Abstract-Youth expect religion to create meaning in life. These expectations play a significant role in practised religion and significant changes in the religious landscape. Participation in places of worship continues to decline. Organised religion might be facing a shifting landscape but this does not mean people are shunning religion. The interactions between religious institutions and an individuals’ perspectives of religion are investigated to reveal the transformation of religious practices in Singapore, from the lens of globalization and migration. Kierkegaard’s Theory of Existentialism is used along with non-probability purposive sampling with an objective to explore how globalisation has affected religious practices of Christian youth in Singapore and to investigate how migration has affected religious practices among Christian youth in Singapore. The key informants are six young Singaporean Christian adults between 25 and 30. Qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews, open-ended questions, in-depth interviews and thematic analysis is used.

Abstract-Multimodal emotion recognition is essential for advancing human-computer interactions and enabling applications like mental health monitoring and social robotics. This study focuses on utilizing text, audio, and motion data from the IEMOCAP dataset to develop independent models that capture unique emotional cues from each modality. The audio model employs a hybrid architecture combining Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Multi-Head Attention, and Gated Recurrent Units (GRU), achieving an accuracy of 81%. The text model leverages a CNN-based approach inspired by Temporal Convolutional Networks (TCN), achieving 94% accuracy. For motion data, a Spatio-Temporal Graph Convolutional Network (ST-GCN) was implemented, achieving 63% accuracy. A score-level fusion strategy integrates these models, improving the overall recognition performance. Evaluations using metrics like accuracy, precision, and recall demonstrate how multimodal approaches can provide a more accurate and reliable emotion recognition system by combining complementary information from diverse data types.

Abstract-This study aimed to develop a prototype of an automated smart plant watering system for urban home gardening, focusing on the reliability and functionality of its monitoring, notification, and water dispensing features. The system incorporated components such as the Arduino Uno R4 WiFi, DHT22 sensor, soil moisture and water level sensors, a raindrop sensor, and a submersible pump to address urban gardening challenges. The study evaluated the accuracy of the system’s sensors, the real- time data display, and SMS notifications, as well as the precision of water dispensing based on soil moisture levels. Results indicated high reliability, with most sensors achieving accuracy rates between 90% and 100%. The soil moisture sensor provided consistent readings, while the raindrop and water level sensors performed with near- perfect accuracy, enabling precise environmental monitoring. Notification features, including the LCD display and SMS alerts, were effective, with minimal delays in SMS reception. The water dispensing system demonstrated precision, adjusting water volume according to soil moisture levels, achieving an average water conservation effectiveness of 85% or higher. Additionally, a weak negative correlation between soil moisture and water dispensed highlighted the system’s responsiveness to environmental conditions. In conclusion, the prototype proved effective in monitoring and responding to soil conditions while minimizing water usage, making it a viable solution for urban home gardening. Future work could explore IoT-based enhancements for improved real-time monitoring, remote control, and data logging to further optimize system functionality.

Abstract-This article explores the intersection of reception theory and the value of adaptation in literature, visual arts, music, and theater. Reception theory, pioneered by Hans Robert Jauss, shifts the focus from the creator to the audience, emphasizing the evolving cultural and personal contexts that shape how stories are interpreted. Adaptations serve as transformative dialogues between the original work, its reimagining, and contemporary audiences, ensuring stories remain relevant across time and space. Examples such as Jean Rhys’s Wide Sargasso Sea, Alfred Hitchcock’s Rebecca, and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton illustrate how adaptations reframe narratives to address new perspectives, cultural dynamics, and societal values. This article highlights how the reinterpretation of familiar tales enriches their meaning, engages diverse audiences, and underscores the timeless power of storytelling. By applying reception theory, the article demonstrates that the true value of adaptations lies in their ability to connect, challenge, and inspire audiences across generations.

Abstract-This study aimed to investigate the potential of durian husk, durian leaf litter, and banana pseudo stem as bio-leather. The bio leather was made from durian husk, durian leaf litter and banana pseudo stem. The bio leather made from these materials were tested in terms of its thickness, elongation and tensile strength. Also, as comparison the synthetic leather was tested according to its thickness, elongation and compression strength. The tests were performed at TERMS Concrete and Materials Testing Laboratory, Inc. Data were analyzed using mean and Mann Whitney U test. Results showed that, bio leather can be used to make light weight wallets since it only requires less thickness, low percentage of elongation and low tensile strength. For synthetic leather, can be used to make bags since the values of the indicators are high. The bio leather and synthetic leather do not significantly differ in terms of thickness, elongation and tensile strength; therefore, bio leather can be a good substitute for synthetic leather in making valuable items with high economic value.

Abstract-Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposites reinforced with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties and potential applications. In this study, we investigated the impact of TiO2 incorporation on the structural characteristics and thermal stability of PVA-matrix-based nanocomposites. The PVA polymer nanocomposite films were prepared using a solution casting method. The structural studies of the prepared films were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, the thermal properties of the prepared films were characterized by DSC, TGA and DTA. The addition of TiO2 nanoparticles induces structural changes in the PVA matrix. TEM studies showed that a PVA polymer surrounds TiO2 in its entirety. The PVA-TiO2 nanostructure is the same as the structure of a core-shell nanostructure. TiO2-doped PVA nanocomposites exhibited improved thermal stability. Thermogravimetric analysis of the nanocomposite films demonstrated enhanced resistance to thermal degradation. DSC analysis of the PVA-TiO2 nanocomposite films revealed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm) were 141°C and 265°C, respectively, for the 8 wt.% TiO2-incorporated PVA-TiO2 nanocomposites. The TGA and DTA studies of these nanocomposites revealed that their degradation behavior follows a four-step process. In comparison to those of pure PVA, these composites exhibit a sluggish decomposition rate, suggesting that the better thermal stability of these composites can be attributed to the better interaction among the -OH functional groups of PVA and TiO2 nanoparticles. These nanocomposites hold promise for various applications, including coatings, sensors, and optoelectronic devices. The combined effects of structural reinforcement and thermal stability make these materials attractive for engineering applications.

Abstract-This article delves into the concept of transcultural adaptations in visual arts, a practice that involves blending diverse cultural traditions, aesthetics, and ideas to create innovative and boundary-defying works. From historical exchanges along trade routes to the digital innovations of the contemporary era, transcultural art reflects the dynamic interplay of cultures across time. While celebrating creativity and hybridity, it also navigates critical ethical questions surrounding cultural sensitivity, power dynamics, and authenticity. By examining its historical roots, modern practices, and societal impact, this piece highlights the role of transcultural art in fostering dialogue, empathy, and inclusivity, ultimately enriching the global artistic landscape.