7 February 2025

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Vehicle Performance

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Vehicle Performance are now available here for free:
  • Optimisation study of aerodynamic drag based on flow field topology in box-type trucks
  • Investigation of regenerative braking for the electric mining truck based on fuzzy control
  • A new adaptive second-order non-singular terminal sliding mode lateral control combined with neural networks for autonomous vehicle
  • Optimisation of commercial bus body frame based on the improved grey wolf and Monte Carlo simulation algorithm
  • Structural optimisation design of impact resistant composite wheel with compression/injection moulding hybrid structure

Free Open Access article available: "Challenges in designing a human-centred AI system in manufacturing"

The following paper, "Challenges in designing a human-centred AI system in manufacturing" (International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems 17(4) 2024), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Borrowing time in local government

Research in the International Journal of Information and Communication Technology has examined the relationship between local government debt and economic growth. Lian Pan of Hunan International Economics University in Hunan, China, used the Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR) model to analyse data in combination with a federated learning data enhancement algorithm. Pan could thus explore how different economic structures influence the effects of borrowing. The findings suggest that while local government debt can support growth, its impact depends on the structure of the local economy. This raises important questions for policymakers.

One of the findings from the research is that industrial composition can shape the outcomes of government borrowing. In areas with well-established industries, debt-financed investment can contribute to economic expansion. However, in less diversified economies, the benefits are less obvious. Indeed, debt may place additional strain on financial resources. The research indicates that simply managing the level of debt is not enough, it is equally as important to define clearly the allocation of borrowed funds.

The findings come at a time when many local governments are facing increasing financial pressures. Economic shifts, rising borrowing costs, and “changing revenue structures” have made fiscal planning even more complex than it was ever before. Some authorities, facing shortfalls, turn to less sustainable sources of revenue, such as land sales or off-budget financing. The study highlights the risks associated with such approaches and stresses the need for greater transparency and more structured debt management practices.

It is worth noting, that the use of federated learning, a machine learning method, has allowed for more precise analysis while maintaining data privacy. By integrating this approach with the PSTR model, Pan’s work has enhanced our ability to assess financial relationships without exposing sensitive information. The method could be further refined through vertical federated learning. This would account for variations in the data distribution across different regions. Addressing these differences could improve the accuracy of economic models and their application to policymaking.

Pan, L. (2024) ‘Correlation analysis between local government debt and economic growth combined with PSTR model’, Int. J. Information and Communication Technology, Vol. 25, No. 9, pp.22–42.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Intelligent Engineering Informatics

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Intelligent Engineering Informatics are now available here for free:
  • Fine-tuned convolutional neural networks for feature extraction and classification of scanned document images using semi-automatic labelling approach
  • New approaches to epileptic seizure prediction based on EEG signals using hybrid CNNs
  • Explainable AI and sand cat optimisation algorithm for water quality classification
  • Dynamic video summarisation using stacked encoder-decoder architecture with residual learning network
  • Generating multiclass COVID-19 CT scan images using multi-convolutional conditional GAN based on deep learning techniques

6 February 2025

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Information and Decision Sciences

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Information and Decision Sciences are now available here for free:
  • A GIS-based framework for flood hazard vulnerability evaluation in Thudawa area, Sri Lanka
  • EOQ model for time dependent demand with deterioration, inflation, shortages and trade credits
  • Artificial neural networks in the development of business analytics projects
  • Soft skills fuzzy TOPSIS ranked multi-criteria to select project manager
  • D4SP - decision support system based on the use of the AHP method for science park selection

Research pick: The future emotion detector - "Character emotion recognition algorithm in small sample video based on multimodal feature fusion"

Facial emotion recognition could have broad applications across healthcare, education, marketing, transportation, and entertainment. It might be used to help monitor patients remotely or in over-stretched hospitals or emergency response settings, or patients unable to communicate well for any number of reasons. It could be used to personalize learning, allowing a computerised training system to respond more appropriately to the user. Similarly, such a system could improve customer service and might even be used to create immersive entertainment experiences.

Computer systems that can identify emotions from our facial expressions are in development, but still face man challenges. The earliest systems relied on a single method, such as mapping a person’s face and matching it to a database of annotated expressions. Some approaches based on this simplified method are more accurate than others, but none yet captures all the nuance of human emotion as it is expressed in our faces.

Research in the International Journal of Biometrics introduces a new approach based on machine learning that could address this problem and make an emotion detector viable for a wide range of applications. The biggest issue that is addressed by the new work is that it can extract a complex emotion from real-world situations where environmental factors, incomplete data, or complex emotions might affect the accuracy of the results. However, the new approach brings together facial expression recognition and uses the person’s speech and tone of voice or even what they might be writing to give a more accurate result.

In their experiments, researchers Jian Xie and Dan Chu of Fuyang Normal University in Anhui, China, achieved a recognition accuracy of 98.6% with their approach. The system was particularly adept at identifying happiness or a neutral emotional state when compared with earlier systems. The system could not cope quite as well with the identification of disgust and surprise, however.

Xie, J. and Chu, D. (2025) ‘Character emotion recognition algorithm in small sample video based on multimodal feature fusion’, Int. J. Biometrics, Vol. 17, Nos. 1/2, pp.1–14.

Free Open Access article available: "A model of disciplinarity: literature conceptual differences"

The following paper, "A model of disciplinarity: literature conceptual differences" (International Journal of Agile Systems and Management 18(5) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Autonomous and Adaptive Communications Systems

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Autonomous and Adaptive Communications Systems are now available here for free:
  • Energy harvesting based performance analysis in Nakagami-m fading channels
  • Applications, merits and demerits of WSN with IoT: a detailed review
  • A multi-level autopoietic system to develop an artificial embryogenesis process
  • Exposing deepfakes in online communication: detection based on ensemble strategy
  • IoT-based vehicular accident detection using a deep learning model

Free Open Access article available: "Employee empowerment and job satisfaction in the evolving digital banking workplace"

The following paper, "Employee empowerment and job satisfaction in the evolving digital banking workplace" (International Journal of Economics and Business Research 29(8) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Corporate Governance

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Corporate Governance are now available here for free:
  • Income smoothing behaviour and investment efficiency: evidence from an emerging market
  • Impact of family board members and CEO's business education on the investment in information technology
  • Ownership concentration and corporate social performance - moderation impact of corporate governance in Indian firms
  • Examining the effect of female directors on US firm ESG performance

5 February 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Factors influencing customer loyalty via purchase intention toward manufacturing firms in Vietnam"

 The following paper, "Factors influencing customer loyalty via purchase intention toward manufacturing firms in Vietnam" (International Journal of Economics and Business Research 29(8) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.


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

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Services and Operations Management

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Services and Operations Management are now available here for free:
  • Eliminating end-of-line rejections - a quality filter mapping approach
  • New approach of lean management concept: procedure and practical case in the automotive sector
  • Supply chain risk identification and assessment by probability and impact matrix
  • Assessing the effect of marketing mix on tourists' satisfaction: insights from Bangladesh
  • How organisation deviance affects employees' perception: a quantitative analysis on managing workplace emotions
  • The moderating impact of work cooperation within the ministry of social affairs and labour in Kuwait: an approach based on TAM and D&M models

Free Open Access article available: "Are abnormal accruals values relevant? Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa"

The following paper, "Are abnormal accruals values relevant? Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa" (International Journal of Economics and Business Research 29(8) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Internet Marketing and Advertising

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Internet Marketing and Advertising are now available here for free:
  • CSR ad impact on purchase intention
  • Role of parasocial interaction and planned behaviour theory in consumption restriction intentions
  • Who are the right customers for mobile and paper coupons?
  • Effectiveness of social media influencers and their impact on customers' attitudes and buying intention
  • What drives Generation Z to advocate for a brand online?

4 February 2025

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Tourism Policy

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Tourism Policy are now available here for free:
  • Seeking serenity, adventure, and cultural connections: unveiling motives for second home tourism in northern Jordan
  • An exploratory study with western female tourists about perceived drivers and challenges towards environmental stewardship in a nature-based destination
  • Exploring motivational factors for enrolling in hospitality programs: insights from India
  • The challenge of formulating tourism policy in small island developing states (SIDS): evidence from Seychelles
  • Identifying tourism cluster characteristics on the central Namibian coast: policy implications
  • Crisis planning among tour operators: an evaluation of small, medium-sized and large enterprises

Research pick: AI allowance for jobseekers - "Prediction of talent demand and job matching based on knowledge graph and attention mechanisms"

In an evolving job market shaped by technological disruption and changing industry demands, there is a pressing demands to ensure that higher education aligns with workforce needs. Research in the International Journal of Information and Communication Technology introduces a predictive model designed to address this issue. It offers an adaptable approach to talent demand forecasting and job matching. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with structured data analysis, the work of Xiaoli Mei of Jiangxi University of Technology in Jiangxi, China, offers an approach that could help educators, employers, and policymakers respond to labour market trends.

Mei’s work builds a knowledge graph, a structured representation of information, to organize and integrate vast amounts of data from online recruitment platforms. The new approach uses graph neural networks to spot relationships between various factors in the job market. This should improve understanding of the relationships between job requirements, candidate qualifications, and industry trends. This new model can process complex employment patterns with greater precision than earlier manual methods. Those earlier methods were limited to relying on rigid keyword-based systems that might overlook the broader context of job descriptions and skill requirements.

The new model is armed with high fault tolerance, which means it is effective even when dealing with incomplete or inconsistent data. This will be invaluable in real-world applications, where missing or ambiguous information is common. By maintaining strong performance despite data gaps, the system offers a more reliable tool for workforce planning, recruitment, and career guidance.

Ultimately, the research could help close the gap between higher education supply and employment demand. There is thus the potential to train undergraduates, particularly on more vocational courses, who might then be better prepared for industry roles. Policymakers will benefit from the research, as it will allow them to spot emerging skill demands and workforce trends, governments might then develop targeted labour market policies to address shortages in specific sectors. Additionally, jobseekers themselves might gain from more intelligent job recommendations, which will hopefully lead to better employment outcomes and reduced mismatches between their qualifications and the available jobs.

Mei, X. (2024) ‘Prediction of talent demand and job matching based on knowledge graph and attention mechanisms’, Int. J. Information and Communication Technology, Vol. 25, No. 9, pp.76–87.

Free Open Access article available: "Industry 4.0 and lean augmentation? Digital transformation in the German and Japanese automotive industry"

The following paper, "Industry 4.0 and lean augmentation? Digital transformation in the German and Japanese automotive industry" (International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management 24(6) 2024), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

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:
  • Bus transport system quality benchmarking and optimisation using FAHP & GP technique
  • A FOPID based decentralised control system for vibration control of railway vehicle using hybrid optimisation
  • Experiment and optimisation analysis of whole-body vibration among tractor drivers: a comprehensive study
  • A review on estimation of vehicle tyre-road friction
  • Influence on polygon effect with characteristic parameters of guide arc branch of the crawler robot
  • Transfer path analysis of a railway vehicle based on global transfer direct transfer

3 February 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Banking development contributes to economic growth and inflation control in Vietnam"

The following paper, "Banking development contributes to economic growth and inflation control in Vietnam" (International Journal of Economics and Business Research 29(7) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Digital boost for business - "The impact of digital marketing on the business performance of firms In Laos"

A study in the International Journal of Business Performance Management has looked closely at how digital marketing strategies have influenced business performance in Laos, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The research focuses on tools such as online advertising, social media marketing, content marketing, and mobile marketing.

Viengsavang Thipphavong and Xayphone Kongmanila of the National University of Laos in Vientiane, Laos, used a structural equation model (Smart PLS4) to analyse their data and found that online advertising has a clear impact on both financial and operational performance. Social media marketing, on the other hand, had an broader influence as it positively affects financial performance, operational efficiency, and a company’s IT capabilities.

The study showed that content marketing was linked primarily to improvements in the companies’ IT infrastructure, while mobile marketing, while beneficial to operational and IT performance, did not directly impact financial outcomes. This has implications for smaller companies that might do better to not invest too heavily in the kind of digital tools that will not help them generate greater profits.

The researchers suggest that businesses in Laos, SMEs in particular, should focus on using online advertising and digital marketing tools to improve their financial and operational performance. They add that government might play a role too by improving digital infrastructure, supporting online marketing education, and encouraging the growth of e-commerce. Such steps would, the team suggests, create a more favourable environment for businesses to adopt digital marketing strategies and enhance their overall performance.

As digital tools become more accessible, companies in emerging markets such as Laos are increasingly able to reach wider audiences and streamline operations without incurring significant marketing costs. For Laos, where internet penetration and digital adoption are yet to mature, this presents a clear opportunity. As more people access the mobile internet, businesses have the potential to expand their customer base and improve operational efficiency with relatively modest investment.

Thipphavong, V. and Kongmanila, X. (2025) ‘The impact of digital marketing on the business performance of firms In Laos’, Int. J. Business Performance Management, Vol. 26, No. 7, pp.1–22.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Innovation in Education

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Innovation in Education are now available here for free:
  • An empirical investigation of the effectiveness of online entrepreneurship education among university students in Egypt
  • Using data mining techniques to predict university student's ability to graduate on schedule
  • Assessment analysis: methods and implementation options for multiple-choice exams
  • Challenges in managing postgraduate distance education in a Sub-Saharan African higher education institution

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management are now available here for free:
  • Dexterity control of multi-arm sorting robot based on machine learning
  • An image detail enhancement of smart product UI interface based on stationary wavelet transform
  • An optimisation control method of manufacturing whole process based on real-time information drive
  • An intelligent buffer capacity allocation method for flexible production lines based on conjugate Bayes estimation
  • The dynamic multi project human resource allocation method of manufacturing industry based on multidimensional model
  • Path coordination scheduling method of handling robot considering three-dimensional cargo space of intelligent warehouse
  • Path planning method of industrial intelligent welding robot based on cuckoo search algorithm

European Journal of International Management announces 2024 Best Paper and Best Reviewer Awards

The European Journal of International Management's Editor in Chief and Outreach Editor, Associate Prof. Nicole Franziska Richter and Dr. Sven Horak, are pleased to announce the following 2024 Best Paper Awards:
The Editors congratulate the authors on their significant contributions to research in the field of international management.

The Editors are also pleased to announce the following winners of the Best Reviewer Awards, and thank them for their continued efforts:
  • Sang-Joon Kim, Ewha Womans University, Seoul
  • Ilaria Galavotti, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza
  • Sabrina Goestl, Western University, Canada
  • Dirk Morschett, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
  • Ursula F. Ott, Nottingham Trent University, UK
  • Thomas Rockstuhl, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
  • Stefan Schmid, ESCP Europe Business School, Germany

31 January 2025

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Information Technology and Management

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Information Technology and Management are now available here for free:
  • If you cannot fly, then run: a model of BIM implementation taxonomies and thresholds
  • Applying machine learning algorithms to determine and predict the reasons and models for employee turnover
  • AQINM: an adaptive QoS management framework based on intelligent negotiation and monitoring in cloud
  • Consequential effects of leading technology-driven offensive strategy in a universal bank
  • OpenStack: a virtualisation overview

Research pick: Banking on Ha Noi rocking the financial sector - "Banking development contributes to economic growth and inflation control in Vietnam"

An examination of Vietnam’s financial sector for the period 1990 to 2022 provides empirical evidence of the relationship between banking development, trade openness, inflation, and economic growth. The findings, published in the International Journal of Economics and Business Research, suggest that a well-functioning banking system plays an important role in supporting economic activity. They also highlight some of the challenges facing developing nations associated with financial sector expansion in a globalized economy.

Thao Huong Phan and Thao Viet Tran of Thuongmai University and Trang Mai Tran of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, in Ha Noi, Vietnam, discuss how Vietnam’s banking sector remains the dominant channel for capital allocation, given the relatively underdeveloped nature of its financial markets. Banks provide credit to businesses and individuals, facilitating investment and economic activity. Their research found a positive relationship between banking sector growth and economic expansion, both in the short and long term.

Trade openness, defined as the extent to which an economy engages in international trade, has previously been linked to economic growth. By participating in global markets, businesses gain access to new customers, technologies, and competitive pressures that can improve their overall productivity and their bottom line.

Of course, this kind of international exposure also comes with risks, particularly if domestic financial institutions are not well-equipped to manage the inevitable external shocks. The researchers suggest that Vietnam’s banking sector needs to strengthen its ability to address such problems through improved risk management and regulatory oversight.

Inflation, another key factor in economic stability, also plays a role in financial sector performance. While moderate inflation can signal a growing economy, excessive inflation undermines purchasing power and creates uncertainty for investors. The study suggests that sound monetary policy, including responsible credit expansion and liquidity management, will also be important in ensuring financial stability.

As Vietnam continues to integrate into the global economy, its financial sector will need to adapt to new demands. Strengthening banking regulations, enhancing risk management practices, and ensuring adequate liquidity controls will be important in maintaining financial stability, the work suggests.

Phan, T.H., Tran, T.V. and Tran, T.M. (2025) ‘Banking development contributes to economic growth and inflation control in Vietnam‘, Int. J. Economics and Business Research, Vol. 29, No. 7, pp.1-16.

Free Open Access article available: "The impact of digital marketing on the business performance of firms in Laos"

The following paper, "The impact of digital marketing on the business performance of firms in Laos" (International Journal of Business Performance Management 26(7) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering are now available here for free:
  • NBSOC framework for team structure to develop blockchain-based applications
  • A robust non-singular fast terminal sliding mode controller for optimising a wind energy process
  • Application of cognitive work analysis in support of systems engineering of a socio-technical system
  • A VNS-IG algorithm for dynamic seru scheduling problem with sequence-dependent setup time and resource constraints
  • Investment efficiency evaluation of electric power substation projects by stages using the EWM-DEA model
  • Toward smart manufacturing systems incorporating reconfiguration issues

30 January 2025

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Vehicle Information and Communication Systems

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Vehicle Information and Communication Systems are now available here for free:
  • Performance analysis of pentagonal MIMO antenna with elliptical slots for 5G V2V communication
  • Real-time voice-controlled human machine interface system for wheelchairs implementation using Raspberry Pi
  • Performance analysis of routing protocols for vehicular networks
  • Driving style recognition of highway-driving semi-trailer at different altitudes
  • Experimental study of the weather effects on LoRa-based vehicular communications

Free Open Access article available: "Unbalanced data identification based on Bayesian optimisation convolutional neural network"

The following paper, "Unbalanced data identification based on Bayesian optimisation convolutional neural network" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(2) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: The drive to digitise - "Industry 4.0 and lean augmentation? Digital transformation in the German and Japanese automotive industry"

Research in the International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management has looked at digital transformation in the German and Japanese automotive industries. The study highlights key differences in how companies in each country have adopted digital technology.

Martin Schröder of Ritsumeikan University in Osaka, Takefumi Mokudai of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, and Hajo Holst of the University of Osnabrück, Germany, explain how digital transformation in the automotive industry is an ongoing process. It is encompassing a range of technological developments, including automation, smart manufacturing, mobility-as-a-service (MaaS), and the broader shift towards new business models.

One might talk of “Industry 4.0” as being the state-of-the-art where the emphasis is on automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. It is this that has been particularly influential in shaping how companies innovate and adapt and how they make the most of new opportunities.

The researchers found some notable distinctions between German and Japanese companies and their approach digitalization. German companies tend to adopt top-down, systematic approaches, implementing digital technologies across entire production lines. This, the team explains, is done in order to optimize manufacturing processes. In contrast, Japanese firms take a bottom-up approach, integrating digital tools incrementally into existing systems. This, the research suggests has led to “island solutions,” or individual digital enhancements that are not necessarily integrated fully.

Nevertheless, firms in Germany and Japan are both evolving. Japanese firms are adopting more comprehensive and systematic digitalization models. While their German counterparts are increasingly focusing more on operational flexibility, reducing downtime, and improving product quality, rather than simply pursuing extensive automation. The changes reflect a broader shift in the automotive sector, as companies in both countries adapt to the challenges posed by digital technologies, the transition to electric vehicles, for instance.

Schröder, M., Mokudai, T. and Holst, H. (2024) ‘Industry 4.0 and lean augmentation? Digital transformation in the German and Japanese automotive industry’, Int. J. Automotive Technology and Management, Vol. 24, No. 6, pp.1–27.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Business Information Systems

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Business Information Systems are now available here for free:
  • Individual and technological factors affecting the adoption of enterprise resource planning systems in the Jordanian banking sector
  • Role of consumer susceptibility in influencing information usefulness
  • Artificial intelligence in strategic business management: the case of auditing
  • Exploring the performance of Kuwaiti employees within the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor with respect to the utilisation of the EDRMS system
  • The relationship between the voluntary disclosure and financial reporting quality of Islamic banks: an empirical evidence from Yemen

Free Open Access article available: "An ELM-based approach to promoting reading of library books"

The following paper, "An ELM-based approach to promoting reading of library books" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(2) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

29 January 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Exploration of English learning mode based on mobile learning platform assisted by data mining"

The following paper, "Exploration of English learning mode based on mobile learning platform assisted by data mining" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(2) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Business Process Integration and Management

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Business Process Integration and Management are now available here for free:
  • An approach based on process mining for generalisation assessment of BPMN models
  • Multi-objective business process optimisation: a business sustainability approach
  • A study on the factors that impact consumer decision making process in the context of using social media for choosing a hotel in India among students
  • Robotic process automation for the advance payment to suppliers process
  • Obtaining the best practices from internal benchmarking: an analysis of the efficiency of a network of fuel stations
  • Microservices extraction through set of business processes variants
  • Efficiency evaluation of state cooperative banks employing data envelopment analysis and neural network technique
  • Flexibility-based selection of paradigms and tools for BP modelling and execution

Research pick: The work-from-home shift - "Active and passive links between work from home and employee well-being: a post-COVID performance perspective"

A lot has been said about the tragic, and ongoing outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic. There has also been much discussion about the economic impact and how the pandemic led to a dramatic shift in work culture for many people. Remote working and working-from-home, while having been part of many people’s day-to-day routines for decades, emerged more obviously for others from the emergency measures such as lockdowns and quarantines.

Research in the International Journal of Business Performance Management discusses how what began as a response to health and safety concerns for many people has since become the norm and an essential component of modern work structures for many organisations. Simanchala Das, Sanam Jaswanth, Nethi Sandhya, Ponnada Satya Sumanth, and Pattem Gayathri of the KL Business School at the Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation in Andhra Pradesh, India, point out that while remote work and working-from-home offer many advantages for lots of workers they also present challenges that organisations must address to maintain both productivity and employee well-being.

For many workers, the benefits of working-from-home are obvious. The flexibility to manage one’s own schedule and work environment has contributed to an improved work-life balance for so many people. Moreover, without the need to commute, employees can save time and reduce stress, factors which have been linked to increased job satisfaction. Remote work offers autonomy, allowing employees to structure their day around personal priorities within limits, and this has led to greater perceived control over their work.

Employers have recognized many advantages, including reduced overheads associated with reduced facilities and utilities needs. Remote work also opens up the possibility of hiring talent beyond the local area, increasing access to a more diverse pool of candidates.

However, the widespread adoption of working-from-home has given rise to several challenges, particularly concerning employee well-being. Isolation is a recurring issue, with many remote workers reporting feelings of loneliness and a lack of connection to their colleagues. The absence of casual, in-person interactions, can make it harder to maintain team cohesion and effective communication. This lack of face-to-face contact can hinder collaboration and may reduce creativity and innovation, which thrive in environments where ideas can be shared informally. Additionally, there are suspicions among employers and industry leaders that staff working-from-home might in some ways lead to lower productivity without the pressure of one’s boss keeping a weather eye on an employee’s work in the office, for instance.

In response to challenges associated with well-being and mental health, many organisations are recognizing the importance of creating a supportive work culture in a remote setting. This includes not only providing the necessary digital tools to facilitate communication and productivity but also fostering an environment where employees feel connected and valued. Regular virtual check-ins, team-building exercises, and informal conversations are some of the strategies that can help mitigate the sense of isolation many remote workers experience.

However, if there is a shift in emphasis to outcomes rather than hours worked, then employee and employer can benefit greatly, it seems. A results-oriented approach allows businesses to strike a balance between offering flexibility to employees while ensuring that the goals of the organisation are still being met.

Das, S., Jaswanth, S., Sandhya, N., Sumanth, P.S. and Gayathri, P. (2025) ‘Active and passive links between work from home and employee well-being: a post-COVID performance perspective’, Int. J. Business Performance Management, Vol. 26, No. 1, pp.46–58.

Free Open Access article available: "Digital dance generation and application based on hybrid density network"

The following paper, "Digital dance generation and application based on hybrid density network" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(2) 2025), 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: "Machine learning model-based monitoring of mental health status of college students"

The following paper, "Machine learning model-based monitoring of mental health status of college students" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(2) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

28 January 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Computer multimedia art pattern and visual communication design integrating virtual reality technology and big data image processing"

The following paper, "Computer multimedia art pattern and visual communication design integrating virtual reality technology and big data image processing" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(2) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: The online pharma baby boom - "Factors influencing online purchase decisions of pharmaceutical products by baby boomers: mediating effect of consumer behaviour and attitude on trust development"

The COVID-19 pandemic left few facets of life untouched tragically in so many cases. It also had a major impact on economics and shopping habits in particular. While e-commerce emerged at a time when the children of the Baby Boomer generation, Gen X, were first logging on, before the Millennials ever had a bank card and before Gen Z was even born, perhaps even before silver surfers were to be minted, it became the domain of the younger tech-savvy users. See footnote for generational definitions.

As the pandemic hit, Gen X and the Baby Boomers, many of whom had opted out after the dot-com bubble burst, found themselves opting back in out of necessity especially as online pharmaceutical platforms became de rigueur for dealing with the aches and ailments of the ageing internet players.

A study in the International Journal of Business Information Systems has looked closely at specific elements that inspire trust among older consumers, especially when purchasing medicines online. After all, this is an area of e-commerce fraught with safety concerns. Trust in this sector is more than just a buzzword. It does not matter so much if the latest gadget or fashion accessory does not live up to expectations, but when your life-saving pills and potions fall short…well, it could be game over.

It has to be emphasised that for consumers who spent decades relying on face-to-face interactions at local pharmacies, for many making the digital leap to online transactions requires overcoming a lifetime of ingrained habits. The researchers conducted a detailed analysis of survey data from 314 respondents. They used structural equation modelling, a sophisticated statistical method, to identify relationships between variables emerging from the survey answers.

The team has found that three factors are associated with reliably building trust among older e-commerce users: brand image, monetary value, and offline presence.

Brand image emerges as a powerful influence. A vendor with a strong, positive reputation can reassure wary customers by reducing perceived risks, a critical concern for individuals used to assessing products in person. Whether through word-of-mouth, advertising, or long-standing credibility, a trusted brand becomes a dead cert, if you’ll pardon the allusion.

Equally important, the team found, was value for money. Competitive pricing and well-crafted discounts are not mere enticements. For older consumers, often living on fixed incomes, such financial incentives can make online shopping more appealing and more accessible.

Finally, the existence of a physical shop, somewhere in town or a not-too-distant location, offers additional reassurance. An offline location tethers the online operation to the real world. This makes it tangible and legitimate, almost suggesting that if one really had to, one could drive to the shop and discuss any concerns face to face with the manager. Ultimately, this notion bridges any gap in the trust might one have in a virtual as opposed to a physical shop.

What began as a necessary adjustment during the pandemic, is evolving into a permanent shift, with many older shoppers who may well not have had a prior digital life, proving that it can be, for them just as with any Gen Z, all about the clicks.

Maddodi, B., Shetty, D.K., Tatkar, N.S., Parthasarathy, K., Shridutt, B., Prasad, S.K., Pavithra, S., Naik, N., Mahdaviamiri, D. and Patil, V. (2025) ‘Factors influencing online purchase decisions of pharmaceutical products by baby boomers: mediating effect of consumer behaviour and attitude on trust development’, Int. J. Business Information Systems, Vol. 48, No. 1, pp.118–135.


Footnote

Recent generations are loosely defined as having been born in the following periods, although the boundaries are not demographically as precise and in some literature, they may be broader. For instance, some researchers define the Millennials as simply spanning those born in the early 1980s to the early 2000s. The same is true for all generations cited, there are variations depending specific sources.

Baby Boomers (the Boomers) – born 1944-1964
Generation X (Gen X) – born 1965-1980
Generation Y (the Millennials) – born 1981-1996
Generation Z (the Zoomers) – born 1997-2012

The parents of the Boomers (growing up in the so-called boom years after World War II) are sometimes known as the Silent Generation, (born 1928–1945) their grandparents, the Greatest Generation (born 1901–1927), and their Great Grandparents, the Lost Generation (born 1883-1900  experiencing World War I in their youth). The cohorts after Gen Z, the Zoomers, are Generation alpha (born in the early 2010s and no later than the mid-2020s) and Generation beta (a near-future generation of those born this year, 2025 and into 2039).

The irony of talking about the Boomers and Gen X as somehow not being tech-savvy is that it was people of those generations who invented and implemented the internet, and their work began in the 60s!

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management are now available here for free:
  • Evaluation of early stage start-ups by business angels: Indian evidence
  • From extrospection to introspection: the Shrimad Bhagwad Gita-based framework for planetizens during VUCA times
  • Employees' psychological well-being in a pandemic: a case study during the peak of the COVID-19 wave in India
  • Demystifying Samyak Agraga from the women characters of the Mahabharata: a holistic leadership perspective
  • GRI-aligned disclosures of Indian corporates: a study on environmentally sensitive industries
  • Stock market co-integration and error-correction of global capital markets: a study of ADR issuing Asian countries

Free Open Access article available: "Monitoring and early warning of regional subsidence of transmission lines based on time series algorithm"

The following paper, "Monitoring and early warning of regional subsidence of transmission lines based on time series algorithm" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(2) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Computational Intelligence Studies

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Computational Intelligence Studies are now available here for free:
  • Nonlinear modelling and analysis of stable behaviour of robot gait control system based on image processing technology
  • Research on intelligent access control technology of face recognition model based on parameter sharing and dense connection
  • New media interaction in art design based on deep learning binocular stereo vision
  • Application of binocular image reconstruction method in the construction of 3D model of wooden arch corridor bridge structure
  • Research on spiking neural network in art visual image classification
  • Research on the optimal charging method of parallel power batteries for smart electric vehicles
  • Performance prediction analysis of college aerobics course based on back propagation neural network

27 January 2025

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.
  • Monitoring and early warning of regional subsidence of transmission lines based on time series algorithm
  • Computer multimedia art pattern and visual communication design integrating virtual reality technology and big data image processing
  • Machine learning model-based monitoring of mental health status of college students
  • Digital dance generation and application based on hybrid density network
  • Exploration of English learning mode based on mobile learning platform assisted by data mining
  • An ELM-based approach to promoting reading of library books
  • Unbalanced data identification based on Bayesian optimisation convolutional neural network

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Bioinformatics Research and Applications

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Bioinformatics Research and Applications are now available here for free:
  • Predictive analysis for diabetes mellitus prediction using supervised techniques
  • Performance evaluation of machine learning classifiers for brain stroke prediction
  • Codon usage in conserved sites is more biased compared to variable sites in the SARS-CoV-2 genome
  • A novel algorithm for genomic STR mining: application to phylogeny reconstruction and taxa identification
  • A modified UNet-based semantic segmentation architecture for pancreas tumour detection

Research pick: AI does the books - "AI’s influence on corporate transparency and financial performance: a new era"

The term artificial intelligence (AI) has perhaps been much misused, not least in hyperbolic reports in the media of its potential to destroy the creative industries and to wreak havoc on the job market. However, AI encompasses so many disparate tools not just the generative software that magics up images, music, video, and text from user prompts but also the analytical tools that can spot latent patterns in data whether that’s financial reports or medical scans.

Despite the hyperbole, it can be said that AI and related tools are changing the way many processes across industries and academia are carried out. Sometimes the transformation is certainly for the better when the AI tools can detect patterns that would normally be missed by human or even conventional software analysis. Research in the International Journal of Behavioural Accounting and Finance has looked at how AI might benefit corporate operations in terms of financial reporting, decision-making, and stakeholder engagement.

Adel Almasarwah of Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia, Assyad Al-Wreikat of Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Maryland, USA, Yahya Marei of Seneca College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Nizar Alsharari of Jackson State University in Jackson, Missouri, USA, point out that conventional labour-intensive tasks can be automated using machine-learning tools, neural networks, algorithms. These could allow businesses to handle data, make decisions, and communicate transparency more readily than previously.

The shift reflects the ability of AI tools to process enormous quantities of data quickly and accurately. Given that financial reporting is usually an arduous task prone to human error, the refinements offered by AI’s capacity to identify trends and anomalies could ensure greater accuracy in corporate disclosures. This should allow companies to meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements and the expectations of investors and other stakeholders more effectively.

Accurate and timely financial reporting, supported by AI, has the potential to foster trust among stakeholders and strengthen corporate governance practices. For investors, in particular, the ability to rely on clear, data-driven insights should enhance confidence in a company’s management and operations.

Almasarwah, A., Al-Wreikat, A., Marei, Y. and Alsharari, N. (2024) ‘AI’s influence on corporate transparency and financial performance: a new era‘, Int. J. Behavioural Accounting and Finance, Vol. 7, No. 3, pp.233-253.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Information and Communication Technology

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Information and Communication Technology are now available here for free:
  • Classification of existing mobile cross-platform approaches and proposal of decision support criteria
  • A PRI estimation and signal deinterleaving method based on density-based clustering
  • Study on a method for capturing basketball player's layup motion based on grey level co-occurrence matrix
  • Study on improved personalised music recommendation method based on label information and recurrent neural network
  • A wireless sensor network node redeployment method based on improved leapfrog algorithm
  • Prediction method of tourism destination selection behaviour based on nearest neighbour decision tree
  • Algorithm for interference filtering of Wi-Fi gesture recognition

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Diplomacy and Economy

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Diplomacy and Economy are now available here for free:
  • The war in Ukraine: some international legal and political aspects
  • Impact of cryptocurrencies on inflation: evidence from BICS countries
  • India's largest fintech IPO: a case study of Paytm
  • Sponsoring an event and stock return: Vivo IPL to Tata IPL
  • Economic policy uncertainty and stock market performance: evidence from the Middle East

25 January 2025

Free Open Access article available: "The determinants of economic efficiency and market power of the Spanish port system"

The following paper, "The determinants of economic efficiency and market power of the Spanish port system" (International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics 19(4) 2024), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

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.
  • PointNet++ model based on directional attention for insulators segmentation
  • An end-to-end radar emitter denoising and recognition method using batch norm removal
  • SynthBendText3D: a framework for generating scene text data in arbitrary orientations using a 3D graphics engine
  • Predicting remaining lithium-ion battery life based on multi-cycle time series models
  • Concurrent execution of transactions in blockchain: a framework for on-chain-off-chain nested contract processing
  • Facial expression recognition based on YOLOv8 deep learning in complex scenes
  • Hybrid collaborative recommendation of cross-border e-commerce products based on multidimensional evaluation
  • Social psycho-emotional characterisation of college students based on semi-supervised learning

Free Open Access article available: "Social psycho-emotional characterisation of college students based on semi-supervised learning"

The following paper, "Social psycho-emotional characterisation of college students based on semi-supervised learning" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(1) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management are now available here for free:
  • Supply chain disruption at the US ports: an assessment of underpinnings using the fishbone approach
  • From scientific research to industrial application: a Lean Six Sigma system for improving the bill of materials of the packaging process
  • Developing a multi-period production system for efficiency analysis based on DEA-R
  • Improving warehouse capacity, productivity and sustainability
  • Improving productivity in SMEs by the implementation of Six Sigma: human resource management implications
  • The impact of fasting on workplace productivity and wellbeing: a review of fasting in Ramadan
  • Determinants for labour productivity improvement in hotel service: empirical evidence from Vietnam

Free Open Access article available: "Hybrid collaborative recommendation of cross-border e-commerce products based on multidimensional evaluation"

The following paper, "Hybrid collaborative recommendation of cross-border e-commerce products based on multidimensional evaluation" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(1) 2025), 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: "Facial expression recognition based on YOLOv8 deep learning in complex scenes"

The following paper, "Facial expression recognition based on YOLOv8 deep learning in complex scenes" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(1) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

24 January 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Concurrent execution of transactions in blockchain: a framework for on-chain-off-chain nested contract processing"

The following paper, "Concurrent execution of transactions in blockchain: a framework for on-chain-off-chain nested contract processing" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(1) 2025), 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: "Predicting remaining lithium-ion battery life based on multi-cycle time series models"

The following paper, "Predicting remaining lithium-ion battery life based on multi-cycle time series models" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(1) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Operational Research

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Operational Research are now available here for free:
  • Distribution of occupied resources on a fractional resource sharing in a queueing system
  • Analysis of MAP/PH(1), PH(2), PH(3)/1 queueing system with two modes of heterogeneous service, standby server, vacation, impatient behaviour of customers, additional service, start-up time, breakdown and phase type repairs
  • A new secant-like quasi-Newton method for unconstrained optimisation
  • A fuzzy random periodic review mixture inventory model with backorder price discount
  • An optimisation-simulation framework for integrated inventory and cash replenishment problem of automated teller machines in India
  • A modified method for solving the unbalanced TP

Research pick: Hogging the libido limelight - "Analysis of the reproduction components trait litter size in sows and interaction with boar libido in indigenous pigs"

A study in the International Journal of Agriculture Innovation, Technology and Globalisation looks at a little-researched factor in pig farming: the libido of boars and the impact this has on sow fertility. Tshepo Teele of the Center of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University of South Africa, has looked at indigenous pig breeds in South Africa and identified the sex drive of the boar as having a big impact on litter size. Obviously, litter size has a big effect on the efficiency and sustainability of pig-farming operations.

Teele points out that Southern African indigenous pig breeds have not generally undergone the same genetic selection processes as other more widely held porcine stock. As such, they have unique reproductive characteristics. Moreover, they are commonly adaptable and have resistance to troublesome diseases. Given that pork is a significant source of relatively low-cost protein, these breeds could have an even more important role to play in the market for pork. However, attention needs to be paid to their reproductive capacity and breeding.

Efficient breeding systems are important for meeting demand, keeping costs down, and ensuring breeders and farmers make a sustainable living from their livestock. Teele explains that conventional breeding programmes tend to focus on growth rate and carcass quality, reproductive factors, particularly boar libido, deserve closer attention for facile ways to improve yields.

Porcine libido can be measured in terms of reaction time (the interval from mounting to ejaculation). It can have a direct impact on sow fertility, not least because boars with a higher libido can through their behaviour and pheromone release stimulate earlier maturity in gilts, young female pigs, and trigger the development of larger litters.

The work argues for the inclusion of libido-focused estimated breeding values as a statistical tool for predicting genetic potential in breeding strategies. By doing so, farmers can build on the natural strengths of their pigs to improve yields.

Reproductive traits in pigs are inherited at quite a low rate. However, dietary supplements such as zinc and selenium are known to boost testosterone levels, which may improve boar libido. Given the correlation between boar libido and sow fertility, there are obvious practical interventions that could complement any breeding efforts to boost reproductive outcomes.

Teele, T. (2024) ‘Analysis of the reproduction components trait litter size in sows and interaction with boar libido in indigenous pigs’, Int. J. Agriculture Innovation, Technology and Globalisation, Vol. 4, No. 3, pp.217–226.

Free Open Access article available: "SynthBendText3D: a framework for generating scene text data in arbitrary orientations using a 3D graphics engine"

The following paper, "SynthBendText3D: a framework for generating scene text data in arbitrary orientations using a 3D graphics engine" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(1) 2025), 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: "Motion control of 3-DoF delta robot using adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system"

The following paper, "Motion control of 3-DoF delta robot using adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system" (International Journal of Computational Vision and Robotics 15(7) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

23 January 2025

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Power Electronics

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Power Electronics are now available here for free:
  • Less-rare-earth permanent magnet synchronous motor: a novel structure and its vibration analysis
  • A study on attraction type electromagnetic levitation systems for four different shaped objects
  • Controller optimisation under different drive cycles for induction motor driven electric vehicle fed through multilevel inverter
  • An approach for commutation current ripple alleviation in BLDCM drive using novel DC-DC converter
  • Single switch high voltage gain DC-DC converter for renewable energy applications

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Critical Infrastructures

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Critical Infrastructures are now available here for free:
  • Social and economic risk analysis of natural gas distribution networks
  • Land value capture as breakthrough of financing scheme in urban railway development in Indonesia
  • Seismic economic loss assessment of highway girder bridges using Wenchuan earthquake as a sample
  • Utilising the fuzzy analytic network process technique to prioritise safety challenges in construction projects
  • Critical success factors of composite LPG cylinders in India

Research pick: Cutting it fine in dealing with pest - "Internet of things technology applied in monitoring and warning of Spodoptera litura Fabricius (tobacco cutworm) occurrences"

The Tobacco Cutworm, or Cotton Cutworm, is a moth species native to Asia, it is considered a serious agricultural pest. The larvae of Spodoptera litura, to give the species its scientific binomial, are responsible for significant damage to economically vital crops such as vegetables, grains, and cotton, particularly. It can adapt easily to different environments and has developed resistance to conventional pesticides. These and other factors have made it a persistent and costly problem for farmers worldwide.

Research in the International Journal of Agriculture Innovation, Technology and Globalisation introduces a new system based on the Internet of Things (IoT) that might be able to address this agricultural threat by improving monitoring and allowing more targeted response to the species.

Jheng-Hong Hu, Ming-Yao Chiang, Jenn-Kuo Tsai, and Chiling Chen of the Ministry of Agriculture in Taichung City and Chau-Chin Lin of the Society of Subtropical Ecology in Taipei City, have suggested that by using an IoT system that brings together infrared automatic counting devices, low-power LoRa (Long Range) wireless data transmission and mobile platforms, it should be possible to monitor Tobacco Cutworm infestations in real time. Such an automated approach would provide timely alerts, allowing farmers to act quickly and prevent widespread crop damage.

The team has conducted field trials in partnership with the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute and local farmers and demonstrated the system’s effectiveness when compared with manual monitoring as well as its adaptability for practical use. Fundamentally, the approach allows for a more timely response that avoids the use of blanket pesticide spraying and uses more focused treatment with effective materials. It will be effective in a wide range of agricultural settings, from small farms to large commercial enterprises.

Hu, J-H., Chiang, M-Y., Tsai, J-K., Lin, C-C. and Chen, C. (2024) ‘Internet of things technology applied in monitoring and warning of Spodoptera litura Fabricius (tobacco cutworm) occurrences’, Int. J. Agriculture Innovation, Technology and Globalisation, Vol. 4, No. 3, pp.257–272.

Free Open Access article available: "An end-to-end radar emitter denoising and recognition method using batch norm removal"

The following paper, "An end-to-end radar emitter denoising and recognition method using batch norm removal" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(1) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

International Journal of Data Mining and Bioinformatics is now an open access-only journal

We are pleased to announce that the International Journal of Data Mining and Bioinformatics is now an Open Access-only journal. All accepted articles submitted from 23rd January 2025 onwards will be Open Access, and will require an article processing charge of US $1600.

22 January 2025

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Business Innovation and Research

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Business Innovation and Research are now available here for free:
  • The innovation ambidexterity enabled through business process performance and information systems strategy: an empirical study by strategy-as-practice perspective
  • Recovering from a crisis: designing and implementing a positive change intervention
  • One marketing metric to rule them all? An examination of the emergence and rise of net promoter score as a marketing fashion
  • Innovation systems performance drivers and outputs: a systematic literature review and directions for future research
  • Foundations, the status quo, and future trends of the business model innovation process knowledge base
  • Adoption intention and usage behaviour of mobile travel apps: integration of trust, and technology acceptance model with social cognitive theory

Free Open Access article available: "PointNet++ model based on directional attention for insulators segmentation"

The following paper, "PointNet++ model based on directional attention for insulators segmentation" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(1) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Evolving capitalism in the Anthropic Park - "How capitalism could be the new market in the Anthropocene era: a review"

The Anthropocene is a relatively recent term, coined to define the epoch in which human activity is increasingly dictating environmental and biological change on earth as previous periods driven by natural occurrences did in pre-history; during the Pleistocene, for instance. Technically, the current epoch is the Holocene, but human activity has altered the world so significantly, that, with our usual species-centric perspective, we have shunned hubris and given the current epoch this new name in a fit of unaccustomed self-awareness.

Writing in the Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, Miti Mallick of Bankura University in Purandarpur, West Bengal, India, discusses how the concept of the Anthropocene plays out across the economic landscape too. While the Anthropocene has brought major improvements in living conditions for the wealthier nations, it is becoming ever clearer that the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation will demand more drastic measures from these same nations in terms of sustaining their own living standards and improving those of the majority that live in poverty.

At the heart of any such discourse is the concept of capitalism. This is the dominant global economic force that organizes production, labour, and the distribution of wealth. Capitalism is driven by the principles of private ownership and the pursuit of profit. It has been instrumental in driving what we consider economic growth but has also contributed to social inequality, environmental destruction, and a growing sense of disconnection between the economy and the planet’s ecological limits.

Capitalism functions in liberal market economies, which emphasize decentralized markets, as well as in state-coordinated models, where government plays a more prominent role.

The consequences of capitalism have become increasingly difficult to ignore as historically the maximization of profits has been at the long-term cost of environmental and social considerations, the research argues. The rise of oligarchic capitalism, which benefits a select few and see multibillionaires in powerful positions within society, and the focus on technological innovation, have further worsened the social and environmental toll.

In the context of the Anthropocene, this economic model is coming under increasing scrutiny. It seems that capitalism as we know it may be at a pivot point. Given that scholars, activists, and policymakers are beginning to challenge the assumption that economic growth and ecological sustainability are inherently incompatible, there is a need for a new capitalism. One that redefines value in terms that extend beyond profit margins. This reimagined model of capitalism might centre on the well-being of individuals, communities, and the environment. Investments would no longer solely be evaluated on their financial returns but also on their potential to reduce inequality and promote sustainable development.

This putatively idyllic world may not be to everyone’s taste especially some of those multibillionaires. While entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers are increasingly being called to task, there is not necessarily the political will nor the motivation for egocentric oligarchs to imagine such a world. Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.

Mallick, M. (2025) ‘How capitalism could be the new market in the Anthropocene era: a review’, Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, Vol. 24, No. 1, pp.1–15.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Business Intelligence and Data Mining

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Business Intelligence and Data Mining are now available here for free:
  • Machine learning models for predicting customer churn: a case study in a software-as-a-service inventory management company
  • Machine learning approach for data analysis and predicting coronavirus using COVID-19 India dataset
  • An efficient missing value imputation and evaluation using GK-KH means and HTR-RNN
  • Landslide susceptibility assessment along the major transport corridor using decision tree model: a case study of Kullu-Rohtang Pass

21 January 2025

Free Open Access article available: "The road to commercialisation: expanding digital therapeutics across international markets"

The following paper, "The road to commercialisation: expanding digital therapeutics across international markets" (International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation 21(5) 2024), 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 twist for delta robots - "Motion control of 3-DoF delta robot using adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system"

Research in the International Journal of Computational Vision and Robotics could lead to faster and more accurate robots for high-precision tasks in factories.

Delta robots are parallel computer-controlled machines that have a fixed base and a set of three arms connected to a platform. They are typically used for pick-and-place applications in industries like packaging, assembly, electronics fabrication, pharmaceutical production, and food processing. They can work very quickly, making precise movements for even delicate tasks. Unlike serial robots, the parallel kinematics of delta robots means arms and actuators work together to move the platform.

Riyadh A. Sarhan, Zaid H. Rashid, and Mohammed S. Hassan of the Technical University in Babylon, Iraq, are working to make delta robots even more reliable and have developed a novel control system that boosts their ability to make swift, precise movements. In their paper, they integrate fuzzy logic with an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). This hybrid technology combines the best aspects of artificial neural networks and fuzzy logic to manage the complex kinematics, the mathematical description of the robot’s movements, in order to improve performance significantly.

The improvement in control of precision delta robots should allow manufacturers to increase speed, quality, and overall efficiency on their production lines. Moreover, there is the potential in this hybrid control approach to allow delta robots to be more responsive to and to compensate for changes in their environment.

As industries continue to look for ways to improve automation, the research offers step towards faster, more accurate robotic systems.

Sarhan, R.A., Rashid, Z.H. and Hassan, M.S. (2025) ‘Motion control of 3-DoF delta robot using adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system’, Int. J. Computational Vision and Robotics, Vol. 15, No. 7, pp.1–16.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Sensor Networks

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Sensor Networks are now available here for free:
  • NASA space station rolling bearings anomaly detection based on PARA-LSTM model
  • Assessing deep learning performance in power demand forecasting for smart grid
  • An enhanced energy efficiency scheme for secure computing in UAV-MEC networks
  • Node WSN localisation based on adaptive crossover-mutation differential evolution

Free Open Access article available: "Harmony amidst division: leveraging genetic algorithms to counteract polarisation in online platforms"

The following paper, "Harmony amidst division: leveraging genetic algorithms to counteract polarisation in online platforms" (International Journal of Computational Science and Engineering 28(7) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

20 January 2025

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management are now available here for free:
  • Agri-fresh food supply chain quality and organisational sustainability: an empirical investigation
  • Being green as an instrument for increasing firm value: case of US transport and logistics companies
  • A hybrid approach to examine the potential of additive manufacturing to cope with supply chain disruptions during COVID-19 pandemic
  • Planning the fuel distribution in urban centres using multi-compartment trucks under restrictions on the delivery period and the model of the truck
  • Distribution in the large-scale retail trade industry: requirements for vehicle routing problems
  • Distribution system and logistics centres planning for agricultural products

Free Open Access article available: "Evaluating ERAIVA - a software for video-based awkward posture identification"

The following paper, "Evaluating ERAIVA - a software for video-based awkward posture identification" (International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics 11(6) 2024), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Heal the world with born-digital therapeutics - "The road to commercialisation: expanding digital therapeutics across international markets"

Digital therapeutics allow healthcare workers and patients use software is in the management and treatment of disease. The idea spans various healthcare areas, including mental health, chronic disease management, neurological disorders, addiction treatment, and rehabilitation.

Software-based interventions often offer personalized therapies through apps or digital platforms, using techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy, symptom tracking, and virtual exercises to help manage conditions such as mental health problems, diabetes, substance use, and recovery from physical injuries.

Research in the International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, suggests that digital therapeutics have changed the healthcare landscape Of course, the rapid commercialisation of these products has continued apace but equally important is the challenge of the internationalisation of such systems allowing them to be expanded into foreign markets. Amy Lee and Grigorij Ljubownikow of The University of Auckland, New Zealand, have highlighted how these processes commercialisation and internationalisation, traditionally seen as separate, are deeply interconnected for companies that start out as born-digital enterprises.

These companies all operate in highly regulated environments. What sets them apart from conventional healthcare companies is their use of wholly digital solutions. The shift from conventional to digital was happening steadily up to around 2020 but was accelerated enormously by the pandemic and the urgent need for remote, or virtual, care.

The researchers point out that while traditional companies might commercialise their product domestically first and then branch out internationally, digital therapeutics firms have had to rethink this linear path because in the digital world global is essentially just as immediate and local a market as the domestic one. The research reveals that for these companies, international expansion is not a separate concern to be tackled later, but has to be a key factor in the broader strategy from the outset.

The research emphasises how collaboration, networking, and continuous learning within these companies can help them address the additional challenges of regulatory and reimbursement hurdles across international markets. While global may be perceived as the new local, there are still enormous differences in the socio-political and economic environments between countries. Navigating the diverse institutional and international frameworks requires not only innovation in product development but also flexibility in business models. Lee and Ljubownikow’s findings thus offer insights into how firms can refine their strategies for global growth.

Lee, A. and Ljubownikow, G. (2024) ‘The road to commercialisation: expanding digital therapeutics across international markets’, Int. J. Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, Vol. 21, No. 5, pp.1–25.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Global Warming

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Global Warming are now available here for free:
  • Performance and CO2 emission evaluation of a grid-connected photovoltaic system at two different climates
  • Wavelets and hybrid optimised SVM with random forest-based pollution forecasting
  • Appraising the role of energy subsidy on the environmental sustainability in Arab Nations - is it compatible or confronting?
  • Detection of annual rainfall trends using innovative trend analysis method in Benin
  • Bibliometric analyses of climate change study in Central Asia between 1990-2022
  • Chaotic time series analysis of acid rain in Türkiye

17 January 2025

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Grid and Utility Computing

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Grid and Utility Computing are now available here for free:
  • Complex networks applied to the analysis of the dynamics of social systems
  • Performance comparison of various machine learning classifiers using fusion of LBP, intensity and GLCM feature extraction techniques for thyroid nodules classification
  • A page weight-based replacement algorithm to enhance the performance of buffer management in flash memory
  • Detection of crop disorder using deep learning
  • Optimisation of the hybrid grey wolf method in cluster-based wireless sensor network using edge computing
  • Developing software predictive model for examining the software bugs using machine learning
  • Target imaging technology of wireless orbital communication radar
  • Performance evaluation using throughput and latency of a blockchain-enabled patient centric secure and privacy preserve EHR based on IPFS
  • A deep learning-inspired IoT-enabled hybrid model for predicting structural changes in CNC machines based on thermal behaviour

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development are now available here for free:
  • The mediation role of top management support in the adoption of cloud computing in Malaysian SMEs
  • Growth management of digital service startups in the Brazilian context
  • Bridging the gap: the mediating effect of cloud-based ERP adoption intention on entrepreneurial orientation and marketing performance in South Indian SMEs
  • Acceptance and effectiveness of Industry 4.0 internal and external organisational initiatives in Malaysian firms

Research pick: Come together, online - "Harmony amidst division: leveraging genetic algorithms to counteract polarisation in online platforms"

Research in the International Journal of Computational Science and Engineering has developed a new approach to addressing ideological polarisation on social media. The problem of users generally encountering only like-minded perspectives and so reinforcing their own beliefs even in the face of conflicting evidence is highly divisive.

The phenomenon, known as the “echo chamber” effect or referred to as “filter bubbles”, arises in part because the algorithms driving the position of content in one’s social media apps. This, in turn, is driven largely by the need to keep users active and engaged on a particular platform. Too many contrary updates might drive users away, and that will ultimately reflect negatively on the advertising and other revenue streams for the companies that operate the platforms. By contrast, an echo chamber effect that reinforces their viewpoints will, for many people, be more attractive than one that doesn’t.

Zaka Ul Mustafa and Muhammad Amir of the International Islamic University Islamabad, Manal Mustafa of Zaman Technologies Pvt Limited, Pakistan, and Muhammad Adnan Anwar of Ulisboa, Portugal, suggest that the social media platforms could benefit from the use of genetic algorithms (GAs). Such computational techniques inspired by the principles of evolutionary natural selection could reduce polarisation and the echo chamber effect but still respect the organic nature of online interactions, and so keep users engaged without being so divisive.

The team explains that current strategies to counter polarisation often involve connecting disparate groups (edge addition) or altering expressed views (opinion flipping). These methods are not only static, but also raise ethical concerns about the platforms interfering with user autonomy. A GA-based approach instead identifies influential nodes in the online social network and only subtly adjusts their highlighted connections to reduce polarisation. The critical contribution of the work lies in identifying network elements that disproportionately contribute to ideological divides, and then encouraging more diversity of interaction with minimal disruption to the organic nature of social media.

The team has tested their approach on real-world datasets that focus on polarised US political discourse. The datasets have communities clustered around distinct ideological groups, and so can provide a useful test for how well the method precludes polarisation and division. The results showed that the GA approach could foster connections between disparate groups, and this led to a measurable decrease in polarisation without fundamentally altering the network’s overall structure.

Ul Mustafa, Z., Amir, M., Mustafa, M. and Anwar, M.A. (2025) ‘Harmony amidst division: leveraging genetic algorithms to counteract polarisation in online platforms’, Int. J. Computational Science and Engineering, Vol. 28, No. 7, pp.1–17.

Free Open Access article available: "The development of a product-layer perceived value scale for the online experience products of young Chinese consumers: take online apparel as an example"

The following paper, "The development of a product-layer perceived value scale for the online experience products of young Chinese consumers: take online apparel as an example" (International Journal of Data Science 10(5) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning are now available here for free:
  • Sustaining college students' continuance intention toward online learning in the post-COVID-19 era
  • Study on abnormal behaviour recognition of MOOC online English learning based on multi-dimensional data mining
  • An intelligent statistical method of real-time status of English teaching assistance resources from the perspective of MOOCs
  • An intelligent integration method of AI English teaching resources information under multi-agent cooperation
  • Mining method of students' learning behaviour characteristics in online classroom of colleges and universities based on dense clustering method
  • A balanced allocation of network teaching resources in higher vocational colleges based on demand prediction
  • English information teaching resource sharing based on deep reinforcement learning
  • Study on multimedia network aided English teaching resource integration system based on cloud storage
  • Optimisation of regional higher education resources search method based on attribute description matching
  • Evaluation method of English flipped classroom teaching effect based on entropy weight method
  • A construction of online teaching quality evaluation model based on big data mining

16 January 2025

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Exergy

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Exergy are now available here for free:
  • Comprehensive exergy analysis of dandelion root during physical pre-treatment by convective solar drying
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  • Analysis of Kalina cycle for recovering waste heat from flue gas exhaust in pressurised pulverised combined cycle
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Free sample articles newly available from Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics, An International Journal

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  • Investigation of kinetics of thin layer drying of fruits using computational fluid dynamics
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  • The dynamics of supersonic flow past a new cusped leading edge airfoil