The following International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics article, "The impacts of relocating screening scanners on efficiency of transshipment container ports: policy implications for the maritime industry", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The term artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming ubiquitous, yet many of the concepts underlying these disparate technologies have been around for decades. Techniques such as neural networks, which loosely imitate how the brain processes information, or genetic algorithms, which borrow from evolution to find better solutions, have been researched and discussed for many years. Even machine learning, something of a buzzword, still follows the basic principles of using a computer to understand patterns in data and find similar patterns in new data.
The big change is not in the theoretical principles but rather the scale. Larger datasets, faster hardware, and more sophisticated engineering have made existing methods far more capable than they ever were.
This growth in scale has created new opportunities, but has not yet overcome some of the long-standing weaknesses. Most systems remain very good at narrow tasks, spotting faces in photos, translating or summarising text, for instance, but cannot necessarily cope with bigger problems that require broad reasoning, intuition, or a detailed understanding of context. Moreover, AI tools can make mistakes and even “hallucinate”, offering answers and responses that do not mesh with reality or facts, and sometimes more worrying reflect inherent biases in their training data. There is a popular belief that AI is fast approaching human-like intelligence, but have to assume that such sophistication is still some way off.
Writing in the International Journal of Information and Operations Management Education, a UK team has looked at AI in the context of technological history, and it seems to follow a similar path to that taken by transport, communication, and other areas. Development and uptake generally follow an S-shaped curve as they progress. They start off flat and slow, but then there is a sudden, rapid burst of progress, following by a levelling out on to a plateau as key design principles settle.
At the moment, commercial priorities are pushing companies in almost every sector to adopt AI tools in order to chase profits and efficiency rather than long-term social benefit. Public enthusiasm is split among those who consider it a positive evolution in computers to those who see it as demeaning and degrading human creativity and activity. Many people in both camps have unrealistic expectations, assuming the best or the worst, whereas the truth is logically fuzzy, one might say.
Increasingly, the best results come from hybrid approaches, where we can use AI to support expert judgement in medical diagnostics and engineering, for instance, rather than allowing it to generate answers to problems without the requisite checks and balances. The value of AI will reveal itself in how well it serves people. Progress will come through practical advances in tools that help humans make better decisions, rather than machines that claim to think for us.
AI is far more than a generator of text, images, or music. In fact, generative AI, by some definitions, is not “intelligence” at all, but mimicry based on statistics. True AI, as the technology currently stands, lies in pattern recognition, prediction, optimization, and problem-solving. It is the technology that detects disease in medical scans, forecasts supply and demand, fine-tunes transport logistics, and supports critical decision-making across countless domains. Its true promise will be realised not in imitation of human creativity, but in offering up clues and insights that allow people to think, act, and innovate more effectively.
Rugg, G. and Skillen, J.D. (2025) ‘The limits to growth for AI’, Int. J. Information and Operations Management Education, Vol. 8, No. 1, pp.61–73.
What counts as offensive is subjective: something one person finds harmless can upset another, depending on their background or experiences. Online, this is even more noticeable because people from all over the world interact instantaneously. Debates about political correctness and so-called cancel culture reflect our attempt to balance free speech with responsibility. Being aware and empathic, woke, does not mean avoiding all offence, but it does mean recognising how words and actions might affect different communities or people differently depending on context. Improved social intelligence can lead to better conversations, reduce unnecessary conflict, and build stronger ties between us.
Research in the International Journal of Computational Science and Engineering has looked at how we might automate the detection of offensive content on social media, presenting a method capable of working across more than sixty languages without requiring extensive pre-labelled datasets. The research aims to help platforms manage posts that are truly harmful or represent harassment or abuse, and so improve trust and safety for all users.
The work builds on a multilingual system that can represent text using concepts drawn from Wikipedia articles, allowing posts to be categorised based on meaning rather than language alone. This technique, known as randomized explicit semantic analysis, can then create a vector of weighted concepts for each message, enabling a single annotated dataset in one language to support classification across dozens of others.
To improve accuracy, the researchers introduced a hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm, a type of trial and error approach, that combines a statistical approach known as an adaptive Markov chain Monte Carlo tree search with an optimisation method called the enhanced eagle Aquila optimiser. This combined effort identifies the most effective configurations for categorising content. In tests, it consistently matched or even surpassed current methods when presented with publicly available datasets of offensive social media posts.
The approach also hooked into content-based signals, such as specific words or phrases, behavioural cues, such as posting patterns and metadata, as well account information and timestamps to categorise content more effectively. With such a system in place, social media platforms might be able to refine their moderation systems and focus resources more effectively on tackling content that is broadly deemed as abusive or likely to lead to greater conflict between users.
Aarthi, B. and Chelliah, B.J. (2025) ‘Multilingual language classification model for offensive comments categorisation in social media using HAMMC tree search with enhanced optimisation technique’, Int. J. Computational Science and Engineering, Vol. 28, No. 5, pp.498–514.
The following International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology article, "Study on the law of disaster caused by multi-field coupling of coal and gas near fault tectonic zone", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
Research in the International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems has looked at the design of the front of city trams, also known in North America as streetcars, to see whether changes to their geometry and height might be made to reduce the risk of serious injury or even death to pedestrians following a collision. This safety issue is becoming increasingly important as cities worldwide expand their tram networks in the driver towards cleaner and lower-carbon transport.
Trams are generally seen as a safe and sustainable alternative to private vehicles, their operation within mixed urban traffic means that when collisions do occur, they tend to cause severe or fatal injuries. Yet, unlike cars, trams have no established design standards focused on pedestrian protection.
The research used computer modelling to simulate what happens when a pedestrians is hit by a moving tram. They found that even relatively small adjustments to the shape of the front of a tram and the clearance height from rail to underside might reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths. In the first instance, changes in geometry could reduce the forces experienced by the pedestrian but also push them sideways out of the path of the tram. Secondly, lowering the clearance to less than 185mm would reduce the risk of a toppled pedestrian being run over by the vehicle.
A finite element method (FEM) was used to divide up the complex structure of the front end of a tram into small, simulated components that could be analysed for their behaviour in a collision. On the converse of this, the model tracked the motion of the human body and the forces on the head, chest, and limbs when someone is hit by a moving tram. In this way, they showed that avoiding convex or concave surfaces, which tend to concentrate force on the body, could reduce the severity of injury. Similarly, having an inclination of more than 15 degrees horizontally across roughly a quarter of the tram’s front width improved the likelihood, by 75 percent, of pushing a pedestrian sideways rather than forward. Vertically, a gentle slope of 5 to 10 degrees balanced lower impact forces to the head and chest and avoids secondary collision with the tram’s windscreen.
The findings regarding tram design could be incorporated into international safety standards. This would save lives but also strengthen public confidence in urban tram systems and so support the broader transition to sustainable city transport.
Zhou, H., Liu, W. and Wang, W. (2025) ‘Improvements of a tram shape for pedestrian protection’, Int. J. Heavy Vehicle Systems, Vol. 32, No. 4, pp.561–573.
China’s drive towards a low-carbon economy is showing clear signs of slowing, according to research in the International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy. The study has tracked the country’s progress on replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. While there is still a shift in gear towards cleaner growth, the pace has almost skidded to a halt, from a 92 per cent rise in 2010 to just 17 per cent in 2023. The research thus raises concerns regarding the way in which early gains from heavy state investment have lost their impetus.
The researchers analysed data from 2014 to 2020 and projected trends to 2023, they then developed a detailed framework to assess how effectively renewable energy is supporting China’s economic transformation. By considering four main factors, renewable energy utilisation, ecological environment quality, economic development, and the quality of life of the population, they determined that carbon emission intensity carried the greatest weight in evaluating low-carbon performance, reflecting its importance as a direct measure of climate impact.
The work also shows that China’s transition to a low-carbon economy remains uneven across regions. Southern provinces, with stronger renewable infrastructure and more advanced industries, are leading the shift. In contrast, the industrial north continues to depend heavily on coal and other fossil fuels, which has led to much slower progress and greater environmental strain. This regional imbalance highlights the challenge of aligning national energy goals with local economic realities.
As the world’s largest energy consumer and carbon emitter, China’s experience is seen as a test case for how large developing economies can move towards sustainability without undermining development. Beyond China, the research offers perspective on the many difficulties facing countries attempting to reconcile rapid growth with carbon reduction.
As advances in renewable technologies and energy storage continue, the researchers suggest that future assessments should incorporate social and market factors such as consumer behaviour, pricing mechanisms and public acceptance. Only by combining technological innovation with structural reform, they argue, can China regain the momentum in its push to low-carbon.
Li, C. (2025) ‘Construction of a multiscale renewable energy economic evaluation system considering low-carbon economy and energy storage integration’, Int. J. Energy Technology and Policy, Vol. 20, No. 6, pp.3–16.
The following International Journal of System of Systems Engineering article, "Agile design framework for offshore wind turbine manufacturing", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy article, "Methods of realising grid frequency modulation by using adiabatic electromagnetic compressed-air energy storage", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy article, "Construction of urban sewage treatment environment model based on energy and ecological restoration concept", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy article, "Intelligent monitoring method for variable working conditions in intelligent manufacturing systems under digital twin", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy article, "Application of an infrared sensor based on edge computing in power electronics technology", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy article, "Construction of a multiscale renewable energy economic evaluation system considering low-carbon economy and energy storage integration", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
A new approach to controlling robotic arms that could make industrial and collaborative robots more precise, adaptable, and efficient is discussed in the International Journal of Systems, Control and Communications. The work uses a decentralized adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control (AFSMC) that controls the robotic arm with voltage-based commands rather than traditional torque-based methods. This, the researchers, explain, simplifies the control system while allowing the equipment to maintain normal function even with uncertainties and external disturbances.
Conventional torque-based controllers rely on highly accurate models of the robot’s dynamics. This makes them computationally intensive and impractical for some real-time applications. By controlling the motor voltages directly, the AFSMC method sidesteps this issue by allowing it to handle fuzzy, or imprecise and approximate information within a sliding mode control framework. Sliding mode controllers are prone to rapid oscillations so the researchers have added a hyperbolic tangent function to their model to producing smoother and more reliable motion.
The AFSMC operates in the workspace, which also allows for more precise and flexible motion. Its decentralized design means that each joint of the robotic arm can be controlled independently while still working in coordination with the others. The team’s simulations with a three-degrees-of-freedom robotic arm show that the approach achieves high tracking accuracy and strong resistance to disturbances. The reduced computational demands compared with standard methods such as proportional-integral-derivative or proportional-derivative controllers make the approach more efficient and effective overall.
Robotic arms are increasingly tasked with high-speed, high-precision operations, from assembling electronics to handling delicate laboratory samples. By reducing the need for exact dynamic models and velocity feedback, the AFSMC could cut costs and make advanced control techniques available in embedded robotic systems. By combining fuzzy logic and sliding mode control, the researchers offer a flexible and theoretically grounded framework capable of managing the complex, non-linear behaviour typical of robotic manipulators operating under uncertain conditions.
Wang, L. (2025) ‘Decentralised adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control for robotic arms using a voltage control approach in workspace’, Int. J. Systems, Control and Communications, Vol. 16, No. 6, pp.1–20.
The following International Journal of Internet Manufacturing and Services article, "Utilising a Gaussian process classifier integrating with meta-heuristic optimisers to predict and classify performance systems", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Systems, Control and Communications article, "Decentralised adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control for robotic arms using a voltage control approach in workspace", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Economics and Business Research article, "Psychosocial risks and relational distress in the Salvadoran workforce", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
A highly precise fibre-based sensing system that can monitor and protect critical infrastructure such as power plants, borders, and military installations is described in the International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy. The system uses advanced laser technology to detect minute disturbances along optical fibres, offering a secure, real-time means of surveillance and fault detection over vast distances.
The research achieves this high precision by using high-power, ultra-narrow linewidth single-mode fibre lasers. These devices can emit light at an extremely stable and well-defined wavelength. This stability allows the system to interpret subtle back-scattered signals within the fibre with exceptional precision, using a method known as optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR). OTDR works by sending light pulses down a fibre and measuring the light that is scattered back, revealing changes in temperature, strain, or vibration along the length of the fibre.
Laboratory tests demonstrated remarkable performance: fluctuations in transmission and central wavelength were kept below a critical level, while repeated measurements deviated by a tiny amount. This level of consistency, the paper suggests, confirms both the sensitivity and reliability of the design, combining low operational cost with the inherent safety of optical systems. The nature of ultra-narrow linewidth lasers means the signal-to-noise ratio is kept sufficiently high that accurate detection and localisation of events across extended distances can be achieved.
Conventional sensor networks rely on exposed components and electrical wiring, but this fibre-based system can be embedded directly into the ground, integrated with fences, or coiled around pipelines. This makes them resistant to tampering and environmental interference, including electromagnetic noise, extreme temperatures, and corrosion. The approach might be used to detect strain or temperature shifts that precede equipment failures or leaks in pipelines or failing integrity of bridges or tunnels. The approach is particularly suited to remote or hazardous environments, from nuclear facilities to long, unguarded borders.
Li, L., Liu, M., Wu, Q., Zhang, X., Liu, Z. and Zhang, Y. (2025) ‘Optical fibre distributed sensing system based on high-power ultra-narrow linewidth laser’, Int. J. Energy Technology and Policy, Vol. 20, No. 6, pp.17–32.
The following International Journal of Economics and Business Research article, "The impact of fear of missing out on conspicuous consumption: the mediating role of self-esteem", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Business Information Systems article, "Social media marketing role on online purchasing decisions in Indonesia", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling article, "Multimodal pose estimation and simulation modelling for real-time human motion analysis", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering article, "Research on immersive experience of packaging design based on virtual reality and semantic segmentation algorithm", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
A high-precision approach to predicting university student academic performance and flagging those students at risk of dropping is reported in the International Journal of Internet Manufacturing and Services. The approach combines machine learning with advanced optimisation techniques inspired by natural processes to help universities identify students that are struggling sooner rather than later and allow them to tailor support before problems escalate.
The approach uses a Gaussian Process Classifier (GPC), a statistical model that estimates the likelihood of particular outcomes based on complex, multidimensional data. The GPC is enhanced using an optimisation algorithm inspired by nature, following the way in which organisms locate sources of scent to allow the system to home in on an accurate solution to the question. In addition, it uses a Particle Velocity Search Algorithm (PVSA), based on the collective movement of particles in a fluid. This combination allows the system to fine-tune its parameters to detect subtle patterns in the data regarding student performance, attendance, marks, and engagement levels. In tests, the system could accurately discern which students needed additional support or guidance.
Traditional monitoring methods, while invaluable, often fail to spot early signs of academic difficulty. By contrast, the new model, through the analysis of large datasets, can detect individual behaviour and achievement that change over time and indicate problems earlier.
The work might allow universities to make better data-driven decisions regarding academic support and the distribution of resources, as well as reducing student dropout rates. The researchers suggest that categorising students by learning patterns rather than simple grades could help institutions design more equitable and personalised educational experiences.
Huang, K. and Wang, C. (2025) ‘Utilising a Gaussian process classifier integrating with meta-heuristic optimisers to predict and classify performance systems’, Int. J. Internet Manufacturing and Services, Vol. 11, No. 5, pp.1–30.
The following International Journal of Automation and Control article, "Design of a model predictive-based fault estimator for faulty nonlinear switched dynamics with guaranteed recursive feasibility", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Innovative design of ceramic products based on extension reasoning and generative adversarial networks", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Virtual landscape layout generation using physically constrained particle swarm optimisation", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Research on optimisation of remote monitoring network for power systems based on satellite and wireless communications", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The common vernacular of YOLO, you only live once, and FOMO, fear of missing out, lead many people to yo-yo up and down between anxiety states. Research in the International Journal of Economics and Business Research, has looked at the role of self-esteem when people have that FOMO feeling in the context of conspicuous consumption (COCO).
The research shows that FOMO can nudge people to spend more on goods that display status or success than they otherwise would. The research also shows that this effect operates partly by eroding self-esteem, prompting individuals to seek reassurance and validation through conspicuous consumption of material possessions. The conclusions were drawn after an analysis of survey results from 561 employed adults in mainland China.
The analysis revealed that people who feel stronger FOMO are markedly more likely to engage in such spending. At the same time, the researchers found that FOMO reduces a person’s sense of worth, their self-esteem. One might think of it as being the psychological equivalent of comfort eating, but it is the unnecessary consumption of high-prestige and other possessions rather than the inappropriate ingestion of food. The acquisition of possessions becomes the means by which the consumer attempts to restore their self-worth and social standing. Rarely is comfort eating or such conspicuous consumption of long-term benefit to the individual.
The results suggest that the relationship between FOMO and conspicuous consumption operates on two levels: a direct urge to keep up with others, and an indirect process in which reduced self-esteem fuels the desire for visible affirmation. Those with stronger self-esteem appear more resilient to these pressures, relying on internal rather than external sources of validation.
Gender did not emerge as influencing factor, men and women were equally prone to the issues. However, age did have an effect with older participants less affected by FOMO than younger people, suggesting that age brings greater emotional maturity and less dependence on external validation.
Jiang, Z-W. and Chang, S-Y. (2025) ‘The impact of fear of missing out on conspicuous consumption: the mediating role of self-esteem’, Int. J. Economics and Business Research, Vol. 29, No. 18, pp.1–19.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Multi-spectral remote sensing image land classification algorithm for unmanned aerial vehicles targeting transmission line corridors", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Student career guidance using sentiment analysis and decision tree models", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Green Economics article, "Sustainable consumer choices: the role of green products, pricing, and marketing in Indonesia's tissue industry", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
Research in the International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering discusses an immersive packaging design system that brings together virtual reality (VR) and advanced image analysis to create a more intuitive and realistic way of developing new products. The research suggests that this new approach could allow designers and consumers to experience packaging in three dimensions, exploring how materials, textures, and layouts will look and work before the produced is actually manufactured.
The usual approach to design in this area relies on two-dimensional renderings that do not always capture the depth or tactile qualities of packaging. The new system overcomes these limitations by allowing users to enter a virtual environment where they can view and manipulate designs as if handling real objects. In this virtual world, the designers might look at how labelling fits around bottles or how colours behave under different lighting. From the consumers’ perspective, testers can pick up and inspect products virtually, gaining a clearer sense of scale and usability and so feed back their feelings to the designers and developers.
The research uses semantic segmentation, which automatically identifies and separates different visual elements in packaging images, the logos, text, and materials, at the pixel level for optimal precision. This approach allows each component to be edited individually within the virtual space. This means that developers don’t have to rely on static mock-ups, designers can test variations instantly, and marketing teams can assess how small adjustments might affect user perception or emotional response.
The use of virtual reality with intelligent design tools suggests a new direction for packaging design. The work marks a shift towards more interactive, human-centred design approaches that brings together creative intent and consumer experience.
The next step in the research would be to develop touch and sound feedback, so that the art of packaging design comes even closer to the sensory qualities of a real prototype in the real world.
Ye, X., Tan, J. and Du, B. (2025) ‘Research on immersive experience of packaging design based on virtual reality and semantic segmentation algorithm’, Int. J. Industrial and Systems Engineering, Vol. 51, No. 5, pp.1–18.
The following International Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing article, "How customer expectations drive loyalty to food delivery app brands", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "An intelligent analysis model for enhancing rural e-commerce sales efficiency in live streaming environments", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Social media sentiment diffusion modelling algorithms for brand communication", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
A new artificial intelligence system discussed in the International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling could help make school and university sports safer and more effective. The system can analyse video of human movements in real time and combine this with data from sensors to understand those movements. The analysis can identify movements that would be unclear to a human observer because they are fast, unpredictable or hidden from view. The researchers suggest it will be a boon in physical education and how it is taught and monitored.
Current “pose recognition” tools use computer vision to identify human postures but often struggle with the complexities of real-world sports. Movements are usually irregular and constantly changing in most sports. The new system tackles this underlying problem by combining visual information with data from motion sensors, and then building on embedded simulations to allow it to interpret and predict movements as they happen.
The team tested their system on established benchmark datasets, including Human3.6M and the team’s own CollegeSports-200 collection. They achieved almost 97 per cent accuracy. They kept the error count caused by visual obstructions low and with a frame rate of 38 frames per second, the system is fast enough to deliver live feedback. In field trials, they also had encouraging results as students were guided based on the system’s analysis and were seen to improve on poor posture and results when their teachers had a clearer picture of fitness patterns across groups.
The team suggests this novel approach could lead to more adaptive, evidence-based physical education. Such an approach uses data directly to plan improved exercise and practice, and even to cut the potential for injuries.
Chen, D., Ni, Z. and Huang, W. (2025) ‘Multimodal pose estimation and simulation modelling for real-time human motion analysis’, Int. J. Simulation and Process Modelling, Vol. 22, No. 5, pp.1–10.
Research in the International Journal of Automation and Control describes a novel mathematical framework that can estimate fault risk in complex industrial systems, such as petrochemical reactors. The research might improve reliability of automated processes in the petrochemical sector and in other areas of advanced manufacturing.
The work builds on a predictive defect estimation model. It works for switched non-linear the behaviour of which alternates between different operating modes depending on conditions or control inputs. This is a common modality of chemical reactors, robotic platforms, and automated processes. The accurate prediction of imminent issues with such systems has always been a challenge because system response can vary widely with changing inputs, environmental conditions, and internal dynamics.
By using a mathematical representation of the system, a so-called augmented state-space model, variables describing the current condition of the system and failure signals, which indicate the presence of faults, the new model can evaluate how closely a system’s predicted behaviour matches its actual behaviour. Discrepancies between the two are analysed statistically by the model to home in on whether the system is stable or liable to fail.
The researchers point out that traditional fault detection methods have always been limited by restrictive assumptions about system dynamics. The new approach allows for continuous real-time monitoring in industrial environments. Tests with a stirred tank reactor as a standard benchmark for modelling chemical reactions gave fault-free accuracy within 0.05 and successfully detecting both constant and time-varying faults. The current system works to detect faults that develop gradually. Real-world industrial settings introduce additional complexities, such as abrupt faults, high-frequency disturbances, and measurement noise, all of which will require further refinement of the model.
Wang, L. (2025) ‘Design of a model predictive-based fault estimator for faulty nonlinear switched dynamics with guaranteed recursive feasibility’, Int. J. Automation and Control, Vol. 19, No. 7, pp.1–22.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "A news content recommendation model integrating social relationships and temporal features", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
A study published in the International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation has mapped the fast-growing field of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in education. The research highlights both the technology’s transformative potential and gaps in understanding how it affects learning and cognition. Academic interest in GenAI has surged, from just a handful of papers to many hundreds now.
GenAI refers to systems using deep learning and natural language processing to generate content or responses that emulate human tasks. In education, these systems are increasingly seen as capable of performing roles once the preserve of teachers, tutors, peer mentors, and administrative staff. They can deliver personalized instruction, real-time feedback, and data-driven decision support.
Applications range widely from language learning, where AI can simulate conversation and assess fluency, to healthcare training, where it helps students build clinical reasoning and critical thinking. Critics warn, however, of ethical issues and biases in training data that may affect fairness and trustworthiness.
The study found that most research so far centres on learner perceptions, how students feel about using GenAI, their motivation, and their trust in its usefulness. These early studies, largely survey-based, provide useful foundations for future studies but leave deeper questions unanswered. Few investigations have explored the cognitive and behavioural mechanisms underlying how learners actually interact with GenAI, a gap that could hinder efforts to design more effective and ethical systems.
Some studies have examined GenAI as a teaching support tool, focusing on human-computer interaction and adaptive learning that tailors content to individuals. Others have explored its role in assessment, offering automated feedback and grading. However, reliability remains a major concern, especially given that GenAI outputs can be inconsistent, and decision-making processes are often opaque, raising questions about fairness and academic integrity. One term that often arises in any discussion of GenAI is “hallucinations” where the system produces what seems to be wholly fabricated output that is not based on facts.
The authors argue that more empirical research is now needed to understand how GenAI shapes learning, thinking, and evaluation. Without such evidence, there is a risk that GenAI will spread through education superficially, enhancing convenience but not necessarily deepening learning.
By mapping hundreds of studies, the paper provides valuable insights for policymakers and educators hoping to harness the potential of GenAI responsibly. It identifies both promising directions and critical blind spots in the effort to integrate AI into educational practice.
Tu, Y-F. and Lu, Y-C. (2025) ‘Trends of generative AI applications in educational settings’, Int. J. Mobile Learning and Organisation, Vol. 19, No. 4, pp.442–467.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Development of an AI-powered classification model for monitoring construction disturbances using remote sensing data", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Application of CNN image signal denoising technology in virtual reality environment", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Financial risk prediction and warning system based on SGAN deep learning", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Bio-Inspired Computation article, "A knapsack modelling approach to financial resource allocation problem using a dual search pattern firefly algorithm", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Agile Systems and Management article, "LAMPD: a combined lean and agile model for product development", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
Bio-inspired computational methods have gained popularity recently. These methods mimic the seemingly complex behaviour of organisms to tackle difficult and often overwhelming problems. For example, algorithms have been inspired by honeybees’ flight patterns when searching for nectar, ants’ social foraging strategies, the evasive murmurations of birds and fish, and even the growth patterns of slime moulds. By modelling these natural processes mathematically, researchers can develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
Work published in the International Journal of Bio-Inspired Computation has turned to fireflies and how they seek out the brightest of their number to address the classic knapsack problem. This problem involves making optimal choices about resource allocation under specific constraints. Using the firefly algorithm, researchers have explored how this natural behaviour might be used to guide decision-making in modern financial systems.
Conventional optimization techniques, such as dynamic programming, often struggle with the scale and volatility of real-world finance. When objectives such as profitability, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations must all be balanced, those methods often fall short. Inspired by the firefly’s attraction to brighter individuals, the firefly algorithm provides an adaptive strategy that can explore and exploit potential solutions, even in complex, dynamic environments. The integration of machine learning helps handle noisy and rapidly changing data, both of which are characteristics of financial markets.
The researchers specifically used the dual search pattern firefly algorithm (DSPFA), which combines Gaussian distributions with Lévy flights. This mathematical approach models both small incremental adjustments and rare, large jumps. This allows the algorithm to adapt in real time to changing financial conditions. It can dynamically balance risk and return while also accounting for environmental, social, and governance considerations.
Simulations demonstrated that this approach can effectively handle a variety of constraints, such as liquidity limits and regulatory requirements. At the same time, it maintains computational efficiency and produces decisions that are relatively easy to audit.
Xiao, X., Chen, Z., Quan, L., Stojanovic, A. and Wu, L. (2025) ‘A knapsack modelling approach to financial resource allocation problem using a dual search pattern firefly algorithm’, Int. J. Bio-Inspired Computation, Vol. 26, No. 5, pp.1–13.
A study in the World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development has revealed the important role both financial and digital literacy play in boosting the performance and resilience of micro, small and medium enterprises in Indonesia. Given that such companies form the backbone of the national economy, it is critical, from the perspective of policymakers, to understand their activities and drivers, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
The results are based on an analysis of survey results from 77 business owners and managers and consider levels of financial and technological literacy. The study shows that such literacy has a strong positive effect on the performance of small companies , while competitive pressures exert a smaller but still significant influence.
In the context of a resource-based view of companies, internal capabilities, rather than external conditions, are considered the primary drivers of competitiveness. As such, financial technological literacy are regarded as intangible strategic resources: valuable, rare, and difficult for competitors to replicate. Those small companies that can cultivate these “resources” can adapt, make informed decisions, and sustain long-term growth more effectively, the work suggests.
Financial literacy refers to the ability to manage budgets, plan investments, and interpret financial data accurately. For small business owners, such competence reduces the risk of poor financial decisions and improves resource allocation. Financial technology, fintech, literacy is the understanding and effective use of digital tools such as online banking platforms, digital payment systems, and accounting applications. This competency enhances operational efficiency and broadens access to regional, national, and potentially even international markets.
Nevertheless, competitive pressure does make a positive contribution to innovation in a company and how it refines its products and services. Competition is a catalyst for boosting creativity and improving efficiency. The implications of the work thus lie in how government and business associations might be encouraged to develop targeted financial and fintech literacy training for entrepreneurs.
Ulupui, I.G.K.A., Zairin, G.M., Sutanti, F.D., Khairunnisa, H., Zakaria, A. and Nurmalita, S. (2025) ‘Enhancing MSME performance: the role of FinTech literacy, financial literacy and competitive pressure’, World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 21, No. 4, pp.1–26.
There is a free download of the papers from this first issue.
A new approach to accurately determining the state of charge (SoC) of a lithium-ion battery could improve safety and longevity of electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and portable electronics, according to research in the International Journal of Critical Infrastructures. The work builds on an approach that not only measures a battery’s remaining charge with exceptional precision but also detects and corrects sensor faults in real time.
The state of charge, or SoC, represents how much energy remains in a battery relative to its full capacity. However, the SoC cannot be measured directly as if it were some digital parameter because lithium batteries are complicated electrochemical systems. The SoC can only be estimated through models and data, and the results change as the battery ages through repeated charge-discharge cycles over its lifetime. Nevertheless, inaccurate estimation can lead to overcharging or deep discharging, conditions that cause degradation and ultimately failure, especially when repeated overheating has occurred.
The standard SoC estimation techniques all have their pros and cons. Empirical methods, such as Coulomb counting, which tracks charge entering and leaving a battery cell, are simple but prone to error from sensor drift and environmental changes. Voltage and impedance-based approaches work only when the battery is not in use. Model-based systems require extensive computation, making them difficult to apply in real-time conditions such as driving or rapid charging.
The new research closes the circuit by providing a hybrid strategy that combines nonlinear physical modelling and advanced estimation algorithms. The system treats sensor faults as part of the model itself, considering them as unknown inputs to be estimated alongside the SoC. This approach allows the battery management system to get an accurate reading even when its sensors are malfunctioning or operating under fluctuating temperature and ageing conditions.
In their laboratory tests, the researchers were able to make usable and accurate estimates of SoC even under stressful conditions. The model’s computational efficiency also makes it suitable for integration into embedded battery management systems used in vehicles and stationary storage units.
Fang, L. (2025) ‘Design of an augmented unknown input estimator for the lithium-ion battery state of charge and sensor fault estimation’, Int. J. Critical Infrastructures, Vol. 21, No. 11, pp.30–54.
The following International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning article, "Research on interactive audio-visual-oral teaching in college English", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning article, "Artificial intelligence-based emotion recognition application of English teaching in smart learning", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
Research in the International Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing suggests that confidence in the technology and clarity of information provided by food delivery apps matters more in terms of their loyalty than price or menu choice. The findings offer an important insight that could help the app companies and their associated food suppliers improve their offering in the fast-growing digital food delivery market.
The researchers surveyed 160 food delivery app users and then used statistical modelling to track and trace how expectations influence whether customers keep using a platform and whether they recommend it to others. The team looked at four main factors. First, how easy an app feels to use, which they refer to as effort expectancy. Secondly, how useful it seems, so-called performance expectancy. Thirdly, the quality of information provided by the app. Finally, self-efficacy, a user’s self-belief in their own tech skills, was also taken into consideration.
The results suggest that clear, reliable, well-organised information helps people see an app as simpler to use. In turn, the easier an app feels, the more useful it appears. But, the researchers also found that information quality on its own doesn’t seem to make people think an app performs better. Given that so many people check out apps on social media, and read online reviews or listen to the opinions of friends and relatives, there are additional factors at play.
Confidence, however, makes a big difference. Users who feel comfortable navigating digital platforms tend to view apps as both easy and effective, and they are far more likely to stay loyal and spread the word. In effect, the study suggests that a little digital confidence goes a long way toward keeping customers coming back for more.
Marques, A., Lopes, M. and Santos, C. (2025) ‘How customer expectations drive loyalty to food delivery app brands’, Int. J. Electronic Marketing and Retailing, Vol. 16, No. 7, pp.1–22.
The following International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning article, "Indicators and characteristics of career visualisation ability based on cloud computing", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development article, "Enhancing MSME performance: the role of FinTech literacy, financial literacy and competitive pressure", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning article, "Automatic speech recognition based on adaptive parameters technology in English MOOC teaching system", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning article, "Application of intelligent sensing and digital teaching mode in physical education teaching in colleges and universities", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning article, "The impact of blockchain big data algorithm technology on the interactive intelligent teaching mode of Chinese language and literature courses", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning article, "Human-computer interaction design of intelligent multimedia information technology in online sports teaching platform", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Analysis of English sentiment semantic evolution based on BERT and dynamic word embeddings", is freely available for download as an open access article.
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The following International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning article, "Journalism and communication professional personnel training and precise teaching methods based on artificial intelligence", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning article, "Visual translation of English classroom teaching system based on mobile learning", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning article, "Multimedia-based evaluation on the intelligent distance education mode of college English", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
Research in the Global Business and Economics Review suggests that we could and should be encouraging green shoots to grow in preschool-aged children regarding environmental matters.
The influence of the media on the public understanding of environmental issues reaches far beyond headlines and news reports. Online content, interactive apps, television, and even print outlets are shaping what people know and think about the environment and perhaps more importantly are shaping their behaviour. Environmental awareness, in this context, is not merely familiarity with the facts but shows the connections between knowledge, social norms and personal action. But, little attention has been paid in research to children and one particularly overlooked demographic group, the preschooler, whereas growing greener children should be part of our plan for a sustainable future.
Many preschoolers are exposed to a lot of media content at home, in their nursery schools, in the shopping malls, and beyond. The evidence suggests that we might design media experiences, such as educational television programs, interactive online activities, and even game-based or theatrical content that could be used to cultivate their environmental consciousness from an early age.
We could encourage children to adopt environmentally friendly habits, from conserving water and energy at home to growing into influencing youngsters that change the social norms within their communities. Early exposure is key. Attitudes and behaviour are formed in childhood and generally persist into school age and then into adulthood. If we can encourage interest and engagement early, then our preschoolers might grow up to be lifelong adherents to sustainable practices.
However, studies indicate that simply presenting information is insufficient to foster meaningful engagement. Individuals must grasp both the causes of environmental problems and the range of practical solutions available. Without this context, knowledge rarely translates into action. Media that frames environmental challenges with clarity, providing narrative and visual cues alongside actionable guidance, has the potential to move audiences from passive awareness to active participation. This applies just the same to those preschoolers, although, of course, the detail and depth of that information must be carefully crafted for the audience to have any impact at all.
Children who develop environmental awareness early, often affect wider change as they grow up, influencing their families, their friends, and into the educational setting as they mature and ultimately the workplace.
Petkou, D., Tsiouni, M. and Vitoulis, M. (2025) ‘Formation of environmental consciousness in pre-school children through the media: a typology of influence axes’, Global Business and Economics Review, Vol. 33, Nos. 3/4, pp.282–298.
The following International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning article, "The interrelationship of behavioural, emotional, and cognitive classroom engagement in higher education: understanding the mechanisms of student success", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Web public opinion prediction of public events based on graph convolutional neural networks in big data", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
A new study of college students in India has shown that while internet access has become central to academic life, it has also opened the door to troubling forms of unethical or illegal behaviour online, ranging from harassment and hacking to the misuse of institutional networks. The umbrella neologism for this behaviour is cyberdeviance. The results of a survey of some 264 students are discussed in the International Journal of Public Sector Performance Management.
Cyberdeviance, a term used to describe online misconduct, has grown increasingly relevant as higher education embraces digital learning and communication. This study highlights how social and economic pressures are shaping young people’s conduct online, and raises questions about how universities might balance openness with accountability in the digital age.
The study also shows that while most students use campus internet connections for legitimate purposes such as coursework, research, and communication, a notable proportion admitted to activities that cross ethical or legal boundaries. Gaming was identified as the most common non-academic use of institutional networks, while hacking, information theft, and online harassment were reported less frequently.
The findings do suggest that most of the cyberdeviance is not malicious, but reflects broader personal anxieties, such as a fear of unemployment and financial insecurity once one’s education is complete. They also point to some students having the desire to apply their technical knowledge in ways that feel practical, albeit ethically ambiguous. The researchers argue that such motivations reveal blurred lines among a generation attempt to negotiate both digital empowerment and economic uncertainty at the same time.
The researchers point out that few institutions have developed ways to guide their students’ conduct online. As social media, gaming platforms, and data-intensive tools continue to proliferate across campuses, they face mounting difficulties in regulating their use without stifling innovation or academic freedom. But, there remains an urgent need for policy reform to allow a balance to be achieved.
Embedding digital ethics into the university curriculum, strengthening access controls, and cultivating digitally mature learning communities where technical proficiency is matched by moral awareness could allow higher education move ahead without being pulled down by cyberdeviance.
Arumugam, S.K., Ramesh, S. and Anuradha, B. (2025) ‘Cyberdeviance among students – a multidimensional scaling approach’, Int. J. Public Sector Performance Management, Vol. 16, No. 3, pp.286–307.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Data element perspective: green credit risk assessment using a multi-layer deep neural network", is freely available for download as an open access article.
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The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Siamese-based tennis movement gesture assessment via 3D tracking and spatio-temporal scoring", is freely available for download as an open access article.
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The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "A data compliance sharing algorithm for intelligent connected vehicles empowered by federated learning", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "A distributed and network-aware resource scheduling scheme for serverless cloud computing", is freely available for download as an open access article.
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A study of the information and technology sector in Kolkata, India, suggests that what keeps female millennial employees motivated and engaged at work has less to do with pay and more to do with how they are treated. Drawing on data from more than five hundred women employed across five major IT firms, the research finds that psychological safety and well-being, rather than salary, are the most powerful determinants of motivation and commitment. The term millennial refers to people born any time from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s.
The research, published in the International Journal of Management Practice, uses self-determination theory to investigate what motivates individuals when three fundamental needs are met. These needs are autonomy (a sense of control over one’s work), competence (feeling capable and effective), and connection (belonging and supportive relationships). The research shows that these needs were best fulfilled not by financial incentives but through work environments that promoted trust, inclusion, and personal growth.
Psychological safety, defined as the assurance that one can express ideas, take risks, or admit mistakes without fear of ridicule or punishment, emerged as the single most influential factor driving motivation among respondents. Women who felt able to voice their opinions freely reported significantly higher engagement levels. The study also highlights the critical role of mental and physical health. Workplaces that were attentive to these matters had stronger commitment from employees and ultimately lower staff turnover.
The research also considered leadership style and job design. These factors also shaped outcomes. Female employees who enjoyed autonomy in structuring their tasks, and who had empathetic or transformational managers, showed markedly greater job satisfaction. The research suggests that such leadership fosters a sense of belonging and encourages innovation, particularly important in the fast-evolving world of IT.
These findings challenge the assumption that pay is the prime mover for women in IT here. Instead, emotional and relational factors weigh more heavily. As such, the implementation of flexible work structures, psychological safety, and well-being considerations might help reverse the attrition experienced by the sector in recent years.
Pahari, S., Pahari, M.P., Behera, C. and Polisetty, A. (2025) ‘Boosting engagement: the motivational drivers of female millennials in Kolkata’s IT hub’, Int. J. Management Practice, Vol. 18, No. 5, pp.445–470.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Cross-border trade export prediction based on reinforcement learning and multimodal data", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
Online dating apps may have something to teach corporate leaders about responsible digital leadership, according to research published in the Global Business and Economics Review. The authors argue that the same kinds of tools millions use to find romance could be adapted as powerful platforms for networking, recruitment, and collaboration. The research connects two unlikely worlds: the ethics of leadership and the psychology of online dating.
The study focuses on what it terms responsible leadership: a model of decision-making that balances financial success with social good. This form of leadership considers the interests of all stakeholders, users, employees, and society at large, rather than homing in on the fiscal bottom-line. It operates across five key dimensions: general, economic, social, political, and environmental. The goal is to cultivate trust and a sense of shared purpose while managing the growing influence of technology in everyday relationships.
The research situates this discussion within the global dating industry, a market worth billions of dollars each year and serving hundreds of millions of users worldwide. These platforms now occupy a central role in the social life of many people. Once seen purely as venues for romantic connection, they have evolved into multifunctional spaces where people form friendships, exchange ideas, and even discuss work. This expansion has introduced new ethical challenges, such as privacy risks, emotional manipulation, and the uncertainty that comes with meeting strangers in virtual settings.
The study asks how leadership might manage this kind of uncertainty while encouraging authenticity. In digital spaces, people interact through carefully constructed profiles and selective disclosures. Without the cues of face-to-face communication, users must interpret limited information and make judgements about trust and sincerity. Responsible leadership, the researchers argue, involves designing systems that make these interactions safer and more transparent, while preserving the users’ freedom to experiment and express themselves.
Interviews with 250 dating app users reveal that many people adapt their online selves, sometimes exaggerating or reimagining aspects of their identity. Rather than treating this behaviour purely as deception, the study interprets it as a form of imaginative self-representation, a way of exploring alternative versions of the self. Digital life, in this sense, becomes a space where creativity plays a role in how people learn to relate to one another.
This interpretation carries implications beyond dating. As remote work and online collaboration become increasingly common, the same platforms once used for romantic encounters are now being used to network, recruit, and share expertise. The boundary between personal and professional life is becoming less distinct, raising questions about how to maintain privacy, trust, and ethical conduct in these hybrid environments.
The study proposes that leaders of digital platforms must develop strategic intelligence, which is a combination of analytical ability, foresight, and empathy. This approach recognises that online interaction always involves some degree of uncertainty, if not a world of pure imagination, but that uncertainty can be productive. It can foster innovation, openness, and understanding, if handled with care.
Schinzel, U. (2025) ‘Online dating platforms – and their link to responsible leadership and uncertainty avoidance – the key impact of imagination‘, Global Business and Economics Review, Vol. 33, Nos. 3/4, pp.321-338.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Cross-modal Chinese text representation enhancement for multimodal sentiment analysis", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Causality mining for historical events based on knowledge graphs", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "AI-POA dual-engine framework: enhancing English speaking teaching through multimodal assessment", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "STIRS: cyber-physical trust integration for sustainable resource sharing in IoT-enabled cold chains", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Data-centric analytics for ideological sentiment monitoring: fusion of features with optimised attention mechanisms", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Mask-embedded transformer for English text recognition and correction", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Business and Globalisation article, "The role of organisational culture and digital leadership in enhancing employee development skills during digital transformation: mediating role of technology readiness", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
Preparedness, rather than technology, is what will drive success in digital transformation, according to research in the International Journal of Business and Globalisation. The study surveyed 200 professionals involved in digital change initiatives and found that that technological progress delivers value only when people are ready and able to work with it.
Digital transformation is defined as the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) across all areas of business. It has become a strategic imperative for organisations seeking to remain competitive. Yet, this research makes clear that the human factor, personal readiness and capability need to develop alongside the technological innovations for the transformation to be complete. The researchers identify three key factors shaping this process: digital leadership, organisational culture, and technology readiness.
Technology readiness can refer not only to the psychological and practical preparedness of individuals or organisations to adopt and use new technologies but encompasses technical competence and confidence. The motivation and openness to change must also be present.
The research also points out that technology readiness is pivotal in leadership, culture, and employee growth. Among these three factors, organisational culture emerges as the most powerful driver of readiness. Where the workplace encourages experimentation, collaboration, and innovation, employees are far more likely to engage positively with technological change. A culture that tolerates some degree of failure, rewards curiosity, and values can underpin adaptability across a company.
The researchers emphasise that workers who feel equipped and confident to use technology are more adept at problem-solving, more adaptable to new challenges, and more capable of continuous learning. These can be seen as the very traits that define resilience in the digital economy. The team also points out that their findings might equally be applicable across society. As national economies become more dependent on digital infrastructure, workforce readiness emerges as a societal issue, the findings suggest. Policymakers and educators might look to these findings for insight into how training programmes might be tailored to strengthen competitiveness at scale.
Basalamah, M.S.A. and Basalamah, J. (2025) ‘The role of organisational culture and digital leadership in enhancing employee development skills during digital transformation: mediating role of technology readiness’, Int. J. Business and Globalisation, Vol. 41, No. 5, pp.1–17.
The following International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics article, "To conform or to perform - the dilemma of director's attributes in agricultural cooperatives", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Critical Infrastructures article, "Design of an augmented unknown input estimator for the lithium-ion battery state of charge and sensor fault estimation", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Critical Infrastructures article, "Precise state-of-charge estimation for LIBs: a cutting-edge nonlinear model approach with enhanced robustness and reliability", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following International Journal of Business Excellence article, "Driving global success: entrepreneurialness and strategic competency of ICT-born global firms in Sri Lanka", is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
It is often asked facetiously that if one has nothing to hide, then why worry about privacy. A sharp retort might be to ask whether such people would be content to have no blind at the bathroom window. We all reserve the right to privacy in our lives. At a time when books are once again being blacklisted, banned, and burned, minority voices gagged, and conflicts multiply around the world with righteous certainties on all sides, the question of privacy is once again high on the agenda.
Against this backdrop, the Tor Browser brings new complexities to the debate and to the field of digital forensics. Tor, short for “The Onion Router” is a web browser designed specifically to anonymise a user’s internet activity. It essentially routes traffic through a layered network of encrypted relays. It can be coupled with a virtual private network (VPN), but even without it, Tor can conceal a user’s internet protocol (IP) address, their whereabouts, and the trail of sites they have visited.
The Tor Browser makes it almost impossible for conventional tracking tools to link online actions to a specific individual. This makes it an important tool for those people who are being banned, gagged, and censored. It can be a critical part of working for journalists reporting under authoritarian regimes, political dissidents, whistleblowers, and vulnerable groups. It allows users to reduce the risk of surveillance, persecution, and retaliation.
Unfortunately, as with every tool since the dawn of humanity from the hand axe onwards, it can be used for illicit purposes. As such, cybercriminals have embraced Tor. It allows access to the so-called dark web, an unindexed part of the internet that hosts both lawful and unlawful content. As such, investigators attempting to trace illegal activity on the dark web now face a technological stalemate. Traditional forensic tools, designed with everyday web browsers in mind, are wholly ineffective when faced with the Tor Browser’s obfuscating characteristics.
Research in the International Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics, introduces “DarkExtract”, an open-source forensic tool aimed at bridging the gap between the needs of security and the demands of accountability.
DarkExtract can find host-based artefacts, fragments of data left behind on a user’s device even after a purportedly anonymous browsing session ends. Such data fragments, found in computer memory, virtual caches, and even the operating system’s files, could offer useful leads, providing sufficient evidence to reconstruct user activity and support a broader criminal investigation.
Of course, the success of a tool for countering other tools that protect a person’s privacy are important in addressing criminality. But, given the existence of rogue regimes and bad actors, they also raise the issue of that bathroom blind and the privacy of innocent users hoping to hide their decency, as it were.
Mandela, N., Mahmoud, A.A.S., Agrawal, A.K. and Mistry, N.R. (2025) ‘DarkExtract: tool for extracting and analysing Tor Browser host-based activities’, Int. J. Electronic Security and Digital Forensics, Vol. 17, No. 5, pp.563–581.
