Resilient Solutions Research Articles

Innovative earthquake resistant school building typologies for earthquake-hit areas of Nepal

The 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal devastated over 50,000 classrooms across 14 rugged districts, many accessible only by foot trails. Rebuilding multi-hazard resilient school buildings in these remote areas posed unique challenges, including adherence to restrictive building codes, logistical hurdles in transporting modern construction materials and financial constraints. This study innovatively addressed these challenges by advocating for the utilisation of local materials and craftsmanship in line with the 'Build Back Better' initiative. Through a blend of literature review, field surveys, structural assessments, and stakeholder consultations, an overall framework of the research was prepared and is presented in this paper. This framework included an attribute-based approach for the selection of locally suitable construction materials, techniques and building types. Four novel multi-hazard resilient building prototypes are proposed, rigorously tested for compliance with Nepalese building codes using shaking table experiments and numerical simulations. By challenging conventional engineering norms, the findings of the findings of this study not only resulted in the development of pragmatic alternatives but also illustrated the significance of locally driven solutions for school infrastructure resilience, both in Nepal and also for regions worldwide where similar geographical and multi-hazard constraints are encountered.

Determinants of adoption of climate resilient agricultural solutions

CONTEXTClimate change poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity, crop yield and overall resilience of farming system, particularly in mountainous regions. In Nepal, where agriculture is a crucial livelihood for a substantial population, the Climate Resilient Agricultural (CRA) solutions are imperative. These solutions aim to enhance the sustainability of water, reduce reliance on pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and increase farm productivity and income. However, understanding the factors influencing farmers' decisions to adopt or reject such solutions remains a critical knowledge gap. OBJECTIVESThis study investigates the socio-psychological and socio-demographic determinants affecting the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural solutions. METHODSThis study uses the theory of planned behavior and a mixed-method approach to conduct household surveys with farmers, Key Informant Interviews with experts and implementing partners, and Focus Group Discussions with farmers' groups. Responses to behavior-related questions were analyzed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), and the factors influencing the farmers' adoption behavior were identified using binary logistic regression. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe result based on a limited sample size indicates that farm characteristics and perceived behavior control significantly influence the adoption and continuation behavior of CRA solutions. In conclusion, fostering awareness, capacity building, and skill development and establishing both market and non-market incentives are essential for improving the adoption of new solutions for climate resilience in agriculture, however, the in-depth research is recommended to better understand the adoption behavior within specific farming systems. SIGNIFICANCEThe findings of this research offer valuable insights for policymakers and development practitioners striving to promote the widespread adoption of CRA solutions in farming communities. It will help to develop targeted strategies and policies that effectively support the integration of these solutions into agricultural practices, ultimately enhancing the resilience of the farming system in the face of climate change.

Solving Fuzzy Delay Differential Equations using Fuzzy Elzaki Transform and Fuzzy Elzaki Decomposition Method

Objective: In this work, the fuzzy Elzaki transform and fuzzy Elzaki decomposition method are used to solve fuzzy delay differential equations. The fuzzy Elzaki decomposition method is a combination of the fuzzy Elzaki transform and Adomian decomposition method in a fuzzy environment. The use of transforms in solving differential equations makes the solution process simpler. Methodology: The fuzzy Elzaki transform is applied in the fuzzy delay differential equation. The nonlinear terms are decomposed using Adomian polynomials in a nonlinear fuzzy delay differential equation. In the transformed domain, the resulting algebraic equation is solved. The solution in the original time domain is obtained by applying the inverse Elzaki transform. Findings: The fuzzy Elzaki transform and fuzzy Elzaki decomposition method are useful for handling the complexities associated with fuzzy functions and delays in differential equations. The technique used to solve the fuzzy delay differential equation gives results with better accuracy compared to the exact solution. The applicability of the method is illustrated with numerical examples. Novelty: The Elzaki transform is a helpful tool for solving delay differential equations with discontinuities. For the resilient solution of complicated differential equations, especially those including nonlinearity and fuzzy logic, the fuzzy Elzaki decomposition approach is useful. It gives an organized way to find the solution to fuzzy delay differential equation by utilizing the advantages of both the Elzaki transform and the Adomian decomposition method in a fuzzy situation. Keywords: Triangular Fuzzy Number, Fuzzy Elzaki Transform, Adomian decomposition method, Fuzzy Elzaki decomposition method, Fuzzy Delay Differential Equations (FDDE)

Financial Crisis Arising in Small-Scale Industries After Pandemic Periods

The global COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted the economy, with small-scale industries (SSIs) facing severe financial crises. These industries, which are the backbone of many economies due to their contribution to employment and GDP, were disproportionately affected by the pandemic. This research article will focus on the financial challenges faced by SSIs post-pandemic, specifically addressing diminished demand, cash flow constraints, supply chain disruptions, and obstacles in securing financial assistance.This paper explores the financial challenges encountered by small-scale industries during and after the pandemic, focusing on liquidity crunches, disruptions in supply chains, reduced consumer demand, and labour shortages. Furthermore, it examines the recovery strategies employed by SSIs and suggests long-term solutions for resilience against future crises.

Intelligent assistive obstacle avoidance device based on SLAM and wearable technology

Abstract. This paper presents a conceptual design for an intelligent assistive device that combines visual simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) with wearable technology. The device has been developed through the integration of two innovative fields: visual SLAM and wearable technology. The objective is to develop a device that is both user-friendly and safe. The design addresses the issue of safety for visually impaired individuals when they are outside the home. The objective is to provide a dependable, real-time, and resilient solution that can be utilised in intricate indoor and outdoor settings. The system is designed to provide reliable, real-time, and highly effective solutions in variable environments. The main components of the proposed system include visual SLAM, intelligent wearable devices (as carriers), and a comfortable and straightforward user feedback system (through haptic, auditory, or visual signals to provide feedback to the wearer), while simultaneously considering the safety and comfort of the device. This is due to the consideration of the prolonged and frequent periods of use by visually impaired individuals. This paper considers the latest advances in SLAM algorithms, improvements in wearable sensors and the latest developments in robotics for assisting visually impaired people. It also discusses the potential of these technologies in the future development of assistive devices. The aim is to provide a feasible, comfortable and safe solution that will enhance the safety and autonomy of visually impaired people when they are outside.

Memperluas Pelaksanaan Wakaf Pendidikan di Malaysia

Providing a conducive and contemporary educational infrastructure requires a large-scale budget. Plus, learning ecosystem should be developed in line with current technologies. It is inefficient to depend on government allocation for education in the long run. Constructive engagement dan active contribution from all parties are strongly needed. Hence, stern actions to come out with comprehensive, concrete and resilient solutions are essential. This vacuum can be filled with education waqf as an alternative shariah compliance financial mechanism which characterise a complementative and sustainable fund. This article aims to review the feasibility of education waqf for the school level in the Malaysian status quo and education system. Qualitative approach with content analysis is used. The data collection method is the analysis of secondary source documents and being analysed descriptively as well as inductively. The results show that there are several constraints to implement educational waqf broadly such as legal factors. However, there are still spaces that can be utilised to implement educational waqf comprehensively through collaborative cooperation with stakeholders. All stakeholders in education must manipulate all capabilities and resources towards realising this aspiration, especially in an era of increasingly complex education with the COVID-19 pandemic threat and global economic uncertainty.

Scalable Parking Management Using Cloud Infrastructure and DevOps

This project presents a scalable parking management system built using PHP and SQL, integrated with cloud infrastructure and DevOps methodologies. The system dynamically scales to handle high traffic using cloud auto-scaling and load balancing techniques, ensuring reliable performance. By leveraging containerization, continuous integration, and monitoring tools, the project automates deployments and ensures minimal downtime. The goal is to provide an efficient and resilient solution to parking management challenges, enabling seamless user experience during peak times while maintaining system integrity and availability.

Designing effective policy frameworks for the implementation of microgrids in developing countries: Opportunities, challenges and pathways to sustainable energy access

Designing effective policy frameworks for the implementation of microgrids in developing countries is crucial for advancing sustainable energy access. Microgrids offer a decentralized and resilient solution to energy challenges, particularly in regions with limited grid infrastructure. However, the successful deployment of microgrids requires a nuanced understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and pathways to integration within the unique contexts of developing nations. This study explores the key factors influencing the design and implementation of microgrid policies, including regulatory environments, financial incentives, and technological innovations. It highlights the potential of microgrids to enhance energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and support economic development. At the same time, it addresses the challenges related to financing, regulatory compliance, and the need for capacity-building in local communities. By analyzing case studies from various developing countries, the study identifies best practices and strategic recommendations for policymakers to create supportive frameworks that encourage the adoption of microgrids. The research underscores the importance of international collaboration, public-private partnerships, and adaptive policy mechanisms that can respond to the evolving needs of the energy sector. Ultimately, the study provides a roadmap for leveraging microgrids as a key component of sustainable energy strategies in developing countries, contributing to broader goals of energy equity, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience.

11.D. Scientific session: Participatory approaches and co-creation in complex interventions to reduce inequity in health

Abstract The escalating challenges posed by climate change and rapid urbanization demand an integrated understanding of how our natural and built environments influence health outcomes. This workshop aims to dissect the complex associations between the environment-both natural and constructed-and physical and mental health. The urgency and breadth of these issues necessitate a multidisciplinary approach, leveraging insights from environmental science, public health, and urban planning. The primary objective of this workshop is to elucidate the multifaceted relationships between environmental conditions and health, identifying actionable strategies to mitigate adverse health outcomes and enhance well-being. Specific goals include: i) to assess the current scientific evidence linking various environmental factors with health, highlighting the role of climate change; ii) to explore innovative methodologies for studying environmental impacts on health; and iii) to foster collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners for integrated health and environmental planning. Organizing this workshop presents several unique added values. First, it serves as a platform for experts from diverse fields to share findings and refine research methodologies. Second, by synthesizing current knowledge, the workshop will inform more coherent and science-based public health and urban policy. Lastly, it could facilitate networking among stakeholders, fostering collaborations that bridge gaps between research and policy implementation. The workshop is structured to ensure thematic coherence and maximally beneficial interactions among participants. Presentations will be grouped into four thematic blocks: 1. effects of climate change on health; 2. healthy design and public mental health; 3. Planetary health challenges to human health; 4. Climate change perception and mental health. During the workshop, each speech will be built on the previous one in a sequential way. At the end of the workshop, audience members could join the discussion offering their point of view and directly interacting with the speakers. This workshop stands as a crucial endeavor to integrate diverse perspectives on how environmental conditions impact health and to catalyze significant strides in public health and urban planning. It promises to not only advance scientific understanding but also to translate this knowledge into practical, scalable solutions for health resilience in our communities. Key messages • Urban health is foundational for sustainable cities, integrating health into all policies ensures inclusive, safe, resilient communities as outlined in SDG 11. • Public health influenced by environmental and local government strategies highlights the need for multidisciplinary approaches to adapt urban planning and health policies.

An Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Implications and its Impact on Marketing. A Systematic Review

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used by marketers to track and forecast the future purchasing behaviour of their target audience and to gain further insights into their journey. The three areas of artificial intelligence that best demonstrate its potential are machine learning, big data, and resilient solution. Big data allows marketers to quickly and manually sort through enormous amounts of data and combine it. Businesses can use this information to ensure that the correct message is sent through the right channel to the right target at the right time. Marketers can use machine learning (deep learning) to analyse and interpret vast amounts of data. They have the ability to predict consumption trends and keep an eye on, assess, and analyse consumer spending and behaviour. Effective decision-making proves that we live in a time when robots can think like humans and have a complete comprehension of the universe. Automated systems have the ability to promptly identify concepts and trends throughout diverse datasets, interpret human emotions and actions, and provide pertinent customer support. They have the ability to quickly predict the decisions and actions of their clients and use that knowledge to solve issues down the road. More innovative and intelligent ads, reliance on bots, better content delivery, continuous learning, prevention of fraud and data breaches, sentiment analysis, voice and image recognition, predictive customer services, sales forecast, customer segmentation, etc. are just a few of the ways that marketers can expect a greater impact from AI in the coming years. The study aims to explore how artificial intelligence has changed the marketing environment overall, as well as to better comprehend the function that AI plays in it.

Transcending disciplinary boundaries: Nature based solutions (NbSs) for Caribbean coastal resilience

Caribbean Small Island Developing States are experiencing multiple interconnected crises including susceptibility to natural hazards, increased vulnerability to climate change, biodiversity loss and reduced accessibility to development funding. Nature-based Solutions can provide an integrated approach to boost Caribbean coastal resilience as they are economic and practical solutions that capably balance competing interests. This study used a participatory method, Group Model Building, to engage stakeholders across varying disciplines and levels of decision-making to collaboratively identify the underlying causes of low Nature-based Solutions uptake regionally and potential intervention mechanisms. Six overarching factors contributed to low adoption, including data and knowledge limitations, a propensity towards hard engineering, low collaborative engagement, and limited implementation capacity. Some areas identified for intervention were comprehensive data collection, reducing uncertainty surrounding the implementation of Nature-based Solutions, effective collaboration, using case studies and best practices, and knowledge translation and dissemination. The outputs demonstrated a critical role for the engineer in mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions through adopting a systematic and holistic design approach. Concomitant to this is the need for engineers to operate successfully within transdisciplinary teams to enhance transformative communication skills and ensure that solutions not only minimize environmental impact but also support the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Adaptable solutions for retail supply chain resilience in the post-COVID-19 era

Faced with globalization and unpredictable disruptions, firms aspire to achieve resilience and sustainable recovery of their supply chain (SC) networks. However, Nigerian retail firms are faced with challenges that deter resilience in their SCs under disruptions, and to date, literature is currently non-existent that analyzes these challenges and proposes strategies for their mitigation. This study, therefore aims to identify and analyze the degree of significance of the challenges to SC resilience in Nigerian retail firms under disruptions, as well as propose strategies to mitigate them for enhancing retail SC resilience under potential disruption risks in the post COVID-19 era. Nineteen challenges were identified and categorized into three contexts namely operational-level, macro-level and internal-level. Then, a methodology based on integrating decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory with the Shannon entropy concept and simple additive weighting was proposed to aid in the study analysis. Results indicate that the operational-level context is most significant and ranks highest in deterring SC resilience in Nigerian retail firms under disruptions. Specifically, 'limited credit facility' is the highest ranked challenge, followed by 'lack of Omni channel fulfilment capabilities', 'delivery irregularities', ‘workers’ high welfare package’ and 'lack of supplier collaboration’. Besides, 'incentivisation' mitigates these challenges the most and is strongest linked to build retail SC resilience, followed by 'digitalization' and ‘SC localisation'. Implications are highlighted from the results for retail SC resilience in the post-COVID-19 era.

Enhancing resilience and reducing waste in food supply chains: a systematic review and future directions leveraging emerging technologies

ABSTRACT The sustainability of food supply chains is gaining increasing attention, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. A food supply system that simultaneously prioritises resilience and minimises wastage is crucial. It is found that many studies have explored reducing food waste and increasing supply chain resilience as separate objectives, but research is scarce investigating both objectives in conjunction. This paper presents a comprehensive systematic review focusing on existing solutions to reducing food waste and enhancing resilience. It discusses future directions, particularly leveraging emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The studies are categorised into three main topics: crisis resilience solutions, food waste reduction solutions, and integrated solutions. The literature review reveals a lack of empirical and practical solutions for concurrently improving resilience and decreasing food waste. Further in-depth investigations are necessary to propose practical and integrated approaches that tackle both challenges jointly.

Solution for time-dependent resilience in the presence of gradual deterioration of performance

In this paper, a closed-form method is developed for the evaluation of time-dependent resilience (so named as it is a function of the service time of interest) of an aging object (e.g., a structure or system). These structures and systems often suffer from the deterioration of performances in a harsh service environment, causing the decline of serviceability. They are thus expected to be sufficiently resilient during their service lives, i.e., to have the ability to withstand disruptions to their performances. The proposed method takes into account the uncertainty associated with the performance deterioration process, the availability of resources that support the performance recovery, and the impact of a changing environment. The accuracy and improved efficiency of the proposed method are demonstrated through three examples. It is also shown through sensitivity analysis that the impact of a changing environment, and the availability of recovery-supporting resources play an essential role in the time-dependent resilience. The proposed resilience method can also be used to efficiently guide the design of new structures that meet predefined resilience goals.

Green engineered Mo-CeO2@C nanocomposites for visible light-assisted dye decomposition and microbial apoptosis

The profound contamination of reservoirs triggered by industrial dyes and the growing phenomenon of antibiotic-resistant bacteria present substantial risks to both the environment and human health. Conventional approaches to water treatment and microbiological disinfection can frequently become ineffective, expensive, and detrimental to the environment, and this issue underscores the need for novel materials that possess refined photocatalytic and antibacterial characteristics that thrive efficiently in a setting of visible light. An innovative nanostructured nanocomposite, Mo-CeO2@C, was synthesized using a green chemistry method coupled with Mo-CeO2 nanoparticles and pristine CeO2. The impact of Ce, Mo, and carbon-based nanocomposites has been validated by leveraging XRD, FTIR, UV–vis spectra, and FE-SEM/EDX. The sunlight-mediated photodegradation performance of carbon-based nanocomposite exhibited a superior photodegradation efficiency of 99.5 %, higher than others. The photocatalytic activity of M.B. dye concentration, catalyst dosage, scavenger test, and recyclability were also conducted, which confirm the optimal catalyst loading of 20 mg, dye concentration 40 ppm, and pH 8 with reusability up to sixth cycles. The carbon-coated doped nanocomposite displays superior antibacterial efficacy against gram-positive S. aureus, gram-negative E. coli, and P. vulgaris bacteria in comparison to CeO2 and Mo-doped CeO2. This may be attributed to the combined effects of the generation of reactive oxygen species (R.O.S.) and the intrinsic characteristics of the dopant and carbon matrix. The results of our research emphasize the potential of carbon-based nanoparticles as versatile agents in the realms of environmental rehabilitation and biomedical research. These nanoparticles provide a method to achieve more efficient and resilient solutions in these areas.

Artificial intelligence for enhancing resilience

In an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, resilience-the ability to withstand and recover from adverse conditions is essential across various sectors. This research paper investigates the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing resilience across multiple domains. We explore how AI technology can be utilized to develop resilient infrastructure, providing advanced predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring capabilities that ensure robustness and longevity. The study examines the role of AI in improving disaster response, offering rapid data analysis and decision-making support to enhance emergency management outcomes. In climate change, AI-driven strategies are assessed for their effectiveness in fostering climate resilience, including predictive modeling of extreme weather events and optimizing resource allocation. The paper also discusses AI applications in healthcare resilience, such as enhancing diagnostics, patient care, and operational efficiency during crises. Business continuity and crisis management are examined, highlighting AI's capability to anticipate disruptions and maintain operational stability. The paper emphasizes the importance of strengthening cybersecurity resilience using AI to detect and mitigate threats proactively. AI's role in enhancing community and social resilience is analysed, particularly in supporting vulnerable populations and fostering social cohesion. Additionally, we explored AI-powered solutions for urban resilience, focusing on smart cities and sustainable development. The study also covers AI's contributions to environmental and ecological resilience, resilient supply chain management, and resilience in the hospitality and tourism industry. Finally, we investigated AI's potential in fostering psychological resilience, providing personalized mental health support and stress management tools. Through these diverse applications, the paper underscores AI's critical role in building a resilient future.

Chilli Cakes: A Nature-Based Solution for Enhancing Human-Wildlife Coexistence and Socio-Economic Resilience in Zimbabwe

Abstract Gonarezhou National Park (GNP) in Zimbabwe is home to a thriving population of African elephants ( Loxodonta africana ). However, this population faces constant threats stemming from human encroachment and habitat degradation, exacerbated by unplanned cultivation and a growing number of domestic livestock. As human and elephant interactions increase, so does the incidence of human-elephant conflict (HEC), posing a significant risk to both communities and elephants alike. This conflict jeopardizes the survival of elephants that venture beyond the confines of the protected area. In defence, the farmers employ various strategies to minimize HECs, including burning chilli peppers, beating drums and fire, deploying bee hives, employing dogs, and utilizing other defensive measures. A study conducted in 2019 identified HEC hot spots through GPS-tracking elephants. A collaboration with affected farmers was then sought in developing a more sustainable solution for mitigating HEC. As a result, a novel product named “Chilli Cake” was developed, drawing upon traditional knowledge and innovative science techniques to deter elephants from raiding crops. The chilli cake initiative successfully reduced HECs and improved crop protection for farmers in Malipati. These findings carry significant implications for elephant conservation through the promotion of coexistence between wildlife and people while promoting community resilience which is the basis for sustainable development in Zimbabwe and beyond. Information © The Authors 2024

It’s Still Complicated: From Privacy-Invasive Parental Control to Teen-Centric Solutions for Digital Resilience

It’s Still Complicated: <b>From Privacy-Invasive Parental Control to Teen-Centric Solutions for Digital Resilience</b>

Insights into different marine aquaculture infrastructures from a life cycle perspective

Aquaculture facilities represent an often-neglected process in environmental impact studies. This study focus on the environmental impact assessment of alternative net materials in Mediterranean marine aquaculture. A Life Cycle Assessment was conducted using primary and secondary data from specific databases and literature. Three baseline scenarios were compared: copper alloy net cages with 100 % of recycled material (CAN100), 75 % of recycled material (CAN75), and polyethylene net (PEN) System boundaries include manufacturing and disposal of cages, nets, and mooring system. The use and emissions of antifouling paints and CAN were considered. Sensitivity analysis of the most impacting sub-processes and Uncertainty analysis were also conducted. The use of CAN is advantageous in terms of environmental impact, but only considering a complete recyclability of the net at the end of its service life. Moreover, when considering a reduced service life of the PEN due to the detrimental effect of biofouling, the advantage of the CAN is even more evident. To counteract the negative effect of biofouling, copper-based antifouling paints are generally used in marine aquaculture. These products are a main environmental hotspot in PEN systems. Therefore, a higher consumption of such products could determine an environmental burden shifting from CAN to PEN ones. So far, CAN are not widespread in the aquaculture industry, mainly due to the high cost of initial investment compared to traditional PEN. Considering operational and environmental advantages, CAN cages could represent an affordable and resilient solution for aquaculture enhancing environmental, economic, and social performances of this industry.

Resilience Informatics: Role of Informatics in Enabling and Promoting Public Health Resilience to Pandemics, Climate Change, and Other Stressors.

Climate change, local epidemics, future pandemics, and forced displacements pose significant public health threats worldwide. To cope successfully, people and communities are faced with the challenging task of developing resilience to these stressors. Our viewpoint is that the powerful capabilities of modern informatics technologies including artificial intelligence, biomedical and environmental sensors, augmented or virtual reality, data science, and other digital hardware or software, have great potential to promote, sustain, and support resilience in people and communities. However, there is no "one size fits all" solution for resilience. Solutions must match the specific effects of the stressor, cultural dimensions, social determinants of health, technology infrastructure, and many other factors.