Book Chapter

Entrepreneurial intentions among Generation Z university students: a theory of planned behavior perspective

2026-11-04T11:17:43Z

Entrepreneurial intentions among Generation Z university students: a theory of planned behavior perspective Mia, Md. Mamun; Abir, Tanvir; Peris, Sandy Francis; Roy, Jewel Kumar; Kakon, Kaniz; Emwinyore, &Kingsley Entrepreneurial intentions among Gen Z university students in Bangladesh remain underexplored, particularly regarding the influence of education, access to finance and socioeconomic status. This study aims to investigate how these factors shape entrepreneurial intentions within a developing economy context. A quantitative research design was employed, using stratified random sampling of university students in Dhaka, and data were collected through structured questionnaires. Analysis was conducted using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) with AMOS, which showed that all structural paths were statistically significant at p < 0.05. The study found a significant positive association between education and entrepreneurial intentions among Gen Z students in Bangladesh. Access to resources, particularly digital tools and crowdfunding platforms, was also significantly and positively associated with entrepreneurial intentions. Socioeconomic status demonstrated a further significant positive relationship with entrepreneurial intentions. Access to digital resources emerged as a strong direct predictor of entrepreneurial intention. These findings extend the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) within a developing economy context. In conclusion, education, resource access and socioeconomic status are key positive determinants of entrepreneurial intentions. Strengthening digital infrastructure and entrepreneurship education may enhance youth entrepreneurial outcomes. Broader studies beyond Dhaka are recommended to improve generalizability. Book Chapter

Environmental Investigation of Natural Radioactivity and Health Risk Assessment in Basaltic Volcanic Building Materials

2026-11-04T11:17:38Z

Environmental Investigation of Natural Radioactivity and Health Risk Assessment in Basaltic Volcanic Building Materials Faraj, Turki Kh.; Gawad, Ahmed E. Abdel; Khandaker, Mayeen Uddin; Hanfi, Mohamed Y. This study presents an integrated geological and environmental radiological analysis of basaltic volcanic rocks, which have been characterized by their suitability and potential for risk when used as construction materials. A total of thirty-five representative basaltic samples from the environment of studied area, located in the Northern Eastern Desert of Egypt, were utilized for this study. The rocks were then analyzed by means of HPGe high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry methods. The petrographic studies show that the basalt samples were composed mostly of three main minerals: plagioclase, olivine, and pyroxene. In addition, these rocks have a significant degree of secondary alteration products, including sericite, epidote, and zoethite. For uranium-238 (238U), thorium-232 (232Th), and potassium-40 (40K), the average activity concentration measured 53 ± 20 Bq kg−1, 54 ± 14 Bq kg−1, and 1178 ± 269 Bq kg−1, respectively. Using the current global reference limits, all the measured values are above acceptable levels for the radionuclides 238U, 232Th, and 40K. The radiological indices calculated for each of the basalt volcanic samples measured radium equivalent activity (Raeq = 221 Bq kg−1), external hazard index (Hex = 0.60), internal hazard index (Hin = 0.74), gamma index (Iγ = 0.84), and annual effective dose (AED = 0.52 mSv y−1) indicate that the radiological hazard values of these samples are acceptable, unlike several samples, where values are near or exceed the accepted standards for indoor hazards. The most significant finding of this study reveals that the major contributions in the environment from radiological risk can be attributed to radionuclides 238U and 40K based on correlation analysis, hierarchical clustering, and PCA analyses, and this study establishes the first multivariate perspective of how radiogenic materials controlled by the environment can affect basaltic rocks. Therefore, this study creates an important baseline for future environmental monitoring and states that caution is warranted when using basalt as a finished material for constructed environments, and for using basaltic products as raw materials in indoor environment. Book Chapter

Environmental Sustainability for a Strong Blue Economy

2026-11-04T11:17:34Z

Environmental Sustainability for a Strong Blue Economy Talukder, Mohammad Badruddoza; Akhter, Md. Shoeab; Rahman, Md. Nymur Oceans, which cover more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, contribute vastly to regulating global climate, hosting biodiversity, and providing socio-economic benefits to over three billion people. However, oceans are endangered because the ever-increasing threats coming from climate change, pollution, and overexploitation tend to jeopardize the well-being of human civilization at a very critical level. The chapter commences with the compatibility of the blue economy with environmental sustainability within a framework that combines blue industries, smart technology, inclusive policy, and keeping marine ecosystems. The study arrives at a conclusion that MPAs and nature-based solutions are bringing biodiversity to its full capacity of functioning, and others like sustainable fisheries, ecotourism, offshore wind farms, and ocean superfoods can yield protection and prosperity at the same time. Digital technologies such as Ai, IoT, and blockchain forensics have improved monitoring, decision-making, and transparency, but they still need to be more widely used and accessible for the commercial blue economy to be sustainable, and it requires strong governance, global partnerships, inclusive communities, and new funding sources. The chapter argued that, rather than a compromise, blue economies are synergies among social justice, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The future of the blue economy will need to bridge technology diffusion barriers, energize cross-sectoral policies, and localize and deepen constituencies in a bid to maintain the ocean as a sustainable source of global development within the SDGs framework. Coordination creates a strategic advantage for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and scholars in ocean prosperity and global health. Book Chapter

Technology-Based Interventions for Mental Health Support in Bangladesh

2026-11-03T06:37:40Z

Technology-Based Interventions for Mental Health Support in Bangladesh Muhammad, Faisal; Yasir Arafat, S. M. This chapter explores the potential presence and role of technology-based interventions in addressing mental health challenges in Bangladesh. The technology landscape in Bangladesh is examined, focusing on the growth of information and communication technology, mobile internet usage, and smartphone adoption. E-mental health initiatives, including tele-psychiatry and tele-counseling platforms, mobile apps, and virtual reality applications, are promising approaches to bridge gaps in mental health support. The importance of combating stigma and raising mental health awareness is discussed, focusing on the role of technology, online campaigns, and collaborations between tech companies and mental health institutions. Challenges and future directions for technology-based interventions are addressed, including digital divide concerns, cultural relevance, data privacy, and funding. It emphasizes the transformative potential of technology-based interventions and the need for collaboration, evidence-based practices, and awareness-building efforts to foster a supportive mental health ecosystem in Bangladesh. Book chapter