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We draw upon stress theory and utilize the context of the COVID-19 pandemic to investigate how various coping strategies employed by expatriates affect their psychological stress, subsequently influencing their expatriation satisfaction and intention to withdraw from the host country.

We utilize structural equation modeling to analyze a sample of 453 expatriates residing and working in the United Arab Emirates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our analysis shows that the effects of different coping strategies on expatriates vary. Depending on the nature of the strategy, they can have either positive or negative effects. While coping via problem-focused and denial strategies decreases expatriates' stress, coping by distancing increases it. Social support-seeking is not found to be an effective stress-coping strategy. In terms of implications, the problem-focused strategy leads to the most positive outcomes, whereas distancing leads to the most negative outcomes.

Our study provides significant theoretical and practical insights into expatriates' coping mechanisms within the context of natural crises.

Although various studies have shed light on why cities are a primary source of environmental pollution and how it affects climate change, the effects of city-level environmental deterioration on company ownership have yet to be investigated. In this context, our main objective is to investigate environmental pollution's impact on the ownership of informal enterprises in Indian metro cities (1 million or more population). This study considers micro (entrepreneurship-level) and macro (city-level) factors for the analysis by using mainly National Sample Survey unit-level data on ‘Unincorporated Non-Agricultural Enterprises’ in 2015–2016. Micro-level factors include access to toilet facilities, provision for solid waste management, provision for liquid waste management, etc. On the other hand, macro-level factors are the total number of registered motor vehicles (two-wheelers, cars, jeeps, tractors, omnibuses, trucks, taxis, buses, passenger autos and light motor vehicles) and air pollution (e.g. sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particular matter emissions). The study explored the impact of environmental pollution on the differences in gender business ownership. According to the findings, both male- and female-owned proprietorships suffer from environmental degradation. Environmental contamination, however, puts female-owned businesses at greater risk than their male counterparts. Because of this, it is crucial to lessen environmental pollution by lowering air pollution and providing improved toilets, water and solid and liquid waste management systems. By reducing poverty and inequality, advancing a society that values equality between the sexes is necessary. Finally, we propose important policies to enable the city environment to improve entrepreneurship activities for sustainable economic development.

The retail industry is undergoing a significant digital revolution. Emerging technologies are changing the way shoppers interact with companies and shops, causing a significant upheaval in the business. The primary purpose of the research is to recognise the concept of retail along with its service applications and novel technologies that will drive the future around the world. Retailers must keep up with the latest technological advancements to remain competitive as the supply chain grows more intricate and consumers become more astute, tech-savvy, and gadget-literate about using multiple channels. The analysis indicates technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), smart labelling, beacons, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), drone deliveries, and Internet of Things (IoT) have emerged as future trends. It has been found that retailers need to have strong digital relationships to engage and interact with consumers as well as to mould and influence experiences. They can create connections to assist customers in making decisions that are beneficial to them. India’s retail industry is well-positioned to prosper in the dynamic market environment by adopting innovation and transformation and also centred on omnichannel tactics, which offer customers a seamless experience by giving them a comprehensive, single glance at each retail business from the comfort of their home or place of business. The application of literary works to explain the notion of Industry 4.0 in the retail sector while recognising and comprehending pertinent technological developments. This chapter establishes the groundwork for upcoming research on technologies that will eventually be utilised in retail management.

This study aims to identify causes of (un)ethical behaviour in research and how they influence adherence to research ethics.

The authors developed and tested a conceptual model that includes mediation and helps to understand the mechanism of adherence to ethical standards of research based on the “social judgment theory” (SJT). In Study 1, the authors conducted an exploratory study using the exploratory factor analysis technique to identify factors responsible for adherence to research ethics. In Study 2, the authors used SJT to provide support for establishing a relationship between key variables.

Two factors, “Proclivity to Egoism” and “Proclivity to Emotivism”, were identified based on the personal beliefs of researchers. These factors were found to play an important role in determining the tendency towards adherence to standards of research ethics (Belmont Report and COPE). SJT successfully explains the mechanism of adoption of ethical standards. Adherence to Belmont principles was seen to mediate relationship between factors identified and tendency to adhere to COPE.

Majorly, this study is unique as it establishes and guides to incorporate researchers’ point of view in formulating ethical standards and guidelines, apart, from various other important theoretical and societal implications.

This chapter aims to identify the important role of using the Internet of Things (IoT) technology in water distribution systems. It focuses on the features of this technology and how it facilitates data collection, communications, system control, condition monitoring, etc. It shows how these features can provide better system understanding and securely enable reliable and timely data. Additionally, IoT offers advanced solutions in smart metering and leak detection, aiding water sustainability and conservation measures by reducing water losses. Through the literature, the features and investment opportunities of IoT are discussed. This study illustrates the prospect, applicability, benefits, and adaptability of IoT to meet the requirements of most industries. Conclusively, the literature reviewed indicate that the deployment of IoT in the water industry is financially justified as it increases the utility's revenue by connecting customers, minimizing losses and enabling timely monitoring. IoT technologies are found in every industry nowadays, yet it is considered relatively new in the power and water supply sectors. However, the findings and research conducted in this field confirmed the financial return and capabilities it grants, enriching such industries to prosper and keep up with the uprising limited natural resources crisis through technological advancement. This study presents the benefits of implementing IoT in water supply networks, by discussing its features, cost of implementation, return on investment and the need for such advancements to sustain our natural resources.

This study aims to describe the conversion of rice straw (RS) as an agricultural plant waste to high-performance cationic flocculant for kaolin clay suspension in wastewater treatment as an alternative to synthetic ones.

This was done by grafting rice straw after pretreatment with acrylamide (Aam) using microwave irradiation technique without using an initiator in an open vessel container for wastewater treatment. Radiation time, monomer and rice straw pulp concentration as well as microwave power were scrutinized to examine their impact on maximizing the graft yield %. Application of the resultant copolymers as flocculants for kaolin clay suspension was willful by studying the foremost influences inducing the flocculation process, for instance, flocculent dose, pH, stirring speed and extent of grafting.

It is seen from the obtained results that both FTIR, SEM, X-Ray diffraction, Thermo gravimetric analysis and Zeta potential confirmed the formation of the cationic amide group onto the graft copolymer chain in comparison with the ungrafted one; the microwave initiation method proved to be a very efficient tool concerning maximizing the graft yield % with no harsh chemicals used for initiating grafting; the flocculation efficiency of the prepared copolymers augmented by increasing the flocculant dose, pH and stirring speed to a maximum value signified at 2.0 g, 6.0 and 75 r/min, respectively, then decreased thereafter while increased by increasing the extent of grafting within the range studied; the flocculant reserved high flocculation efficiency even after five cycles of flocculation/regeneration; preliminary bridging mechanism demonstrating the attraction between the kaolin anionic suspended particles and cationic poly (Aam)-rice straw graft copolymer has been predicted.

The novelty addressed here is undertaken by preparing a very efficient cationic flocculant using rice straw waste with different degrees of grafting for the treatment of wastewater using this kind of microwave irradiation approach as an eco-friendly tool. As far as the authors are aware, no thorough investigation has been done in the literature until now dealing with the above-mentioned preparation process.

Biodiesel in engines can reduce net carbon dioxide emissions and boost renewable energy. Despite the benefits of biodiesel engines, little is known about their effects on fuel filters. Filterability hinders the broad use of sustainable biodiesel, as filter clogging and deterioration can lead to engine damage and further hinder the widespread adoption of biodiesel. This study aims to investigate algae biodiesel (Chlorophyta) and diesel fuel filtration and filter deterioration to fill this gap.

This study investigates the effects of different biodiesel blends on diesel fuel filter parameters, namely, filter blocking tendency (FBT), tensile strength of filter medium upon immersion and other physiochemical properties. In total, 20% biodiesel and 80% diesel (B20) was chosen for its common use as a commercial blend, 40% biodiesel and 60% diesel (B40) for mid-level biodiesel content and 100% biodiesel (B100) for pure biodiesel testing. Testing these concentrations allowed us to determine the effect of increasing biodiesel content. B20 biodiesel emerges as the most suitable blend, providing the best balance of performance and durability with a low FBT (1.0) and a 6.9% increase in tensile strength over diesel. B40 and B100 had higher FBTs of 1.53 and 7.57, respectively, and lower tensile strength, resulting in increased filter clogging and material deterioration. SEM results demonstrated that B20-immersed filters had little structural changes as compared to B40 and B100; the colour darkened noticeably suggesting deposits, including sterol glucosides, indicating material deterioration and clogging.

The results from current study concluded that when compared to B40 and B100, the B20 biodiesel blend provides the best balance of performance and longevity, with less filter blockage, improved tensile strength and lower maintenance requirements. However, its performance in harsh settings, such as colder climes, high-pressure systems and engines requiring more power output, may require augmentation and more study. While higher blends may be more appropriate in some applications, B20 remains the most adaptable solution for a wide range of general operational situations.

The study concludes that the B20 biodiesel blend provides optimal performance, longevity and maintenance for compression ignition engines, exceeding other blends. While B40 and B100 may be appropriate in certain situations, B20 remains the most practical and versatile option, combining environmental benefits with engine compatibility, making it a superior alternative to standard diesel fuel.

The incompatibility of natural fibers with polymer matrices is one of the key obstacles restricting their use in polymer composites. The interfacial connection between the fibers and the matrix was weak resulting in a lack of mechanical properties in the composites. Chemical treatments are often used to change the surface features of plant fibers, yet these treatments have significant drawbacks such as using substantial amounts of liquid and chemicals. Plasma modification has recently become very popular as a viable option as it is easy, dry, ecologically friendly, time-saving and reduces energy consumption. This paper aims to explore plasma treatment for improving the surface adhesion characteristics of sisal fibers (SFs) without compromising the mechanical attributes of the fiber.

A cold glow discharge plasma (CGDP) modification using N₂ gas at varied power densities of 80 W and 120 W for 0.5 h was conducted to improve the surface morphology and interfacial compatibility of SF. The mechanical characteristics of unmodified and CGDP-modified SF-reinforced epoxy composite (SFREC) were examined as per the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.

The cold glow discharge nitrogen plasma treatment of SF at 120 W (30 min) enhanced the SFREC by nearly 122.75% superior interlaminar shear strength, 71.09% greater flexural strength, 84.22% higher tensile strength and 109.74% higher elongation. The combination of improved surface roughness and more effective lignocellulosic exposure has been responsible for the increase in the mechanical characteristics of treated composites. The development of hydrophobicity in the SF had been induced by CGDP N₂ modification and enhanced the size of crystals and crystalline structure by removing some unwanted constituents of the SF and etching the smooth lignin-rich surface layer of the SF particularly revealed via FTIR and XRD.

Chemical and physical treatments have been identified as the most efficient ways of treating the fiber surface. However, the huge amounts of liquids and chemicals needed in chemical methods and their exorbitant performance in terms of energy expenditure have limited their applicability in the past decades. The use of appropriate cohesion in addition to stimulating the biopolymer texture without changing its bulk polymer properties leads to the formation and establishment of plasma surface treatments that offer a unified, repeatable, cost-effective and environmentally benign replacement.

The authors are sure that this technology will be adopted by the polymer industry, aerospace, automotive and related sectors in the future.

Despite the increasing demand for renewable energy (RE) as a low-carbon energy source, the transition to RE is very slow in many regions, including Oman, the case country for this study. It is critical to offer strategic insights to energy supply chain participants towards the sustainable transition to renewable energy (STRE). The purpose of this study is to identify viable RE sources in Oman as a case study of a GCC member country, develop a comprehensive framework of STRE, and suggest future research opportunities.

The paper addressed this problem through a country/regional study of Oman by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR) of RE-related peer-reviewed publications spanning over 21 years from January 2000 to February 2021. The qualifying articles are evaluated using template analysis qualitatively to identify viable renewable energy sources, build a holistic framework of STRE and recommend future research opportunities.

Findings confirm the potential of solar, wind, biomass and geothermal energies driven by environmental, economic and social sustainability concerns. However, results suggest that to fast-track the STRE, more emphasis should be accorded to solar and wind energies owing to the geographical composition of Oman. Findings reveal that policies and regulations, advanced and cost-effective technologies, subsidy regimes, grid connectivity and capacity, storage capacity and land availability influence the STRE. Gaps in the literature are identified from the results to clarify and suggest future research opportunities.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that conducted an SLR that was evaluated using the template analysis technique to build a novel and updated framework that facilitates a crystalline understanding of STRE to guide policymakers and professionals in strategic decision-making.

This review paper delves into the comprehensive understanding of Ashwagandha, spanning its botanic occurrence, conventional applications, extraction techniques and pivotal role in addressing various disorders.

Introduction Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a remarkable botanical resource with a rich history of use in traditional medicine.

In botany, Withania somnifera thrives in diverse ecosystems, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Its extensive distribution across regions, the Canary Islands, South Africa, the Middle East, Sri Lanka, India and China underscores its adaptability and resilience. The traditional uses of Ashwagandha in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine systems have persisted for over 3,000 years. With over 6,000 plant species utilized historically, India, often regarded as the “botanical garden of the world,” has firmly established Ashwagandha as a cornerstone in traditional healing practices.

Extraction methods play a pivotal role in harnessing the therapeutic potential of Ashwagandha. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography are among the techniques employed to obtain the key bioactive compounds. Ashwagandha’s significance in modern medicine is underscored by its potential to address a spectrum of health issues. The multifaceted bioactivity of Ashwagandha is attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, heart conditions, metabolic disorders, renal ailments, hepatic diseases and adaptogenic properties, making it a subject of increasing interest in contemporary medical research. This review synthesizes the assorted perspectives of Ashwagandha, from its botanical roots and conventional employments to its advanced extraction strategies and its intention to basic well-being challenges, advertising important bits of knowledge for analysts, specialists and healthcare experts alike.