31 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Automatic identification of AI-generated ceramic art images using convolutions-based neural networks models"

The following paper, "Automatic identification of AI-generated ceramic art images using convolutions-based neural networks models" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(15) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "Adaptive perception enhancement-based virtual try-on technology for accessories with the assistance of artificial intelligence"

The following paper, "Adaptive perception enhancement-based virtual try-on technology for accessories with the assistance of artificial intelligence" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(14) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "Health management of young and middle-aged residents based on probabilistic optimisation BP neural network"

The following paper, "Health management of young and middle-aged residents based on probabilistic optimisation BP neural network" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(14) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

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

The International Journal of Information and Communication Technology has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.
  • Automatic identification of AI-generated ceramic art images using convolutions-based neural networks models
  • Adaptive neural machine translation with attention mechanisms for English texts
  • Deep learning-driven context-aware English translation for ambiguous sentences
  • Multi-scale adaptive graph convolution-based thick cloud removal method for optical remote sensing images
  • A data-driven full hierarchy topology identification method for low-voltage distribution area

30 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Transforming linear regression with AI-driven enhancements for superior forecasting robustness and interpretability"

The following paper, "Transforming linear regression with AI-driven enhancements for superior forecasting robustness and interpretability" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(14) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "Diffusion-generated face image identification technique based on diffusion reconstruction error feature"

The following paper, "Diffusion-generated face image identification technique based on diffusion reconstruction error feature" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(14) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Rewiring corporate accounting in Vietnam - "Factors affecting management accounting practices under mediating role of enterprise resource planning system: case in Vietnam"

Enterprise resource planning systems could transform management accounting for publicly listed firms, according to research in the International Journal of Economics and Business Research. The focus of the work is on Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and offers both practical insights for business leaders and a broader perspective on digital transformation that could apply to other emerging markets.

Vietnam, as with many emerging markets, is undergoing rapid digital transformation. Listed companies in Vietnam are particularly relevant subjects due to their visibility, regulatory obligations, and the growing need for transparency.

Tran Thi Phuong Lan and Duong Thi Thuy Lien of the University of Finance-Marketing in Ho Chi Minh City, explains that enterprise resource planning systems are integrated software platforms that bring together various business functions ranging from finance and human resources to procurement and supply chain management. This integration into a centralised digital framework allows real-time data sharing and more coordinated workflows among company departments. For management accountants, this means a shift away from traditional, manual data processing towards a more strategic, analysis-driven role.

The research focuses on management accounting practices, internal methods and tools used by firms to assess financial performance, allocate resources, and support strategic decision-making. The efficiency of such practices is crucial to a company’s long-term viability. In Vietnam, where companies face increasing pressure to meet global standards, enterprise resource planning systems will help them modernise their internal processes.

The team found that the key to successful implementation of enterprise resource planning is strong commitment from senior management. Companies where leadership actively supports the rollout of these systems through resource allocation, clear goal-setting, and cultural endorsement are far more likely to see improvements in management accounting practices. The researchers add that other influential factors, such as the quality of the used software, vendor support, adaptability of the organisational structure, and incorporation of complementary technologies are also important to success.

Lan, T.T.P. and Lien, D.T.T. (2025) ‘Factors affecting management accounting practices under mediating role of enterprise resource planning system: case in Vietnam’, Int. J. Economics and Business Research, Vol. 29, No. 13, pp.29–49.

Free Open Access article available: "DDQN-GA: a hybrid algorithm for intelligent inspection path optimisation and process modelling in power systems"

The following paper, "DDQN-GA: a hybrid algorithm for intelligent inspection path optimisation and process modelling in power systems" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(14) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

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

The International Journal of Information and Communication Technology has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.
  • DDQN-GA: a hybrid algorithm for intelligent inspection path optimisation and process modelling in power systems
  • Diffusion-generated face image identification technique based on diffusion reconstruction error feature
  • Transforming linear regression with AI-driven enhancements for superior forecasting robustness and interpretability
  • Transformers-based feedback analysis of e-commerce: a focused study on quality assessment of agriculture products
  • Health management of young and middle-aged residents based on probabilistic optimisation BP neural network
  • Adaptive perception enhancement-based virtual try-on technology for accessories with the assistance of artificial intelligence

29 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Tackling food waste in a university food service operation: a case study"

The following paper, "Tackling food waste in a university food service operation: a case study" (International Journal of Environment and Waste Management 36(5) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "Factors affecting management accounting practices under mediating role of enterprise resource planning system: case in Vietnam"

The following paper, "Factors affecting management accounting practices under mediating role of enterprise resource planning system: case in Vietnam" (International Journal of Economics and Business Research 29(13) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "Exploring sustainability in emerging technologies: a reference framework utilising multicase studies"

The following paper, "Exploring sustainability in emerging technologies: a reference framework utilising multicase studies" (International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management 28(7) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Prof. Hokey Min appointed as new Editor in Chief of International Journal of Business and Data Analytics

Prof. Hokey Min from Bowling Green State University in the USA has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Business and Data Analytics.

Free Open Access article available: "Transformers-based feedback analysis of e-commerce: a focused study on quality assessment of agriculture products"

The following paper, "Transformers-based feedback analysis of e-commerce: a focused study on quality assessment of agriculture products" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(14) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

28 May 2025

Research pick: Getting waste off the menu - "Tackling food waste in a university food service operation: a case study"

Efforts to combat food waste in university canteens have generally focused on what students leave on their plates. A study in the International Journal of Environment and Waste Management turns the tables on campus catering and suggests that there are opportunities for saving server-side too.

Food waste is more than a logistical inconvenience, explain Boineelo Pearl Lefadola, Annemarie Viljoen, and Gerrie du Rand of University of Pretoria in South Africa. It is a growing problem feeding into climate change, resource depletion, and falling global food security. Unfortunately, many interventions in institutional settings remain reactive rather than proactive and tend to home in on the plate-scraping after the dining session is over rather than looking at improving efficiency in the kitchen and behind the serving hatch.

The team recommends a systems approach that puts every aspect of food service on the efficiency menu. For starters, they consider ingredient procurement, the mains of storage, preparation, service, and the just desserts of food waste disposal. Systems theory cooks up the idea that inefficiencies or failures at any stage can ripple through to the next course, fattening up the waste bins. The team looked at the data, talked to staff, focus groups, and made first-hand observations within a university’s food service operation.

Their findings reveal that setting a place for a series of coordinated practices can significantly reduce waste. Improving various aspects of a canteen’s operations can improve efficiency and reduce food waste from automated inventory that forecasts and aligns supply and demand, strict adherence to food quality and storage protocols, careful portioning based on consistent recipes, and tight controls on timing and temperature during preparation and service, can all help. Carrying out routine meal audits further help staff identify and address sources of excess and so waste. Combining all these ingredients offers a tasty recipe for change, the research suggests.

Lefadola, B.P., Viljoen, A. and du Rand, G. (2025) ‘Tackling food waste in a university food service operation: a case study’, Int. J. Environment and Waste Management, Vol. 36, No. 5, pp.1–14.

Free Open Access article available: "Evaluating the efficiency of regional innovation systems: a case study of innovative countries in transition"

The following paper, "Evaluating the efficiency of regional innovation systems: a case study of innovative countries in transition" (International Journal of Business Innovation and Research 37(5) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "The role of AI applications in production and operations management: complementing or replacing human labour"

The following paper, "The role of AI applications in production and operations management: complementing or replacing human labour" (International Journal of Economics and Business Research 29(13) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "BP-DSS3: a business processes decision-support chatbot through the language model GPT-3.5-turbo"

The following paper, "BP-DSS3: a business processes decision-support chatbot through the language model GPT-3.5-turbo" (International Journal of Intelligent Engineering Informatics 13(5) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

27 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Exploring faculty awareness of ChatGPT technology in teaching at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University"

The following paper, "Exploring faculty awareness of ChatGPT technology in teaching at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University" (International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning 17(5) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "Optimisation of series electric hybrid wheel loader energy management strategies using dynamic programming"

The following paper, "Optimisation of series electric hybrid wheel loader energy management strategies using dynamic programming" (International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems 32(7) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Designing sustainability - "Exploring sustainability in emerging technologies: a reference framework utilising multicase studies"

A new research framework discussed in the International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, could offer a new approach to assessing the sustainability of technologies at their earliest stages, long before they enter the marketplace. The framework addresses a longstanding gap in how innovation is guided in relation to environmental and social goals.

Traditional tools such as life cycle assessments (LCA) have been the standard for evaluating environmental impacts of technologies. These tools assess emissions, resource consumption, and waste across a product’s full lifecycle. However, they are typically applied once a technology is close to commercial deployment or already in use. That delay means that key decisions about design, materials, and production methods, which are often made during the research and development phase, are commonly made without the benefit of a structured sustainability assessment.

The new framework, developed from eight real-world case studies, moves the assessment to a much earlier stage and so equips those in R&D with the means to consider sustainability not as a retrospective measurement, but as a real-time guide embedded in the innovation process. The implication is that the approach could be used at the conceptual and prototyping phases.

The researchers describe their framework as having a two-pronged basis. First, it examines the long-term sustainability potential of a technology across its lifecycle, from creation and use through to obsolescence. Secondly, it looks at the R&D process itself and allows sustainability principles to be integrated into how the technology is conceived and developed. This part of the assessment also considers how it interacts with supply chains, user communities, and society itself.

However, because early-stage technologies often lack precise data, the framework blends qualitative assessments with quantitative indicators. These indicators, known as key performance indicators, are selected based on relevance to the specific technology under study. Not every project will weigh each dimension equally. The model is quite adaptable and rather than imposing a universal checklist, it encourages research teams to define appropriate indicators and goals suited to their technological context. Some may prioritize carbon reduction, others might focus on labour impacts, yet others community benefits.

Viles, E., Santos, J., López, A., Revilla, O. and Rios-Davila, F-J. (2025) ‘Exploring sustainability in emerging technologies: a reference framework utilising multicase studies’, Int. J. Environmental Technology and Management, Vol. 28, No. 7, pp.1–23.

Free Open Access article available: "Why a product classification system for geographical indication protection is important"

The following paper, "Why a product classification system for geographical indication protection is important" (International Journal of Intellectual Property Management 15(3) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

26 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Optimising corporate governance with internet of things and artificial intelligence: a data-driven framework for legal systems"

The following paper, "Optimising corporate governance with internet of things and artificial intelligence: a data-driven framework for legal systems" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(13) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "Open pit slope stability monitoring based on machine learning improved by water wave optimisation algorithm"

The following paper, "Open pit slope stability monitoring based on machine learning improved by water wave optimisation algorithm" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(13) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Artificial intelligence is academic - "Exploring faculty awareness of ChatGPT technology in teaching at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University"

As so-called artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in higher education, a study in the International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning has looked at how academic faculty in higher education perceive and engage with one of the field’s most prominent tools, the large language model known as ChatGPT. ChatGPT is not AI per se, rather it is a system capable of generating apparently coherent and contextually appropriate human-like responses to questions and prompts. Its sophistication is met with both enthusiasm and concern across educational settings.

Walaa Abdulaziz Al Muhanna of the Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia, surveyed 320 university faculty members. She asked about their awareness of OpenAI’s ChatGPT tool as well as their attitudes toward its use in teaching, and the obstacles they face in implementing it, if that is something they do.

The findings suggest most faculty members are well aware of the existence of ChatGPT and understand its capabilities and perhaps even its limitations. The greatest level of awareness is among male faculty and those in the higher academic ranks. However, this awareness does not always correlate with confident use. Challenges exist that suggest that the integration of this large language model (LLM) into education is not straightforward.

Moreover, given that the most experienced educators, assistant and associate professors, for instance, were more likely to report challenges with ChatGPT adoption. Their misgivings were not rooted in an inherent opposition to the technology, but rather to concerns about its practical deployment, the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated content, digital literacy gaps, and unresolved questions about ethical use. For example, educators felt that students might misuse the tool for assignments. They also felt that the potential for intrinsic bias in training data or even misinformation might colour the positive aspects of ChatGPT use.

The tool has the potential to automate routine academic tasks, offer alternative learning materials, and perhaps even facilitate more engaging classroom discussions. The research suggests that there is a need to create peer learning networks and collaborative spaces for educators, who can then share strategies and experiences regarding LLMs.

Al Muhanna, W.A. (2025) ‘Exploring faculty awareness of ChatGPT technology in teaching at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University’, Int. J. Technology Enhanced Learning, Vol. 17, No. 5, pp.1–30.

Prof. Bin Shen appointed as new Editor in Chief of International Journal of Modelling in Operations Management

Prof. Bin Shen from Donghua University in China has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Modelling in Operations Management.

23 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Artificial intelligence for cultural heritage: digital image processing-based techniques and research challenges"

The following paper, "Artificial intelligence for cultural heritage: digital image processing-based techniques and research challenges" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(13) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Trade and Global Markets

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Trade and Global Markets are now available here for free:
  • Modelling price volatility in energy futures during Covid-19
  • The impact of Covid-19 on stock market returns in India
  • The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Indonesian export and import of food crops  
  • Management of non-performing assets in India: role of risk management practices in the wake of Covid-19
  • Initial conditions and cross-country macroeconomic impact during Covid-19

Research pick: AIs combine forces to fight cyberbullies - "An efficient cyberbullying detection framework on social media platforms using a hybrid deep learning model"

Research in the International Journal of Information and Computer Security has looked at the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) systems to detect and mitigate cyberbullying on social media platforms. The work might be a useful tool for safeguarding users, especially children and adolescents.

Cyberbullying, defined as intentional, harmful behaviour conducted via digital means such as messages, images, or videos, has become a significant problem in online spaces. In its digital form, bullying can be persistent, ubiquitous, and beyond the reach of parents, teachers, or platform moderators. Its victims can experience anxiety and depression to suicidal thoughts. The challenge of addressing this kind of abuse at scale, across the billions of interactions generated daily on social media, represents an enormous technological challenge.

In this current work, the team has developed a hybrid deep-learning system that uses two distinct neural network architectures: a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network to meet the challenge. CNNs are typically used in image and pattern recognition tasks and in this case can identify specific features of text, such as bullying-related keywords or phrases. LSTMs, on the other hand, are designed to analyse sequences of data and interpret their context and the emotional content of the language used.

By combining the strengths of both CNNs and LSTMs, the team’s hybrid system can not only detect blatant insults but can also spot more subtle, context-dependent forms of harassment that might evade simpler detection systems.

The team has demonstrated that their system can handle vast streams of content in real time with a high degree of accuracy and so be used to automate moderation of content where manual moderation would fail.

While no algorithm can wholly replace human judgement or solve the more profound social roots of online abuse, this research represents a new tool in the technological toolkit for combat cyberbullying.

Geetha, R., Jebamalar, G.B., Vignesh, B.G.D., Kamalanaban, E. and Doss, S. (2025) ‘An efficient cyberbullying detection framework on social media platforms using a hybrid deep learning model’, Int. J. Information and Computer Security, Vol. 26, No. 3, pp.255–271.

Free Open Access article available: "Empowering future educators: enhancing digital literacy among pre-service teachers"

The following paper, "Empowering future educators: enhancing digital literacy among pre-service teachers" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(13) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

International Journal of Services, Economics and Management is now an open access-only journal

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

22 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Fault diagnosis and remaining life prediction of key industrial equipment based on machine learning"

The following paper, "Fault diagnosis and remaining life prediction of key industrial equipment based on machine learning" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(13) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "A machine learning based cyber security threat prediction algorithm for tourism hotels"

The following paper, "A machine learning based cyber security threat prediction algorithm for tourism hotels" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(12) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "EFL anxiety factor analysis and teaching performance evaluation using R statistical language"

The following paper, "EFL anxiety factor analysis and teaching performance evaluation using R statistical language" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(12) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

21 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Hybrid multi-criteria decision-making algorithm for music composition evaluation using T-spherical fuzzy sets"

The following paper, "Hybrid multi-criteria decision-making algorithm for music composition evaluation using T-spherical fuzzy sets" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(12) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Open Access issue published by International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business

The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.
  • Dynamic resource analysis and the development of psychological resilience: an entrepreneurial perspective
  • Resilience, optimism, and entrepreneurial well-being: a review and research agenda

Free Open Access article available: "AI-driven classification and trend analysis of piano music genres using large language models"

The following paper, "AI-driven classification and trend analysis of piano music genres using large language models" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(12) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Climate despair versus climate denial - "Why aren’t people terrified?!’ Analysing the efficacy of the apocalyptic narrative of climate change"

The climate crisis has shifted from scientific discourse to lived experience, affecting millions of people worldwide and the environment we all share. Yet, political responses remain fragmented and often simply rhetorical, hot air, if you will! This is perhaps no more obvious than with recent summits, where leaders fail to agree on a unified plan despite members representing the bulk of global emissions. The systemic and international complacency threatens fundamental human rights, including the right to life, safety, and dignity.

However, a new approach has emerged, apocalyptic environmentalism. This narrative frames climate change as an existential threat, using alarmist rhetoric to provoke urgency and disrupt political stagnation. Activists and their activities are highlighted frequently in the news and receive a lot of attention on social media. The younger activists see political inaction as a betrayal of future generations.

This kind of activism has been somewhat effective in mobilizing grassroots movements, but such apocalyptic storytelling carries risks. Research in the International Journal of Human Rights and Constitutional Studies alludes to the fatalism it can foster. This leaves the public overwhelmed and disempowered by the message rather than motivated to act. Moreover, at the extremes, this type of activism lacks a clear roadmap for tangible change, offering fear without direction.

By contrast, the politicians persist with their rhetorical narrative. They acknowledge climate urgency but emphasise the preservation of current economic structures, the very structures that are causing environmental degradation in the first place, such as continued fossil fuel subsidies. The politicians attempt to maintain the illusion of progress without demanding systemic change, thus delaying meaningful climate action.

Between the despair and the denial, climate change discourse finds itself at an impasse. Scholars, seeing the faults in both perspectives, increasingly advocate for a balanced narrative, one that combines the emotional force of apocalyptic urgency with pragmatic solutions. This alternative approach emphasizes human agency, collective resilience, and adaptive strategies. It reframes climate change not as an impending apocalypse but as a challenge we can address, given the political and public will.

Kumar, M., Sharan, N. and Pandey, S. (2025) ‘‘Why aren’t people terrified?!’ Analysing the efficacy of the apocalyptic narrative of climate change’, Int. J. Human Rights and Constitutional Studies, Vol. 12, No. 2, pp.129–141.

Free Open Access article available: "Transforming English language education with AI-driven deep learning models for scalable adaptive and inclusive assessment"

The following paper, "Transforming English language education with AI-driven deep learning models for scalable adaptive and inclusive assessment" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(12) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Multinational Corporation Strategy

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Multinational Corporation Strategy are now available here for free:
  • Place branding sovereignty: re-marketing Africa's investment narrative from 1619-2019
  • The impact of new foreign banks strategies on banking in Africa
  • The moderating effect of environmental uncertainty on executive shareholding and firms' investment decisions
  • Foreign ownership and domestic cooperation for innovation during good and harsh economic times

20 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Blockchain technology application and optimisation algorithm in enterprise supply chain management"

The following paper, "Blockchain technology application and optimisation algorithm in enterprise supply chain management" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(12) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "Formation mechanism and early warning of financial crisis combined with data mining technology"

The following paper, "Formation mechanism and early warning of financial crisis combined with data mining technology" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(12) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "Life cycle prediction and survival model construction of digital economy enterprises integrating survival analysis"

The following paper, "Life cycle prediction and survival model construction of digital economy enterprises integrating survival analysis" (International Journal of Data Science 10(6) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.


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

19 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Resilience, optimism, and entrepreneurial well-being: a review and research agenda"

The following paper, "Resilience, optimism, and entrepreneurial well-being: a review and research agenda" (International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business 55(6) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Water wake-up call for African agriculture - "Circular water management solutions for optimising irrigated agricultural production in Ghana: the relevance of nanotechnology"

A research team writing in the International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development has looked at agriculture in Ghana and puts forward a compelling case for rethinking how water is managed in such areas as the country’s Upper West Region.

As Sub-Saharan Africa struggles to cope with environmental and demographic pressures, the team argues that combining circular water management with nanotechnology could provide a sustainable and scalable solution to the deepening crisis of water scarcity and food insecurity. Despite the fact that agriculture is the backbone of rural economies across Sub-Saharan Africa, underpinning livelihoods, food supply, and contributing significantly to gross domestic product, it is increasingly vulnerable. Climate change has made rainfall less predictable. Population growth is intensifying demand for food and water. Over-reliance on rain-fed farming, coupled with widespread environmental degradation and the mismanagement of water resources, has led to declining yields and more problems for rural communities.

The research involved interviews with experts and focus group discussions to look at how innovation might help agricultural water use. The work advocates for circular water management: a system in which water is reused and recycled through closed loops, minimizing waste and conserving resources. The use of nanotechnology could facilitate this kind of approach by providing effective contaminant removal or desalination of retrieved irrigation water. Nano-membranes and filters can isolate harmful substances at a fraction of the cost and energy required by water-processing systems. Circular water management could thus reduce a farm’s reliance on unpredictable rainfall and limits the need for additional water extraction from rivers and aquifers.

The researchers focused on Ghana in their study, but the findings could be used across Sub-Saharan Africa, where smallholder farmers face almost identical challenges. By boosting resilience and productivity through reduced water use, the approach could help reduce poverty, improve nutrition, and create jobs.

Boon, E.K., Gross, T.K.F., Oppong-Boateng, R. and Karintseva, O. (2025) ‘Circular water management solutions for optimising irrigated agricultural production in Ghana: the relevance of nanotechnology’, Int. J. Environment and Sustainable Development, Vol. 24, No. 2, pp.115–144.

Free Open Access article available: "Deep learning models combining stereo vision for dance movement evaluation"

The following paper, "Deep learning models combining stereo vision for dance movement evaluation" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(11) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "Dynamic resource analysis and the development of psychological resilience: an entrepreneurial perspective"

The following paper, "Dynamic resource analysis and the development of psychological resilience: an entrepreneurial perspective" (International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business 55(6) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

16 May 2025

Research pick: Grounds for concern in The Netherlands - "Comparison of simplified coupled and uncoupled 3D finite element models for soil-structure interactions in masonry structures with strip foundations undergoing subsidence"

A new modelling technique discussed in the International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation shows how building risks associated with land subsidence in The Netherlands can be determined.

Land subsidence, when the ground sinks due to either natural or human-induced factors, or both, is becoming an increasingly serious issue in many parts of the world, particularly in low-lying regions like The Netherlands. According to Alfonso Prosperi, Michele Longo, Paul A. Korswagen, Mandy Korff, and Jan G. Rots of Delft University of Technology in Stevinweg, The Netherlands, this phenomenon, exacerbated by climate change, threatens buildings, infrastructure, and the very fabric of urban environments.

For building on shallow systems, such as strip foundations, subsidence can cause minor but recurring cracks, compromising both the functionality and aesthetics of a building. The new work looks at how advanced numerical modelling strategies can predict the impact of subsidence on buildings, with a focus on the particularly vulnerable two-storey masonry buildings that make up a significant portion of the Dutch housing stock. This research has important implications for urban planning, risk assessment, and the long-term resilience of cities in the face of ongoing climate changes.

The team compared two approaches for modelling subsidence: the coupled and the uncoupled methods. Both strategies use nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis, a computer simulation, to predict how structures might respond to physical forces. The challenge in such simulations lies in accurately representing the relationship between the soil and the building, the soil-structure interaction. Understanding this is critical for predicting how ground movements will affect a building.

In the coupled model, the building and surrounding soil are treated as a single system. This method integrates the building with the ground, using contact interfaces to allow the structure to interact with the soil. In the uncoupled model, the building and soil are kept separate, they are treated as independent systems.

The team tested both models under identical conditions. Initially, their results were similar when the simulated soil volume was small. However, as the volume of soil increased, the models began to diverge. The coupled model showed that including a larger volume of soil could reduce predicted damage by up to 50%, highlighting how the broader soil environment significantly influences the structural response.

One particularly important insight from the study is the role of angular distortion, the degree to which a structure bends, as a reliable indicator of putative damage. This finding could help engineers and urban planners better assess risks and determine which buildings are at greatest risk of subsidence-related damage.

Prosperi, A., Longo, M., Korswagen, P.A., Korff, M. and Rots, J.G. (2025) ‘Comparison of simplified coupled and uncoupled 3D finite element models for soil-structure interactions in masonry structures with strip foundations undergoing subsidence’, Int. J. Masonry Research and Innovation, Vol. 10, No. 7, pp.1–41.

Free Open Access article available: "Multimodal English corpus text recognition based on unsupervised domain adaptation"

The following paper, "Multimodal English corpus text recognition based on unsupervised domain adaptation" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(11) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "Analysis of the effect of computer graphics algorithms in reproducing ink painting style in animation"

 The following paper, "Analysis of the effect of computer graphics algorithms in reproducing ink painting style in animation" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 16(11) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "Personalised English listening teaching design based on natural language processing and speech synthesis"

The following paper, "Personalised English listening teaching design based on natural language processing and speech synthesis" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(11) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

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

The International Journal of Information and Communication Technology has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.
  • Intelligent recognition of financial fraud based on CART decision tree
  • Personalised English listening teaching design based on natural language processing and speech synthesis
  • Analysis of the effect of computer graphics algorithms in reproducing ink painting style in animation
  • Multimodal English corpus text recognition based on unsupervised domain adaptation
  • Deep learning models combining stereo vision for dance movement evaluation

14 May 2025

Research pick: Hanoi service shift - "Evaluating the governance of public services in urban construction: insights from Hanoi’s experience"

In Hanoi, Vietnam, where rapid urban development is reshaping the city, a study in the International Journal of Public Law and Policy, has looked at the quality of public administrative services in the construction sector. The research surveyed hundreds of residents and asked them about their experience of the bureaucratic processes that underpin the city’s growth, from acquiring construction permits to navigating zoning regulations.

From their work, Thi Hong Viet Bui, Thuý Nguyen Thị Lệ, Viet Hoang Dinh, and Nguyet Minh Nguyen of the National Economics University, and Nhu Dung Co of the People’s Committee of Ba Dinh District in Hanoi, Vietnam, conclude that citizen satisfaction is rooted not in grand buildings or modern offices, but in the everyday quality of service delivery. This is an important finding for policymakers overseeing the growth of the city.

The team used the SERVQUAL model, a widely used tool for measuring service quality by comparing expectations with actual experiences. They applied it to their survey of 362 citizens to evaluate five key dimensions: tangibles (physical facilities and equipment), reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. The analysis revealed that in the context of Hanoi’s construction administration, tangibles play a surprisingly minor role in shaping satisfaction. What matters most to residents is the clarity of procedures, the fairness of service fees, and the professionalism of administrative staff.

The team explain that their respondents placed particular emphasis on the importance of transparent and accessible information, timely service, and respectful treatment. These elements, which are less obvious than the presence of public buildings or signage, had a much greater effect on whether citizens felt satisfied with their encounters with government services.

The research also showed that demographic factors also influenced perceptions. Educational level, marital status, and prior familiarity with administrative procedures all played a part in shaping how individuals felt about public service quality. Overall, the findings suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach to public service reform would be inappropriate and instead governments and policymakers must take into account the different needs and expectations of a diverse urban population.

Bui, T.H.V., Lệ, T.N.T., Dinh, V.H., Co, N.D. and Nguyen, N.M. (2025) ‘Evaluating the governance of public services in urban construction: insights from Hanoi’s experience’, Int. J. Public Law and Policy, Vol. 11, No. 5, pp.1–18.

13 May 2025

International Journal of Business Performance Management and International Journal of Intelligent Engineering Informatics announced as open access-only titles

Inderscience's Editorial Office is  pleased to announce that the International Journal of Business Performance Management and International Journal of Intelligent Engineering Informatics are now Open Access-only journals. All accepted articles submitted from 13 May 2025 onwards will be Open Access, and will require an article processing charge of US $1600.

12 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Enhancing agricultural knowledge and digital literacy of farmers through data-driven technology integration"

The following paper, "Enhancing agricultural knowledge and digital literacy of farmers through data-driven technology integration" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(10) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: AI, predict a buyout! - "Life cycle prediction and survival model construction of digital economy enterprises integrating survival analysis"

Research in the International Journal of Data Science has used machine learning to predict the lifecycle of businesses operating in the digital economy. The work might help firms and policymakers understand enterprise longevity, the rise, the demise or the likelihood of acquisition, in a fast-changing technological landscape.

Shulei Yin of Qilu Normal University in Jinan, Shandong, China, used a gradient boosting regression tree (GBRT) model to handle the requisite complex, nonlinear relationships within large datasets. She applied it with two tools from survival analysis: the Kaplan-Meier survival curve and the accelerated failure time (AFT) model. Each tool brings something to the approach. The GBRT model refines prediction accuracy. The Kaplan-Meier curve can estimate the survival probability of firms over time. The AFT model quantifies how external variables, such competition or enterprise scale, can hasten or slow different phases of a company’s development.

The result of this combination are predictions that offer much greater accuracy than earlier, simpler models. The work is timely given that the traditional business life cycle of start-up, growth, maturity, and decline have become unstable economically speaking. Digital technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics have lowered entry barriers and condensed innovation timelines. This means that some companies can scale-up quickly, switch strategies on a whim, or simply lose their market abruptly when the environment and consumer favour shift. Such volatility makes it more difficult for anyone involves in digital activities, whether in the private or public sector actors to predict how things might pan out for a company on which they come to rely for their own operations.

The study thus offers the potential for more certainty in the digital business world. If it is possible to predict which start-ups will thrive and survive, then others can adjust their own strategies accordingly. They can make supply-chain and resource choices based on predicted longevity and avoid signing up for enterprises that might vanish from the scene as abruptly as they appear.

Yin, S. (2025) ‘Life cycle prediction and survival model construction of digital economy enterprises integrating survival analysis’, Int. J. Data Science, Vol. 10, No. 6, pp.1–19.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Knowledge Management Studies

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Knowledge Management Studies are now available here for free:
  • Knowledge management practices learned from the COVID-19 pandemic: a case of knowledge-intensive organisation
  • Organisational sustainability through human resource information system
  • Empirical study of knowledge management and student empowerment for employability
  • Significance of knowledge management process and customer relationship management for stimulating innovation capability: empirical analysis, PLS-SEM approach
  • Can firms have a knowledge-based CSR personality? A matrix typology

Free Open Access article available: "Harnessing deep learning and advanced analytics to revolutionise badminton performance"

The following paper, "Harnessing deep learning and advanced analytics to revolutionise badminton performance" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(10) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

9 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Integrating deep learning and wearable technology for real-time, scalable and objective physical education assessment"

The following paper, "Integrating deep learning and wearable technology for real-time, scalable and objective physical education assessment" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(10) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "Spatio-temporal evolution analysis of the coupling and coordination of digital economy and green development based on computer intelligence analysis"

The following paper, "Spatio-temporal evolution analysis of the coupling and coordination of digital economy and green development based on computer intelligence analysis" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(10) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Computing Science and Mathematics

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Computing Science and Mathematics are now available here for free:
  • Research on improving Mahjong model based on deep reinforcement learning
  • Nonparametric path function estimation of Fourier series at low oscillations for modelling timely paying credit
  • Study on damage identification of aero-engine composite vane based on experimental modal parameters
  • Research on bonding damage of composite materials adhesive structures
  • Computational advantage in evaluating oscillatory integral using quadratic spline
  • Tea disease recognition technology based on a deep convolutional neural network feature learning method
  • Application of a hybrid genetic algorithm based on the travelling salesman problem in rural tourism route planning

Research pick: Big data for big farmer - "Enabling future agriculture: integration of 5G and Metaverse technologies for smart farming innovations"

A review of digital technologies in the International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology suggests that integration of mobile, 5G, wireless and the so-called metaverse could be a turning point in global agriculture. The use of this kind of technology is becoming essential in the face of population growth, climate change, and resource scarcity.

5G offers fast data transmission and almost ubiquitous connectivity for devices. In agricultural terms, this means smart sensors embedded in fields and greenhouses can transmit real-time data on soil conditions, crop health, and the weather to individual farmers or a central farming-control system. This allows more timely interventions to be undertaken when necessary, reducing waste and increasing precision in the use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides. All of which should cut costs, improve efficiency, and lead to better yields.

According to the review by Wenliang Tang and Muhammad Umair Assad of East China Jiaotong University, Junliang Xu of Jiangxi Telecommunications and Information Industry Co., Ltd., Jieming Liu of Jiangxi Zhongxin Yunnong Technology Co., Ltd. in Jiangxi, China, and Yifan Gao of Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, such capability extends beyond passive monitoring. 5G also enables the remote operation of advanced machinery, such as autonomous tractors and agricultural drones. In areas where labour shortages or extreme conditions make manual work difficult or dangerous, remote-controlled equipment offers a safer and often more efficient alternative. These changes could be particularly transformative in developing countries, where post-harvest losses are high and efficient resource use is critical.

In parallel, the metaverse, a digital environment in which users can interact in real-time through virtual or augmented realities, is finding unexpected applications in farming. Virtual reality (VR) can provide interactive training platforms for farmers, allowing them to practice new techniques or understand complex machinery without the need to travel or risk costly mistakes in the field. These tools are especially valuable in rural areas with limited access to conventional educational infrastructure.

A more advanced application of the metaverse in agriculture is the use of digital twins: virtual replicas of physical farms created through real-time data feeds. Such digital environments would allow farmers to simulate different agricultural scenarios, such as the introduction of a new crop or changes in irrigation strategies, before making real-world decisions. The virtual nature of the metaverse also opens up the possibility of new ways for farmers to collaborate. Farmers, researchers, and policymakers can convene in digital spaces regardless of physical distance, to discuss best practices and develop solutions to common problems together.

Tang, W., Assad, M.U., Gao, Y., Xu, J. and Liu, J. (2025) ‘Enabling future agriculture: integration of 5G and Metaverse technologies for smart farming innovations’, Int. J. Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology, Vol. 20, No. 5, pp.1–25.

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

The International Journal of Information and Communication Technology has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.
  • Electric-power telecommunication alarm analysis method based on spatio-temporal graph neural networks
  • Spatio-temporal evolution analysis of the coupling and coordination of digital economy and green development based on computer intelligence analysis
  • Integrating deep learning and wearable technology for real-time, scalable and objective physical education assessment
  • Harnessing deep learning and advanced analytics to revolutionise badminton performance
  • Enhancing agricultural knowledge and digital literacy of farmers through data-driven technology integration

8 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Electric-power telecommunication alarm analysis method based on spatio-temporal graph neural networks"

The following paper, "Electric-power telecommunication alarm analysis method based on spatio-temporal graph neural networks" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(10) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "Revolution of the marketing mix idea using AI tech to forecast strategic marketing decision management with moderating effect of environmental parameters in UAE real estate industry"

The following paper, "Revolution of the marketing mix idea using AI tech to forecast strategic marketing decision management with moderating effect of environmental parameters in UAE real estate industry" (International Journal of Economics and Business Research 29(12) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Entrepreneurship reimagined - "Dynamic resource analysis and the development of psychological resilience: an entrepreneurial perspective" and "Resilience, optimism, and entrepreneurial well-being: a review and research agenda"

Research in the International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business suggests that entrepreneurship may be far more than a vehicle for economic growth. Two back-to-back studies show that entrepreneurial thinking, especially in how individuals perceive and respond to challenges, can also foster psychological resilience and enhance personal well-being. The findings suggest that we should redefine the value of entrepreneurship in society as it could have implications for education, policy, and development strategies.

One study, drawing on case analyses from entrepreneurs in Vietnam and Japan, introduces the idea of “partial constraint”, which is a departure from conventional views that treat obstacles like supply shortages or policy hurdles as uniformly restrictive. Instead, the study dissects what constraints have an effect on entrepreneurs and which do not, and shows how they can selectively isolate and recombine different factors to open up new business solutions. This allows entrepreneurs not only to continue operating under pressure, but also to build a sense of agency, resilience. The study shows that resilience isn’t a fixed personality trait but can be cultivated through problem-solving and resourcefulness.

The other study looks at the relationship between entrepreneurial cognition and subjective well-being. Traditionally, entrepreneurship has been linked to economic indicators: job creation, innovation, and contribution to gross domestic product. This latest research questions the assumption that well-being is merely a by-product of entrepreneurial success. Indeed, the findings suggest that “entrepreneurial thinking” itself, marked by traits such as optimism, creativity, perseverance, and comfort with uncertainty, may directly contribute to life satisfaction and happiness.

Entrepreneurs often face unpredictable and high-pressure environments, but those who think entrepreneurially interpret such challenges as opportunities rather than threats. This cognitive reframing appears to foster a sense of meaning and control, both central to psychological well-being.

Together, the two studies challenge prevailing assumptions in both economic and psychological domains. They argue for a new definition of entrepreneurial success, one that includes mental and emotional outcomes.

The work could have implications for policymakers, especially in countries facing high youth unemployment or systemic inequality. The findings suggest that promoting entrepreneurship could serve two purposes: economic empowerment and psychological resilience. Entrepreneurship could be strategically positioned not just as a livelihood option, but as a tool for strengthening mental health and community adaptability.

Nguyen, N.C., Matta, D., Hasnaoui, J.A., Lodorfos, G. and Matta, R. (2025) ‘Dynamic resource analysis and the development of psychological resilience: an entrepreneurial perspective’, Int. J. Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Vol. 55, No. 6, pp.1–19.

Nguyen, N.C., Hasnaoui, J.A., Lodorfos, G., Matta, D. and Laine, I. (2025) ‘Resilience, optimism, and entrepreneurial well-being: a review and research agenda’, Int. J. Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Vol. 55, No. 6, pp.20–40.

Free Open Access article available: "Comparison of simplified coupled and uncoupled 3D finite element models for soil-structure interactions in masonry structures with strip foundations undergoing subsidence"

The following paper, "Comparison of simplified coupled and uncoupled 3D finite element models for soil-structure interactions in masonry structures with strip foundations undergoing subsidence" (International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation 10(7) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

7 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Enabling future agriculture: integration of 5G and Metaverse technologies for smart farming innovations"

The following paper, "Enabling future agriculture: integration of 5G and Metaverse technologies for smart farming innovations" (International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology 20(5) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "Evaluating the governance of public services in urban construction: insights from Hanois experience"

The following paper, "Evaluating the governance of public services in urban construction: insights from Hanois experience" (International Journal of Public Law and Policy 11(5) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Procuring improved pronunciation pronouncements - "A method for capturing English oral pronunciation errors based on speech recognition"

A new system that improves on the detection of pronunciation errors among non-native speakers could improve English language learning. The technology, discussed in the International Journal of Computing Science and Mathematics, uses speech recognition tools and statistical modelling. It could offer English learners feedback and track their progress, particularly in regions where there is limited access to face-to-face human instruction.

Wenna Dou of the University of Civil Engineering and Architecture in Beijing, China, has focused on Chinese learners of English, a group that often faces challenges in mastering the nuances of English pronunciation due to phonetic and prosodic differences between the two languages.

At the core of this system lies the use of Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC), a technique commonly employed in speech analysis that simulates how the human ear processes sound. By converting speech into digital signals and emphasizing features such as pitch and frequency, the method captures intonation points. These are key moments in spoken language where pronunciation is most susceptible to error.

To assess these intonation points, Dou used a statistical framework known as the Hidden Markov Model (HMM). HMMs are particularly effective in analysing time-dependent data, such as speech, because they model changing systems based on a series of probabilities. By using a segmentation process that breaks speech into smaller units, Dou has improved the system so that it can cope with longer sections of speech and maintain accuracy without being stymied by complexity.

Dou has also introduced a “degree component signal detection method.” This enhancement refines the system’s ability to identify spectral features, the variations in sound frequency, that often indicate mispronunciation. These features are then compared to a database of standard English pronunciations. The resulting system can quickly flag pronunciation errors with more than 97% accuracy, according to Dou’s tests.

As English continues to serve as a global medium for education, business, and international collaboration, tools that promote clearer speech and mutual intelligibility are in increasing demand. Automated feedback mechanisms, especially those with real-time capability, offer learners immediate and objective insights into their spoken language skills and lead them towards improving.

Dou, W. (2025) ‘A method for capturing English oral pronunciation errors based on speech recognition’, Int. J. Computing Science and Mathematics, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp.32–47.

Free Open Access article available: "Phase behaviour analysis of condensate gas reservoirs in Dabei oil and gas area: impact of variable wax content on dew point pressure, flash separation, and condensate recovery"

The following paper, "Phase behaviour analysis of condensate gas reservoirs in Dabei oil and gas area: impact of variable wax content on dew point pressure, flash separation, and condensate recovery" (International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology 37(5) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

6 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Where are the humans in human centred design? Intentionally representing people during idea generation deepens consideration of needs"

The following paper, "Where are the humans in human centred design? Intentionally representing people during idea generation deepens consideration of needs" (Journal of Design Research 22(5) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Inner drive sparks success for Indian business women - "How to empower women? Modelling the factors increasing women’s entrepreneurial intention"

Inner drive plays a more decisive role than external conditions in shaping the intention of Indian women to become entrepreneurs, according to research in the International Journal of Business Innovation and Research. The findings could have implications for policymakers in encouraging business development especially as women-owned businesses have the potential to generate employment, reduce poverty, and serve as nodes of empowerment in both urban and rural settings.

Bijay Prasad Kushwaha of the Vellore Institute of Technology in Vellore, Raj Kumar Singh of Graphic Era Hill University and Vikas Tyagi of Himgiri Zee University in Dehradun, India, and Bhagwati Prasad Chaudhary of Lumbini Banijya Campus in Butwal, Nepal, surveyed more than 400 women who were either in the process of launching or planning to launch their own business ventures. The data obtained offers new insights into the underlying motivations and what hinders entrepreneurial ambition among women in one of India’s most dynamic urban economies, the Chandigarh Tri-city region of Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali, in northern India.

Women make up half of India’s population but are significantly underrepresented in the business world. The team wanted to know why and so divided the various motivational factors into two broad categories. Thre first, internal factors that encompass personal attributes, such as self-confidence, motivation, and resilience. The second, external factors refer to the broader environment, including the availability of financial capital, support from institutions, and prevailing market conditions.

They found that internal factors, especially those related to a woman’s psychological disposition and social context, are more influential than the external factors. This suggests that personal belief in one’s abilities, coupled with encouragement from family and community, serves as a stronger catalyst for entrepreneurship than the presence of supportive infrastructure alone.

Perhaps counterintuitively, not only did external factors have little real impact, the statistically significant impact they did have was exerted as a negative influence on entrepreneurial intent. Bureaucratic red tape, lack of institutional clarity, or gender-based discrimination, for instance, were more likely to discourage women from starting businesses, even when they have the motivation and support to do so.

Kushwaha, B.P., Singh, R.K., Tyagi, V. and Chaudhary, B.P. (2025) ‘How to empower women? Modelling the factors increasing women’s entrepreneurial intention’, Int. J. Business Innovation and Research, Vol. 37, No. 1, pp.108–129.

Free Open Access article available: "Supplier selection in oil and gas industry"

The following paper, "Supplier selection in oil and gas industry" (International Journal of Services and Operations Management 50(5) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

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

The International Journal of Information and Communication Technology has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.
  • An explicable machine learning approach for predicting 30-day septic mortality for ICU patients
  • Intelligent motor fault diagnosis based on deep learning
  • Gomoku game recognition and localisation using image processing and deep learning
  • Trajectory planning for enhanced multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient-based multi-UAV assisted maritime communication
  • Transforming educational data analytics: developing a reinforcement learning framework for real-time decision-making and resource optimisation
  • Transformer-based AI framework for optimising English teaching evaluation strategies: a data-driven and explainable approach

5 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "A decision-making approach based on the TOPSIS method for supporting energy efficiency financing in buildings"

The following paper, "A decision-making approach based on the TOPSIS method for supporting energy efficiency financing in buildings" (International Journal of Decision Support Systems 5(5) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital are now available here for free:
  • Intellectual capital and competitive advantage: a structured literature review
  • The impact of Penta-Helix Collaborative Business Incubation Process on the creative business strategic orientation and innovation capability
  • Does managerial ability play a role in increasing the value relevance of intellectual capital?
  • The impact of transformational leadership on employee's performance: the mediating role of job satisfaction and employees' commitment
  • The effect of human capital, employee performance on work process improvement and employee performance on work productivity on sustainable competitive advantage in Thai banks

Free Open Access article available: "Transformer-based AI framework for optimising English teaching evaluation strategies: a data-driven and explainable approach"

The following paper, "Transformer-based AI framework for optimising English teaching evaluation strategies: a data-driven and explainable approach" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(9) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

2 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Transforming educational data analytics: developing a reinforcement learning framework for real-time decision-making and resource optimisation"

The following paper, "Transforming educational data analytics: developing a reinforcement learning framework for real-time decision-making and resource optimisation" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(9) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "Trajectory planning for enhanced multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient-based multi-UAV assisted maritime communication"

The following paper, "Trajectory planning for enhanced multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient-based multi-UAV assisted maritime communication" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(9) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Gas is the word - "Supplier selection in oil and gas industry"

In a sector as complex and capital-intensive as oil and gas, the decision-making process surrounding supplier selection is pivotal to operational success and long-term competitiveness. Research from Oman’s oil and gas sector published in the International Journal of Services and Operations Management (IJSOM) highlights the need for more structured, data-driven approaches to supplier evaluation. This research explores the application of advanced decision-making techniques to improve transparency, reduce risk, and enhance operational efficiency within the industry.

At the core of this research is the application of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. MCDM methods are analytical tools that can be used to evaluate options based on different, often conflicting, criteria. MCDM is particularly important in this industry where decision-makers must balance factors such as cost, safety, regulatory compliance, past performance, and environmental impact. Conventional supplier-selection methods often rely too heavily on subjective judgement, which can lead to the wrong decisions being made.

The IJSOM findings suggest that these methods can create a nuanced framework for supplier selection. In the case study, the approach shows itself to be invaluable in cases where specific contract requirements demand a more tailored, context-sensitive evaluation of suppliers.

The researchers suggest that supplier selection should no longer be driven by price alone. The volatile nature of the oil and gas industry, shaped, as ever, by geopolitical tensions, fluctuating markets, and evolving environmental regulations, requires a broader focus. Supplier experience, commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards, and the ability to manage operational risks have become more important than initial pricing, particularly in contracts that involve sensitive operations.

The research shows that an MCDM-based framework might be beneficial not only to individual companies, but also to national regulatory bodies and tendering authorities. By embedding these methods into procurement practices, the industry could achieve greater operational resilience, better align with sustainability objectives, and strengthen its contribution to the economy.

Kamran, M.A., Afsharfar, S., Al Fori, S., Babazadeh, R. and Al Balushi, M. (2025) ‘Supplier selection in oil and gas industry’, Int. J. Services and Operations Management, Vol. 50, No. 5, pp.1–27.

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

The International Journal of Information and Communication Technology has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.
  • Lightweight improvement algorithm for target detection of Pu'er tea harvesting robotic arm based on YOLOv8
  • The value orientation clustering analysis based on topic models in the social network environment
  • Sensitivity analysis of urban planning using random forests and transformers: a case study of residential area renovation
  • Personalised foreign language learning path recommendation strategy based on disciplinary knowledge graph
  • Sentiment analysis of text based on emoji attention mechanisms: a new approach to online course evaluation
  • Adaptive assessment in English language teaching: implementing fuzzy logic for intelligent evaluation

1 May 2025

Free Open Access article available: "Gomoku game recognition and localisation using image processing and deep learning"

The following paper, "Gomoku game recognition and localisation using image processing and deep learning" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(9) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Power tool cuts through investor decisions - "A decision-making approach based on the TOPSIS method for supporting energy efficiency financing in buildings"

A tool to help make important choices in the financing of building energy upgrades is discussed in the International Journal of Decision Support Systems. The system offers the promise of clarifying this often murky process given the Europe’s ageing buildings, and could improve necessary investment.

Ioanna Andreoulaki, Aikaterini Papapostolou, Charikleia Karakosta, and Vangelis Marinakis of the National Technical University of Athens in Greece, used their home country as a case study, but their findings will be equally applicable throughout the European Union. Indeed, they demonstrate how a structured decision-making framework can better align private capital with the sustainability targets.

Buildings are responsible for about 40% of energy consumption and over a third of carbon emissions in the EU. They are thus a major focus of the bloc’s climate and energy agenda. As such, the European Commission has launched initiatives such as the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Renovation Wave, aimed at accelerating the upgrade of inefficient buildings. Yet despite these policies, actual renovation rates have remained disappointingly low.

One of the main obstacles is the financial uncertainty surrounding investment in sustainable power options. Investors face a difficult task in evaluating which energy-saving measures offer the most compelling combination of cost-effectiveness, carbon reduction, and, of course, long-term financial returns. After all, they are not going to invest simply for the green credibility, but expect a profit. Conventional financial models often fall short of accounting for the full complexity of this kind of decision.

The researchers adapted multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to the context of building renovations. MCDA is a structured framework that supports decision-making when multiple, sometimes conflicting, factors must be taken into account. The specific approach employed in this study is called TOPSIS—the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. It works by scoring and ranking alternatives according to how closely they resemble a hypothetical “ideal” option that performs best across the various criteria.

Applying this method, the researchers evaluated 48 real-world renovation projects in Greece, focusing on private office buildings in the Attica region. The projects included a diverse range of interventions, from installing energy-efficient lighting and solar panels to upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and adding smart automation for energy control.

The analysis showed a clear hierarchy in investor appeal. Heating system upgrades stood out as particularly attractive, combining relatively low upfront costs with substantial energy savings. Other high-ranking measures included efficient lighting and renewable energy integration. In contrast, building automation technologies were rated lower, largely due to higher perceived complexity and longer payback periods, even though they have great potential for long-term savings.

The results offer a roadmap for public policymakers seeking to tweak incentive schemes and encourage sustainability investment. This suggests that while market forces may naturally gravitate towards HVAC and lighting upgrades, more strategic policy support is needed to encourage investment in less immediately appealing, but important, technologies such as automation.

Andreoulaki, I., Papapostolou, A., Karakosta, C. and Marinakis, V. (2025) ‘A decision-making approach based on the TOPSIS method for supporting energy efficiency financing in buildings’, Int. J. Decision Support Systems, Vol. 5, No. 5, pp.1–36.

Free Open Access article available: "Intelligent motor fault diagnosis based on deep learning"

The following paper, "Intelligent motor fault diagnosis based on deep learning" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(9) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access article available: "An explicable machine learning approach for predicting 30-day septic mortality for ICU patients"

The following paper, "An explicable machine learning approach for predicting 30-day septic mortality for ICU patients" (International Journal of Information and Communication Technology 26(9) 2025), is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Quantitative Research in Education

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Quantitative Research in Education are now available here for free:
  • Analysing observed categorical data in SPSS AMOS: a Bayesian approach
  • Likelihood of observing transformative learning amongst profession changers: a predictive analysis
  • On the use of inclusive strategy when some participants fail to provide data on all studied variables
  • The mediating role of self-efficacy between emotional intelligence and academic achievement: a study among postgraduate students
  • Social marginalisation and academic performance: a multigroup SEM analysis of key factors underlying inequality in Danish public schools