The following paper, "A study on the application of 3DHOG-assisted technology in physical education movement recognition" (International Journal of Computational Systems Engineering 9(8) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "Adaptive assessment in English language teaching: implementing fuzzy logic for intelligent evaluation" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(8) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
Where are the humans in human-centred design? That is the question researchers answer in their paper in the Journal of Design Research.
In an area increasingly defined by its responsiveness to human needs, a new piece of research from the University of Michigan suggests that the act of drawing a person into a design sketch can prompt a deeper and more sustained consideration of the human experience. The findings offer a quietly transformative approach to a long-standing challenge: how to ensure that design thinking remains rooted in the lives of the people it aims to serve. This is critical in the earliest, most abstract phases of idea generation.
Human-centred design, a methodology that emphasizes empathy with users and attention to their emotional, social, and physical experiences, is now common across many disciplines, from product development and architecture to public services. Yet despite this, it remains difficult to realize in practice. Designers, particularly when working independently or under tight constraints, often struggle to take the human angle into account. This later manifests itself as the end-product being disconnected from users.
The new research tackles this dilemma by introducing a subtle but purposeful intervention. In two empirical studies involving student designers, participants were first asked to generate design ideas as they normally would. In a second round, they were given one additional instruction: to include a visual representation of a person in every sketch they produced.
While the change might seem trivial, almost naïve and childlike, its impact was not. The researchers saw a noticeable shift in cognitive patterns as the student engineers in each group worked. Those that included people in their sketches began to discuss their ideas differently. They speculated more readily about how users would physically interact with a product, how the design might make someone feel, and what implications it might have for others beyond the immediate user. This is obviously a positive effect in terms of ensuring that the final design is connected to human reality rather than disconnected.
Murphy, L.R., Makhlouf, T., Daly, S.R. and Seifert, C.M. (2025) ‘Where are the humans in human centred design? Intentionally representing people during idea generation deepens consideration of needs’, J. Design Research, Vol. 22, No. 5, pp.1–26.
The following paper, "Sentiment analysis of text based on emoji attention mechanisms: a new approach to online course evaluation" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(8) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "Personalised foreign language learning path recommendation strategy based on disciplinary knowledge graph" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(8) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
A new life-cycle assessment comparing the production impacts of three materials used in carbon dioxide capture technology has highlighted the environmental trade-offs involved in using such materials. The research, published in the International Journal of Global Warming, analysed the emissions associated with manufacturing, a so-called “cradle-to-gate” analysis. The results offer new insights into whether the use of such materials can truly be sustainable in part of how we address climate change.
Namra Mir, Yusuf Bicer, Fadwa El-Mellouhi, Elumalai Palani, Satyanarayana Bonakala, and Abdulkarem I. Amhamed of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar, have looked at various porous materials, which can “adsorb” gases from the air. These include natural minerals known as zeolites and their synthetic counterparts, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Depending on the exact chemical structure of these materials, they can be produced to adsorb specific gases, such as the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, in preference to others.
As global efforts to reach net-zero emissions are intensifying, so carbon dioxide capture technology continues to be of interest. It could be used to offset emissions from industrial and other sectors that would be very hard to decarbonize, such as cement production and transport.
The study focused on three porous materials with potential for carbon capture. Specifically, the team looked at TCM-14, referred to as MOF-1, and two hybrid zeolite-based materials, zeolite 13X with diethylenetriamine (MOF-2) and zeolite A with methanol (MOF-3). They then calculated the emissions associated with producing these materials for use in carbon capture technology.
Among the three, MOF-1 had the lowest environmental footprint at 3.5 kg carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of material. The two hybrid zeolite materials had significantly higher emission potential at around 14 kg of carbon dioxide each per kilogram manufactured. This suggests that despite its greater chemical complexity, MOF-1 may be the more sustainable option in terms of its initial environmental burden.
However, the team points out that despite this advantage, manufacturing MOF-1 is an energy-intensive process because it has to be carried out at a very high temperature. For the zeolite-based materials, the chemical modifiers used can lead to even worse manufacturing emissions, with one particular additive used to improve adsorption, leading to carbon dioxide emissions of well over 40 kilograms per kilogram of adsorbent material produced.
The work emphasises that we cannot evaluate a technology developed to combat climate change solely on its performance, we must take into account the energy and emissions costs as well as the resources costs of manufacturing and maintaining that technology.
Mir, N., Bicer, Y., El-Mellouhi, F., Palani, E., Bonakala, S. and Amhamed, A.I. (2025) ‘Life cycle assessment of sustainable metal-organic frameworks and zeolites’, Int. J. Global Warming, Vol. 36, No. 1, pp.23–33.
The following paper, "Sensitivity analysis of urban planning using random forests and transformers: a case study of residential area renovation" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(8) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "The value orientation clustering analysis based on topic models in the social network environment" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(8) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
New research has shed light on a critical obstacle facing efforts to reduce carbon emissions, the willingness of drivers to accept higher fuel costs. A pair of simultaneous surveys, designed to explore this issue, found that consumers’ readiness to endure economic sacrifices depends heavily on their understanding of climate change’s tangible effects. Details of the results and analysis can be found in the journal Interdisciplinary Environmental Review.
In the study, participants were divided into two groups. One, known as the “treatment group,” was asked to read a short article outlining the destructive impacts of climate change across the USA. The other group, the “control group,” received no such information. The contrast between responses from the two groups was stark. Those exposed to the information were significantly more willing to accept increased fuel prices in the interest of reducing carbon emissions, while those without that context expressed little willingness, if any, to do so.
The findings, from John McCollough of Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, USA, highlight the importance of public awareness in environmental policymaking. Carbon emissions are described by economists as a “public bad,” a term referring to harmful by-products of everyday activities. Burning fossil fuels for transport and the associated carbon emissions impose costs on society at large. To mitigate a “public bad”, one widely used strategy is to raise the associated costs through taxation. In this instance, the logic is that by making carbon-intensive activities more expensive, individuals and businesses will be driven to change their behaviour. They might drive less or invest in cleaner vehicles, or even adopt alternative forms of transport.
The strategy is embodied in the concept of a carbon or fuel tax. Economists broadly regard such taxes as among the most efficient, cost-effective, and administratively simple means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The USA remains an outlier among developed economies. It has the lowest fuel taxes among member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and ranks high in per capita carbon emissions.
The relationship between fuel taxation and emissions is well-documented. Countries that impose higher taxes on fuel consistently record lower per capita levels of carbon dioxide emissions. Yet despite its economic efficiency, raising fuel prices is politically contentious. Higher taxes would mean higher household expenses, potentially reshaping spending patterns and lifestyle choices. While some households might reduce driving, purchase fuel-efficient vehicles, or shift to public transit, but without increased understanding of why such changes are necessary, there will inevitably be pushback from the public.
The research suggest that designing effective climate policies is not enough. Governments need to communicate the reality of climate change and connect directly with people’s experiences. The success of carbon pricing initiatives, and possibly of broader climate strategies, depends not only on sound economic reasoning but also on cultivating public trust and engagement.
McCollough, J. (2025) ‘Environmental awareness and consumers’ willingness to accept higher fuel prices to reduce carbon emissions’, Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, Vol. 24, No. 2, pp.112–123.
The following paper, "Lightweight improvement algorithm for target detection of Pu'er tea harvesting robotic arm based on YOLOv8" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(8) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "Analysis of factors affecting job satisfaction of manual workers: a case study from a garment factory in Northern Vietnam" (International Journal of Business and Globalisation 39(5) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
A study in the Interdisciplinary Environmental Review has looked for the presence of microplastics in drinking water sources in Southern India. The work provides new evidence of the spread of plastic pollution and its increasing potential effect on human health. I. Ronald Win Roy and A. Stanley Raj of Loyola College in Chennai, India, analysed tap and tank water in Chennai, focusing on areas near the heavily polluted Cooum River and Great Salt Lake. They found microplastic particles in almost every sample tested.
Microplastics are defined as plastic fragments smaller than five millimetres. They are usually formed through the breakdown of larger pieces of plastic waste through exposure to sunlight, water, and friction. They have been detected in almost every ecosystem from the remote Arctic ice to the deepest parts of the ocean, which is of obvious broad environtmental concern. However, their presence in drinking water is a serious issue with a potentially even more direct effect on public health.
This is the first study of its kind in Southern India and comes at a time when global plastic production is of even more concern than ever before. In 1970, global production stood at 30 million tonnes, by 2020, plastic production had reached 380 million tonnes. Forecasts suggests that figure will have reached 600 million tonnes annually by 2050. As plastic use intensifies around the world, waste management systems, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions, are struggling to keep pace. The result is that plastic debris is increasingly infiltrating both natural and the built environments.
The presence of microplastics in the environment and in drinking water is troubling in itself, but it is their potential to act as vectors for toxic substances that raises even more concern. Fat-soluble compounds can be absorbed on to or even into synthetic polymer particles. Such compounds might include persistent organic pollutants with potentially carcinogenic or endocrine-disrupting effects. Furthermore, microplastics might act as hosts for pathogenic microbes or transport toxic heavy metals.
Once ingested, any toxic payload released in the body might then have detrimental effects on health. Given that tests on blood, placental tissue, and even lung samples have already demonstrated the presence of microplastics in humans. Microplastic contamination is becoming a defining feature of the Anthropocene. The development of detection tools, as demonstrated in this study, is urgently needed so that we can more clearly understand the problem and hopefully devise solutions.
Roy, I.R.W. and Raj, A.S. (2025) ‘Identifying microplastic contamination in drinking water: analysis and evaluation using spectroscopic methods’, Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, Vol. 24, No. 2, pp.97–111.
The following paper, "Building resilience through digital transformation: a systematic literature review and comprehensive framework for large enterprises" (International Journal of Business Innovation and Research 36(5) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "Garbage in garbage out: Likert scale in management research" (International Journal of Innovation and Learning 37(6) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
A study in the International Journal of Business Forecasting and Marketing Intelligence has looked at the automotive market in Zambia and found that after-sales service is a crucial, though often-overlooked, factor in shaping customer satisfaction and influencing word-of-mouth recommendations.
As car ownership in this developing nation grows and consumer expectations rise, the findings from Shem Sikombe of Copperbelt University, in Kitwe, Zambia, show that dealerships can play a role not only in selling vehicles, but also in cultivating long-term relationships with customers.
Sikombe carried out a structured survey distributed among customers at branded car dealerships in various locations. His analysis of the data offers a detailed examination of how after-sales service functions in an emerging market context. The work used hierarchical regression and a statistical method known as the Hayes bootstrapping mediation analysis to determine the indirect impact of one variable on another. The results dissect the effects of maintenance facilities, warranties, and the quality of spare parts.
As such, Sikombe found that maintenance facilities and warranties have a clear and statistically significant positive effect on customer satisfaction. In practical terms, this means that when a customer believes their car is being properly serviced and that the dealership stands firm behind its warranty promises, they are more likely to feel satisfied with the overall buying experience. This echoes what has been found in in more established markets, where service reliability and perceived value are closely tied to customer trust.
That third factor, the quality of spare parts, produced a more ambiguous result. Statistically, there was no real correlation between parts quality and customer satisfaction. However, the issue may lie less with the quality of the parts themselves and more in their cost and availability. Delays in obtaining spares and dissatisfaction with high prices, suggests that supply bottlenecks and pricing policies could be harming the reputation of dealerships. These various factors all influence customer satisfaction and how overall service quality correlates with word-of-mouth promotion.
Dealerships must ensure customer satisfaction as much as they can control those factors. In markets like Zambia, where consumer decisions are strongly influenced by peer recommendations, this form of informal marketing carries particular weight.
Sikombe, S. (2025) ‘Investigating after-sales service, customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth nexus: evidence from a branded car dealership’, Int. J. Business Forecasting and Marketing Intelligence, Vol. 10, No. 2, pp.199–213.
The following paper, "Exploration and analysis of online public opinion detection in digital economy based on deep learning" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(7) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "Fine-grained data cross-domain access control policy based on ciphertext policy attribute encryption" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(7) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
Researchers have developed a method to speed up privacy-preserving computations, allowing multiple parties to jointly perform calculations on sensitive data without revealing their individual inputs—and without any third party being able to reconstruct the original data from the results. Details are reported in the International Journal of Applied Cryptography.
The team has focused on a key technical challenge in the field of cryptography. How to perform floating-point arithmetic securely and at scale. Floating-point arithmetic is used by computers to handle real numbers, whether very large or very small, using a codified version of scientific notation so that long strings of zeroes to make a number very small or very large are not needed. This latest advance has the potential to accelerate research and development in privacy-sensitive domains such as health data analysis, financial modelling, and machine learning, without compromising confidentiality.
Secure multi-party computation (MPC) and homomorphic encryption are techniques designed to address the problem. They allow computations to be carried out on encrypted or distributed data, so that no party learns anything about the inputs from the other parties beyond the final result. However, MPC systems struggle with floating-point numbers in terms of performance. They could use fixed-point numbers instead, but that would compromise the precision of the data through rounding errors.
The new research directly addresses the problem by introducing a more efficient way to perform secure floating-point addition, one of the most fundamental operations in numerical computing. The key innovation lies in a protocol that allows many additions to be carried out simultaneously, rather than one at a time. In tests, the approach is 13 times faster than state-of-the-art techniques. Moreover, it uses existing MPC frameworks. The protocol preserves the privacy of all intermediate values and requires no specialised hardware or novel cryptographic assumptions.
Veugen, T., Wezeman, R., Amadori, A., Bootsma, S. and Kamphorst, B. (2025) ‘Secure addition of floating points’, Int. J. Applied Cryptography, Vol. 5, No. 5, pp.1–11.
The following paper, "Measurement and evaluation of linear motion parameters of ice and snow athletes based on acceleration sensors" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(7) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "Rule engine and neural network: reproduction and analysis of traditional festival celebration elements in animation" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(7) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "Obstacle-free robot path planning based on variational autoencoder and generative networks" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(7) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "The style transfer model of illustration images based on multi-scale CycleGAN" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(7) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "Unveiling the nexus between foreign direct investment and economic restructuring: evidence from Vietnam's transformative journey" (International Journal of Economics and Business Research 29(11) 2025), 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 Economics and Business Research has looked at how workers in socially stigmatized or emotionally taxing occupations, colloquially referred to as “dirty work”, cope with the psychological burden of their roles. The research also considers the factors that might help such workers stay in such careers.
Xiao Xiao and Sze-Ting Chen of the Chinese International College at Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand, surveyed a thousand or so employees across a variety of industries. They identified the psychological mechanisms that connect feelings of stigma to intentions to leave a job, and importantly, what can disrupt that pattern.
The term “dirty work” refers to jobs that society often views as unpleasant, morally ambiguous, or low-status. This includes roles in sanitation, care work, adult entertainment, and other professions marked by social disapproval or discomfort. These occupations, though often essential, are frequently associated with low wages, limited upward mobility, and entrenched negative stereotypes.
The team found that employees who perceive their work as dirty are more likely to consider leaving their profession. Central to this is the concept of “learned helplessness”. This is a known psychological state in which individuals, after repeated negative experiences, begin to feel powerless to change their circumstances. This feeling of futility acts as a psychological bridge between the perception of one’s job as degrading and the desire to abandon it.
However, the team also found two powerful counterpoints to this effect, what they refer to as “career calling” and “job crafting”. Career calling refers to an individual’s deep-seated belief that their work serves a meaningful purpose or contributes to the greater good, despite the perception of it as “dirty work”. Workers who see their roles in this light, such as viewing care work as vital to community wellbeing, are more resistant to the emotional toll of societal stigma and more inclined to stay.
That other factor, job crafting, refers to how employees might take steps to reshape aspects of their work environment. This might include altering the nature of their tasks, reframing their job narratives, or seeking more meaningful relationships with colleagues or clients. A hospital caretaker might come to see their role as foundational to public health, while a worker in the adult entertainment industry may emphasize their artistic expression or emotional labour. By tailoring their work experience, individuals can reduce any feelings of helplessness and strengthen their professional identity.
From an organizational standpoint, the implications of understanding the psychological costs of stigmatized work could be crucial for employee morale and retention. Employers can intervene by offering greater autonomy, encouraging task redesign, and reinforcing the social importance of such roles.
Xiao, X. and Chen, S-T. (2025) ‘Unique insights: the mediating role of learned helplessness on the influence of perceived dirty work on career transition intentions, and the moderating role of job crafting and career calling’, Int. J. Economics and Business Research, Vol. 29, No. 11, pp.1–30.
The following paper, "A new instrument for the rational and intuitive decision-making styles - RIDMS" (International Journal of Economics and Business Research 29(11) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "Unique insights: the mediating role of learned helplessness on the influence of perceived dirty work on career transition intentions, and the moderating role of job crafting and career calling" (International Journal of Economics and Business Research 19(11) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "One-shot transfer learning with limited data sample for bearing component fault diagnosis" (International Journal of Hydromechatronics 8(6) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "Secure addition of floating points" (International Journal of Applied Cryptography 5(5) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
A newly developed framework could reshape the way scholars and professionals understand the complex processes behind human decision-making. Developed through a multidisciplinary effort and validated with data from German professionals across sectors, the RIDMS (Rational and Intuitive Decision-Making Styles) model offers a comprehensive, evidence-based structure for assessing both analytical and instinctive aspects of how people make choices. The new framework is discussed in detail in the International Journal of Economics and Business Research.
Markus A. Launer of the Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences, Ostfalia, Suderburg, Germany, and Fatih Çetin of the Universite Caddesi in Ankara, Turkey introduce RIDMS as having ten distinct dimensions. Together, these characteristics map out the range of rational and intuitive strategies people might use when making decisions. These dimensions are designed to be applied across disparate areas of decision-making, from healthcare and education to emergency response and organizational leadership. As such, they provide researchers and practitioners with a more nuanced, adaptable tool than has previously been available.
Intuitive decision-making has remained little studied. While individuals frequently rely on gut feelings, emotional cues, or accumulated experience, especially in high-pressure or uncertain environments, many existing models of decision-making have only vaguely defined such intuitive decision-making. RIDMS could change that by breaking down intuition into its components and recognising how each is influenced by context and experience.
Among its ten dimensions, RIDMS includes not only the typical logical-planning methods, but also less linear processes, such as the phenomenon of incubation, where decisions seem to crystallise gradually over time. It also accounts for socially distributed decision-making, in which individuals draw heavily on trusted peers or mentors. In doing so, the model recognises that decision-making is often embedded in a social context, rather than occurring in isolation.
The RIDMS model incorporates insights from a broad spectrum of disciplines, including cognitive psychology, neuroscience, management theory, and behavioural science. The team thus explains that it is empirically grounded and has been validated statistically.
Launer, M.A. and Çetin, F. (2025) ‘A new instrument for the rational and intuitive decision-making styles – RIDMS’, Int. J. Economics and Business Research, Vol. 29, No. 11, pp.31–51.
The following paper, "Methodological strategies for control experiments in independent teaching and learning environment" (International Journal of Computational Systems Engineering 9(7) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
A study in the International Journal of Business and Globalisation has looked at the various factors contributing to job satisfaction among manual workers in Vietnam’s garment manufacturing sector. While much research on employee satisfaction has traditionally focused on white-collar workers, this study focuses on blue-collar labour, a crucial demographic in a rapidly developing economy such as that of Vietnam.
Hanh Vu Thi and Huong Pham Thu of the Foreign Trade University, Lan Anh Nguyen Thi of Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd in Hanoi, Vietnam, and Tra Ly Thu of NextWave Partners, Singapore, found that among the most important factors associated with job satisfaction were the quality of an employee’s relationships with supervisors, workplace benefits, and occupational safety. Perhaps surprisingly, the level of pay, which is typically thought of as being central to job satisfaction, was found to be minor factor. The researchers suggest that for workers in jobs requiring a lower educational level, job security and a positive work environment may outweigh financial incentives.
Leadership styles in Vietnamese companies appears to play a crucial role in shaping job satisfaction, the team found. Their results highlight the prevalence of autocratic leadership and family-based management models in many businesses. These models, while offering powerful authority structures, can sometimes hinder open communication and democratic participation in the workplace. The research thus calls for a reassessment of leadership strategies in order to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for blue-collar workers.
The work is important in the light of Vietnam’s socio-economic context. Since the 1980s, Vietnam has been developing rapidly and its economy growing, partly driven by foreign direct investment (FDI) in various sectors, including manufacturing, and in particular garment manufacturing.
Thi, H.V., Thu, H.P., Thi, L.A.N. and Thu, T.L. (2025) ‘Analysis of factors affecting job satisfaction of manual workers: a case study from a garment factory in Northern Vietnam’, Int. J. Business and Globalisation, Vol. 39, No. 5, pp.1–16.
A review in the International Journal of Business Innovation and Research has looked at the recent literature to see how large companies can become more resilient by using digital tools and technology. The researchers found that being flexible, making decisions based on data, and involving all stakeholders are the main ways to boost resilience. They add that the use of good knowledge-sharing systems also makes a big difference, rather than simply using advanced technology.
Large companies face a paradox: while digital transformation holds enormous promise for strengthening their resilience, many, nevertheless, fail to achieve their intended outcomes. To find out why this might be, Moris Krismas Tarigan, Togar Mangihut Simatupang, and Yuni Ros Bangun of the Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia, have carried out a comprehensive review of research published between 2020 and 2024. The team used the digital maturity model, the Industry 4.0 framework, and dynamic capabilities theory to help them reveal the various factors affecting organisational resilience.
Organisational resilience refers to a company’s ability to anticipate, adapt to, and recover from disruptions, whether triggered by economic shocks, global pandemics, supply chain breakdowns, or rapid technological changes. Digital transformation involves a fundamental rethinking of business operations through the adoption and integration of digital technologies. Digital transformation can have powerful effects, but this review shows that the true value lies not in technical capabilities alone, but in how effectively they are embedded within an organisation’s culture, strategy, and decision-making systems.
The researchers found that there are three important mechanisms through which digital transformation boosts organisational resilience in large companies. The first is a marked improvement in operational flexibility, meaning companies can adjust processes, production, and service delivery more rapidly in response to changing conditions. The second is that data-driven decision-making is improved, allowing companies to make faster, more informed, and adaptive choices during times of uncertainty. The third is that stakeholder engagement is increased, which strengthens collaboration and communication with partners, suppliers, and customers. Overall, these factors help companies respond more effectively to disruption and foster long-term adaptability.
In addition, the review also found that organisational learning has an important role. Companies that invest in knowledge management system, tools and practices that enable the capture, sharing, and application of knowledge, can enhance the positive effects of digital transformation. In other words, technological sophistication alone is not enough to build resilience, but rather an organisation needs to have the capacity to learn from experience.
Tarigan, M.K., Simatupang, T.M. and Bangun, Y.R. (2025) ‘Building resilience through digital transformation: a systematic literature review and comprehensive framework for large enterprises’, Int. J. Business Innovation and Research, Vol. 36, No. 5, pp.1–28.
Research in the International Journal of Computational Systems Engineering has implications for how advanced technology is integrated into the modern classroom. The work shows how education is moving way beyond the traditional lecture-based teaching model and touches on how the “smart” classroom environment might make use of many of the much-hyped tools, such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, virtual reality (VR), and cloud computing to enhance student-centred, independent learning.
According to the work from Qingping Luo of Changsha Social Work College in ChangSha, China, smart classrooms might be described as technology-enhanced learning spaces designed to adapt to the individual needs of students. These environments encourage learners to explore, research, and engage with content at their own pace using digital platforms that offer interactive media, online assessments, and live collaboration tools. The flexibility offered by the smart classroom not only sits well with current educational theory but also reflects a broader shift in teaching towards active and personalized learning.
At the heart of the digital transformation of education is the integration of internet-connected equipment such as tablets and laptops into the educational milieu. This connectivity allows students to carry out real-time research, collaborate between different locations, and access learning resources that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
The research emphasizes that these changes are not merely a matter of convenience. In fact, it demonstrates measurable improvements in learning outcomes. For instance, subject-specific platforms are being developed to enhance instruction in areas such as music education, using AI-driven systems that support interactive learning. These systems not only present information but also analyse student responses through tools such as classification, keyword retrieval, and visual mapping. These are all techniques that can help reinforce comprehension and encourage critical analysis.
Importantly, the research also introduces a framework that might allow the impact on education of these new approaches to be evaluated. Indeed, controlled experiments comparing students in smart classrooms with peers receiving traditional instruction suggest that those using the technology-enhanced methods do perform better, especially where self-guided exploration and inquiry are encouraged and facilitated by the technology.
Luo, Q. (2025) ‘Methodological strategies for control experiments in independent teaching and learning environment’, Int. J. Computational Systems Engineering, Vol. 9, No. 7, pp.1–10.
Mobile marketing is having an increasing influence on the purchasing decisions of Generation Z in Poland, according to International Journal of Economic Policy in Emerging Economies. Gen Z, or Generation Z, is the demographic born between 1997 and 2012 and usually considered the offspring of Generation X (those born between 1965 and 1980 and themselves generally speaking the children of the Baby Boomer generation (born 1946 to 1964).
Bogdan Mróz of Warsaw School of Economics SGH and Barbara Grabiwoda of Publicis Commerce Poland in Warszawa, Poland, explain that Gen Z represents a group of young consumers whose lives are deeply integrated with digital technology. Their research, which combines an extensive review of existing literature with empirical statistical analysis, provides insights into how mobile devices are shaping the way in which this demographic interacts with brands and makes choices about what products and services on which it wishes to spend its money.
For Gen Z, typically smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices are not just tools for communication but an essential part of daily life. Those tools are essential for other generations too, but Gen Z has never known a time without them, broadly speaking.
According to the current study, more than half of this demographic actively engages with mobile marketing communications, and a large proportion has a positive attitude toward brands that connect with them through the various digital platforms and social media. Indeed, the study reveals a clear trend: the more branded content Gen Z encounters on mobile devices, the more positive is their view of the companies involved.
For Gen Z, this great affinity for mobile technology has blurred the lines between the physical and digital worlds. Unlike previous generations, mobile devices seem intrinsically wired into their lives and even identity, playing a central role not only in social interactions but also in their shopping habits. For many, mobile platforms and social media represent essential spaces for discovering new products and brands. As such, the various platforms are pivotal for marketers seeking to engage with Gen Z.
The research suggests that conventional advertising on old-school media, such as print, TV, and radio, are becoming less effective at reaching this audience and many Gen Z individuals may never see or hear anything from the traditional media. For businesses, this shift in consumer behaviour means they need to adapt to the ongoing changes if they are to survive. Companies must be proactive in rethinking their marketing strategies to cater to the preferences and expectations of Gen Z.
Mróz, B. and Grabiwoda, B. (2025) ‘Generation Z: the new mobile consumers. Empirical evidence from Poland’, Int. J. Economic Policy in Emerging Economies, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp.1–20.
Research from Kuwait, published in the International Journal of Public Sector Performance Management, has looked at the financial challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) there. Economic disruption and the post-pandemic environment have increased the risk of financial default among such businesses. Kuwait is among the richest nations, but its dependence on oil exports has made its economy highly vulnerable to global shifts, and SMEs have had to bear much of the burden.
Financial default, a situation in which businesses are unable to meet their debt obligations, is a growing concern for SMEs in Kuwait. The research, based on interviews with numerous SME managers, has identified several factors that have contributed to the financial instability of these businesses. The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions to daily operations, and changes in consumer behaviour were among the most significant factors, the researchers found.
In the wake of these crises, many SMEs found it difficult to access funding from traditional sources such as banks, which typically offer loans to support business operations. This lack of access to funding has left many companies with limited resources to adapt or recover. The researchers suggest that their findings point to a need for SMEs to adopt better financial management practices in order to mitigate the risk of default in future crises. SMEs in Kuwait, the research suggests, need to place greater emphasis on sound financial practices like budgeting, cost management, and cash flow forecasting. They say that by improving these areas, businesses may be better equipped to handle unexpected challenges.
Additionally, there is a need for businesses to explore alternative funding methods such as crowdfunding and angel investments rather than relying on bank loans. Of course, those approaches may not be appropriate for every kind of SME.
These findings also point to a need for increased government support and regulatory reform. The research suggests that greater transparency, regulatory simplification, and stronger public-private partnerships could help create a more stable financial environment for SMEs in Kuwait.
Alhaimer, R., Alshami, A., Alkhaldi, A., Alsadeeqi, A., Aloumi, D. and Malik, S. (2025) ‘Evaluating public policy interventions in mitigating financial default risk among SMEs‘, Int. J. Public Sector Performance Management, Vol. 15, No. 5, pp.1-18.
The following paper, "Evaluating public policy interventions in mitigating financial default risk among SMEs" (International Journal of Public Sector Performance Management 15(5) 2025), 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 Entrepreneurship and Small Business has identified the ingredients that lead to financial success among women-owned small-scale culinary businesses in Riau, Indonesia. The research used a combination of theoretical frameworks to shed light on how women entrepreneurs in this sector can overcome significant challenges to achieve greater financial stability and growth.
Okta Karneli, Harlen, and Yusni Maulida of the Universitas Riau, and Muammar Revnu Ohara of the Universitas Lancang Kuning, also in Riau, and Pratiwi Dwi Suhartanti of the Institut Bisnis dan Teknologi Kalimantan in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, explain that women are playing an increasingly important role in Indonesia’s local economy. Understanding the recipe for their success is important to understanding the sector and how others might grow their businesses within it.
Women entrepreneurs in Indonesia’s culinary sector face various many barriers, such as limited access to financial resources, insufficient education in financial management skills, and difficulties scaling operations. The researchers surveyed 355 women running business in the sector in Riau to understand how entrepreneurial orientation, adaptive capacity, and social networks might improve the bottom line for such businesses.
One of the key findings of the study is the strong link between entrepreneurial orientation and financial success. Innovative women willing to take risks and working proactivity within the sector proved to the be most successful, as one might expect. The entrepreneurs displaying these characteristics were better positioned to seize new opportunities, expand their market reach, and improve financial performance. The finding suggests that cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset is important to success for business operating in this dynamic sector.
The research also revealed that adaptive capacity is important. Businesses that could adjust to changing market conditions were generally more successful and could sustain long-term profitability. In the face of changing consumer tastes and economic uncertainties, being adaptable is critical to success. Finally, the team found that social networks – connections with suppliers, customers, and other entrepreneurs – helps provide the underlying support, resources, and information need to help businesses thrive.
Karneli, O., Harlen, Maulida, Y., Ohara, M.R. and Suhartanti, P.D. (2025) ‘Women entrepreneurs in Indonesia’s culinary sector: a study on entrepreneurial orientation and financial capability’, Int. J. Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Vol. 55, No. 5, pp.1–28.
The following paper, "Women entrepreneurs in Indonesia's culinary sector: a study on entrepreneurial orientation and financial capability" (International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business 55(5) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
In Lisbon’s busy streets, tuk tuk companies have been slow to adapt to the digital age. Many rely on what researchers consider outdated and error-prone manual processes for managing their fleets of tourist transport vehicles. Research in the International Journal of Business Information Systems could help them navigate their way to a more efficient and effective future.
Eduarda Perdigão and Bráulio Alturas of the Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, in Lisbon, Portugal, have focused on how a tailored information system that could transform the daily management of companies such as Citytuk, one of the popular guided tour services in Lisbon
Previously, tuk tuk companies relied on drivers to fill out daily service sheets by hand. This data was then transcribed manually into a central system by managers. Such an approach is inherently slow and prone to mistakes. For a growing business in the competitive tourism sector, such inefficiencies are not sustainable, the team suggests. The researchers have now identified an opportunity to enhance productivity and improve decision-making by replacing the manual process with a more streamlined, automated system.
The result of this research is Tuksy, a new application designed to simplify and modernize tuk tuk operations. Tuksy consists of two components: a mobile app for drivers to input service data directly, and a desktop app for managers to track and analyse that data in real-time. This digital solution eliminates the need for paper records, so reduces errors and frees up valuable time for both drivers and managers.
The system represents more than just a solution for one company’s operational challenges, it represents a model for how other small businesses in the tourism sector might embrace technology and boost their efficiency.
Perdigão, E. and Alturas, B. (2025) ‘Developing an app proposal for tuk tuk service management’, Int. J. Business Information Systems, Vol. 48, No. 4, pp.433–451.
Virtual reality (VR) has steadily become a key tool in sports training, offering immersive environments that simulate real-world physical exercises. However, its application in aerobics training has faced significant challenges, particularly in accurately capturing and recognizing complex body movements. A study in the International Journal of Computational Systems Engineering has overcome some of these barriers obstacles by improving the precision of motion capture and the recognition of different actions during aerobics exercises.
Conventional VR motion capture systems rely on algorithms that align 3D representations of physical objects, so-called point cloud data, to track body movements. However, these systems often struggle with two critical issues: noise and incomplete data. Noise refers to unwanted interference that can distort the data collected by sensors, while incomplete data arises when certain body movements are not fully captured. In aerobics, where precision in movement is key to safe and effective exercising, these issues compromise the effectiveness of VR-based training systems.
Hui Wang of the School of Physical Education at Yan’an University in Yan’an, China, has addressed these challenges by developing two new models. The first focuses on enhancing the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm, which is used to align point cloud data. ICP is a well-established method, but it is prone to inefficiencies, particularly when faced with noisy or incomplete data. By optimizing the algorithm, Wang has improved accuracy and speed of capture.
The second model focuses on refining action recognition. A neural network is used to analyse the complex relationships between body joints over time by tracking the interactions between different body parts. Wang improved the neural network used by incorporating a perturbation mechanism to deal with noise, which further improved its ability to capture subtle movements and interdependencies between non-adjacent joints during aerobics.
Accuracy up to 99 percent was achieved, indicating a remarkable ability to recognize and classify aerobics movements with minimal error. Moreover, the experimental group using these advanced models outperformed the control group in various performance metrics, particularly in terms of the standardization of movements, the work explains. This enhanced motion recognition technology could significantly improve both the learning experience for students and the ability of instructors to offer targeted feedback, leading to more efficient and personalized training in aerobics.
Wang, H. (2025) ‘The application of VR-based fine motion capture algorithm in college aerobics training’, Int. J. Computational Systems Engineering, Vol. 9, No. 6, pp.1–10.
The following paper, "The application of VR-based fine motion capture algorithm in college aerobics training" (International Journal of Computational Systems Engineering 9(6) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
Hashtags, the keywords preceded by the “#” symbol, are widely used on social media platforms like Instagram to categorize content and increase its visibility. While their primary function is to help posts reach broader audiences, a study in the International Journal of Web Based Communities shows that hashtags also play a significant role in shaping how users perceive the trustworthiness of the post’s source. This research challenges the common practice of “hashtag stuffing”, the use of excessive or irrelevant hashtags to boost engagement. It then explores the unintended consequences it may have on the credibility of a given post and the person or company using them.
On Instagram, as with other platforms, hashtags are often used to tap into trending topics or relevant themes, enabling users to increase the visibility of their posts. This study suggests that beyond increasing visibility, hashtags play a significant role in how users judge the credibility of a post.
Ye Han and Peter Haried of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Cross, Wisconsin, Shuang Wu of Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, USA, carried out experiments and found that hashtags act as “heuristic cues.” In psychological terms, a heuristic is a mental shortcut people use to quickly make decisions or judgements without having to analyse every piece of information. In this context, hashtags serve as cues that shape how trustworthy a post seems, even if the viewer does not scrutinize the content itself in detail.
When a post includes hashtags, users tend to assume that the source is more likely to share additional information or similar content. This perception increases the post’s credibility, reinforcing trust. However, this trust is undermined when hashtags are deemed irrelevant or excessive, as is the case with hashtag stuffing. Users may begin to question the authenticity of the post, leading them to engage in more critical analysis of the content, ultimately reducing the post’s perceived trustworthiness.
This finding underscores a critical tension for Instagram users, particularly commercial enterprises and so-called influencers who all rely on visibility and reach. While using more hashtags may help posts reach a wider audience, the study suggests that excessive or irrelevant hashtags can backfire. Users may interpret such posts as less credible, as the hashtag choices can signal an attempt to manipulate engagement rather than offer valuable or pertinent content.
The research also suggests that the visual nature of Instagram posts affects how users interact with hashtags. If the image is clear and straightforward, users are more likely to engage with hashtags, trusting that the content is well-supported by relevant tagging. In other words, hashtags should be directly related to the post’s content to maintain both trust and engagement. This balanced approach prevents users from feeling overwhelmed by irrelevant information and ensures a more authentic connection with the audience, the research suggests.
Han, Y., Wu, S. and Haried, P. (2025) ‘The hidden impact of hashtags on Instagram: navigational heuristics on source trustworthiness’, Int. J. Web Based Communities, Vol. 21, Nos. 1/2, pp.155–185.
The following paper, "Construction of a CS-ELM-based assessment model for civic education within a multidimensional analysis framework" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(6) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "Sentiment analysis for tourism reviews based on dual-stream graph attention fusion network" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(6) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
A study in the International Journal of Knowledge and Learning has looked at how individual personality traits influence how much users disclose personal information on social networking sites. Self-disclosure, revealing personal details to others, is generally considered a key component of online social networking interaction.
Understanding what motivates people to share in this way could help platform providers improve the user experience and engagement. The work might also have applications in psychology, social media studies, but perhaps also it could ultimately benefit the bottom-line for the platforms.
Nam Tien Duong of Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance, Vietnam, has looked at the intersection of personality, self-presentation, and social networking behaviour. He found that social network users are driven by specific interpersonal needs that shape how much they reveal about themselves. These needs, grounded in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, emphasize the social and emotional drive for connection and affection. Social networking platforms have offered us a unique space to meet these needs through active self-expression online.
The research has drawn on two primary interpersonal needs that shape behaviour: the need for belonging and the need for self-presentation. The need for belonging involves the desire to connect with others and feel recognized, while the need for self-presentation is about managing the image we project to others. The study emphasizes that self-presentation plays an important part in motivating self-disclosure, though its impact varies depending on an individual’s personality traits, particularly extraversion and narcissism.
Extraversion refers to a person’s tendency to seek out social interaction and enjoy group activities. According to the findings, individuals with high levels of extraversion are more likely to disclose personal information. Their enthusiasm for engaging with others translates into a greater willingness to share personal details. In contrast, introverts, who are less inclined toward social interactions, tend to disclose less about themselves, even when they may still have a strong desire for social inclusion.
Another personality trait that significantly influences self-disclosure is narcissism. Narcissists, who possess a strong desire for admiration and validation, often share more personal information to highlight their perceived individuality. This behaviour is driven by a need to garner attention and reinforce their sense of self-importance, which stands in contrast to those who may share less for more intimate or relational reasons.
Duong, N.T. (2025) ‘Why do people disclose themselves on social networking sites? Evidence from Vietnamese Facebook users’, Int. J. Knowledge and Learning, Vol. 18, No. 2, pp.186–203.
The following paper, "3D image reconstruction using an improved BEV model and global convolutional attention fusion" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(6) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "Electric vehicle charging station planning based on the development of distribution networks and coupled charging demand" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(6) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
As digital devices become more integrated into children’s lives, concerns about their impact on physical and mental health continue to grow. In modern households, smartphones, tablets, and computers are now commonplace, leading to increased exposure to online content. This shift has raised important questions about how much screen time is appropriate and what effects it has on children’s well-being.
The issue of screen time has been widely debated, with research pointing to both potential risks and benefits. Excessive screen use has been linked to physical issues such as eye strain, headaches, and sleep disruption. There are also concerns about the relationship between increased screen time and physical inactivity, as children who spend more time on devices might be less engaged in outdoor play and exercise, both essential for their physical development.
On the other hand, the online world offers numerous opportunities for learning, creativity, and socialization. Educational apps, online learning platforms, and digital games can stimulate intellectual growth, promote critical thinking, and even foster social connections with peers across the globe. The challenge is finding a balance that maximizes the benefits of digital engagement while mitigating the potential negative effects on health and well-being.
Beyond physical health, the psychological effects of digital media are also a growing concern. Research indicates that extended use of devices, particularly those providing access to social media, can influence children’s emotional well-being, intellectual development, and sense of identity. While some cases have linked excessive screen time to negative outcomes, the full psychological impact of digital media remains an area of ongoing research. It is important to also acknowledge the positive effects, such as improved cognitive skills and the opportunity for global social connections.
Given these concerns, researchers are exploring more personalized methods of regulating screen time, such as the use of fuzzy logic inference systems. These systems, a type of artificial intelligence, can evaluate complex and imprecise data, making them ideal for tailoring screen time recommendations and restrictions based on a child’s unique characteristics.
Parents, guardians, or teachers could input data about a child’s age, health, and psychological profile into the system, which would then use this information to determine appropriate screen time and content limits. Unlike generic restrictions, which may be difficult to enforce or inappropriate for all young users, fuzzy logic systems offer a more customized and flexible approach to managing screen use.
While there are existing tools that restrict screen time and block content, an adaptive approach, could be key to managing both the quantity and quality of screen time. Younger, more vulnerable users would have stricter controls and limits, while older, more mature children could access a wider range of appropriate resources, all based on their individual developmental profiles.
Alguliyev, R.M., Abdullayeva, F.J. and Ojagverdiyeva, S.S. (2024) ‘Fuzzy expert system for access control of children to the internet’, Int. J. Reasoning-based Intelligent Systems, Vol. 16, No. 6, pp.455–462.
The following paper, "Pseudo-coordinates graph convolutional generative adversarial network for art style transfer" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(6) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "Research on over-the-air programming and real-name authentication technology of eSIM based on 5G communication technology" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(6) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
The following paper, "Real-time frequency adaptation in carrier communication algorithm based on 2sVCNet network" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(6) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.
It can be downloaded via the full-text link available here.
Urban music, which originated in marginalized communities in The Caribbean and the USA, has found a global audience, resonating especially with young people, as is often the case with emerging music genres. Urban music has evolved into more than just a genre of entertainment, it has become a significant cultural force that shapes the identities, behaviour, and educational experiences of young people.
A study in the International Journal of Knowledge and Learning has examined the impact of urban music on secondary school students in Peru. The work sheds new light on its multifaceted role in adolescent life, which may well have wider implications. The findings suggest that urban music, encompassing styles such as hip-hop and reggaetón can serve as a platform for cultural expression and social belonging, influencing students in ways that are deeply linked to their socio-economic environments.
Agustin Angel Roberto Chumpitaz-Avila and Luis Fernando Castro-Llacsa of the National University of San Agustín of Arequipa in Arequipa, Peru, highlight how this musical genre has penetrated schools across Peru, including state, private, and religious institutions. This reflects the wide-reaching influence of urban music. While critics have long asserted that urban music might somehow promote antisocial behaviour, the research suggests that its influence on youth is not so easily categorized and indeed can have a strong positive influence.
Urban music does commonly have explicit lyrics that often feature violence, overtly sexual imagery, and drug use. Those social observers who malign it for these characteristics suggest that young listeners may internalize these messages. However, the current study found that while some students might adopt attitudes reflected in the music, the broader socio-economic and familial context plays a more significant role in determining their behaviour. Urban music, it seems, is a tool for young people to interpret their surroundings rather than an inherently harmful influence.
Chumpitaz-Avila, A.A.R. and Castro-Llacsa, L.F. (2025) ‘Comparative analysis of the impact of urban music on students of state, private and parochial educational institutions’, Int. J. Knowledge and Learning, Vol. 18, No. 2, pp.170–185.
