This study investigates the core competencies essential for product designers to excel in cross-cultural global markets, with particular emphasis on implications for human resource development and organizational leadership. As design practices increasingly transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, designers are required to integrate advanced technical proficiency, creative problem-solving, technological adaptability, and cultural intelligence to create inclusive, socially responsible, and market-relevant products. Employing a mixed-methods approach—including focus groups and surveys with design professionals, industry executives, and academic leaders—the research identifies key competencies such as flexibility, intercultural communication, ethical integrity, and systems thinking. The findings underscore the necessity of balancing technical expertise with emotional intelligence and transformational leadership capabilities to effectively lead diverse, cross-functional teams. These competencies contribute significantly to fostering innovation, enhancing employee well-being and job satisfaction, and strengthening organizational resilience, thereby supporting sustainable human resource strategies. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of continuous professional development and lifelong learning in cultivating culturally competent and ethically driven design talent. The insights offer strategic guidance for human resource professionals, organizational leaders, and educational institutions aiming to develop adaptive, inclusive, and future-ready design capabilities aligned with evolving global demands.

Solar energy is a reliable and abundant resource for both heating and power generation. The current research examines how the novel class of nano-embedded Bees wax phase change materials (NEBPCMs) improves heat storage qualities. The synthetic NEBPCMs were subjected to experimental testing using, XRD, Bees wax and Al2O3 FESEM. A typical solar water heating system features a flat plate collector unit incorporating Bees Wax phase change material (NEBPCM) combined with varying concentrations of Al2O3 (0.01%, 0.015%, and 0.02%). The absorber plate surface is coated with a Nano-hybrid coating consisting of Black Paint, Al2O3, and additional Fe3O4 at a 2% concentration. Pure water is frequently used in these solar water heaters (SWH), with performance evaluations conducted using different Bees Wax and Al2O3 concentrations of NEBPCM (Bees Wax + Al2O3). The system’s efficiency is assessed across different flow rates (60, 90, and 120 kg/hr) and tilt angles (15, 30, and 45 degrees). This study aims to examine the feasibility of using PCMs to store solar energy for night time water heating, ensuring a continuous supply of hot water maximum efficiency achieved by using NEBPCM in solar water heater 52.26% at a flow rate of 120 Kg/hr, at angle of 45 degrees and Concentration 0.015%.

This study investigates the integration of Yao ethnic cultural history into sustainable jewelry design and its implications for human resource planning, organizational management, and employee engagement techniques within creative sectors. The research emphasizes new approaches to improving employee well-being, work happiness, and organizational commitment by integrating cultural authenticity with circular economy concepts. The study specifically aims to (1) use Yao cultural elements to strengthen the organization’s identity and boost employee pride, (2) evaluate how consumers respond to circular economy ideas and how these ideas impact employee motivation and performance, and (3) explore how sustainability efforts based on culture affect consumer behavior and the morale of the workforce. We used a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with fifteen experts in design, sustainability, and cultural heritage with a quantitative survey of 240 participants. Research indicates that using Yao motifs—such as traditional needlework and nature-inspired designs—enhances market attractiveness and promotes more employee alignment with business ideals, hence improving satisfaction and performance. The increasing customer acceptance of recycled and upcycled items enhances employees’ sense of purpose and engagement. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating sustainable HR practices, including culturally oriented training and open ethical principles, to enhance labor relations and foster equity. Utilizing cultural heritage in design innovation serves as a strategic instrument to enhance human capital and promote long-term organizational sustainability.

This study examines the viability and user acceptance of a Cultural Healing Virtual Museum as a novel method for enhancing employee well-being and psychological health in organizational environments. The research shows how combining art and design can create engaging cultural experiences, looking at how visual appeal, space layout, and interactive technology can help reduce stress, build emotional strength, and teach employees about culture. The study focuses on middle-aged working individuals, especially those facing stress and sub-health issues, utilizing a mixed-methods approach with 381 participants. Notably, 87.14% of participants reported awareness of the concept of cultural healing, and over 78% indicated a willingness to engage with immersive cultural wellness tools. Research indicates a pronounced inclination toward culturally relevant virtual settings that integrate traditional healing practices—such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), calligraphy, and meditation themes—with modern digital aesthetics. The findings demonstrate that art-based immersive components markedly improve emotional well-being, cultivate trust in organizational health programs, and elevate the propensity to participate in preventative self-care activities. Principal elements influencing engagement comprised visual coherence, symbolic significance, and emotional impact. Even though most feedback was positive, some participants expressed concerns about how comfortable they were with technology and using virtual reality, pointing out the need for easy training and designs that include everyone. These findings suggest that immersive wellness strategies rooted in art and heritage can contribute directly to human capital development by boosting proactive health behavior and reducing psychological strain. This research highlights the possibility of incorporating art, cultural heritage, and immersive technology into workplace wellness initiatives to bolster employee well-being, improve psychological health, and facilitate human capital development.

Modified chitosan hybrids were obtained via chemical reaction of chitosan with two pyrazole aldehyde derivatives to produce two chitosan Schiff bases, Cs-SB1, and Cs-SB2, respectively. FTIR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed both chemical structures and morphology of these Schiff bases. Thermal gravimetric analysis showed an improvement of thermal properties of these Schiff bases. Both chitosan Schiff bases were evaluated in a batch adsorption approach for their ability to remove Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions. Energy dispersive X-ray for the Schiff bases adsorbed metal ions in various aqueous solutions was performed to confirm the existence of adsorbed metal ions on the surface substrate and their adsorptive efficiency for Cu(II) ions. Results of the batch adsorption method showed that prepared Schiff bases have good ability to remove Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The Langmuir isotherm equation showed a better fit for both adsorbents with regression coefficients (R² = 0.97 and 0.99, respectively) with maximum adsorption capacity for Cu(II) of 10.33 and 39.84 mg/g for Cs-SB1 and Cs-SB2, respectively. All prepared compounds, pyrazoles and two chitosan Schiff bases, showed good antimicrobial activity against three Gram +ve bacteria, three Gram –ve bacteria and Candida albicans, with varying degrees when compared to the standard antimicrobial agents.

The COVID-19 pandemic has instigated global lockdowns, profoundly altering daily life and resulting in widespread closures, except for essential services like healthcare and grocery stores. This scenario has notably intensified mental health challenges, particularly among children and adolescents. Influenced by a myriad of factors including developmental stages, educational backgrounds, existing psychiatric disorders, and socioeconomic status, the pandemic’s impact extends beyond the immediate health crisis. This paper critically examines the multifaceted effects of the pandemic on mental and physical health across various age groups. It highlights the increased incidence of stress, anxiety, and depression, underscoring the pandemic’s deep psychological footprint. Additionally, the paper explores the societal implications, from altered family dynamics and educational disruptions due to the shift to online learning, to workplace transformations. These changes have led to a mix of adaptive responses and adverse effects, including heightened domestic tensions and mental health issues. The paper also delves into the ethical challenges faced by medical professionals during this crisis, balancing urgent patient care with ongoing medical research and mental health considerations. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic’s extensive impact on health and society, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health as a crucial component of the response strategy.