A fuzzy approach for a smooth operator

A genetically optimised fuzzy logic controller for robotic arms is described in the International Journal of Automation and Control. The system improves accuracy and resilience in simulations of a three-degrees-of-freedom robotic arm. Moreover, it outperforms alternative control systems when the device is exposed to disturbances and changes in the system parameters.

The researchers compared fuzzy logic control, an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and a genetic algorithm-optimised fuzzy controller (GA-FLC). Genetic algorithms are optimisation systems inspired by natural selection and are often used to find the best solution to complex problems by “evolving” candidate parameters until an optimal fit emerges.

The team carried out simulations and showed that GA-FLC reduced average root mean square errors by 89 per cent compared with conventional feedback control. The system thus improved on the alignment between the robot's intended and actual movements. GA-FLC also maintained stable performance even when significant changes were made to the system parameters, while earlier approaches failed under such severe variations.

The findings could have implications for industrial automation, where robotic arms perform precision tasks such as assembly, welding, and material handling, the work suggests. Even greater resilience to disturbances could improve reliability and reduce errors in manufacturing. The next step will be to undertake hardware implementation and real-time testing as proof of principle in a test industrial setting.

Abushokor, A., Abdalhadi, A. and Mysorewala, M.F. (2026) ‘GA-optimised fuzzy control for trajectory tracking of a 3-DOF robotic manipulator’, Int. J. Automation and Control, Vol. 20, No. 8, pp.1–27.

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Free Open Access special issue on "Sustainable Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Part 2" published by International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development

The International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.

• Study on adaptive learning path recommendation method based on multi-task learning model
• Qualitative study on teacher support behaviour in outdoor autonomous games in kindergartens
• GRA-LSTM for intelligent evaluation of blended teaching effectiveness in higher education
• The transformation of teaching ethics and knowledge authority in humanities classrooms of universities in the AIGC era

New Open Access article available: "Mathematical processing units: a prototype for enabling next-generation ambient AI"

The following article from the International Journal of Critical Computer-Based Systems, titled "Mathematical processing units: a prototype for enabling next-generation ambient AI", is available for free download as an open-access publication.

It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.

New Open Access article available: "Semantic-guided multi-scale diffusion network for immersive tourism content generation"

The following International Journal of Information Quality article, "Semantic-guided multi-scale diffusion network for immersive tourism content generation", is freely available for download as an open access article.

It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.

Research pick: Writing the shape of my art - "A new exploration of the causes behind the square-based structure of Chinese character outlines"

A new historical analysis challenges the received wisdom as to why Chinese characters developed their distinctive square shapes. The work in the International Journal of Arts and Technology argues that their shape resulted from interacting linguistic, technological, and cultural factors rather than a single cause.

The researchers looked at the evolution of Chinese writing and distinguished between the linguistic unit represented by a character and the space occupied by its written form. They considered four possible units: phonemes, or individual speech sounds; syllables, or units of pronunciation; morphemes, the smallest units of meaning; and words.

Earlier explanations have attributed the square configuration to the semantic structure of Chinese characters, the simplicity of their component shapes, or traditional preferences for symmetry and square forms. This new analysis suggests that none of those factors alone explain the evolution. Indeed, other writing systems also use semantic construction or relatively simple symbols but did not develop a comparable square outline approach.

The researchers suggest that the square-shaped writing cells emerged through gradual regularisation. The grouping of graphic components, changes in character structure and practical demands of writing with brushes on materials such as bamboo slips helped establish the consistent shape. Later scribes and then printing reinforced the convention, while cultural preferences may have supported its continuation.

Dai, M. and Li, H. (2026) ‘A new exploration of the causes behind the square-based structure of Chinese character outlines’, Int. J. Arts and Technology, Vol. 16, No. 10, pp.1–15.

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New Open Access article available: "Exploring the trends, models and challenges of the circular economy: a review of the literature"

The following International Journal of Services and Operations Management article, "Exploring the trends, models and challenges of the circular economy: a review of the literature", is freely available for download as an open access article.

It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.

Research pick: Virtual tourism - "Semantic-guided multi-scale diffusion network for immersive tourism content generation"

Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence, AI, model to generate realistic panoramic images for virtual tourism. The work has potential applications in cultural heritage preservation and destination marketing, the team suggests. Details are reported in the International Journal of Information Quality.

The new model, known as SGMSD-Net, addresses a problem with AI-generated tourism imagery in that pictures may look convincing but fail to replicate accurately the actual scene being depicted. The new model uses semantic guidance, which helps interpret a scene’s meaning. It also applies diffusion modelling to generate images through progressive refinement. The team explains that three resolution stages are used to produce the overall structure of the image before adding textures and lighting details.

Tests on two datasets, SUN360 and Matterport3D, found that SGMSD-Net outperformed four existing approaches in terms of image quality, perceptual similarity and alignment with the descriptions. Subjective evaluation also showed the generated scenes to have clarity and consistency.

The work could be used to support virtual tours that allow visitors to explore destinations before travelling. Additionally, they might be used to in reconstructions of historical sites for educational purposes that are either difficult to access or need protection from tourism for the sake of conservation.

Future research will explore combining the model with three-dimensional reconstruction and multimodal AI systems. These will process different types of information to create a more interactive representation of the virtual destination.

Wei, L., Zafar, A. and Khan, M.A. (2026) ‘Semantic-guided multi-scale diffusion network for immersive tourism content generation’, Int. J. Information Quality, Vol. 4, No. 5, pp.1–20.

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New Open Access article available: "Knowledge graph and reinforcement learning-based automatic decision-making for distribution network fault handling"

The following International Journal of Critical Infrastructures article, "Knowledge graph and reinforcement learning-based automatic decision-making for distribution network fault handling", is freely available for download as an open access article.

It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.

New Open Access article available: "A new exploration of the causes behind the square-based structure of Chinese character outlines"

The following International Journal of Arts and Technology article, "A new exploration of the causes behind the square-based structure of Chinese character outlines", is freely available for download as an open access article.

It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.

Free Open Access issue published by International Journal of Information and Communication Technology

The International Journal of Information and Communication Technology has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.

• A semantic embedding framework for analysing discourse patterns in English teaching
• Personalising physical education courses via predictive analytics to improve student engagement and health outcomes
• Personalised recommendations for sports tourism resources based on collaborative filtering algorithms
• A deep reinforcement learning model for dynamic generation of ideological and political teaching content
• Dynamic perception of ideological and political identity in classroom settings via multimodal self-supervised representation learning

Free Open Access issue published by International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management

The International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.

• Environmental sustainability education via integrated STEAM art curricula: evaluating entrepreneurial mindset development of art undergraduates
• Sustainable talent cultivation mechanism of eco-cultural industry: symbiotic coupling research on university music teaching and entrepreneurship education
• Digital preservation and dissemination of performance-based intangible cultural heritage based on artificial intelligence and deep learning
• Intelligent green audit framework integrating deep learning and anomaly detection for photovoltaic industry sustainability
• AI-driven quantitative research on narrative patterns of traditional disaster-averting literature

New Open Access article available: "The interplay of service quality and servicescape in shaping tourist revisit intention: a moderated mediation model with experience and technology"

The following International Journal of Business Innovation and Research article, "The interplay of service quality and servicescape in shaping tourist revisit intention: a moderated mediation model with experience and technology", is freely available for download as an open access article.

It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.

Research pick: How to choose from 17000 holidays of a lifetime - "Development of optimal tourist destination recommendation model using clustering and shortest-distance digitalisation"

Researchers have developed a tourist recommendation system combining three algorithms to help travellers find destinations suited to their preferences, budgets, and travel routes. Details appear in the International Journal of Work Innovation and address a limitation of digital platforms that often prioritise popularity over practical considerations.

The new model integrates three computational techniques. First, K-means clustering, which groups data by similarity, categorises attractions by tourism potential. Second, the Floyd-Warshall algorithm, which calculates the shortest distances between destinations to optimise journeys. Third, the weighted product method ranks options against criteria, including facilities, cost, and safety, according to their relative importance.

By combining these methods, the team says they obtain more accurate and efficient recommendations than through the use of a standalone algorithm. The inclusion of destination potential, geographical distance, and practical requirements in the input means their system can improve the decision-making process while reducing travel time and costs.

The team is based in Indonesia, and the research is particularly relevant to this part of the world as a tourist destination. The archipelago consists of more than 17,000 islands which have diverse natural, cultural, and historical attractions; choosing between them as a holiday destination is thus a rather complicated choice. Indeed, the breadth of the Indonesian tourist offering can make choosing destinations near impossible, despite the growing importance of digital platforms in trip planning. The team suggests that their integrated recommendation system could support tourism digitalisation, offering businesses and policymakers a data-driven tool for improving travel planning and destination management.

Muqorobin, Fitria, T.N., Mutiasari, A.I. and Rochmatullah, M.R. (2026) ‘Development of optimal tourist destination recommendation model using clustering and shortest-distance digitalisation’, Int. J. Work Innovation, Vol. 7, No. 4, pp.522–542.

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Free Open Access issue published by International Journal of Business Performance Management

The International Journal of Business Performance Management has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.

• Linking organisational values to performance: the mediating role of strategy
• Debt management in the construction business for the prevention of non-performing loans

New Open Access article available: "COVID-19 digital proximity-tracing applications: uptake, performance, and public health management implications"

The following International Journal of Services, Economics and Management article, "COVID-19 digital proximity-tracing applications: uptake, performance, and public health management implications", is freely available for download as an open access article.

It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.

Research pick: Formation droning - "Distributed collaborative control of unmanned aerial vehicle formation based on fuzzy autocoupling PID algorithm"

A new method for controlling groups of “drones”, technically known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), could make formation flying smoother and reduce energy consumption and mechanical wear, according to research in the International Journal of Systems, Control and Communications. The work combines fuzzy logic processing with a self-adjusting control system, known as a self-coupling proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller.

The approach addresses a challenge in coordinating UAVs and maintaining stable formations despite disturbances and interactions between aircraft. The researchers developed a model in which each drone in the formation is interacting with the others through virtual springs and dampers. These are mathematical elements that represent the forces that bring each UAV to its intended position and allow the model to plot the formation and monitor how it deforms under different disturbances before recovering autonomously.

The controller combines fuzzy logic with PID regulation in which responses change according to current errors, accumulated past errors and the rate at which errors change. The fuzzy logic component uses rules to adapt control parameters, enabling stronger corrections when deviations are large and subtler adjustments as the formation stabilises.

Tests showed that the method made the drones’ flight adjustments smoother, with fewer abrupt changes in commands. Smoother commands could limit actuator wear and tear and lower energy use in applications such as reconnaissance and surveillance.

Cheng, Y. (2026) ‘Distributed collaborative control of unmanned aerial vehicle formation based on fuzzy autocoupling PID algorithm’, Int. J. Systems, Control and Communications, Vol. 17, No. 10, pp.1–18.

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New Open Access article available: "GA-optimised fuzzy control for trajectory tracking of a 3-DOF robotic manipulator"

The following International Journal of Automation and Control article, "GA-optimised fuzzy control for trajectory tracking of a 3-DOF robotic manipulator", is freely available for download as an open access article.

It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.

New Open Access article available: "Distributed collaborative control of unmanned aerial vehicle formation based on fuzzy autocoupling PID algorithm"

The following International Journal of Systems, Control and Communications article, "Distributed collaborative control of unmanned aerial vehicle formation based on fuzzy autocoupling PID algorithm", is freely available for download as an open access article.

It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.

Free Open Access special issue on "Ecological Economics and Climate Change: Technology, Policy, and Management – Part 2" published by International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management

The International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.

• An empirical study on the masking effect of financing constraints on green preferences
• National image multimodal discourse construction and information organisation decision management under deep learning and IPE education
• Coupling between digital factor-driven technological innovation and high-quality development based on the MGWR-LightGBM model
• The analysis of entrepreneurship for healthy development and organisational innovation in carbon neutrality green enterprises
• Text-music cross-modal analysis of Dongting fishermen's songs for cultural evolution

New Open Access article available: "The Lebanese Customs Police: legal powers, institutional structure and governance challenges: a comparative study with France and Egypt"

The following International Journal of Public Law and Policy article, "The Lebanese Customs Police: legal powers, institutional structure and governance challenges: a comparative study with France and Egypt", is freely available for download as an open access article.

It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.

New Open Access article available: "How venture capital increases international new venture knowledge: theoretical bases and emerging topics"

The following International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development article, "How venture capital increases international new venture knowledge: theoretical bases and emerging topics", is freely available for download as an open access article.

It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.

New Open Access article available: "How brand authenticity influences purchase intention in mobile banking applications: the mediating effects of cognitive and behavioural engagement"

The following International Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing article, "How brand authenticity influences purchase intention in mobile banking applications: the mediating effects of cognitive and behavioural engagement", is freely available for download as an open access article.

It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.

Research pick: A new spin on the old economy - "Exploring the trends, models and challenges of the circular economy: a review of the literature"

A review of the research literature spanning the years 2020 to 2026 has found that digital technologies, additive manufacturing, and resource recovery are major themes in the transition towards a sustainable, circular economy. The work, published in the International Journal of Services and Operations Management, highlights the need for more cooperation between businesses and other stakeholders and for better governmental policies to ease the transition.

Traditionally, industry has extracted resources and manufactured products. Consumers use these products, and when they are finished with them, they are dumped into the waste stream. The notion of the circular economy replaces that model in order to minimise resource use and reduce waste. Strategies such as reuse, repair, recycling and upcycling, and remanufacturing are all in development and used to varying degrees to reduce the demand for raw materials and limit environmental harm.

The study analysed research from 372 journals covering operations, production, logistics, and supply chain management. The team found that information technology and additive manufacturing are all being used to reduce material waste. The review also identified regeneration and resource recovery as important approaches.

Fundamentally, the transition to a circular economy will improve efficiency, lower costs, open new markets, and create jobs. However, its adoption will depend on coordinated action and putting policies in place that support sustainable practices across industry and its supply chains. Currently, financial and operational constraints mean companies need tailored strategies and workforce training to help with the transition.

Cáceres-Mariño, S.A., Angarita-Monroy, A.G. and Henao-Gómez, L.M. (2026) ‘Exploring the trends, models and challenges of the circular economy: a review of the literature’, Int. J. Services and Operations Management, Vol. 55, No. 7, pp.1–23.

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Research pick: Hit the road, app! - "Social media communication and customer well-being in online travel retailing platforms"

Social media communication on online travel platforms may contribute to customer well-being when it encourages participation and positive emotional experiences, according to a study of 210 Generation Z* users reported in the International Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing.

The research, undertaken in Greater Jakarta, Indonesia, found that communication from travel service providers and content generated by users, including reviews and comments, were both positively associated with value co-creation. Co-creation is a process through which businesses and customers effectively shape the value of a service together.

This kind of participation was associated with more positive emotional experiences. These in turn were linked to greater customer well-being. The researchers also found that emotional experience played a significant intermediary role, suggesting that interaction becomes beneficial when it helps create an emotionally meaningful experience.

The work has implications for online travel retailers, which increasingly operate as social environments as well as transaction platforms. Customers encounter official promotions alongside peer reviews, recommendations and shared travel experiences, all of which can influence their decisions and feelings before a trip begins. The researchers suggest that platforms should put greater emphasis on making communication useful, understandable and conducive to positive engagement rather than simply counting clicks.

Nisa, P.C., Praja, A.K.A., Amalia, L. and Ruswanti, E. (2026) ‘Social media communication and customer well-being in online travel retailing platforms’, Int. J. Electronic Marketing and Retailing, Vol. 18, No. 8, pp.1–20.

*Generation Z, Gen Z, refers to people born from the mid-to-late 1990s to the early 2010s. They follow the Millennials and precede Generation Alpha, and are commonly the children of Generation X. Often called digital natives, they grew up during the widespread development of the internet, smartphones and other portable digital technologies.

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