsite were more polluted with heavy metals as compared to those at the farms. The mean concentrations of the heavy metals in soil during the dry season followed the trend Zn>Mn>Pb>Cu>Ni>Co>Cr>As. In conclusion, it was observed that the resources (soil, plants, water, and fish) were indeed polluted with various heavy metals. However, the levels do not exceed the permissible limits set by the WHO and FAO.
Correlation of mechanical and optical properties of polypropylene plastic waste for application in composite panels
Authors: Mwanzia Muthoni N. , Mugo Waweru , Soitah Timonah N.
Published: February 2024

Sustainable plastic waste management systems are needed to reduce environmental pollution impacts as they are non-biodegradable and emit greenhouse gases when burned. This study investigates the feasibility of using recycled polypropylene (PP) from commonly used plastics to process composite panels. The samples were obtained from household plastics with a Resin Identification Code (RIC) of 5. In addition, other common polymer samples were obtained from plastic coffee cups (W) and red basin tubs (R) and moulded using an injection moulding machine. The mechanical strengths of the resultant composites were plotted and compared with the theoretical value of the pure polymer. The ultimate tensile strength of the white cups and the red basin tubs was found to be 36 MPa and 14.55 MPa, while their yield points were 14.45 MPa and 4.55 MPa, respectively. Infrared spectra of the absorption of the samples were obtained using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The band gaps were analysed from Tauc’s plot and were found to be of white cups and the red bath tubs at 3.392 eV and 3.646 eV, respectively. These properties were found to be suitable for recycled plastics to be applied to process value-added panels with no significant adverse influence on material properties.
An Ecocritical Exploration of Bakhtin's Major Concepts in Solar Storms
Authors: ŞENSOY Ayşe , AYAN Meryem
Published: February 2024

Mikhail Bakhtin is a Russian scholar who has been studied internationally in fields of literature and the humanities. Basing his theory on the principle of communication, Bakhtin formed a significant path in literary and cultural studies. Some scholars like Michael Gardiner (1993), Michael M. Bell (1994), Michael J. McDowell (1996), Timo Müller (2010) and Patrick D. Murphy (2013) propose that Bakhtin’s concepts can be appropriated to ecocriticism to make more powerful analyses of literary texts since both Bakhtinian literary criticism and ecocriticism highlight diversity, heterogeneity, agency, and interaction. In this way, Bakhtinian ecocritical theory suggests a new definition of the human subject in its relation to the physical environment and nonhuman beings. Revealing the viability of Bakhtinian critical theory with ecological concerns, this article aims to study the novel Solar Storms by Linda Hogan, a Native American female writer, through an “eco-Bakhtinian” approach to explore how nature is represented in Native American context, how the relationship between human and nonhuman worlds is depicted, how both worlds function in one another, how and why the perception of nature differs in cultural aspects, and how the concept of nature has changed over time. In doing so, this article attempts to show the interaction between culture-nature, human-nonhuman, earth-body, body-mind, traditional-modern, native-non-native, fact-fiction, story-history, self-other, individual-society, and text-reader.
QR Kod Teknolojisine Göre Düzenlenen Grafik Tasarım Sergisinin İzleyici Gözüyle Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Arifoğlu Gökçe , Çay Ruhi
Published: February 2024

Teknolojik gelişmelere bağlı olarak yaşam biçimlerinde meydana gelen değişimler, iletişim teknolojilerine yansımış ve iletişim alanlarını yeniden biçimlendirmiştir.  Bu gelişmelerden biri olan QR Kod (Quick Response Code) teknolojisi, kod içerisinde sunulan bilginin hızlandırılmış şekilde aktarımının ve tespitinin sağlanması amacıyla tasarımı gerçekleştirilmiş iki boyutlu bir sistemdir.   QR kod teknolojisi var olan iletişim teknolojilerinin işlevselliğini bozmadan, varlıklarını sürdürmelerinin de devamını sağlayarak, geleneksel iletişim araçları ile mobil web sayfaları arasında fiber bağ kurmaktadır. Bu araştırmada, QR kod teknolojisinin sanat ürünlerinin sergilenme sürecindeki katkılarının yanı sıra izleyicilerin bu teknoloji ile düzenlenen grafik tasarım sergisine yönelik algı ve durumlarının saptanması amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma bulguları, katılımcıların çoğunluğunun daha önce QR kodu kullanmadıklarını, sergiye kolayca erişim sağladıklarını ve böyle bir sergileme yönteminden memnun kaldıklarını ortaya koymuştur. Ayrıca, daha önce QR kod ile hazırlanmış herhangi bir sergiye katılım sağlamayanların çoğunlukta olduğu görülmüştür. Genel itibariyle araştırma sonucunda ankete katılım sağlayan izleyicilerin sergiye yönelik düşünce ve algılarının olumlu olduğu saptanmıştır.
Ortaokul Öğrencilerinin Çoklu Zeka Alanları ve Müzikten Etkilenme Düzeylerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: Nevruz Şakir
Published: February 2024

Bu çalışmada ortaokul öğrencilerinin çoklu zeka alanları ve müzikten etkilenme düzeylerinin ilişkisel bir yaklaşımla incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışma örneklemi Mersin ve Konya ilindeki 183 ortaokul öğrenci ile yürütülmüştür. Çalışmada öğrencilerden veri toplamak için çoklu zeka alanları ve müzikten etkilenme ölçekleri kullanılmıştır. Araştırma verilerinin analizinde Independent Samples t test, One Way ANOVA ve Çoklu Regresyon Analizi tekniği kullanılmıştır. Araştırma bulgularına göre katılımcıların genel olarak müzikal zeka alanındaki yeterliklerinin orta düzeyde, diğer zeka alanlarında ise yüksek düzeyde bulunmuştur. Araştırmanın diğer değişkeni müzikten etkilenme de ise orta düzeyde bir dağılım ortaya çıkmıştır. Ortaokul öğrencilerinin çoklu zeka alanları ve müzikten etkilenme düzeylerinin cinsiyet ve sın ıf düzeyine göre anlamlı farklılar gösterdiği gözlenmiştir. Son olarak katılımcı öğrencilerinin çoklu zeka alanları ile müzikten etkilenme düzeyleri arasında anlamlı ilişkiler söz konusudur.
Uzaktan Eğitimde Görsel Sanatlar Derslerinin Sanatsal Yaratıcılık Bağlamında Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Baş Şenay , Gül Ayşe , Çopuroğlu Hatice Aybilge , Baş Maşide , Ejderha Fazilet
Published: February 2024

Araştırmada COVİD-19 pandemisi süresince, MEB’e bağlı okullarda çevrimiçi olarak yürütülen görsel sanatlar derslerindeki görsel biçimlendirme ve uygulama süreçlerinin nasıl yürütüldüğüne dair durum tespitinin ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Bu doğrultuda Türkiye’nin farklı sosyoekonomik kademelerine sahip illerdeki ilköğretim ve lise okullarında görev yapan 13 görsel sanatlar öğretmeninin görüşleri alınmıştır. Nitel araştırma yöntemiyle yürütülen çalışmada yarı yapılandırılmış mülakatlarla toplanan verilerin tematik analizleri yapılmıştır. Araştırma bulgularına göre çevrimiçi görsel sanatlar derslerinde uygulama süreçlerinin büyük çoğunlukla ödevlendirme şeklinde yürütüldüğü ve seçilen uygulama tekniklerin genellikle kolay ve eğlenceli türden olduğuna ulaşılmıştır. Öğretmen görüşlerine göre, öğrenci ilgi ve tutumunun yüz yüze derslerle benzer olduğuna ve yapılan çalışmalarla öğrencilerin sanatsal yaratıcılık bağlamında özgünlüğe ulaşamadıkları anlaşılmaktadır. Öğretmenlerin bu süreçte genel anlamda teknoloji kullanımına yönelik becerilerin artmasına karşın çevrimiçi öğretim süreçlerine yönelik yeterli bilgi ve donanıma sahip olmadıkları görülmüştür. Araştırmadan elde edilen sonuçlar, özellikle görsel sanatlar dersi ve beceri odaklı benzer derslerin çevrimiçi öğretim süreçlerinin geliştirilmesinde göz önünde tutulabilecek durumları ortaya koyması ve sanatsal öğrenmede kritik dönemlerdeki çocukların sanatsal yaratıcılık gelişimi bağlamında öğrenme kayıplarını ortaya koyması açısından önemlidir.
College Mapping the Research Landscape of Falls in Older Adults: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Azizan Azliyana , Muawanah Siti , Jamel Shahrizal Che
Published: February 2024

Aging poses a significant public health concern due to the high incidence of falls among older adults. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 6815 studies from 1842 to 2022 to identify key areas and interactions in falls research among older adults and propose future research directions. The United States was found to be actively contributing to this field, with the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Boston, MA being a prominent institution. Notable authors included Lord SR, Kenny RA, and Stevens JA. The most cited paper was "Risk Factors for Falls among Elderly Persons Living in the Community". The study revealed that the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society was the most active journal. Co-occurrence analysis identified five major clusters of topics related to aging and falls. Despite global research activity, collaboration across country lines, especially between developed and developing countries, was lacking. Research on risk factors, particularly related to balance and gait issues, received significant attention. However, there was insufficient focus on addressing the diverse needs of aging individuals, including cultural and socioeconomic factors.
Development of Undergraduate Student's Criticality in Social Sciences in Higher Education: A Comparative Study with Socio-Material Perspective
Authors: Wang Yuxuan
Published: February 2024

In the field of higher education, there are two dominant strands of interpretation of criticality, either as a decontextualized skill of logical reasoning, or a sense of action within larger contexts more than mere cognition. This research offers a reclaiming and reimagining of criticality in universities as an affective process, highlighting the entanglement of social, discursive and material perspectives. This research takes a comparative lens to investigate undergraduate students’ perceptions of criticality and institutional cultivation of it in a Sociology undergraduate degree in China and the UK, adopting a qualitative interview method. Differences were found between cultures regarding the level of engagement with a range of criticality-embedded practices, including field work, critical inquiry in class, group work, etc. Through the development of criticality in various activities, students’ feelings towards it shifted with contexts. While placed within physical and discursive universities that convey a sense of professionalism, students in the study acknowledged the importance of criticality and proactively demonstrated it. However, the feeling towards showcasing criticality outside campus was two-fold. Whereas criticality can be associated with negativity in social interactions, its value is appreciated as it enabled students to reconstruct their identities into a more rational, tolerant and caring one.