Research pick: Risk in emerging markets – for beta or for worse - "Towards a deeper comprehension of unlevered betas in emerging markets: Gordon and a regression stock valuation model"

Research in the International Journal of Economic Policy in Emerging Economies has tackled the difficult issue of calculating the financial risk associated with a company in an emerging market. Conventional methods do not work well in this financial environment and produce biased results. The new work overcomes this by creating a standardized procedure to match two asset pricing models, enabling accurate calculations for specific industries in emerging markets of the so-called unlevered betas.

In financial jargon, the beta is a statistical measure of a company’s market risk. The unlevered beta or asset beta is a commonly used measurement of risk related to the beta that represents the company’s volatility in the market, which focuses on assets and ignores its debts.

The work of Pablo José Arana Barbier of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú in Lima, Perú successfully demonstrates a new approach to calculating the unlevered beta risk. Barbier has identified several issues associated with measuring company risk in emerging countries. These include opportunity cost, negotiation liquidity, information availability, dividend payments, volatility, and investor sentiment.

Having identified these factors, Barbier’s approach offers a strong correlation that allows risk to be estimated through the market without introducing bias from indicators in developed markets as would be the norm elsewhere. Barbier also confirms that the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) is a suitable valuation measure but works best if inflationary pressures are excluded and any risk at the national level is ignored.

The empirical approach builds on earlier methods to calculate unlevered betas but allows companies in emerging markets to understand their risks using publicly available databases and financial information. Barbier concedes that there remains a need for further investigation to comprehend the specific factors that account for correlations between unlevered betas calculated through this graphical method and the proposed model. Indeed, the study suggests a potential role for earnings per share (EPS) and investor sentiment in explaining unlevered betas in emerging economies. EPS has previously been overlooked but may represent an important factor in emerging markets where greater value is associated with speculation and price differentials, a value that might even outweigh dividend payments.

Arana Barbier, P.J. (2023) ‘Towards a deeper comprehension of unlevered betas in emerging markets: Gordon and a regression stock valuation model’, Int. J. Economic Policy in Emerging Economies, Vol. 17, No. 4, pp.586–599.

Free open access article available: "Towards a deeper comprehension of unlevered betas in emerging markets: Gordon and a regression stock valuation model"

The following paper, "Towards a deeper comprehension of unlevered betas in emerging markets: Gordon and a regression stock valuation model" (International Journal of Economic Policy in Emerging Economies 17(4) 2023), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Gym bunnies get fit to the beat - "The influence of music on self-paced fitness consumers’ perceived motivational qualities and optimal level of emotional state and satisfaction with exercise experience"

Research in the International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing sheds light on the effect of music on people using fitness facilities, providing useful insights for the health and fitness industry. The study shows how different types of music, whether self-selected by those working out or chosen by the fitness facility, affect the emotional and cognitive responses of customers in such environments.

Antonio S. Williams and Zack P. Pedersen of Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA, and Byungik Park of Dongguk University, Seoul, South Korea explain that external stimuli, such as music, can influence a person’s emotional and cognitive states, and so sought to understand whether music could be motivational in the context of exercise.

The researchers recruited 183 self-paced gym users and put them into two groups – one in which they could choose the music they listened to during their workout and a second where the facility selected the music. Tests were carried out in a normal fitness facility rather than a laboratory. The team then used structural equation modeling to analyze the data and evaluate their hypothesis.

Three findings emerged. First, the participants who chose their own music were much more motivated in their fitness activities compared to those in the facility-selected music group. The team suggests that choice in this matter gave the gym users more autonomy which resonated well with their workout.

Secondly, the perception of whether the music was motivational or not directly affected the gym users’ emotional state. If they were enjoying the music while working out, they felt more motivated, and thus had a heightened emotional response during exercise.

Finally, the level of musical enjoyment chimed with how satisfied the gym users felt with their workout session once completed. In other words, the emotional and cognitive impact of the music directly influenced the overall satisfaction of the customers with their exercise experience.

The implications of this research are substantial for fitness facility managers and owners. Understanding the motivational power of music and its impact on the emotions of their customers could help to optimize the fitness facility environment and enhance the overall experience. Greater satisfaction and enjoyment can then lead to repeat business, of course.

Williams, A.S., Park, B. and Pedersen, Z.P. (2023) ‘The influence of music on self-paced fitness consumers’ perceived motivational qualities and optimal level of emotional state and satisfaction with exercise experience’, Int. J. Sport Management and Marketing, Vol. 23, No. 4, pp.310–326.

Inderscience's policy regarding the use of AI tools by authors

Inderscience's Editorial Office has recently added information on the use of AI tools to its Author Guidelines.

In line with COPE guidelines, artificial intelligence tools (e.g. ChatGPT) cannot be listed as named authors on submitted articles. Authors are fully responsible for the content of their article, even those parts produced by any AI tool, and are thus liable for any inaccuracies or breach of publication ethics.

Authors who have used AI tools to develop their article must include a note in the article's Acknowledgements section describing the technologies used and the purpose.

This does not apply to software such as spelling or grammar checkers or reference managers.

Research pick: Making smart city infrastructure watertight in Vietnam - "Managing technological security of smart environment monitoring systems: study of a coastal province in Vietnam"

Research in the International Journal of Critical Infrastructures offers guidance on securing water critical infrastructures and reaffirms the urgency of protecting environment monitoring technologies as cities evolve into smart cities. The research by Anh Tuan Hoang and Xuan Ky Nguyen of the Vietnam National University in Hanoi focuses on the city of Quang Ninh and offers proposals that would help it build resilient and secure systems.

As cities evolve and systems become more and more interconnected and reliant on information technology, there is a pressing need to enhance not only the requisite sensors and actuators for the smart city but to ensure they can cope with demand and fend off cyber attacks and other malicious activity.

The present research examines the critical infrastructure of water systems in Vietnam, a country in which smart cities are high on the agenda. The team highlights how important is protecting environmental monitoring technologies from various security threats. By focusing on Quang Ninh the team has demonstrated what risks a smart city might face and how critical infrastructure might be made watertight.

Water infrastructure is, of course, critical in the urban environment, sustaining homes, medical facilities, workplaces, and natural ecosystems. The integration of environmental monitoring technology into this infrastructure allows real-time control and operation, which can improve efficiency and resource management. However, it also represents a target for malicious third parties and so-called bad actors who might interfere with or otherwise disrupt this kind of interconnected technology. While a cyberattack on e-commerce would be an inconvenience an attack on water critical infrastructure could be a matter of life or death for thousands, if not millions, of people across a smart city.

In Quang Ninh, plans for digital transformation are already underway to build the smart city of the future. The team has looked at the technological risk facing such a city in terms of preventing adverse events. The researchers have thus identified a strong relationship between technological security and the performance of environmental protection and management. The work highlights the human factors that can lead to the compromising of technological systems and points out that such factors must be scrutinized closely to enhance security and preclude as best as possible cyber attacks that exploit social engineering.

Policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders in Vietnam and elsewhere can turn to the insights in this research to help them develop strategies for the fortification of their critical infrastructure and protect against non-conventional security threats.

Hoang, A.T. and Nguyen, X.K. (2023) ‘Managing technological security of smart environment monitoring systems: study of a coastal province in Vietnam’, Int. J. Critical Infrastructures, Vol. 19, No. 4, pp.383–403.

Special issue published: "Recent Trends in Pattern Recognition and Image Analysis"

International Journal of Computational Intelligence Studies 12(1/2) 2023

• Research on basketball dunk motion recognition method based on characteristic point trajectory
• A method of athlete's starting image posture correction based on deformation model and image restoration
• Facial expression recognition of high jumpers based on wearable multi-physiological parameter collection
• A reinforcement learning-based multimodal scenario hazardous behaviour recognition method
• Research on target recognition of UAV remote sensing image based on improved mask R-CNN model
• Adaptive surveillance image enhancement algorithm based on wavelet transform
• Research on failure identification of mechanical parts of automobile transmission based on deep reinforcement learning
• Colour image cross-modal retrieval method based on multi-modal visual data fusion
• Athletes' throwing action recognition method based on PCA-LBP algorithm
• A method of environment perception for automatic driving tunnel based on multi-source information fusion
• Research on robot vision target tracking detection method based on image segmentation

Special issue published: "Uncertainty Quantification Techniques to Environment, Workplace and Employment"

International Journal of Environment, Workplace and Employment 7(1) 2023

• Investigating polarisation in critic and audience review scores via analysis of extremes, medians, averages, and correlations
• Comparison of machine learning methods using time series data: focusing on inverter data
• The market sentiment and stock market: the case of social media stocks during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Quality of work life: an investigation of the work environment of small and medium enterprises
• Proactive environmental strategies and sustainable development: the role of green management in the high-tech manufacturing industry

Research pick: A logical solution to the logistical last mile – passengers and parcels - "Analysis of last-mile operations for mobility and logistics in rural areas"

A study in the World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research offers a solution to the problem of last-mile transportation in rural areas. The last mile, the stretch from distribution centres to end-users, has long been a bottleneck in remote regions due to limited infrastructure at those end points.

Nara Quintela Begnini and Hiroshi Morita of Osaka University, Japan, have focused on a way to integrate traditional bus routes with on-demand passenger transportation and parcel delivery services. Their solution could create a seamless and efficient last-mile network for logistics as well as making better use of buses. The team’s analysis was based on a mixed integer programming formulation, which allowed them to optimize the coordination of various transportation modes for passengers and parcels alike.

The team highlights the striking savings on transport costs and putative pollution reduction possible by integrating passenger and parcel transportation. Their simulations of rural communities shows that the approach should work better than non-integrated or partially integrated approaches. Remarkably, even when prioritizing for the passengers, there are still significant efficiency gains. Rural communities face unique challenges in terms of transportation of people and the delivery of goods. A combined bus and on-demand delivery services could streamline last-mile logistics and reduce costs and pollution significantly.

The researchers add that their approach also introduces a decision-maker support system that allows service operators to visualize trade-offs when prioritizing passenger services within such an integrated passenger-parcel delivery system. This would help service providers make better decisions about timetabling, resource allocation and the optimization of transportation.

The implications could be far-reaching offering an integrated solution to a widespread problem facing otherwise marginalised rural communities that often have limited connectivity. With better access to public transportation options and essential parcel delivery services, residents in rural areas can enjoy improved access to goods, services, and economic opportunities, transforming their daily lives. The improved sustainability of the integrated logistics approach should reduce fuel consumption and emissions, which of course benefits the rural community and the wider world.

Begnini, N.Q. and Morita, H. (2023) ‘Analysis of last-mile operations for mobility and logistics in rural areas’, World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research, Vol. 11, No. 3, pp.235–257

Free open access article available: "Analysis of last-mile operations for mobility and logistics in rural areas"

The following paper, "Analysis of last-mile operations for mobility and logistics in rural areas" (World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research 11(3) 2023), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Special issue published: "New Trends in Accounting and Auditing for SMEs"

International Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Performance Evaluation 19(2) 2023

• IFRS experience, extent of disclosure, and perceived corruption: a study on African countries
• Does the International Financial Reporting Standard for small and medium-sized entities suit private firms? Fieldwork case-study vignettes for Taiwan
• The relationship between organisational decentralisation, balanced scorecard and its perceived benefits in Moroccan SMEs
• Exploring the evolvement of environmental management accounting practices for achieving SMEs' sustainability in an emerging economy
• Impact of agency costs on audit quality demand in initial public offerings
• Evaluation of forecasting accuracy of an equity valuation model: a case of ZEE
• Is solvency influencing EPS growth in Poland, Austria and Germany? A comparison study of markets with a similar bankruptcy law

Special issue published: "Driving Growth in Post COVID-19 Economies Through Business Digitalisation and Innovation"

International Journal of Environment and Pollution 71(1/2) 2022

• Can mobile banking apps usage contribute towards the environmental sustainability: a mediation analysis
• An evaluation method of college students' innovation and entrepreneurship ability based on AHP method
• Research and exploration on the optimisation of innovation and entrepreneurship education model from the collaborative perspective
• A performance evaluation method of innovation and entrepreneurship policy based on DPSIR model
• Research on the path of integrating the concept of sustainable development into innovation and entrepreneurship education
• Analysis of the role of higher vocational education in the sustainable development of social economy
• Study on evaluation method of online education reform effect based on analytic hierarchy process
• Research on the integrated development of innovation and entrepreneurship education curriculum structure optimisation and employment guidance
• The customer trust evaluation of e-commerce market based on portfolio weighting: cloud model

Free open access article available: "Extending and demonstrating an engineering communication framework utilising the digital twin concept in a context of factory layouts"

The following paper, "Extending and demonstrating an engineering communication framework utilising the digital twin concept in a context of factory layouts" (International Journal of Services Operations and Informatics 12(3) 2023), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: SMEs can’t afford to chill in the face of heatwaves - "Analysing the determinants of heatwave risk for small and medium enterprises: a case study"

As the world attempts to cope with the increasing frequency of intense heatwaves, soaring temperatures, wildfires, and extreme weather events that affect lives and livelihoods, communities and businesses have to adapt to cope with the undeniable. One area of concern is the vulnerability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to these extremes. Now, research in the International Journal of Global Warming, has focused on a particularly vulnerable region in the developing world, Visakhapatnam, India, in order to identify what measures are crucial to the necessary adaptation.

The team, Hrishikesh Mahadev Rayadurgam and Prakash Rao of the Symbiosis Institute of International Business at Symbiosis International (Deemed to be University) in Hinjewadi, Pune, India, have used statistical modelling to delve into the factors contributing to the susceptibility of SMEs to problems arising from extreme heatwaves. The team’s findings offer new insights, highlighting the factors that affect risk to SMEs and suggesting ways to mitigate the problems such companies face.

Three main factors directly affect risk to SMEs: physical infrastructure, employees, and hazard likelihood and perception. Obviously, damage to buildings and infrastructure is perhaps the most significant contributor to heatwave vulnerability in terms of the business. But, in human and social terms, the risk to employee health and wellbeing is critical especially as heatwaves become more frequent and more extreme.

The research focuses on hard (physical) and soft (non-physical) measures that ought to be taken in order to protect the business and its employees. Guidelines are offered on how to improve climate resilience. These same guidelines while aimed at the focus of the present study, Visakhapatnam, go beyond this region as they will be just as applicable and as replicable in other regions and countries.

Moving forward, the study calls for more in-depth analyses of SMEs and their specific adaptation measures to refine our understanding of heatwave risk. By acknowledging and addressing vulnerabilities, businesses can help protect themselves but also contribute to sustainable development and climate action goals.

The ongoing heatwave crises in many parts of the world underscores the urgency of such research and its implications. The need to equip SMEs with the knowledge and tools to adapt to climate challenges has never been more important. Policymakers and businesses will have to work together to help with this adaptation.

Rayadurgam, H.M. and Rao, P. (2023) ‘Analysing the determinants of heatwave risk for small and medium enterprises: a case study’, Int. J. Global Warming, Vol. 30, No. 4, pp. 430–450.

Special issue published: "Intelligence and Analytics In Education"

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning 33(4/5) 2023

• Multi-dimensional dynamic evaluation of MOOC English mixed teaching based on BP neural network
• Deep mining method of online learning behaviour data based on big data analysis
• MOOC English online learning resource recommendation algorithm based on spectral clustering and matrix decomposition
• Research on English teaching reading quality assessment based on cognitive diagnostic assessment
• Evaluation method of online education quality based on fuzzy rough set
• Corpus-driven recommendation algorithm for English online autonomous learning resources
• The method of online classroom teaching quality evaluation based on deep data mining
• Collaborative recommendation model of MOOC online learning resources based on scoring matrix
• Deep mining of mobile learning data based on multi-scale clustering analysis
• Study on the differences in behaviour characteristics of distance online autonomous learning in different network virtual environments
• Study on accurate evaluation of network distance education quality based on analytic hierarchy process
• Big data classification of learning behaviour based on data reduction and ensemble learning
• Multi-dimensional dynamic evaluation method of English MOOCS autonomous learning based on multiple intelligences theory

Special issue published: "Advances in Image and Graphics Processing"

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology 71(4) 2023

• MGU-Net: a multiscale gate attention encoder-decoder network for medical image segmentation
• Efficient adaptive rendering of planetary-scale terrains
• Image super-resolution algorithm based on V-transform combined with neural network
• MERCoL: video-based facial micro-expression recognition via bimodal contrastive learning
• Dynamic visualisation and measurement of cartilage morphology by magnetic resonance imaging-based knee kinematics
• Effsemble: faster, smaller and more accurate ensemble networks for thoracic disease classification

Regularly submitted papers

• A novel approach to secure biometric data using integer wavelet transform, chaotic sequences and improved logistic system-based watermarking
• A review of current prediction techniques for extending the lifetime of wireless sensor networks
• A secure and effective diffused framework for intelligent routing in transportation systems

Research pick: Keeping emergency field hospitals cyber secure - "Cybersecurity challenges for field hospitals: impacts of emergency cyberthreats during emergency situations"

During a crisis or ongoing disaster, field hospitals and emergency response IT infrastructure can face cybersecurity challenges just as any other IT infrastructure, but with life or death consequences. Hackers and scammers hoping to exploit vulnerabilities can disrupt critical healthcare services during the emergency. Research in the International Journal of Emergency Management, looks at the growing concerns surrounding cybersecurity of medical devices, health data, and overall healthcare infrastructure.

Nasir B. Ahmed, Nicolas Daclin, and Gilles Dusserre of the Laboratoire des Sciences des Risques in Alès, and Marc Olivaux of the Université de Nîmes, Nîmes, France, highlight how healthcare systems are targets for cyberthreat actors partly because of the invaluable data they hold. Weak defences in these critical systems provide avenues for unauthorized access and potential harm, such as the implementation of ransomware or comprising patient and healthcare worker privacy for financial gain.

Of course, all IT infrastructure is vulnerable to such threats, but during the chaos of an emergency situation, third-parties can exploit human as well as technological vulnerabilities to access healthcare infrastructure for malicious ends. The team reports on the various techniques that cyberthreat actors might use in such circumstances., These range from sophisticated social engineering campaigns to physical and technical attacks on emergency response IT infrastructure.

The team emphasises that urgent action is needed to bolster cybersecurity measures in field hospitals and emergency response operations. Investment is needed in advanced security technologies, regular vulnerability audits, and comprehensive cybersecurity training for personnel. They point out that collaboration between healthcare institutions, emergency response agencies, and cybersecurity experts could be the way forward to help mitigate potentially lethal cyber threats. By sharing threat intelligence and best practices, those involved can build a united front against cyber threats and so boost the resilience of healthcare systems during a crisis.

Cyberthreats are continuously evolving, so there also needs to be continuous evaluation of cybersecurity measures and strategies in place. It is important that those running security systems for emergency healthcare keep ahead of the threats and act quickly as new and sophisticated threats emerge. Only by being vigilant and proactive can emergency response operations be safeguarded against threats.

Ahmed, N.B., Daclin, N., Olivaux, M. and Dusserre, G. (2023) ‘Cybersecurity challenges for field hospitals: impacts of emergency cyberthreats during emergency situations’, Int. J. Emergency Management, Vol. 18, No. 3, pp.274–292.

Free sample articles newly available from Latin American Journal of Management for Sustainable Development

The following sample articles from the Latin American Journal of Management for Sustainable Development are now available here for free:

• Indicators' selection method for implementation of sustainability reports in agro-industrial cooperatives
• Sustainable Development Goals and the role of universities: what does the community expect?
• Energy analysis and management in flowshop into Industry 4.0 context
• Comparing urban greenhouse gas emission inventories in Brazilian cities
• Subsidies for public passenger transport in Brazil - a sustainable mobility issue

Special issue published: "Driving Growth in Post COVID-19 Economies Through Business Digitalisation and Innovation"

International Journal of Business Performance Management 24(3/4) 2023

• Developing human capability through hybrid education
• The relationship between the recruitment strategy and the competitive advantage
• Impact of corporate social performance on shareholder value
• The impact of COVID-19 on FDI
• A framework to drive business growth in developing countries using omni-channel strategies
• Cultural transformation through the implementation of a 'happiness program' within a UAE Government aviation entity
• Transportation optimality approach and environmental sustainability in manufacturing firms in Lagos State: a decision approach
• Balanced agile project management impact on firm performance through business process agility as mediator in IT sector of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• The use of technology among the Omani retailers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
• Perception of citizen towards e-governance in India: comparative analysis in education, healthcare and agriculture industry
• Impact of homeworking/telecommuting on organisational performance in the era of COVID-19
• Impact of password management strategies on the trust enhancement in the digital era
• The effect of leadership and climate for initiative on team workers in the German economy during the COVID-19 pandemic
• SME-bank relationship: organisation-to-organisation or person-to-person? A view from Japan
• Modelling technical efficiency and productivity growth of UAE banks: a three-stage analytical framework
• Determinants of employees' job performance; the case of education and civil service Bureau of Assosa Zone, Benshangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Environment, Workplace and Employment

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Environment, Workplace and Employment are now available here for free:

• Benefits and barriers of corporate social responsibility practices - a qualitative approach
• Examining the nexus between human resource leadership and corporate sustainability: views of human resource professionals in Ghanaian SMEs
• The impact of talent management practices on employee engagement and intention to leave: a research on telecommunication employees in Turkey
• Internal knowledge networks and employees' performance in a collaborative context: an empirical study of Japanese universities

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing are now available here for free:

• Study of composite load-bearing characteristics of the Uptis non-pneumatic tyre
• An experimental inverse and direct kinematics analysis of multi-axial simulation table
• Optimisation of robust and LQR control parameters for discrete car model using genetic algorithm
• Study on the air flow characteristics of the in-wheel motor drive system of electric vehicle
• On aerodynamic drag reduction of road vehicles in platoon

Research pick: In logins we trust - "Impact of password management strategies on the trust enhancement in the digital era"

Password management strategies can foster trust in digital services, according to research in the International Journal of Business Performance Management. The biggest barrier to the use of password management is, of course, a lack of awareness among potential users despite campaigns highlighting how important it is to use strong passwords for one’s logins and not to use the same password more than once. The research represents a call to action for those offering digital services to encourage users to adopt a strong password management strategy.

Online activities touch almost every realm of our lives. We have online logins for countless different activities including banking, shopping, healthcare, education, work, and entertainment. Ensuring the security of one’s accounts is critical to staying safe online and not falling prey to scammers and fraudsters. The use of weak passwords across one’s different accounts can have disastrous consequences, if just one account is breached, then all one’s accounts with the same password might then be compromised. Password managers offer a way to have complex and unique passwords for different accounts, although there are other strategies that might be used for managing logins.

Nitin Bansal of the SBI School of Banking and Commerce and Krishna Nath Pandey of the Sunrise University both in Rajasthan, India, surveyed more than 400 people in the National Capital Region (NCR) of India to investigate the adoption of digital services, concerns regarding security, and how those that use digital services manage their logins and passwords. Fundamentally, people are increasingly willing to use digital services, but are often held back from doing so by security concerns. The research suggests that trust and usage can be improved by education regarding password management strategies.

The researchers suggest that digital service providers should prioritize customer education regarding password management strategies, government too should be leading national-level awareness programs and integrating computer security into the educational curriculum.

Bansal, N. and Pandey, K.N. (2023) ‘Impact of password management strategies on the trust enhancement in the digital era’, Int. J. Business Performance Management, Vol. 24, Nos. 3/4, pp.484–503.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management are now available here for free:

• Event-driven management of quality of economics and the state 'from below'
• Scenario-based stochastic model for supplier selection and order allocation under disruption risk and quantity discount
• Process-event method for operational risk assessment at enterprise
• On the black swan risk dynamical evaluation
• Investigating the influential key safety climate factors on safety behaviour in the construction industry: a systematic review of the literature
• Rule based design using clustering for knowledge acquisition
• Lenders' liability and ultra-hazardous activities

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Environment and Pollution

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Environment and Pollution are now available here for free:

• A review of the current situation of municipal solid waste management in India and its potential for anaerobic digestion
• Decarbonisation drivers and climate change concerns of developed economies
• Vulnerability of sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asian countries due to the carbon dioxide emissions: an assessment based on the STIRPAT model
• Investment attractiveness of the country: social, ecological, economic dimension
• The dynamic relationship between combined pollution, consumption and production of renewable electricity and sustainable development in Iran
• Environmental sustainability (ES): a case study of Noamundi area in Jharkhand, India
• Spatial and seasonal variation of CO2 concentration within some selected areas of Owerri: Nigeria
• Energy poverty and energy efficiency in emerging economies

Research pick: Microfinance to power up the vulnerable sustainably - "Can renewable energy microfinance promote financial inclusion and empower the vulnerable?"

Can renewable energy microfinance promote financial inclusion and empower the vulnerable? That is the question research in the International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development seeks to answer.

Andrea Gatto of Wenzhou-Kean University in Zheijiang, China, has explored the concept of energy microfinance to see how this promising approach might address the energy and financial needs of vulnerable populations, particularly women in rural areas. By bridging the gap between microfinance and renewable energy, his strategy might help foster sustainable development while empowering marginalized communities.

Energy microfinance is a financial mechanism that provides small-scale loans or credit to enable access to clean and renewable energy solutions for individuals and communities with limited resources. The adoption of technologies, such as solar panels or small-scale wind turbines, could improve energy access and energy security and remove the costly cycle of reliance on fossil fuels.

Gatto has focused on vulnerable populations who generally have limited financial opportunities and often have unreliable energy supply. By directing microfinance towards such people it might be possible to improve their quality of life and perhaps even break them out of the traps that are poverty and marginalization. The benefits to the previously underserved individuals are obvious poverty reduction and improved social inclusivity. But, the global advantage is in terms of environmental protection and the avoidance of adding to environmental problems, such as carbon emissions and the associated climate change.

The research offers a conceptual framework as well as practical policy recommendations for effectively deploying energy microfinance. The research demonstrates the potential of this approach for driving positive change in ecological, social, and economic domains as well as, perhaps, in governance.

Governments, financial institutions, and development organizations might now learn from these findings and find ways to improve policies and programs that foster inclusive growth and social equity as well as environmental protection. The integration of renewable energy and microfinance could take us into a more sustainable future where the vulnerable are empowered and the sustainable development agenda is promoted, and the environment not compromised.

Gatto, A. (2023) ‘Can renewable energy microfinance promote financial inclusion and empower the vulnerable?’, Int. J. Environment and Sustainable Development, Vol. 22, No. 3, pp.368–373.

Research pick: Recruiting digital twins to fix the factory - "Extending and demonstrating an engineering communication framework utilising the digital twin concept in a context of factory layouts"

Research in the International Journal of Services Operations and Informatics discusses how the concept of the digital twin might be used to improve factory layout. The approach could cut the time and resources needed to design floorplans for industrial plants and ultimately improve the efficiency of the factory.

A digital twin is a virtual replica of a real-world object or system that can be used to simulate the way in which that object or system might work if changes are made. It is not simply a three-dimensional model of the object or system, however. It includes information about connectivity between components of the system as well as about their behaviour in the real world.

Andreas Lind of Global Industrial Development at Scania CV AB in Södertälje, Lars Hanson, Dan Högberg, and Anna Syberfeldt of the University of Skövde, and Dan Lämkull of the Volvo Car Corporation in Göteborg, Sweden, have turned to the digital twin concept to help them demonstrate better factory design in the automotive industry. They point out that the extended communication framework offered by a digital twin can be used in the real world once a design has been implemented. It enables data exchange between virtual and physical objects and so could revolutionize the way industries operate.

The conventional approach to factory layout planning using virtual environments can be a time-consuming and iterative process. Its success relies on the expertise of the software user but is also susceptible to faulty inputs. The team suggests that the digital twin approach can overcome these limitations by facilitating rapid information sharing that allows the design to be created more effectively in the first place and the digital twin to assist with ongoing operations once it is in place.

The team discusses four key concepts: digital model, digital pre-runner, digital shadow, and digital twin in their work. These concepts illustrate how data exchange between virtual and physical objects leads to more realistic and accurate datasets. By accurately mapping data to the corresponding virtual model, simulations and optimizations can be performed, bridging the gap between the virtual and real worlds.

There are issues to be addressed before the digital twin concept can be fully implemented, such as the standardization of virtual and physical object descriptions as well as the protocols needed for information exchange within and beyond the factory layout from sensors and signals, for instance.

Ultimately, the digital twin will help in the design of the factory and then become an automatically updated virtual environment representing the factory or manufacturing plant that can be used to improve ongoing decision-making and process optimization.

Lind, A., Hanson, L., Högberg, D., Lämkull, D. and Syberfeldt, A. (2023) ‘Extending and demonstrating an engineering communication framework utilising the digital twin concept in a context of factory layouts’, Int. J. Services Operations and Informatics, Vol. 12, No. 3, pp.201–224.

Research pick: Predicting pandemics with machine learning - "Pandemic outbreak prediction with an enhanced parameter optimisation algorithm using machine learning models"

Research in the International Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics, investigates the potential for machine learning models to predict the occurrence of disease pandemics with greater accuracy than other approaches. The ability to quickly identify the spread of an emergent pathogen and determine whether or not it will lead to a global pandemic could allow policymakers and healthcare professionals to develop more effective planning, response, and containment strategies during a global health crisis.

Soni Singh, K.R. Ramkumar, and Ashima Kukkar of Chitkara University in Punjab, India, have taken a novel approach to improving the parameters of existing machine learning models using the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm, which they say helped them surpassed the accuracy of previous prediction models.

Pandemic diseases wields a significant impact on societies worldwide, inevitably causing acute and chronic morbidities among those the disease does not kill. There is a pressing need to find ways to forecast the spread, mortality rates, and recovery cases for new pandemics as they arise.

The team tested the performance of their new model, using data from the COVID-19 pandemic and Ebola datasets. They were able to replicate the data in simulated predictions particularly in terms of daily projections for the spread of COVID-19 in the USA and Ebola outbreaks in Guinea and Liberia. Of the various machine learning approaches tested, the team found that the MLP-ACO algorithm was the most effective, outperforming the others tested.

The team explains that the optimization of machine learning model parameters as demonstrated in their paper offers a promising path forward in pandemic prediction. Fundamentally, the approach significantly improves predictions using time-series-based pandemic datasets. However, the team also recommends that additional studies are now needed to help improve accuracy still further.

Singh, S., Ramkumar, K.R. and Kukkar, A. (2023) ‘Pandemic outbreak prediction with an enhanced parameter optimisation algorithm using machine learning models’, Int. J. Electronic Security and Digital Forensics, Vol. 15, No. 4, pp.359–386.

Research pick: Yoga offers a mindful boost to business - "Reskilling business executives in transition economies: can yoga help?"

Research in the International Journal of Business and Emerging Markets has looked at the impact of yoga on the skill set and well-being of business executives in transitioning economies. Rather than the practice of yoga being a simple passtime, the researchers found that it can enhance behaviour and cultural intelligence among executives.

Anand N. Asthana of CENTRUM Católica Graduate Business School, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú in Lima, Perú, has used a statistical tool known as the PROCESS macro to examine a mediation model of the effects of yoga practice. The Asthana demonstrates that rather than being a “woke activity” or a “trivial pursuit”, yoga has a significant and positive effect on the behaviour and cultural intelligence of the participants. In other words, the practice improves well-being and attitudes among those executives undertaking the activity on a regular basis.

The implications of this research are far-reaching. As transition economies shift from monopolistic public sector businesses to privatized enterprises with global exposure, the executives operating in those companies must adapt accordingly. Incorporating yoga into executive development programs could offer a useful contribution to their training and progress. Given that “helping” plays an important role in effective collaboration, teamwork, and fostering positive relationships within an organization, the boost that yoga practice gives to this type of behaviour could be critical. By promoting helping behavior, yoga can contribute to creating a supportive and cooperative work environment, ultimately leading to improved productivity and organizational success.

It is worth adding that cultural intelligence is an increasingly important part of the interconnected global business landscape. Individuals who can understand and adapt to different cultural contexts are better equipped to communicate effectively with those from different cultures to negotiate with them and to make appropriate decisions in a setting of cultural diversity and at the international level. The current research indicates that yoga can enhance cultural intelligence by cultivating mindfulness, which in turn fosters openness, empathy, and a deeper appreciation of cultural differences.

The research also highlights the importance of life-long learning as part of one’s continued professional development but demonstrates that non-cognitive skills are of great importance as well appropriate technical prowess within an organisation.

Asthana, A.N. (2023) ‘Reskilling business executives in transition economies: can yoga help?’, Int. J. Business and Emerging Markets, Vol. 15, No. 3, pp.267–286.

Special issue published: "Digital Innovation, Artificial Intelligence and Economic Productivity: Theoretical, Applied and Methodological Case Issues"

International Journal of Public Sector Performance Management 12(1/2) 2023

• Work sharing as a metric and productivity indicator for administrative workflows
• A comparative analysis of technical efficiency, technological change and total factor productivity in selected ASEAN+3 countries
• Blockchain for customer transparency in e-commerce - a survival of fittest not fastest
• Economic impacts assessment of saline agriculture on marginal lands in Egypt: case study
• A study to identify the factors influencing learning orientation on service innovation framework of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
• From TQM to perceived value: an industrial outlook case study
• Customer satisfaction and customer loyalty: an empirical case study on the impact of benefits generated through smartphone applications
• Nascent entrepreneurs and challenges in the digital market in developing countries
• Factors affecting students' continued usage intention for e-learning in higher education in Jordan: extending UTAUT with COVID-19 perceived risk
• Human capital and the performance of Iranian digital startups: the moderating role of knowledge sharing behaviour
• Qualitative research in social sciences: data collection, data analysis and report writing
• Impact of the health crisis COVID-19 on finance market and economic sectors: case of Italian government measures
• A mediation-based analysis of emotional intelligence effect on cognition and consumer decision-making
• Increasing online business productivity through customer electronic loyalty: the role of online trust and hedonic value
• Governance of abundant natural resources, mining and energy, and their economic impacts on developing countries: theoretical controversies

Free open access article available: "Research on mobile robot path planning and tracking control"

The following paper, "Research on mobile robot path planning and tracking control" (International Journal of Computational Science and Engineering 26(4) 2023), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Enterprise resource planning systems boost business - "The measurement impact of ERP system implementation on the automotive industry business process efficiency"

Research in the International Journal of Business Information Systems has focused on the use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and their effects on the business bottom line. The researchers suggest that ERPs can have profound effects on an organisation, significantly improving efficiency and profits. However, if used inappropriately they can lead to corporate decline and even bankruptcy.

ERP systems are advanced management information systems that integrate various functional areas within an organization with the aim of streamlining operations and improving overall efficiency.

Ford Lumban Gaol of Binus University and Mohamad Fajar Deniansyah of the Bina Nusantara University both in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Tokuro Matsuo of the Advanced Institute of Industrial Technology in Tokyo, Japan, have examined the efficiency of business processes both before and after the implementation of an ERP system. The team found meaningful improvements are possible. But, they also highlight the factors that must be considered if the implementation of an ERP system is to be successful. They suggest that management must have vision and a solid business strategy while it is critical that experience among the company ERP team is strong.

Without this vision and team experience, ERP system implementation can fail leading to misalignments between operational strategy and business processes. Problems will arise if implementation takes longer than- anticipated, user training is inadequate, there are cost overruns and a lack of management dedication to the approach. When handled well, an ERP system as implemented in the automotive industry example discussed in the paper, shows that significant improvements in business processes can be made. The research underscores the positive impact of an ERP system on the company’s design and manufacturing unit specifically, the team reports.

As companies seek ways to optimize their processes and gain a competitive edge, this research provides insights into the potential for corportate transformation that is possible with an ERP system if undertaken with foresight, vision, and experience.

Gaol, F.L., Deniansyah, M.F. and Matsuo, T. (2023) ‘The measurement impact of ERP system implementation on the automotive industry business process efficiency’, Int. J. Business Information Systems, Vol. 43, No. 3, pp.429–442.

Special issue published: "Thermal and Mechanical Reliability of Advanced Engineering Materials"

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology 67(1) 2023

• Optimisation of low-weight cargo UAV with real-time controller by CAD design, FEM simulation and dynamic modelling
• Bayesian-based durability life prediction method of nano-modified concrete
• Research on characteristics and micro defects of ceramic dielectric energy storage
• Study on properties of polyurethane concrete based on BP neural network
• Fracture toughness analysis of nano steel fibre reinforced concrete based on improved locust algorithm

Additional paper

• A patch discrete material optimisation method for ply layout of wind turbine blades based on stiffness matrix material interpolation

Free open access article available: "Managing technological security of smart environment monitoring systems: study of a coastal province in Vietnam"

The following paper, "Managing technological security of smart environment monitoring systems: study of a coastal province in Vietnam" (Critical Infrastructures 19(4) 2023), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free open access article available: "Good governance, bad governance: a refinement and application of key governance concepts"

The following paper, "Good governance, bad governance: a refinement and application of key governance concepts" (International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics 17(4) 2023), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Special issue published: "Environmental, Social and Governance Disclosure: Ethical Consideration and Implications" (includes open access article)

International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics 17(4) 2023

• The disclosure practice of governance element of integrated reporting in Ghana
• Sustainability reporting and assurance in Gulf Cooperation Council countries: what is missing?
• Do investors care about corporate environmental responsibility engagement?
• Emergent themes of social and environmental reporting in the UK retail banks
• Business utilitarian ethics and green lending policies: a thematic analysis on the Swedish global retail and commercial banking sector

Additional paper

• Good governance, bad governance: a refinement and application of key governance concepts [OPEN ACCESS]

Research pick: Algorithm helps robots avoid accidents - "Research on mobile robot path planning and tracking control"

A new approach to autonomous robot navigation is reported in the International Journal of Computational Science and Engineering, which could help avoid collisions and accidents in a variety of future applications in various environments, such as industrial buildings and warehouses, agricultural fields, and in the urban self-driving vehicle landscape, search and rescue sites, in healthcare settings, and even in the home and garden.

Addressing the challenges of planning and motion control, crucial components in enabling robots to move safely and efficiently has been high on the research agenda for many years. Now, Jieyun Yu of the School of Mathematics at Jinan University, Guangzhou, China, has focused on two fundamental aspects to overcome the problems: enhancing control system performance and overcoming limitations in path planning. Yu has achieved precise trajectory tracking, using a novel exponential feedforward-feedback control strategy based on iterative learning control (ILC) and model-free adaptive control (MFAC). Her approach improves trajectory convergence, reduces errors, and ensures accurate and repeatable robot motion.

The path-planning system also addresses the issue of collision avoidance by using the artificial potential field (APF) algorithm. In this obstacles along the robot’s path are treated as repulsive forces within a virtual potential field, allowing the robot to navigate around them seamlessly. Yu has carried out simulations and validated the effectiveness of her approach and shown it to be more effective than traditional models.

Yu’s approach could allow a robot or autonomous vehicle to find an appropriate and safe route much more quickly than other approaches, minimizing avoidable errors and opening up the possibility for robots to operate in complex and dynamic environments.

For example, the approach could be used to improve the behaviour of autonomous vehicles allowing self-driving cars to navigate complex networks of roads safely and accurately. In warehouse and industrial automation, the system could improve logistics involving picking and sorting and moving goods and materials around a site. The system might also improve search and rescue robots allowing them to work more effectively in disaster zones and navigate hazardous environments. Out in the fields, agricultural robotics will benefit too, with more efficient ploughing, planting, irrigation, monitoring, and harvesting.

Yu, J. (2023) ‘Research on mobile robot path planning and tracking control’, Int. J. Computational Science and Engineering, Vol. 26, No. 4, pp.349–360.

Special issue published: "Edge Computing and Artificial Intelligence Driven Technologies for Education Improvement"

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology 71(3) 2023

• AI-based artist style appreciation: folk art in the central plains oriented implementation platform
• Metaverse-enabled fine art appreciation: an aesthetic based on visual expression
• IoT for smart English education: AI-based personalised learning resource recommendation algorithm
• A novel LightGBM-based industrial internet intrusion detection method
• An edge computing-based evaluation and optimisation of online higher vocational education mechanism
• A novel neural network-based 3D animation model classification method
• Sports injury detection mechanism based on multi-sensor fusion
• A novel deep learning driven robot path planning strategy: Q-learning approach
• Multidimensional meteorological data analysis based on machine learning
• Energy-saving smart city: an edge computing-based renovation and upgrading scheme for old residential areas
• Machine learning for English teaching: a novel evaluation method
• Ideological and political empowering English teaching: ideological education based on artificial intelligence in classroom emotion recognition

Free open access article available: "The measurement impact of ERP system implementation on the automotive industry business process efficiency"

The following paper, "The measurement impact of ERP system implementation on the automotive industry business process efficiency" (International Journal of Business Information Systems 43(3) 2023), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Special issue published: "Innovations and Sustainable Development in Economics and Management"

International Journal of Sustainable Economy 15(3) 2023

• Sustainable consumption and mindfulness: analysing knowledge-attitude-practice gap among Indian young professionals
• The effect of natural disasters on economic growth with the moderating role of environmental degradation
• Foreign debt-economic growth nexus in Ethiopia: ARDL approach
• Ethical motivations for firms to prioritise stakeholder well-being during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Job safety, security, and sustainability during COVID-19 in the USA

Additional papers

• The impact of ECB's pandemic emergency asset purchase announcements on sovereign bond markets: evidence from Euro area countries
• Environmental quality and financial development revisited in the case of Nigeria: a counterfactual simulation approach

Research pick: What defines good governance? - "Good governance, bad governance: a refinement and application of key governance concepts"

Research in the International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics seeks to understand the concept of business governance and ethics and how these are differentiated from the more obvious notion of management. The study has implications for businesses and organizations that are hoping to improve their governance practices by giving them a clearer understanding of what constitutes “good” governance and providing a systematic classification of key governance concepts based on their economic functions.

The field of governance research encompasses strategic decision-making, oversight, and addressing crime and misconduct. The main impetus is to understand the factors that contribute to effective governance or result in poor outcomes. Critically, the research is not about making ethical judgements but about helping to distinguish between good and bad governance in terms of effectiveness.

Scott L. Mitchell of the Open Compliance and Ethics Group in Phoenix, Arizona, Mark D. Packard of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, and Brent B. Clark of the University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska, USA, have tackled the challenges of defining and evaluating “good” governance as opposed to “bad”.

Existing business research faces an inherent problem of semantics in that it does not distinguish clearly between governance and management. This makes it difficult for researchers to study the various concepts surrounding each without the confusion of blurred lines dividing the two areas of work. Moreover, the notion of governance and what constitutes good governance also depends on the stance of any given organization or owner, rendering sweeping generalisations inadequate as they commonly are. The research suggests that the evaluation of governance practices needs to be defined but also must take a unique approach for each organisation being examined rather than attempting a one-size-fits-all approach.

Efforts to clearly define and assess good governance are crucial for advancing governance theory and practices across the business world. The research suggests that transformative change in governance theory must begin with a solid foundation. And, by providing a systematic classification of governance concepts based on economic functions, the current study lays the foundations for such research in the future.

Mitchell, S.L., Packard, M.D. and Clark, B.B. (2023) ‘Good governance, bad governance: a refinement and application of key governance concepts’, Int. J. Business Governance and Ethics, Vol. 17, No. 4, pp.471–494.

Prof. Hans Rüdiger Kaufmann appointed as new Editor in Chief of Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal

Prof. Hans Rüdiger Kaufmann from the University of Applied Management Studies Mannheim in Germany has been appointed to take over editorship of Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal.

Special issue published: "Financial Innovations and Business Analytics"

International Journal of Monetary Economics and Finance 16(3/4) 2023

• Housing regimes and macroeconomy in South Africa: a tripartite analysis
• The impact of continuous tightening policies on China's real estate industry
• An application of survival analysis to the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on Thailand's stock market volatility
• Financial impact of COVID-19: non-pharmaceutical interventions in Indonesia
• The impact of government subsidies on the innovation of new energy vehicle companies
• Factors influencing the acceptance of Fintech lending platform in Indonesia: an adoption of technology acceptance model
• Analysis of the implications of role stress towards innovative behaviour and the success of womenpreneurs in Banten Province, Indonesia
• Factors influencing university-to-industry knowledge transfer
• Artificial neural network to develop loan default predicting model using social media data: a case study of online peer to peer lending
• Effect of the audit hours regulation on audit fees and scale efficiency in audit firms: Korean evidence
• The impact of forensic auditing techniques on non-government organisations' fraud risk management in South Africa using a proactive approach
• Corporate board and shareholder structure, cost of capital, and the performance of Thai listed companies: the application of path analysis
• Islamic social reporting index, company performance, and market performance
• Ownership structure and earnings management: studies on banking companies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Special issue published: "Composite Materials for Masonry Strengthening: Experiments, Modelling and Analysis"

International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation 8(4/5) 2023

• Fully analytical model for the analysis of externally bonded composites applied to brittle supports: sensitivity analysis
• Historical masonry wallets with plaster slabs strengthened by CrFRM and GFRP
• Different choices of steel and/or composite reinforcements for different types of masonry vaults
• Bond of CFRP/GFRP strips in the strengthening of walls
• Application of digital image correlation to compression tests on tuff masonry panels strengthened by textile reinforced mortar
• ConFiRMa: calibration of a numerical model for fibre-reinforced mortar analysis with OOFEM code
• Effect of type of masonry units on the mechanical properties of masonry panel walls
• Dynamic identification and numerical model updating of an old bell-tower in Marche Region (Italy)
• Unveiling the complexity of twin church bells dynamics using ambient vibration tests

Research pick: Pumping up biodiesel with biogas - "Comparative effect of biogas and biodiesel on performance and emission of diesel engine: a review"

A review in the International Journal of Design Engineering, looks at the potential for biodiesel with biogas as a sustainable fuel to limit our reliance on fossil fuels and reduce pollution.

Sustainable energy solutions are high on the environmental agenda. Vehicles powered by electricity from sustainable sources such as wind and solar would seem to be the optimum solution. However, infrastructure to support such a paradigm shift in transport is not widespread, especially in the developing world. Until it is there is perhaps a need for alternatives for fossil fuels that can work with current internal combustion engines. Sanjay R. Mali of the Gujarat Technological University in India, and colleagues have carried out a comprehensive review of alternative fuels for internal combustion engines. Their study sheds light on the performance and environmental implications of biodiesel and biogas.

The team highlights the potential of biofuels in improving engine efficiency and reducing fuel consumption, while also addressing concerns about pollutant emissions. The findings have implications for the future of sustainable transportation and perhaps even energy production.

Biodiesel combined with biogas has emerged as a highly efficient and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel fuel. The review looks at results from studies comparing biodiesel and biogas with conventional fuels, focusing on key performance parameters such as brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), and emissions like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. The results indicate that blending 20% biodiesel with biogas achieves the best outcome without the need for extensive engine modifications. This fuel combination not only enhances engine performance but reduces pollution. In addition, little modification of the supply or distribution infrastructure, particularly at the consumer level, would be required to incorporate biofuels into the traditional petroleum-based liquid fuel supply chain.

The team points out that there are many crops that might be used for biodiesel production – Jatropha, Karanja, cotton, palm, coconut, rapeseed, sunflower, soybean, and peanut oils. India, in particular, has the capacity to grow and use such a diverse range of plant resources for biodiesel and biogas production, making it a prime candidate for exploring and harnessing these benefits.

As governments and industry need to prioritize clean energy solutions, this review offers a roadmap for the adoption of biodiesel with biogas as a viable and scalable alternative to neat fossil fuels.

Mali, S.R., Shah, P.R., Shah, D.R. and Mevada, D.D. (2023) ‘Comparative effect of biogas and biodiesel on performance and emission of diesel engine: a review’, Int. J. Design Engineering, Vol. 12, No. 1, pp.69–85.

Special issue published: "Political and Cultural Diversity in International Trade, Finance and Markets"

International Journal of Trade and Global Markets 17(3/4) 2023

• Evolution of emerging bond markets' cointegration: a transition from BRIC to BRICS
• Influence of socio-economic and demographic factors on the formation of migration flows in the countries of North Africa
• Public support and preferences for FTA in Thailand
• Global value chain and Thailand's total factor productivity
• Market power and efficiency of Islamic banks in Indonesia and Malaysia
• The effect of comprehensiveness levels and assurance quality of sustainability reports and investor protection levels on information asymmetry
• The impact of C-19 pandemic on MSEs' strategies moderated by accounting information: a study of MSEs in Yogyakarta
• Factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance of Indonesian Muslims
• Monetary and non-monetary factors to leverage revisit intention: the key to survival for tourism in Indonesia during pandemic
• Share return volatility during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Indonesia Stock Exchange
• The effect of input hours by each audit professional on audit efficiency: evidence from Korea
• Can the synergy between working capital management and board composition enhance firms' EVA and MVA: evidence from Thailand?
• The mediating role of dividend policy in the relationship between ownership structure and firm performance of Thai listed companies
• Day one effect of first implementation of IFRS 9 in Indonesian banking
• Financial literacy on loans and budgets of micro, small, and medium enterprises

Special issue published: "Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Used on Business Management"

International Journal of Information Technology and Management 22(3/4) 2023

• Optimisation of outlier data mining algorithm for large datasets based on unit
• Scheduling and monitoring on engineering vehicles based on IoT
• Precision advertising and optimisation strategy based on big data algorithms
• Parallel machine scheduling optimisation based on an improved multi-objective artificial bee colony algorithm
• Application of a multi-channel attention mechanism in text classification of new media
• Innovation and entrepreneurship orientation and suggestions for new engineering computer majors under the background of artificial intelligence
• Embedded system architecture-computer embedded software defect prediction based on genetic optimisation algorithms
• O2O customer big data analysis system based on embedded technology
• Research on application of optimal particle swarm optimisation algorithm in logistics route improvement
• Artificial intelligence and big data in the production process to optimise the parameters of the cut tobacco-making process
• Design and implementation of corporate governance automated decision model based on web data
• Development of regional agricultural e-commerce in China based on CAS
• Design and implementation of big data analysis and visualisation platform for the smart city
• Real-time prediction algorithm and simulation of sports results based on internet of things and machine learning

Research pick: Apps double up elementary language learning - "Scenario-based mobile application design for young dual-language learners: evidence from factor analysis"

New insights into the design and development of mobile language learning applications for elementary school children learning two languages are discussed in a paper in the International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation.

Athip Thumvichit, Watcharapol Wiboolyasarin, Singhanat Nomnian, Narongdej Phanthaphoommee, and Koraya Techawongstien of the Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia at Mahidol University in Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, have identified various important factors for developing mobile language learning applications. The research involved exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of interview responses from more than a thousand working teachers. The results shed light on how such applications might be better structured and designed for the future. The five key factors identified were: application attribute, lesson content, immersive environment, learning strategy, and instructional use.

The team suggests that the identification of these factors can now serve as a guide for developing mobile language learning apps for young learners, particularly those learning two languages simultaneously. Dual-language learning is common in schools where English is not the native language and even in some schools where it is. English is the common language of international discourse in many contexts. As such, in a country, such as Thailand, children will most likely be taught Thai and English. In the USA, where Spanish is a commonly spoken language in many areas, it might be the second language. Of course, there are many combinations of language teaching in different parts of the world.

The research also highlights various attributes of an app that would be relevant to its design for language learning. These include multimedia output and input, social interactivity, language processing, motivational features, autonomy, personalization, automated assessment, functionality, portability, context sensitivity, and connectivity.

The study emphasises that the development of any application must be underpinned by evaluation in real-life classroom settings. An app that distracts rather than teaches would be wholly inappropriate, after all. Further research is needed to assess the impact of such apps on the children’s language proficiency. This would allow educators to make an informed decision about whether or not to integrate mobile language learning apps into their teaching.. Given the growing prevalence of mobile devices in classrooms, it is important that educators are using appropriate technology with demonstrable benefits for their young learners.

Thumvichit, A., Wiboolyasarin, W., Nomnian, S., Phanthaphoommee, N. and Techawongstien, K. (2023) ‘Scenario-based mobile application design for young dual-language learners: evidence from factor analysis’, Int. J. Mobile Learning and Organisation, Vol. 17, No. 3, pp.443–465.

Special issue published: "Strategic Planning and Management in Energy"

International Journal of Global Energy Issues 45(4/5) 2023

• Optimal renewable distributed generation planning: an up-to-date state-of-the-art review
• The prediction of carbon emissions from construction land in central Yunnan urban agglomeration area based on multiple linear regression model
• Study on multi-step prediction method of passive energy-saving building energy consumption based on energy consumption perception
• Intelligent forecasting method of distributed energy load based on least squares support vector machine
• Investment risk prediction method of renewable energy market under the background of carbon neutralisation
• A low carbon treatment technology of green building construction waste based on genetic algorithm
• An energy efficiency evaluation method of intelligent building based on fuzzy clustering algorithm
• New energy industry investment risk assessment method based on fuzzy AHP
• Study on evaluation method of energy-saving potential of green buildings based on entropy weight method
• Layered energy balance control method for renewable energy grid based on island mode
• Minimisation of fuel cell electric vehicle cost using Cauchy particles swarm optimisation

Additional paper

• An analysis of market power in Iran's electricity market with machine learning

Special issue published: "Stochastic Computational Models for Air Pollution and Environmental Risk Assessment"

International Journal of Environment and Pollution 70(3/4) 2021

• Efficiency of an ICT-based campus energy management system on educational performance: a perspective of a fuzzy DEA approach
• Research on forest carbon sequestration assessment and forest management plan based on TOPSIS method and grey correlation analysis
• Dynamic characteristics of low-carbon economy investment yields
• Model and simulation of grassland social-ecological system risk assessment: a case study of Yanchi County, Ningxia
• Assessing ecological efficiency of China's urban agglomerations using data envelopment analysis
• The impact of environmental regulation on agricultural green total factor productivity: evidence from China

Additional paper

• Forecasting municipal solid waste generation in Tianjin based on long and short term memory neural network model

Research pick: Moving out of the pandemic shadows - "Coping with the dark shadows: consumer response to financial hardships during a health pandemic"

A study in the International Journal of Business Forecasting and Marketing Intelligence, reveals the financial challenges faced by urban Indian consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The work then offers strategies that individuals might use to help them cope with the complexities of the post-pandemic world with greater resilience and mental well-being.

The COVID-19 pandemic which began in China in 2019 ravaged humanity, leaving many dead in its wake, many more grieving, and countless suffereing the health consequences in the form of long-covid. Moreover, while the World Health Organisation no longer considers the world in a pandemic situation, there remain many hospitaliations and deaths caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen and many vulnerable people remain at serious risk of debilitating or lethal infection.

Meenakshi Handa and Swati Jain of the University School of Management Studies at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in New Delhi, India, have focused on the economic impact of the pandemic and the subsequent effects on mental health among urban Indian consumers. The team carried out a a qualitative research study seeking to understand the experiences of adults aged between 18 and 39 years during the pandemic through open-ended questioning in an online survey.

The team reports that many people suffered serious hardships. Indeed more than half of the respondents had financial struggles that affected their daily lives and many of those reporting negative effects on their psychological well-being. Many of the respondents reported ongoing worries about their future financial security, income, and job security.

There were many difficulties with which the respondents had to cope during the height of the pandemic. However, the research has also shown that some people made healthy lifestyle changes and tried to adopt a more optimistic outlook on life in the wake of the devastation wrought by the coronavirus. These changes, the team suggests, indicate a conscious effort on the part of many individuals to cope with these unprecedented challenges and endeavour to improve their overall well-being.

The team suggests that it might be possible to build upon this and to offer strategies and interventions to help people who were unable to navigate the adversity quite so well as others. The initiatives could provide support and guidance to those facing economic uncertainty and psychological stress in the post-pandemic world.

There are thus important implications for businesses and policymakers alike hoping to develop products and services to improve the psychological and financial well-being of the population. Moreover, there is a role for counsellors, clinicians, and educators to implement the requisite initiatives. The researchers also point to individuals adopting sustainable consumption practices as a part of their lives and so helping themselves to potentially lead a simpler and more responsible life with long-term personal benefit and also benefit to society at large.

Handa, M. and Jain, S. (2023) ‘Coping with the dark shadows: consumer response to financial hardships during a health pandemic’, Int. J. Business Forecasting and Marketing Intelligence, Vol. 8, No. 3, pp.193–211.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems are now available here for free:

• Accuracy assessment of a GPS-based auto-guidance system in an agricultural vehicle using computational vision methods
• Design optimisation of interference limits for cup-plug installation in HHP cylinder head
• Vibration noise suppression algorithm of permanent magnet synchronous motor for new energy vehicles
• Adaptive cabin suspension systems of commercial vehicles: a review of the state-of-art and future trends
• Active boom stabiliser of wheel loaders using optimum fuzzy controller
• Research on construction method of the prediction model for semi-trailer on-board weighing system

New Clarivate Web of Science impact factors for Inderscience journals

Clarivate has recently released its latest impact factors, and Inderscience's Editorial Office is pleased to report that many Inderscience journals have increased their impact factors, including the following titles:

• International Journal of Intelligent Engineering Informatics
• International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital
• International Journal of Computational Science and Engineering
• International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology
• International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning
• Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development
• International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing
• International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation
• International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning

The International Journal of Hydromechatronics deserves a special mention for earning an impressive initial impact factor of 5.1.

Dr. Abdessamad Didi appointed as new Editor in Chief of Atoms for Peace

Dr. Abdessamad Didi from the Centre National de l'Energie, des Sciences et des Techniques Nucléaires in Morocco has been appointed to take over editorship of the Atoms for Peace.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Design Engineering

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Design Engineering are now available here for free:

• Comprehensive review of biodiesel as an alternative fuel for diesel engines
• Flow shop scheduling - especially structured models under fuzzy environment with optimal waiting time of jobs
• A genetic algorithm-based structural topology optimisation
• Multiple novel generative design solutions for various mechanical engineering related products using Autodesk Fusion 360 software

Prof. Robert Strawser appointed as new Editor in Chief of International Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Performance Evaluation

Prof. Robert Strawser from Texas A&M University in the USA has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Performance Evaluation.

Research pick: Move along move along arent these the sites youre looking for? - "The trajectory and development of Star Wars tourism"

Star Wars is a series of science fiction fantasy movies and television shows. As is now quite common across movies and TV, the filming locations have become popular tourist destinations for fans of the franchise. Moreover, given the Disney buyout of the franchise from LucasFilms in 2012, the inevitable theme park attractions at Disney resorts are now a major pull for that kind of tourism too.

The renowned science fiction franchise has become something of an international cultural phenomenon since the release of the first movie in 1977. It now attracts countless dedicated fans to places associated with the movies and spinoffs, such as TV shows, exhibitions, conferences, and film locations in Ireland, Norway, Tunisia, and elsewhere. Research in the International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy looks at Star Wars tourism as an intriguing example of movie and television-related tourism and sheds light on the positive and negative aspects of this kind of tourism.

Dag Øivind Madsen of The University of South-Eastern Norway in Hønefoss, discusses the various examples of Star Wars filming locations and tourist destinations across the globe. His work suggests that these places have witnessed increased tourist interest due to their association with the iconic movie franchise. On the positive side, this boost in tourism has contributed to the economic growth of several destinations, boosting local businesses and creating job opportunities. However, the converse of that is that there are some concerns associated with this form of tourism, such as overcrowding. The influx of tourists represents a new strain on local infrastructure, could impact the environment, and diminish the quality of the visitor experience for non-movie tourists and regular tourists alike. Madsen also highlights the issue of sustainability and how natural and cultural resources in these destinations must be conserved and carefully managed to ensure long-term viability.

Star Wars tourism represents a captivating case study within the realm of movie and television-related travel. There are many other franchises, such as Game of Thrones (Croatia and Ireland), Harry Potter (Northumberland, King’s Cross station, and other locations in the UK), Twilight (Forks, Washington, USA), Breaking Bad (Alberqueque), The Lord of the Rings (New Zealand), all of which have boosted tourism at location sites used in the movies. The concept stretches much further back in movie history to the likes of The Sound of Music, which attracted visitors to Salzburg in Austria, Gone with the Wind (Atlanta, Georgia), Casablanca (Morocco), and other destinations. Moreover, literature and art had and still do add to tourism in many iconic places Shakespeare and Stratford-upon-Avon for instance, Bath, the setting for Jane Austen’s novel “Pride and Prejudice”, and Canterbury a popular destination for those hoping to find the roots of Chaucer’s tales.

The scale of tourism in general and that associated with movie franchises, present challenges for those destinations related to over-tourism, sustainability, and the maintenance of an authentic experience for visitors. Madsen’s work in highlighting the issues for one particular case the fandom of which spans several generations, is important. The franchise remains very popular and it is likely that there will be new filming locations added to the list as it grows over the years. “The future trajectory and development of Star Wars tourism ultimately remains an empirical question that will have to be addressed in future studies,” Madsen writes.

Madsen, D.Ø. (2023) ‘The trajectory and development of Star Wars tourism’, Int. J. Management Concepts and Philosophy, Vol. 16, No. 3, pp.276–284.

Free open access article available: "Scenario-based mobile application design for young dual-language learners: evidence from factor analysis"

The following paper, "Scenario-based mobile application design for young dual-language learners: evidence from factor analysis" (International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation 17(3) 2023), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Associate Prof. Martina Calzavara appointed as new Editor in Chief of Journal of Supply Chain Relocation

Associate Prof. Martina Calzavara from the University of Padua in Italy has been appointed to take over editorship of the Journal of Supply Chain Relocation.

Free open access article available: "Relevance and faithful representation (reliability) of annual and semi-annual financial statements; a trade-off?"

The following paper, "Relevance and faithful representation (reliability) of annual and semi-annual financial statements; a trade-off?" (International Journal of Managerial and Financial Accounting 15(3) 2023), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: The trade-off between financial relevance and reliability - "Relevance and faithful representation (reliability) of annual and semi-annual financial statements; a trade-off?"

A study in the International Journal of Managerial and Financial Accounting has looked at the relationship between relevance and reliability in annual and semi-annual financial statements. An analysis of more than 300 manufacturing companies across a seven-year period reveals the trade-off between these two factors and sheds new light on the dynamics of financial reporting.

Alexios Kythreotis and Milad Soltani of the Department of Accounting, Economics, and Finance at the European University Cyprus, point out that relevance and reliability are critical qualities of a company’s financial statements. Relevance refers to the degree to which information influences economic decisions, while reliability pertains to the accuracy and faithfulness of the information being reported. The team has found, however, that these two factors are often in conflict, forcing companies to perform a delicate balancing act as they face different demands from shareholders, regulators, and standard-setting bodies.

Part of the problem is due to the way in which the quality of financial statements is defined and determined according to the framework set out by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). How reliability measures up or otherwise to the IFRS framework’s rationality underscores the complexity of the challenge faced by organizations striving to simultaneously provide accurate and relevant financial information to the various stakeholders. The trade-off between relevance and reliability has remained largely ignored until this present research. The team’s comprehensive analysis of panel data from a diverse range of manufacturing companies offers strong evidence and highlights this trade-off.

The implications of the work are not purely academic. Indeed, they hold practical value for companies seeking to provide meaningful and reliable financial information to the various stakeholders. They must strike the right balance between relevance and reliability without compromising the trust and confidence of investors, lenders, and other interested parties. Regulators and standard-setting bodies might also now be aware of the trade-offs and how they affect effective financial reporting practices. Ongoing research in this area might now provide illumination for those involved in financial reporting on both the corporate and regulatory side of the coin so that a balance can be struck between the two apparently conflicting aspects of this endeavour – reliability and relevance.

Kythreotis, A. and Soltani, M. (2023) ‘Relevance and faithful representation (reliability) of annual and semi-annual financial statements; a trade-off?’, Int. J. Managerial and Financial Accounting, Vol. 15, No. 3, pp.393–412.

Free open access article available: "Revisiting economic distance and its role in foreign subsidiary survival"

The following paper, "Revisiting economic distance and its role in foreign subsidiary survival" (European Journal of International Management 20(3) 2023), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Prof. Liang Yan appointed as new Editor in Chief of International Journal of Hydromechatronics

Prof. Liang Yan from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in China has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Hydromechatronics.