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The creation of information: how evolution generates novel improvisations in the biosphere
No full textInformation is a widespread term in science, characterized by a high degree of semantic overload. In biology, information is mentioned in reference to both semiotic perspectives and approaches based on information theory. While the former deals with relations and meanings, the latter is focused on syntactic measures, often based on Shannon entropy and statistical properties of sequences of symbols. The investigation of semantic and syntactic properties of information in living systems and evolution dates back to the mid-twentieth century, when cybernetics scholars started to address the topic of semantic information (e.g. [1]). The achievements of information-theory approaches to some fields of biology are undeniable, but are bounded by specific and algorithmically defined limits. Fundamental questions concerning meaningmaking, the notion of information itself and its origin still need to be further investigated. In this contribution, we address the problem of the creation of information in the context of the evolution of the biosphere. Our first step is to acknowledge that pivotal to evolutionary steps are affordances, which are seized by heritable variations and natural selection. As affordances are not independent properties of the environment but rather emerge from the interplay among organisms, their goals and their repertoire of actions [2,3] and are not listable nor can they be deduced one from another [4,5], an algorithmic approach fails in capturing the evolution of the biosphere. Here, the distinction between domains of laws and domains of non-entailing laws emerges: the evolution of the biosphere, driven by seized affordances, is a prominent example of a domain where laws are created as the space of possibilities expands along evolution. This expansion is, in fact, the core ingredient for the creation of information, which emerges as the result of a continuous dynamics between affordances and constraints. We conclude our discussion with implications for open-ended evolution (OEE)
AI-Driven Optimization of Biopolymer Composite Formulations Using IoT Data Streams
No full textBiodegradable polymer composites have emerged as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based materials in packaging, biomedical, and structural applications. However, traditional formulation techniques for reinforced polymer composites often lack precision and fail to adapt to real-time variations during processing, resulting in suboptimal material performance. This research proposes a real-time AI-IoT-enabled framework to optimize biopolymer composite formulations. The goal is to intelligently tune composite properties such as mechanical strength, moisture resistance, and biodegradation behavior by leveraging continuous sensor data and machine learning. A hybrid prediction model integrating Convolutional Neural Networks and Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-LSTM) with Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) was developed to predict composite behavior from IoT-based fabrication data. Key parameters polymer-filler ratio, temperature, humidity, and curing time were collected using an embedded sensor network during the composite processing stage. A Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) was employed to optimize formulation targets across multiple property dimensions. Experimental validation was conducted using PLA-starch and PHA-lignin biopolymer composites. The proposed system achieved high predictive accuracy (R² > 0.90) across all polymer composite properties. Optimized reinforced formulations resulted in a 17.8% improvement in tensile strength and a 22.1% reduction in water absorption, while maintaining biodegradation above 90%. Experimental outcomes closely matched model predictions with less than 5% deviation. This study demonstrates a novel AI-driven optimization platform for biodegradable polymer composite formulations, offering a closed-loop, scalable solution for intelligent material design. The framework enables real-time formulation control for reinforced polymer systems, bridging performance, sustainability, and smart manufacturing
Validation of Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale: an Indian study
No full textThe present study aimed to validate the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS). In study 1,personality dimensions were employed to establish criterion and predictive validity on a sample size of 120 young adults in the age group of 18–23 years who participated voluntarily. The EFA revealed a 12 items, three-factor solution (Time, Withdrawal and Mood Modification) with 65.86% of variance. To validate correlations were examined between total BFAS score, BFAS dimensions, total NEO-FFI score, NEO-FFI dimensions, BIS and BAS. Hierarchical Regression indicated that age and gender had predictive efficiency of 15% whereas in step 2 Age, Gender, Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, BIS, BAS Drive, BAS Fun Seeking and BAS Reward Responsiveness predicted Facebook Addiction to 12.3%. In study 2, good factor solution was revealed thus, confirming the three-factor solution from study 1. The overall results of this studies indicated that a three-factor solution was more relevant for Indian adolescents
Is another liveability possible? Articulating caste and lesbian worldmaking from India
No full textIn this paper, we use collaborative forms of writing to ask if another liveability is possible. We attempt to articulate caste and lesbian worldmaking in the context of the COVID-19- induced lockdown through a walking interview with Urmila, a Dalit queer labour union organizer. The walking interview with Urmila happened within the conceptual parameters of what we term ‘urgent witnessing’, a methodological stance involving sharing and documentation of upending life circumstances. We try to gesture toward messier modes of learning and representing our lives, challenging through it our obsessions with the neatness of identities, experiences, and categories, often which are confining, limiting, silencing, and denying. Three of us are distinctly placed, enlivened, and produced through diverse histories and precarities of caste, class, and gender. Yet here, together, we attempt to build a lexicon of queer liveability that allows us to breathe. It is only one articulation of the possible politics of liveability, and we do not claim it to be the alternative. Instead, we urge those working with/in lesbian feminist frames to consider this as an invitation to re think/articulate/live. The urgency is also towards centering the questions of caste and class that manufacture and facilitate our queerness by mapping our often diagsnosed impossible cartographies of liveabilities
The Putin visit and the 23rd Indo-Russian Summit
Get PDFThe visit of President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India (December 4-5) is being deconstructed internationally to analyse the kind of welcome he was given, the deals announced, the purpose it serves, the impact it has, the strategic signalling, and its implications for India, Russia and globally in the current geopolitical context. Russia is at war in Europe; Europe sees it as a threat but interestingly the just published US National Security Strategy does not mark Russia as a threat any more. India is facing harsh 50% tariffs from the US, of which 25% is on account of Russian oil imports as part of the pressure on India to disengage with Russia. Russia is facing thousands different sanctions from the West
Government Support Mechanism in Perishable Food Supply Chain: A Transition From Sustainability to Circularity
No full textThe transition from sustainability to circularity within the food supply chain (FSC) is intricate and multifaceted. Governmental efforts involve educating the perishable food sector about the advantages of circularity. The transition to circularity necessitates a reassessment of current business models and an emphasis on innovative practices. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to identify the potential enablers of government support mechanism in the transition from sustainability to circularity in perishable FSC. Furthermore, the study ranks the enablers according to their respective significance, adopting fuzzy simple additive weighting (SAW) method. Fuzzy SAW approach is selected as it can handle uncertainty and vagueness in the decision-making process, which is common when dealing with qualitative factors and subjective judgments. The study evaluates seven alternatives in relation to four criteria using the fuzzy SAW method. The findings from the study highlight fostering collaborative partnerships, innovative infrastructural support, and enforcing regulations and standards as the top three ranked enablers. The study contributes to the existing literature on sustainability and circularity in FSCs. The results from the study can assist the industry in focusing efforts on circularity and help businesses align practices with government policies
Global research dynamics in organic farming: Emerging trends and scientometric insights
No full textAmid growing global concerns over environmental degradation, food security, and climate change, organic farming has emerged as a key pillar of sustainable agriculture. This scientometric analysis of global research from 2003 to 2023 examined trends across 11,561 publications, revealed an annual growth rate of 8.8 % and an average of 24.27 citations per document, emphasizing the growing significance of organic farming in both academic and practical spheres. Scientific collaborations across 33,576 authors, with an average of 4.4 co-authors per paper, underscore the interdisciplinary and international scope of organic farming research. The USA, Germany, and Italy played a major role in advancing the field of organic farming through publications in high-impact journals, facilitating the rapid and effective communication of research findings. The Scientometric analysis further revealed that the key research areas of organic farming include soil fertility, biological pest control, climate-resilient practices, and socioeconomic aspects. Emerging interest in precision agriculture and digital tools suggests a shift towards technologically enhanced organic farming. However, the concerns relating to the scalability and economic viability of organic farming practices, particularly for smallholders, remain critical challenges. This analysis offers strategic insights to inform future research directions, policy development, and sustainable agricultural transformation
Industry 5.0 and smart cities
No full textThis chapter examines the convergence of Industry 5.0 and smart cities, specifically emphasizing how advanced technologies in conjunction with human-centric design principles can be exploited to bring about transformation. Industry 5.0 emphasizes optimizing human collaboration with intelligent systems to create an environment of sustainable and resilient urban spaces. The book defines what smart cities are and delves further into the technology that underlies their establishment, including Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics. It discusses the applications of Industry 5.0 in smart cities, focusing on sustainable mobility, resource management, and enhanced public services. Then, the importance of human-centric design, sustainability, and ethics is further elaborated upon in relation to data privacy, equity, and workforce transitions. It concludes by looking forward to future collaboration among stakeholders toward inclusive innovation and sustainable development for urban spaces
Integrated framework for contractor selection using fuzzy TOPSIS and gradient boosting machine in construction industry
No full textThe construction industry is crucial to economic growth as it significantly impacts infrastructure, urbanization, and employment. However, selecting suitable contractors remains challenging, often causing delays, budget overruns, and compromised quality. Traditional methods relying on subjectivity and familiarity are insufficient for modern projects. This study enhances contractor selection by incorporating advanced decision strategies and forecasting methods, using fuzzy TOPSIS and gradient boosting machine (GBM). The framework aims to robustly recognize skilled, dependable contractors, ultimately improving project delivery. The multi-criteria decision-making approach employs fuzzy TOPSIS to assess and rank contractors based on criteria like price, deadlines, finances, safety, quality, knowledge, and skills. GBM also predicts success probabilities, augmenting decisions with predictive analytics. The combination of fuzzy TOPSIS and GBM considerably strengthens selection by enabling thorough evaluations of subjective and numerical factors. The framework performs better than traditional techniques through more precise, reliable contractor choices. In conclusion, combining fuzzy TOPSIS and GBM proves effective for construction contractor selection. This method enhances selection dependability and efficiency by addressing multi-criteria complexity and incorporating forecasting. Furthermore, it establishes a basis for future sophisticated analytics use across diverse project management phases
Comparative Analysis of Law Enforcement-Based Victim Services in the Global South and Global North: A Perspective from Australia and India
No full textThe dividing lines between the Global North and the Global South have without a doubt outcompeted concerns of those disciplines where differences and similarities are expressed at the same level elements as socio-economic, political, and legal factors to integrate into its model for consideration. This chapter observes how the comparison of the implementation of the services for victims by police rhetoric estimates the differences and possibilities between the two regions. Specifically, through the discussions of Australia and India, as illustrations, this chapter shall try to highlight the fashion in which community-based policing and law enforcement can help in enhancing. Global North is represented by Australia to show has its own special branch in the police hierarchy for the victims. These are known for its smooth running enhanced by the law and e-business, which also serve as a shield for the players. However, the step taken by Australia is an attempt to create a model that scales the two objectives of exculpating the victims and the criminal justice of the whole country. The Australian example gives a plan that includes the help provided to the victims in the disciplinary measures. Policing of the community with reference to Australia and the United States is a key factor in the development of trust and cooperation between police and the people of the society. This approach is rather more concerned with strategies that will without doubt afford swifter and more helpful assistance thus taking the victims on the path to recovery and reintegration. On the other side, India has been assigned the role of speaking and portraying all things from the Global South. Despite the challenges faced, the Indian government has taken significant steps toward strengthening social support for victims through socio-development programs and reforms in policing methods. The core principle of India’s approach recognizes the importance of community participation and the need to adapt services to practical contexts, particularly for marginalized communities. Community policing in India is a blend of socially-driven policing—where caregivers handle specific types of cases—and neighborhood policing, where government representatives take responsibility for community welfare. At the same time, independent authorities manage various aspects of public safety. This approach fosters positive community relations, enhances familiarity with local life, and ensures sensitive support for victims