Research pick: Town and country - "Study on urban rural spatial ecology and environmental planning from the perspective of human settlements theory"

Research in the International Journal of Sustainable Development discusses how urban and rural planning can reshape communities so that they better meet human needs without compromising the local natural ecosystems. The research uses human settlement theory, a framework that puts human living conditions on an equal footing with ecological sustainability, to allow environmental, social, and spatial considerations to be embedded into otherwise conventional planning methods.

Conventional approaches to urban and rural planning often consider economic growth and environmental metrics separately, the present study focuses on how residents’ daily lived experience and the surrounding ecological systems are connected. The goal is to improve both environmental quality and human comfort, reflecting a growing recognition that social well-being and ecological health are closely linked.

The research considers “ecological sources”, defined as areas of land that perform essential ecological functions, such as wetlands that regulate water flow, forests that filter air, and grasslands that support biodiversity. Such areas might have ecological corridors connecting them and these allow species and ecological processes to move across landscapes. Such corridors need to be made a key part of any efforts that look to develop housing and the environment. The researchers have combined expert judgement with statistical weighting to allow them to develop a theory of ecological corridors and nodes that would allow planners to create and sustain ecological connectivity in their developments.

The research also introduces a zoning system for urban and rural environments that is based on ecological function and local environmental demand. This approach assesses the balance between the supply of ecosystem services, benefits such as clean air, water, and recreational spaces, and the the services needed by the area’s residents. Zoning can then guide decisions about which areas should be conserved, restored, reshaped, or developed. In practice, the framework allows urban and rural planners to align human activity with the natural capacity of landscapes.

Zhang, Y., Huang, M-J., Wu, H. and Zhen, L. (2025) ‘Study on urban rural spatial ecology and environmental planning from the perspective of human settlements theory’, Int. J. Sustainable Development, Vol. 28, Nos. 2/3, pp.147–168.

Free Open Access article available: "Mining of tourism English learning mode based on temporal clustering and ensemble learning"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Mining of tourism English learning mode based on temporal clustering and ensemble learning", 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: "Application of intelligent personalised information recommendation technology in the operation of new media platform"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Application of intelligent personalised information recommendation technology in the operation of new media platform", 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: "Enhanced cartographer and TEB-based autonomous navigation for mobile robots in dynamic environments"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Enhanced cartographer and TEB-based autonomous navigation for mobile robots in dynamic environments", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking… "Enhancing presentation skills: key technical features of automated feedback systems – a systematic feature analysis"

Research in the International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning has looked at the potential and limitations of automated systems designed to improve one’s public speaking skills. The work reveals new opportunities and obstacles for the future of communication training, but shows that there is a long way to go before computers can pass judgement on a human performance.

Oral Presentation Automated Feedback systems, OPAFs, use cameras, microphones, and algorithms to monitor a speaker’s performance. They can evaluate multiple aspects of presentation, including speech clarity, tone, body language, and overall structure. In principle, such systems offer an accessible alternative to traditional methods like self-practice, video review, group workshops, or one-to-one coaching, all of which require more time and effort and human resources. Public speaking, a skill often linked to professional advancement, academic success, and effective collaboration, stands to benefit from such scalable support, the research suggests.

That said, OPAFs themselves are largely in training mode and have remained of little more than experimental, academic interest. This new work offers the first systematic attempt to assess the field comprehensively, examining both the features offered by existing systems and the ways these systems are evaluated. Researchers conducted expert interviews and a detailed literature review, identifying 83 functional features and 12 additional elements deemed essential for an effective OPAF. These include alignment between verbal and non-verbal cues, personalized guidance tailored to the learner’s level, and structured recommendations on content organization.

The analysis of 14 existing OPAFs revealed a striking gap between design and implementation. On average, systems incorporated only 16% of the identified features. Particularly underdeveloped were adaptive feedback mechanisms, those that adjust guidance based on a speaker’s performance, and tools that ensure consistency between verbal delivery and body language. Structured support for content organization was also largely missing. The findings suggest that while some systems can support isolated elements of public speaking, no current solution addresses the full spectrum of skills necessary for meaningful improvement.

It’s perhaps not surprising that computers cannot yet assess the very human qualities needed in a public speaking engagement of whatever kind. This is especially true given that the systems reviewed do not seem to even cover much of what one would expect from an assessment of a person’s performance in public speaking. There is, the research suggests, a lot to be done to develop effective OPAFs that can understand the nuanced demands of public speaking. There is the potential to support not only individual skill-building but also the cultivation of more effective communicators in professional, academic, and social contexts.

Hummel, S., Schneider, J., Mouhammad, N., Klemke, R. and Di Mitri, D. (2025) ‘Enhancing presentation skills: key technical features of automated feedback systems – a systematic feature analysis’, Int. J. Technology Enhanced Learning, Vol. 17, No. 6, 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.

• Enhanced cartographer and TEB-based autonomous navigation for mobile robots in dynamic environments
• Application of intelligent personalised information recommendation technology in the operation of new media platform
• Mining of tourism English learning mode based on temporal clustering and ensemble learning
• An accident chain-based risk assessment method for power system faults
• Intelligent classification of oil painting style based on dynamic fuzzy neural network
• A distributed two-stage clustering method based on node sampling
• A dynamic optimisation method for personalised learning paths integrated with knowledge graphs
• E-commerce consumer behaviour prediction through the integration of collaborative filtering and graph neural networks

Research pick: Is financial literacy, a financial panacea? - "Financial management behaviour among youth: is financial literacy a panacea?"

A study in Sarawak, Malaysia, sheds light on the factors that shape effective financial management among young people on low-income. Details are reported in the International Journal of Managerial and Financial Accounting.

Young Malaysians, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, are increasingly struggling financially. While the pandemic intensified the economic pressures, the underlying problems for this demographic are longstanding, rooted in unstable employment patterns and broader societal pressures. Many young people have part-time, temporary, or informal jobs and often lack the usual protections such as unemployment benefits or healthcare, leaving them vulnerable.

Beyond employment instability, shifts in consumer culture driven by globalization and digitalization have encouraged overspending, compulsive purchasing, and mounting personal debt. For many young people, these pressures have contributed to financial problems. Those that lack practical financial skills and habits can even end up in bankruptcy.

The current work discusses financial literacy, defined as the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to manage personal finances successfully. It shows how psychological and behavioural factors, including one’s attitude to money, financial prudence, self-efficacy, and financial avoidance, influence financial behaviour. The team analysed survey results to tease out the complex relationships among these variables.

They found that financial prudence, financial avoidance, and financial literacy each have a direct and measurable impact on how young people manage their finances. Interestingly, financial literacy did not alter the effect of other factors, but was a good indicator of positive financial behaviour. These findings underscore the importance of equipping young people with solid financial knowledge and practical management skills, which might improve outcomes regardless of their individual psychological tendencies.

The researchers suggest that policymakers might draw on these findings to design targeted financial literacy programs to help young people budget effectively, manage debt, and plan for the future. Such interventions have the potential to reduce financial vulnerability, prevent harmful debt patterns, and support a smoother transition to financial independence.

Sim, C-Y., Chin, C-H., Ngian, E-T. and Wong, J.J-W. (2025) ‘Financial management behaviour among youth: is financial literacy a panacea?’, Int. J. Managerial and Financial Accounting, Vol. 17, No. 2, pp.175–204.

Research pick: (Can’t get no) job satisfaction? - "IT employee perceptions: life satisfaction achieved through job satisfaction and influencing factors"

Job satisfaction is the most important determinant of how fulfilled individuals feel in their lives overall, according to a study of information technology (IT) employees in southern India. The research, published in the International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, raises an important point that the sector must address urgently given how it is currently struggling with high employee turnover and low engagement.

The researchers surveyed more than 400 professionals from different companies and used statistical modelling to explore how workplace experiences influence broader well-being. Life satisfaction, defined as a person’s assessment of their overall quality of life, was found to rise or fall in direct relation to job satisfaction. The findings highlight how deeply personal fulfilment is tied to professional contentment in a sector marked by long hours, fast-changing skill requirements, and heavy performance demands.

This job-life satisfaction equivalence is an example of what the authors refer to as a spillover effect between the workplace and the home. This relationship is stronger where companies provide sufficient resources, including access to new technologies, training programmes, and clear avenues for career progression. An additional factor is perceived organisational support, which refers to whether employees feel that their employer values, respects, and cares for them. Workers who sensed this kind of support were more highly motivated in their work and loyal to the company. Moreover, these characteristics spilled over into other parts of their lives.

Intriguingly, interpersonal relationships at work, teamwork, and trust often considered central to employee well-being were not a significant factor connecting job and life satisfaction.

For companies facing high attrition, recognising that job satisfaction affects overall life satisfaction could help them shift strategy to improve conditions and so increase employee retention. Investment in training, career development, and a supportive workplace culture would improve employee happiness but also create tangible business benefits.

Malarvizhi, S.J.R. and Vijayarani, S. (2025) ‘IT employee perceptions: life satisfaction achieved through job satisfaction and influencing factors‘, Int. J. Management and Enterprise Development, Vol. 24, No. 2, pp.177-200.

Inviting applications for board membership with the International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics

Prof. Nicola Cucari, Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics, is currently seeking new members to join IJBGE's Editorial Board, as well as Associate or Regional Editors. These voluntary roles offer a unique opportunity to contribute to advancing high-quality research in governance, ethics, transparency, accountability and responsibility in business and society.

If you are interested, please complete this short online form:
Apply here

Prof. Cucari welcomes you to share this invitation within your professional network, and thanks you for your time and consideration. He looks forward to receiving applications and your support in strengthening IJBGE's global academic community.

Free Open Access article available: "A smart rural tourism resources recommendation based on audience preference"

The following International Journal of Critical Infrastructures article, "A smart rural tourism resources recommendation based on audience preference", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Like a candle in the cloud - "Is the game worth a candle? Users’ adoption of private cloud computing"

New insights into how and why people choose to adopt cloud computing services is reported in the International Journal of Services, Economics and Management. The research found that professional ambition often outweighs concerns about data security when signing up for such services.

Cloud computing, the delivery of computing resources such as software, data storage, and infrastructure using remote servers rather than one’s own computer, is fully embedded in many aspects of today’s internet. These services can offer cost savings, flexibility, and convenience. Yet the technology has also raised persistent worries about the security of proprietary, sensitive or private data on the servers of third-party providers.

The current research looked at how potential cloud users balance the risk-benefits. The team surveyed 125 cloud users and applied structural equation modelling to the survey results. The analysis revealed that the perception of risk, particularly regarding data security and control, undermines how useful individuals believe cloud computing is, thereby reducing the likelihood of adoption. However, career opportunities linked to cloud expertise had a much stronger pull in the opposite direction.

For many survey respondents, the chance to improve job prospects or demonstrate valued skills outweighed their unease regarding security issues. The findings add to the technology acceptance model, a framework used to explain the adoption or otherwise of new technology. Previous research had focused on organisations, where adoption decisions are often made by managers weighing financial costs against strategic needs. This latest study shifts the focus to end-users, for whom choices are more personal, not necessarily delegated, and might be enmeshed with their broader life goals.

With these findings in hand, cloud service providers could improve uptake of their offering by reducing perceived risks through stronger guarantees of security and privacy, while also emphasising the professional advantages of mastering cloud tools.

Tatić, K., Haračić, M., Činjarević, M. and Haračić, M. (2025) ‘Is the game worth a candle? Users’ adoption of private cloud computing’, Int. J. Services, Economics and Management, Vol. 16, No. 1, pp.63–78.

Free Open Access article available: "Data mining techniques for intelligent educational management based on federated learning"

The following International Journal of Reasoning-based Intelligent Systems article, "Data mining techniques for intelligent educational management based on federated learning", 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 the Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development

The following sample articles from the Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development are now available here for free:

• The relationship between CEO's reputation and firm abnormal earnings - evidence from Vietnam
• The impact of online reviews and eWOM on impulse buying tendency: a study of Vietnamese Gen Z consumers
• Innovation, export orientation, export assistance, and SMEs' export performance: a case in Vietnam's Mekong delta provinces
• Effects of online-generated content on consumer engagement across post-pandemic pre-travel stage among young domestic tourists in Vietnam
• Exploring moral voice in Vietnam's public sector: a study of socially responsible human resource management, public service motivation, and ethical leadership
• Understanding the moderating role of trust on continuance intention towards smartphone banking services: empirical evidence from Vietnam

Free Open Access article available: "MMHFN: a multimodal deep learning framework for intelligent classification and management of government documents"

The following International Journal of Reasoning-based Intelligent Systems article, "MMHFN: a multimodal deep learning framework for intelligent classification and management of government documents", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Cosmetics industry employees get more than lippy - "Empowering performance through engagement: the mediating role of employee engagement in the relationship between transformational leadership, self-directed learning, and employee performance in the cosmetics industry"

At first blush, Indonesia’s cosmetics sector is growing fast, and local brands must put down foundations to help them face a two-tone challenge: rising consumer demand and increased imports from around the world. Work in the International Journal of Business Innovation and Research does not gloss over the details and suggests that the key to maintaining face lies less in specific product lines but more in the workplace itself. The findings show that leadership style and employee learning practices influence performance through engagement.

The researchers carried out a case study of a leading cosmetics company in Indonesia. They examined how transformational leadership and self-directed learning can shape employee outcomes. Transformational leadership inspires employees to exceed expectations by promoting innovation, articulating ambitious visions, and offering individualized support. The researchers frame idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration in their analysis.

The team found that at this particular company executives foster intellectual stimulation and visionary thinking, encouraging employees to think creatively and embrace ambitious goals, and this works well for this company as it might for others.

The work also shows that by complementing leadership efforts with self-directed learning, employees can take control of their professional development. This company has a “learning wallet” program that provides financial support for courses, certifications, and reading materials that are selected by the employees themselves to support them in their work. This initiative taps into a growing appetite for continued professional development and learning in an industry itself defined by rapid innovation and ever-changing consumer demands.

The bottom line is that cultivating transformational leadership and promoting self-directed learning should be part of an integrated engagement strategy to allow companies to align leadership, learning, and engagement and so motivate their workforce to better fulfil the company’s objectives. The implementation of such efforts are more than cosmetic, as it were.

Suhartini, H. and Sary, F.P. (2025) ‘Empowering performance through engagement: the mediating role of employee engagement in the relationship between transformational leadership, self-directed learning, and employee performance in the cosmetics industry’, Int. J. Business Innovation and Research, Vol. 37, No. 7, pp.1–22.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Global Environmental Issues

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Global Environmental Issues are now available here for free:

• Beyond transparency: assessing access to environmental information in Chile and the ability of providers and users to comprehend it
• Global sustainable organic product movement: embracing production and consumption shifts
• The effect of global economic and geopolitical uncertainty on global food commodity prices
• Investigating landslide susceptibility in the mountainous area of Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir, India: a comparative perspective
• Agriculture waste management: a bibliometric analysis
• Editorial: Can Russia democratise?

Open Access issue published by International Journal of Reasoning-based Intelligent Systems

The International Journal of Reasoning-based Intelligent Systems has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.

• MMHFN: a multimodal deep learning framework for intelligent classification and management of government documents
• Data mining techniques for intelligent educational management based on federated learning

Free Open Access article available: "Morphology extraction from blurred image targets via deep multi-class modelling"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Morphology extraction from blurred image targets via deep multi-class modelling", 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: "Real-time feedback system for English listening comprehension using speech recognition and synthesis"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Real-time feedback system for English listening comprehension using speech recognition and synthesis", 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 Tourism Anthropology

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

• Exploring the intersection of religious festivals and tourism approaches: a scoping review
• Sun, beach … and nightclubs: a study on the nightlife and tourism in Ibiza (1950-1971)
• Senior tourism constraints in Mexico: a sociocultural approach
• Delivering sustainable livelihoods to indigenous communities through ecotourism: insights from Western Odisha, India

Research pick: Shaking up economic early warning systems with artificial jellyfish - "Design of manufacturing enterprise FEW system based on ML from the perspective of circular economy"

A study in the International Journal of Critical Infrastructures discusses a financial early warning system based on an artificial jellyfish algorithm that combines machine learning with principles of the circular economy. The system could help manufacturers detect financial stress before it escalates into a crisis. Such a system could offer industrial stability as economic models shift towards sustainability and resource efficiency.

The algorithm, as the name suggests, is inspired by the adaptive movements of jellyfish and how they respond to changing environments. It is underpinned by a random forest model, which first detects complex patterns in data with high accuracy. The jellyfish algorithm then takes in the data and alternates between exploring possible solutions broadly, like drifting with the oceanic currents, and intensively refining promising areas, which is akin to a jellyfish actively moving within a swarm.

In this way, the jellyfish algorithm can efficiently optimise the predictions of the random forest model and so differentiate between stable and high-risk companies with close to 90 percent accuracy.

The data fed into the system on which these predictions are based is not limited to standard financial metrics such as profits or debt ratios. It also takes into account financial and operational indicators, such as inventory turnover rate, accounts receivable turnover rate, and the liquidity ratio. The inclusion of the Herfindahl index, a measure of market concentration commonly used in competition policy, also adds a useful perspective to the predictions.

The researchers explain the significance of their new predictive system in the context of China’s changing manufacturing sector. The sector is undergoing a transition from a strategy focused on rapid output growth towards one rooted in the circular economy, the researchers point out.

The new economic early warning system emphasises resource efficiency, waste reduction, and long-term resilience for manufacturers operating on thin margins. Such companies are dangerously exposed to global supply chain fluctuations and debilitating financial crises. The early warning system could help them avert the worst problems by allowing them to adapt in a timely manner and so avoid the cascade of effects on the company, employment, investment, and regional development.

Huang, Y., Li, X. and Li, D. (2025) ‘Design of manufacturing enterprise FEW system based on ML from the perspective of circular economy’, Int. J. Critical Infrastructures, Vol. 21, No. 9, pp.1–20.

Free Open Access article available: "Deep learning-driven real-time rendering technology for film and television animation special effects"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Deep learning-driven real-time rendering technology for film and television animation special effects", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Fishing for favour - "Diplomatic restorative justice in international fisheries enforcement: Indonesia’s policy innovation in addressing transnational illegal fishing"

The longstanding battle between Indonesia and illegal fishing by foreign nationals may be entering a new phase as researchers propose a new framework that brings law and diplomacy to address the problem. They provide details in the International Journal of Public Law and Policy.

For decades, Indonesia has pursued a zero-tolerance policy of illegal fishing. Foreign vessels caught breaking the law are seized and their crews prosecuted. This approach signalled Indonesia’s firm defence of its sovereignty, but it has also led to problems with the authorities overwhelmed by the burden of processing seized vessels and carrying out prosecutions. Moreover, it has led to inflamed relations with the neighbouring countries whose citizens are detained and fails to address the underlying economic pressures that drive small fishing boats to cross maritime boundaries.

The work points out that Indonesian waters are often fished by boats from Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Taiwan. They are all operating in crowded seas where there are no obvious alternatives. The crews of small fishing vessels may inadvertently cross maritime boundaries or be so desperate that they ignore the law.

The new proposal, Diplomatic Restorative Justice, offers an alternative. The researchers explain that restorative justice emphasizes reparations rather than punishment. At the international level this is the diplomatic approach. Rather than focusing on trials and sentences, the approach encourages acknowledgment of responsibility, compensation for economic and ecological harm. Ultimately, it could lead to formal agreement between states that would strengthen cooperation and prevent repeat violations.

The team suggests that the same approach might be useful where other international problems arise rather than being limited to fishing. It might, for instance, help address cross-border disputes over other natural resources, such as water and forestry. The model offers accountability with cooperation, acknowledging the rights of sovereign states while recognizing the practical necessity of regional stability.

Massie, C.D., Sinaga, T.B., Lembong, R.R. and Massie, S.M. (2025) ‘Diplomatic restorative justice in international fisheries enforcement: Indonesia’s policy innovation in addressing transnational illegal fishing’, Int. J. Public Law and Policy, Vol. 11, No. 6, pp.1–20.

Free Open Access article available: "Construction of an adaptive model for English learning tasks based on cognitive diagnosis in a smart classroom"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Construction of an adaptive model for English learning tasks based on cognitive diagnosis in a smart classroom", 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 art image style migration algorithms based on deep neural networks"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Optimisation of art image style migration algorithms based on deep neural networks", 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.

• Cross-lingual sentiment analysis for low-resource languages via semantic alignment and transfer learning
• Optimisation of art image style migration algorithms based on deep neural networks
• Construction of an adaptive model for English learning tasks based on cognitive diagnosis in a smart classroom
• Deep learning-driven real-time rendering technology for film and television animation special effects
• Real-time feedback system for English listening comprehension using speech recognition and synthesis
• Morphology extraction from blurred image targets via deep multi-class modelling

Free Open Access article available: "Cross-lingual sentiment analysis for low-resource languages via semantic alignment and transfer learning"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Cross-lingual sentiment analysis for low-resource languages via semantic alignment and transfer learning", 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: "Research on innovation and entrepreneurship education teaching method innovation of college students based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process"

The following International Journal of Computational Systems Engineering article, "Research on innovation and entrepreneurship education teaching method innovation of college students based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process", 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 Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development

The following sample articles from the Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development are now available here for free:

• The relationship between CEO's reputation and firm abnormal earnings - evidence from Vietnam
• The impact of online reviews and eWOM on impulse buying tendency: a study of Vietnamese Gen Z consumers
• Innovation, export orientation, export assistance, and SMEs' export performance: a case in Vietnam's Mekong delta provinces
• Effects of online-generated content on consumer engagement across post-pandemic pre-travel stage among young domestic tourists in Vietnam
• Exploring moral voice in Vietnam's public sector: a study of socially responsible human resource management, public service motivation, and ethical leadership
• Understanding the moderating role of trust on continuance intention towards smartphone banking services: empirical evidence from Vietnam

Research pick: Sustainable accounting - "Sustainable accounting information and its role in achieving the requirements of sustainable development and reducing costs"

A new study is challenging long-held assumptions about the role of accounting in business, suggesting that financial record-keeping could help drive sustainable development rather than simply reporting transactions. The research, in the International Journal of Managerial and Financial Accounting, discusses how accounting information systems might be adapted to help organisations reduce costs while advancing environmental and social goals.

Sustainable development is the practice of meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It requires balancing three factors: environmental protection, social well-being, and, of course, economics. This study argues that accounting systems might be aligned with these priorities to help businesses balance them by revealing inefficiencies, guiding investment, and offering reliable forecasts.

The researchers have drawn on data from accounting and auditing professionals across a range of organisations. Their statistical analysis shows that when sustainability-orientated information is integrated into accounting systems, firms are better positioned to reduce their production costs, cut waste, and lower their greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, by tracking not only financial expenditures but also environmental impacts such as energy use or waste disposal, companies can identify hidden costs that traditional accounting might overlook. This could allow for more effective resource planning and increase innovation in product design or manufacturing processes.

The findings also underline the importance of developing accounting standards that explicitly incorporate sustainability. Conventional accounting practices were primarily designed for investors, creditors, and regulators, so focused on profitability and solvency. Sustainable accounting requires a broader perspective and demands the integration of non-financial measures, such as carbon emissions, water use, and labour conditions, into the same reporting systems that track sales or expenses. The evolution of accounting systems in this direction will help businesses and policymakers to see the bigger picture of the costs and benefits of their activities.

Mahlhal, A.H., Mohammed, M.A. and Jebur, A.K. (2025) ‘Sustainable accounting information and its role in achieving the requirements of sustainable development and reducing costs’, Int. J. Managerial and Financial Accounting, Vol. 17, No. 5, pp.1–22.

Free Open Access article available: "Design of manufacturing enterprise FEW system based on ML from the perspective of circular economy"

The following International Journal of Critical Infrastructures article, "Design of manufacturing enterprise FEW system based on ML from the perspective of circular economy", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Prof. Taosheng Wang appointed as new Editor in Chief of World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development

Prof. Taosheng Wang from Hunan International Economics University in China has been appointed to take over editorship of the World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development.

Research pick: Like a flame to a moth - "Moth flame optimisation based timetabling tool for educational course timetabling"

Many algorithms have been inspired by natural behaviour, such as the foraging of ants, the swarming of bees, the flocking of birds, even the oceanic journeys of whales. Such algorithms stand on evolution’s shoulders to allow modern science to see further than it might with algorithms based on non-natural approaches. Researchers have now turned to the light-seeking behaviour of various species of nocturnal moth to help them solve an academic problem.

Putting together a university timetable, to schedule courses, lectures, and other academic activities, has long been one of higher education’s most intricate administrative challenges. The task requires balancing limited resources such as classrooms, laboratories, and the availability of instructors, as well as the students themselves. For large institutions, manually constructing an optimal timetable is often impractical, and even small errors can cascade into significant inefficiencies.

Research in the International Journal of Innovation and Learning has proposed a computational approach that could streamline this complex process. The study introduces an automated timetabling tool, AMFOT, which uses a discrete moth flame optimization (MFO) algorithm. MFO is a type of nature-inspired computational method, drawing on the navigational behaviour of nocturnal moths many of which will move towards a light source although rarely following a direct path. The algorithm seeks out the optimal solutions to complex problems in a similar way.

Specifically, the new algorithm seeks out solutions, the optimal timetable, that satisfies all the hard constraints, non-negotiable rules such as avoiding overlapping classes or double-booked resources, while also accommodating soft constraints, which are merely desirable outcomes, flexible preferences, such as minimizing the distance students must travel between classes.

The researchers then tested AMFOT using real-world scheduling scenarios from a local university. They were able to produce timetables that met the required constraints, and in many cases, they outperformed schedules produced by another computational method known as the crow search algorithm. The new algorithm takes into account student travel time and so not only boosts convenience and safety of students, but aligns with sustainability goals by promoting more efficient campus operations.

Kuntasup, M., Pongcharoen, P. and Thepphakorn, T. (2025) ‘Moth flame optimisation based timetabling tool for educational course timetabling’, Int. J. Innovation and Learning, Vol. 38, No. 3, pp.282–300.

Prof. Fu-Sheng Tsai appointed as new Editor in Chief of International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health

Prof. Fu-Sheng Tsai from the City University of Macau in Macao has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health.

Free Open Access article available: "Application of MOOC+SPOC mixed teaching in athletics professional courses in colleges and universities"

The following International Journal of Computational Systems Engineering article, "Application of MOOC+SPOC mixed teaching in athletics professional courses in colleges and universities", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Our house is not necessarily a very, very green house - "A critical evaluation of the sustainability of building codes and policy when embodied carbon is considered for the construction of three-bedroom houses in UK"

Research in the International Journal of Sustainable Real Estate and Construction Economics draws attention to a neglected element of the UK’s climate strategy: the carbon locked into the materials used to construct new homes.

These embodied carbon emissions arise not from the daily operation of a house but from the extraction, processing, transport and assembly of the materials themselves. Embodied carbon emissions are released before a building is even occupied, they are effectively front-loaded into the atmosphere.

There is therefore a substantial gap in the regulations that must be filled: while energy use within homes is monitored, the emissions embedded in supply chains remain outside the scope of current standards. While policymakers have so far concentrated on cutting the energy required to heat and power homes, the research suggests that material-related emissions may soon outweigh operational ones as the national grid shifts towards renewables and building standards improve energy efficiency.

The study examined the structural frames of a typical three-bedroom house, the most common size built in the UK, using both manual calculation and a digital life cycle assessment tool. The researchers compared three common construction materials: wood, steel and brick. Their analysis found that wooden frames carried the lowest embodied carbon, bricks-and-mortar frames the highest, and steel fell in between. The high carbon cost of steel was attributed largely to the energy-intensive process of smelting ore, while the emissions associated with bricks accumulated through both production and transport.

These findings carry weight beyond the construction site. The UK faces a shortfall of hundreds of thousands of homes each year. Meeting this demand while also honouring commitments to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 represents a major challenge. Current regulations focus on energy efficiency in use but do not take into account embodied carbon. The absence of such considerations, the researchers warn, risks locking in decades of additional emissions during a period when international climate agreements call for steep reductions.

King, H., Rawson, R. and Okere, U. (2024) ‘A critical evaluation of the sustainability of building codes and policy when embodied carbon is considered for the construction of three-bedroom houses in UK’, Int. J. Sustainable Real Estate and Construction Economics, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp.63–81.

Free Open Access article available: "Enhancing presentation skills: key technical features of automated feedback systems - a systematic feature analysis"

The following International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning article, "Enhancing presentation skills: key technical features of automated feedback systems - a systematic feature analysis", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: We are sailing, stormy waters - "Applying public information to make green shipping investment decisions"

The shipping industry is responsible for transporting about 80 percent of the world’s traded goods. It now faces a major environmental and economic challenge, how to cut its greenhouse gas emissions without jeopardising its financial stability. Research in the International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics proposes a decision-making tool that could help operators navigate these troubled waters and get back on an even keel between balancing environmental commitments with commercial risk.

The sector has long struggled with the complexity of decarbonisation. Choosing among alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, or hydrogen is not a straightforward calculation. Fuel prices fluctuate, supply chains remain underdeveloped, and regulatory frameworks evolve unevenly in different parts of the world. For many companies, particularly smaller operators, a bad investment today could lock them into technology that becomes obsolete tomorrow. This has led to a culture of caution, with only the biggest shipping companies able to make substantial moves toward alternative fuels, while smaller enterprises are forced to defer their decisions.

The research introduces a granular fuzzy pay-off method. Unlike traditional financial models, which rely on relatively stable and predictable inputs, this tool is designed to accommodate ambiguity and partial knowledge. In practice, this means the model can weigh investment choices even when critical variables, such as fuel availability or carbon pricing, are unclear. The “fuzzy” element refers to its ability to assign values to uncertain outcomes rather than forcing binary choices between success and failure.

The researchers carried out a case study with four fuel options for a bulk shipping operator: conventional diesel, LNG, methanol, and hydrogen. The analysis covers the period from 2025 to 2035 and the model’s predictions indicate that LNG is likely to serve as the most attractive transitional fuel during this decade. Compared with diesel, LNG offers both emission reductions and potential cost savings, positioning it as a pragmatic step toward decarbonisation.

Of course, LNG is a fossil fuel and cannot represent a long-term solution in contrast to methanol and hydrogen, which can be produced from sustainable and renewable resources. Neither was found to be economically viable in the near term. High production costs and limited supply infrastructure undermine their competitiveness. The study shows that the decisive factor shaping investment strategies over the next ten years is fuel cost itself, not the price of carbon. This suggests that regulations focused on carbon pricing will probably have little impact unless paired with measures that reduce the upfront costs of cleaner fuels.

Yang, J., Cullinane, K. and Ge, Y-e. (2025) ‘Applying public information to make green shipping investment decisions’, Int. J. Shipping and Transport Logistics, Vol. 21, No. 2, pp.186–213.

Free Open Access article available: "Applying artificial rabbit optimisation-LSSVR analysis for HPC's compressive strength estimation"

The following International Journal of Critical Infrastructures article, "Applying artificial rabbit optimisation-LSSVR analysis for HPC's compressive strength estimation", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Not-so-wonderful Spam! - "Enhanced accuracy of detecting fraudulent product reviews using a fusion machine learning approach"

The rise of e-commerce has brought unprecedented convenience to consumers, but it has also created fertile ground for deceptive practices in online marketplaces. A growing body of research is now focusing on the detection of fake or misleading product reviews, often referred to as spam reviews. These are deliberately written to either unfairly promote a product or damage a competitor’s reputation. These reviews frequently use fabricated profiles or carefully crafted language, making them difficult to distinguish from genuine customer feedback. Moreover, the use of Large Language Models, colloquially known as generative AI, are now being used to generate authentic-seeming spam reviews.

The impact of spam reviews is significant. Consumers may be persuaded to purchase low-quality goods, while legitimate businesses suffer reputational harm. Ultimately, this might erode trust in digital marketplaces. However, distinguishing between authentic opinions and deceptive ones is difficult.

Researchers writing in the International Journal of Services, Economics and Management, have turned to computational opinion mining, which involves analysing text to extract sentiment and meaning, to detect patterns indicative of fraudulent activity. Traditional techniques include filtering for suspicious keywords, monitoring abnormal posting patterns, assessing reviewer credibility, and employing verification tools such as anti-spam CAPTCHAs. More recently, advances in machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP), which allows a computer to interpret human language, have enabled automated systems to detect the subtle linguistic and contextual cues that often reveal fabricated content.

The researchers explain that central to their approach is the creation of ground truth datasets. These are curated examples of real and fake reviews. These datasets provide a reference for training machine learning models to recognize subtle indicators of deception, including unusual writing styles, sentiment inconsistencies, or anomalies in sentence structure. The new approach then combines multiple algorithms into a hybrid classifier. A deep learning framework, such as a convolutional neural network (CNN), which is adept at identifying complex patterns, is paired with a traditional statistical classifier. The accuracy rate of this hybrid is between 96 and 99 percent when tested on standard datasets.

As global e-commerce continues to expand, accurate spam detection systems will become increasingly important in maintaining the reliability of digital marketplaces, reinforcing transparency and trustworthiness.

Zambare, P. and Liu, Y. (2025) ‘Enhanced accuracy of detecting fraudulent product reviews using a fusion machine learning approach’, Int. J. Services, Economics and Management, Vol. 16, Nos. 4/5, pp.380–406.

Free Open Access article available: "Empowering performance through engagement: the mediating role of employee engagement in the relationship between transformational leadership, self-directed learning, and employee performance in the cosmetics industry"

The following International Journal of Business Innovation and Research article, "Empowering performance through engagement: the mediating role of employee engagement in the relationship between transformational leadership, self-directed learning, and employee performance in the cosmetics industry", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: To sleep, per chance to dream of electric sheep - "Sleep behaviour monitoring based on the probability density model"

Research in the International Journal of Sensor Networks describes a new way to monitor human sleep that relies entirely on the Wi-Fi signals in the home. It promises an entirely non-intrusive and yet accurate alternative to conventional techniques.

A good night’s sleep, night after night is, for most of us, is a fundamental part of good health, optimal mental performance, and emotional well-being. Understanding sleep and its insidious counterpart, insomnia, however, has often relied on cumbersome devices and complex approaches to research involving polysomnography, the recording of brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, and heart rate to assess what stage of sleep a person is in.

Polysomnography is a valid approach to sleep studies but usually requires participants in sleep experiments to spend the night in specialized facilities under clinical supervision, making it costly and impractical for long-term or widespread monitoring. Moreover, the artificial conditions are likely to disrupt the normal sleep patterns the participants would experience if they were tucked up in their own beds at home.

Wearable devices such as smartwatches and smartphone applications offer a more convenient option for sleep science. However, such devices generally track only basic metrics, such as sleep duration, and many people enlisted into studies find such devices uncomfortable to wear when they go to bed.

The new research sidesteps these limitations by exploiting Channel State Information (CSI), this is a metric derived from Wi-Fi signals that captures how electromagnetic waves propagate through space. When a person moves or changes posture during sleep, these subtle shifts alter the amplitude of the Wi-Fi signals that permeate the bedroom. By statistically modelling these variations, the researchers explain that it is possible to detect static sleep positions and nocturnal movements without the need for the subject in the study to wear specialist sensors or even their own smartwatch.

Data collection simply involves the use of a system of Wi-Fi antennae that work on a range of frequency channels. The collected signal data is then subject to a statistical analysis, a probability density function, that examines how likely different signal amplitudes are to occur when associated with a person’s movements during sleep. The team says their approach achieves recognition rates of more than 95% for common sleep positions and nocturnal movements.

The technology will be useful to sleep researchers but could be extended to monitoring older people and the mobility-impaired. The same Wi-Fi analysis might be operated in real-time to spot irregular movements, falls, or sleep disturbances and so allow for more timely interventions or assistance.

Liu, Y., Cao, Z. and Hu, M. (2025) ‘Sleep behaviour monitoring based on the probability density model’, Int. J. Sensor Networks, Vol. 48, No. 4, pp.227–240.

Free Open Access article available: "Sustainable accounting information and its role in achieving the requirements of sustainable development and reducing costs"

The following International Journal of Managerial and Financial Accounting article, "Sustainable accounting information and its role in achieving the requirements of sustainable development and reducing costs", 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: "Diplomatic restorative justice in international fisheries enforcement: Indonesia's policy innovation in addressing transnational illegal fishing"

The following International Journal of Public Law and Policy article, "Diplomatic restorative justice in international fisheries enforcement: Indonesia's policy innovation in addressing transnational illegal fishing", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: At the end of the day, AI is bringing football home - "Mathematical modelling and nature-inspired metaheuristics for solving the football team selection problem"

It was bound to happen, it’s almost an open goal, but now artificial intelligence, AI, has been brought on to the football pitch to help choose the squad. Writing in the International Journal of Advanced Operations Management, researchers show how they have taken inspiration from nature as well as mathematical modelling to solve one of the sport’s perennial problems, who to select for the next big game.

Generations of footballers from the top leagues through the ranks of amateurs all the way down to the school playground with jumpers for goalposts have faced decisions, decisions, decisions. At the end of the day, it’s all about whom to play up front, whom to put in defence, whom to leave on the bench. It’s a game of two halves, after all, and the team that scores the most goals will ultimately be the winning side.

The challenge of football team selection, often referred to as the FTS problem, is more complex than it might first appear. Coaches and managers are not simply choosing their best players for the team, they must account for financial constraints, the physical condition and age of players, and the need to balance the team across different roles on the day.

This research approaches the problem by framing it mathematically as a 0/1 linear programming model, a type of optimisation in which each player is either included in the team (1) or not (0). The inclusion of financial budgets, player age, and injury status as restrictions reflects the realities that clubs face when putting together competitive squads.

To find solutions, the researchers compared the traditional CPLEX optimisation tool with two so-called metaheuristic approaches: binary particle swarm optimisation and genetic algorithms. Metaheuristics are problem-solving strategies inspired by natural processes, and are basically a sophisticated form of trial-and-error. Particle swarm optimisation is modelled on the way birds flock together or fish form schools, where individuals adjust their position by learning from their own experiences and from the behaviour of the individuals around them and even the group as a whole. Genetic algorithms mimic evolution by combining and mutating candidate solutions in a way similar to natural selection. Both are designed to navigate vast and complex search spaces efficiently, identifying solutions that are close to optimal even when exact methods struggle.

The study applied these approaches to player data from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, focusing on the strongest teams. Strikingly, the metaheuristic methods outperformed the CPLEX optimiser, producing team selections that aligned more closely with the real-world line-ups and, importantly, with measures of on-field performance. This suggests that algorithms inspired by nature may capture aspects of the decision-making process that rigid mathematical optimisation cannot, particularly when performance rather than cost or availability is the defining priority. AI becomes the mythical 12th player.

The work could be used in other sports arenas where a team is expected to give 110 percent. Indeed, it could be used in sport involving multi-player teams, rugby, cricket, basketball, or even e-sports, where selection challenges, balancing skill sets, budgets, and availability under pressure are faced.

It’s a funny old game, but the research highlights the growing role of AI in decision-making tasks that blend numerical constraints with human judgement. From corporate hiring strategies to medical team assembly, the ability of metaheuristics to generate flexible, effective solutions could prove transformative. In football, the pitch becomes a testing ground not just for players but for algorithms, showing how nature-inspired computing can move from theory into practice in the beautiful game.

Laabadi, S. and Abourraja, M.N. (2025) ‘Mathematical modelling and nature-inspired metaheuristics for solving the football team selection problem’, Int. J. Advanced Operations Management, Vol. 16, No. 3, pp.261–285.

Free Open Access article available: "Applying public information to make green shipping investment decisions"

The following International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics article, "Applying public information to make green shipping investment decisions", 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: "Enhancing English language teaching quality evaluation via dynamic multimodal cognitive transfer models"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Enhancing English language teaching quality evaluation via dynamic multimodal cognitive transfer models", 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: "Ideological opinion clustering algorithm based on GTE text vector model with inverted index"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Ideological opinion clustering algorithm based on GTE text vector model with inverted index", 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: "Computer learning career path optimisation utilising multi-modal large models and privacy-preserving collaborative computing"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Computer learning career path optimisation utilising multi-modal large models and privacy-preserving collaborative computing", 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: "Design of college personalised career planning utilising multidisciplinary approaches"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Design of college personalised career planning utilising multidisciplinary approaches", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Algos in the sky with data - "Research on adaptive artificial potential field obstacle avoidance technology for unmanned aerial vehicles in complex environments"

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have many uses in aerial photography, precision agriculture, disaster response, and of course military applications. Indeed, drones are taking on tasks that demand even greater agility, precision, and autonomy than before. However, a persistent problem that limits their broader deployment is how to navigate safely through environments crowded with buildings and trees, for instance, and moving hazards such as vehicles, people, or other drones. Current systems often require constant human oversight, reducing efficiency and increasing operational risk.

Research in the International Journal of Wireless and Mobile Computing could offer a solution. The approach provides a significant upgrade to a widely used navigation method called the Artificial Potential Field (APF) algorithm. APF imagines a drone as being pulled towards its target while being pushed away from obstacles. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and its real-time responsiveness. Unfortunately, there are some inherent flaws in conventional APF. Drones following the APF can become trapped in local minima, points where opposing forces cancel each other out so that the drone never reaches its target or fails to navigate around moving objects. This obviously limits operational reliability.

The new research addresses these limitations with four complementary innovations. First, an adaptive repulsive potential function adjusts the balance between attraction and obstacle avoidance in real time, ensuring the drone continues toward its destination. Secondly, randomized directional perturbations help the drone escape local minima by introducing brief, controlled deviations. Thirdly, real-time collision risk prediction allows the drone to manoeuvre proactively, slowing, steering, or recovering after avoiding moving obstacles. Finally, fuzzy logic rules are used to optimize safety distances and avoidance speeds without requiring heavy computation.

The researchers carried out simulations and achieved a 96.3% success rate in environments with static and dynamic obstacles. Their approach generated smoother, shorter, and faster-computing trajectories than conventional APF methods. This could allow drones to be deployed in disaster zones, around collapsed buildings or in dense forests more reliably than before, improving search-and-rescue operations. Agricultural drones could fly efficiently between crop rows, avoiding obstacles without human intervention. The same technology could open up new possibilities for delivery drones that could move safely among traffic and pedestrians.

Li, H. and Duan, X. (2025) ‘Research on adaptive artificial potential field obstacle avoidance technology for unmanned aerial vehicles in complex environments’, Int. J. Wireless and Mobile Computing, Vol. 29, No. 5, pp.1–12.

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.

• Computer vision-driven automated generation and style simulation of calligraphic fonts
• Optimisation of English learning paths in multimodal social networks using graph neural networks
• Financial fraud prediction leveraging knowledge graphs and multimodal features
• Optimisation of rare earth mining using intelligent optimisation algorithms
• Design of college personalised career planning utilising multidisciplinary approaches
• Computer learning career path optimisation utilising multi-modal large models and privacy-preserving collaborative computing
• Ideological opinion clustering algorithm based on GTE text vector model with inverted index
• Enhancing English language teaching quality evaluation via dynamic multimodal cognitive transfer models

Free Open Access article available: "Optimisation of rare earth mining using intelligent optimisation algorithms"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Optimisation of rare earth mining using intelligent optimisation algorithms", 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: "Financial fraud prediction leveraging knowledge graphs and multimodal features"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Financial fraud prediction leveraging knowledge graphs and multimodal features", 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 English learning paths in multimodal social networks using graph neural networks"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Optimisation of English learning paths in multimodal social networks using graph neural networks", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Share the knowledge - "The influence of knowledge sharing behaviour on employees’ innovative work behaviour: the moderating role of perceived supervisor support"

Employees who share knowledge freely with their colleagues are more likely to be innovators at work, according to research in the International Journal of Economics and Business Research. This is especially true when those employees feel supported by their supervisors. The research focused on Ho Chi Minh City’s pharmaceutical sector, but offers wider lessons for organisations looking to strengthen innovation from within.

The team surveyed 315 pharmaceutical employees and used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling to analyse the results. This approach, applied widely in the social sciences, helps discern relationships in complex data. In the present case, it allowed the authors to trace how knowledge sharing and supervisory support interact to influence how innovative employees are at work.

Knowledge sharing, in this context, is the voluntary exchange of information, skills, and expertise among colleagues. It is not necessarily mandated by formal procedures or job descriptions but emerges from a culture of cooperation and trust. The team found that employees who actively engage in this kind of sharing are significantly more likely to suggest new ideas, improve work processes, or develop new products, all of which are key markers of workplace innovation. The study showed that where this kind of sharing was supported by supervisors, it was even more effective.

When employees perceive that their supervisors provide guidance, give recognition, or create an atmosphere where it is safe to express new ideas, the link between knowledge sharing and innovation becomes stronger. In other words, managerial encouragement acts as a multiplier of the benefits of a collaborative workplace.

Several factors were identified as contributing to a culture of knowledge sharing: trust among colleagues, reciprocity, strong organisational commitment, and self-confidence in the employee’s own expertise. Each of these social or psychological conditions, rather than any procedural ones, show that culture over compliance underpins innovation.

Van Dung, T. (2025) ‘The influence of knowledge sharing behaviour on employees’ innovative work behaviour: the moderating role of perceived supervisor support’, Int. J. Economics and Business Research, Vol. 29, No. 17, pp.21–35.

Free Open Access article available: "Computer vision-driven automated generation and style simulation of calligraphic fonts"

The following International Journal of Information and Communication Technology article, "Computer vision-driven automated generation and style simulation of calligraphic fonts", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Who’s driving the digital factories? - "Human resource competencies in the automotive Industry 4.0 – results of a systematic literature review"

As car manufacturers drive to embrace even more automation and data-driven processes as well as artificial intelligence, a study in the International Journal of Environment, Workplace and Employment suggests that the sector may be overlooking one of the biggest problems in digital transformation: how to equip employees with the necessary skills to thrive in this new era.

Industry 4.0 is the term often used to describe the integration of digital technologies into conventional manufacturing. It has become the main focus of many automotive companies hoping to remain competitive. From the development of autonomous production lines to the use of so-called blockchain-based supply chains, the sector is undergoing major changes. But, the systematic review of the academic and industry literature published in IJEWE shows that while the machines may be ready, the people might not be.

The study examines the shifting demands placed on the workforce as manufacturing processes become increasingly digitised. It identifies three broad domains of skills that are needed for this transition to be successful: technical, managerial, and social.

Technical competencies include knowledge of advanced data analytics, blockchain systems, and the operation of autonomous production lines. Managerial competencies relate to strategic decision-making in rapidly changing, technology-focused environments. Social skills, which are commonly often overlooked in technical discussions, encompass communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.

These various skills are collectively known as Human Capital 4.0 and represent a more anthropocentric approach to industrial transformation. The review suggests that there is an urgent need to define these skills more precisely for real-world applications. Moreover, training programmes and workforce strategies, the researchers found, remain too general to be effectively implemented at scale. There is thus a pressing need for a new, well-defined blueprint for the workforce of the future in the automotive sector. Despite the tech, people remain close to the heart of the industry.

Manning, G., Stojanová, H. and Sopha, W. (2025) ‘Human resource competencies in the automotive Industry 4.0 – results of a systematic literature review’, Int. J. Environment, Workplace and Employment, Vol. 9, No. 5, pp.1–19.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology are now available here for free:

• Neutron irradiation-induced modifications in polyethylene properties within nuclear environments: analysis of shuttles irradiated in the TRIGA Mark II reactor
• A comparison of neutronic studies on 400 MW thermal fast reactor with modified CANDLE burn-up schemes using helium gas, lead bismuth eutectic and liquid sodium coolants
• A review on environmental management for nuclear power plant sites
• Infinite multiplication factor and cross-section sensitivity to weighting spectra and self-shielding methods
• Radon concentrations in the serum of blood and urine of smokers using RAD-7 detector
• Measurements of alpha emitters concentration (222Rn, 226Ra and 238U) in blood samples of patients with renal failure of non-smokers in Najaf city, Iraq

Associate Prof. Nicola Cucari appointed as new Editor in Chief of International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics

Associate Prof. Nicola Cucari from Sapienza University of Rome in Italy has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics.

IJBGE's former Editor in Chief, Dr. Stuart Farquhar, will remain on the journal's board. Inderscience's Editorial Office thanks Dr. Farquhar for his leadership, editorial insight and commitment, all of which have played integral roles in shaping IJBGE and enabling its success.

Free Open Access article available: "Screening and sparsifying maternal immune features for predicting labour induction based on a glass-box model"

The following International Journal of Data Mining and Bioinformatics article, "Screening and sparsifying maternal immune features for predicting labour induction based on a glass-box model", 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 Information and Operations Management Education

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Information and Operations Management Education are now available here for free:

• Ethical pitfalls of technologies enabling disruption and fostering cyber ethical mindset in management curriculum
• Leading the diversity and inclusion narrative through continuing professional education
• Talent development for the knowledge economy
• Exploring business students' Perry cognitive development position and implications at teaching universities in the USA
• An integrated framework for the alignment of stakeholder expectations with student learning outcomes

Free Open Access article available: "Is there a relationship between organisational climate and job satisfaction? A view from a systematic review and meta-analysis"

The following World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development article, "Is there a relationship between organisational climate and job satisfaction? A view from a systematic review and meta-analysis", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: All about the biz? More trouble! - "Evaluating sustainable development goals through market capitalisation: where we are half way and future research ahead"

A study in the World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development has considered the extent to which the private sector has engaged with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The work casts some doubt on whether multinational corporations are truly aligning their operations with the global effort to combat poverty, inequality, and climate change.

The researchers looked at corporate financial data across 74 countries, including 26 developed and 48 emerging economies, and found that market capitalisation, a common measure of corporate financial value based on share prices, was negatively correlated with most of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Those goals were purportedly adopted in 2015 and form a comprehensive framework that was to achieve social, environmental, and economic sustainability by 2030.

In practical terms, the work suggests that many companies increase their value not by advancing these goals but by finding ways to circumvent them. Indeed, only a small subset of the goals, specifically those related to health, education, clean water, infrastructure, responsible consumption, and international cooperation, showed a positive relationship with corporate financial success.

The researchers refer to this selective engagement as those companies taking a transactional approach to sustainability. Rather than embracing sustainability as a core principle, many firms appear to treat it as a branding exercise or a compliance measure, greenwashing is a much-discussed problem, for instance. Companies that are undertaking such practices only to enhance their reputation or satisfy regulatory expectations are not leading us towards sustainability. It could be that it is not simply a few “bad actors” but a systemic malignancy in global business. The problem is even more stark in emerging economies, where resource constraints and immediate financial pressures often stymie investment in long-term sustainable development.

With just five years remaining, goals that do not directly serve the interests of shareholders, such as gender equality, climate action, and poverty alleviation, have been, to a large extent, marginalised or ignored altogether. The researchers argue that this must change urgently. They call for transformative development and a major change in corporate behaviour, underpinned by policymakers developing stronger frameworks to encourage full-spectrum engagement with all the UN’s goals.

Arana-Barbier, P.J. (2025) ‘Evaluating sustainable development goals through market capitalisation: where we are half way and future research ahead’, World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 21, No. 2, pp.1–22.

Open Access issue published by World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development

The World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.

• Evaluating sustainable development goals through market capitalisation: where we are half way and future research ahead
• Is there a relationship between organisational climate and job satisfaction? A view from a systematic review and meta-analysis

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling are now available here for free:

• Assessing the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on disease infection in the public health sector: a hybrid simulation approach
• A computational offloading algorithm for cloud-edge collaboration in smart agriculture
• Comparative analysis of performability and maintenance decision matrix for a repairable industrial system
• Secured big data storage in cloud by intelligent authentication and privacy preservation via intelligent deep learning-aided heuristic strategy
• Estimation of the service level in a materials analysis laboratory

Free Open Access article available: "The influence of knowledge sharing behaviour on employees' innovative work behaviour: the moderating role of perceived supervisor support"

The following International Journal of Economics and Business Research article, "The influence of knowledge sharing behaviour on employees' innovative work behaviour: the moderating role of perceived supervisor support", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Organisational climate change - "Is there a relationship between organisational climate and job satisfaction? A view from a systematic review and metaanalysis"

A review of the research literature has confirmed a consistent and measurable link between organisational climate and job satisfaction across multiple professional sectors, including education, healthcare, and other service-orientated industries. The findings, published in the World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, point to the broader importance of workplace culture not only for employee morale but for organisational performance and staff retention.

Organisational climate is a term coined to describe the shared perceptions employees hold about their work environment. It encompasses factors such as leadership behaviour, communication norms, ethical and economic values, and the interpersonal dynamics of the workplace. A more familiar phrase, job satisfaction, reflects how positively employees feel about their roles and whether their needs and expectations at work are being met.

Using a systematic approach governed by the PRISMA guidelines, an internationally recognised protocol for conducting systematic literature reviews, the researchers screened studies from two major academic databases. Of all the studies, 30 met rigorous inclusion criteria, focusing on quantitative analyses that explored the direct relationship between organisational climate and job satisfaction.

They then carried out a statistical meta-analysis and found a consistently positive correlation: when employees perceive their organisational environment as fair, inclusive, and well-managed, they are more likely to report being satisfied in their roles. This pattern held true across diverse contexts, from classrooms to hospital wards to office-based professions.

The strength of the WREMSD study lies in its cross-sectorial breadth. This allowed for comparisons to be made that would highlight both shared patterns and contextual differences. In education, for example, the emotional tone of the school environment was closely linked to the psychological well-being of teachers and their professional commitment. When it comes to healthcare, frontline staff such as doctors and nurses reported greater job satisfaction in environments where leadership was strong, recognition was visible, and emotional support was present. For other sectors, transparent communication, equitable treatment, and a sense of shared purpose played similarly important roles.

The results showed that these relationships do not arise automatically. In settings where leadership was absent or inconsistent, or where organisational values were unclear or contested, the positive link between organisational climate and job satisfaction was considerably weakened. This, the researchers suggest, means that management practices, and the extent to which they cultivate a coherent and supportive organisational culture, are critical factors to be considered.

Geraldo-Campos, L.A. and Haro-Zea, K.L. (2025) ‘Is there a relationship between organisational climate and job satisfaction? A view from a systematic review and metaanalysis’, World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 21, No. 2, pp.23–53.

Free Open Access article available: "Firm size as a moderator in the relationship between tax compliance and business performance: a study of Vietnamese enterprises"

The following International Journal of Economics and Business Research article, "Firm size as a moderator in the relationship between tax compliance and business performance: a study of Vietnamese enterprises", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Important notice regarding journal name similarity

Please be aware that the African Journal of Economic and Sustainable Development (AJESD) published by Inderscience Publishers since 2012 is a distinct and independently managed journal and is not affiliated in any way with similarly titled publications published by other providers.

Our journal maintains a rigorous peer-review process, is indexed in established databases, and operates under recognised ethical publishing standards.

To avoid confusion, we encourage authors to ensure they submit through the official Inderscience-hosted platform: http://www.indersciencesubmissions.com

Free Open Access article available: "Evaluating sustainable development goals through market capitalisation: where we are half way and future research ahead"

The following World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development article, "Evaluating sustainable development goals through market capitalisation: where we are half way and future research ahead", 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 Economics and Business Research

The International Journal of Economics and Business Research has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.

• Firm size as a moderator in the relationship between tax compliance and business performance: a study of Vietnamese enterprises
• The influence of knowledge sharing behaviour on employees' innovative work behaviour: the moderating role of perceived supervisor support

Research pick: Ocean of motion – Modelling coastal flood risks - "Numerical modelling of wave propagation in shallow water"

Computational modelling could improve how scientists and planners understand and prepare for natural disasters on our coasts and even inland. Writing in the International Journal of Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Optimisation, the team explains how they used MATLAB to develop a model to simulate the movement of water in shallow regions, along coastlines, in rivers, and reservoirs. The model offers a clearer, more adaptable way to anticipate the consequences of dam failures and natural hazards such as tsunami and storm surges.

Low-lying regions and islands are increasingly vulnerable to flooding and extreme weather events, compounded by climate change and expanding populations. Existing early-warning systems rely heavily on models that can simulate water flow with high precision. However, capturing the complexity of wave behaviour in shallow water is problematic. The new model aims to overcome the problems with a flexible, computationally efficient approach.

The team explains that their model uses shallow water equations, a set of mathematical formulae derived from the principles of conservation of mass and momentum in fluid dynamics. These equations describe how water behaves when its depth is relatively low compared to the wavelength of the waves, a condition common in estuaries, floodplains, and near the shoreline. In such settings, water waves tend to grow steeper and taller as they slow down. This can lead to powerful surges capable of overwhelming infrastructure and communities.

To solve these equations, the research used a numerical technique known as the finite difference method. This involves overlaying a grid on to the simulation area and calculating how water levels and flow velocities change over time at each grid point. The result is a dynamic simulation that captures the evolution of wave patterns under different conditions.

The model is highly flexible, which means it can be customised for different simulation areas and physical boundary conditions, such as whether wave energy dissipates on the shoreline or is reflected by sea defences, harbour walls, and other solid structures. The scientists can thus model a variety of real-world scenarios, from the breaching of a dam to the arrival of a tsunami in a harbour. The model can also produce an animated visualisation so that researchers and emergency managers can see how events might unfold.

Pugazendi, V. and Ntantis, E.L. (2025) ‘Numerical modelling of wave propagation in shallow water’, Int. J. Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Optimisation, Vol. 15, No. 5, pp.1–15.

Prof. Xiang Wang appointed as new Editor in Chief of International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties

Prof. Xiang Wang from the University of Science and Technology Beijing in China has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties.

Free Open Access article available: "Numerical modelling of wave propagation in shallow water"

The following International Journal of Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Optimisation article, "Numerical modelling of wave propagation in shallow water", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: IT’s my life: How tech-savvy CEOs drive change - "CEO’s IT background, attention configuration and digital innovation"

Research in the International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management offers new insights into a little-explored factor in corporate digital transformation: the personal experience of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) with information technology. The research is based on an analysis of more than a decade’s worth of data from Chinese public companies. It shows that companies with an IT-savvy CEO are much better-equipped to benefit from digital innovation.

The researchers drew data from non-financial A-share companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges and used statistical modelling and advanced text analysis to track how CEOs engage with digital technology. Specifically, the team looked for how often CEOs referenced digital technologies in corporate documents, such as annual reports and public statements. The results showed that CEOs with prior IT experience are not only more attuned to digital issues but also more likely to translate that attention into tangible innovations within their company, such as new products, services, and digital processes.

It was perhaps always obvious that tech-savvy CEOs in high-tech sectors would fare well. But, the work shows that companies with fewer financial constraints, and those operating in highly competitive markets, are able to cope and adapt to changes in the digital world. Indeed, the CEO’s technological understanding becomes a major determinant of innovation success in such companies.

The role of the CEO is contrasted with that of the Chief Information Officer (CIO), who is the executive typically charged with overseeing technology within a company. While CIOs play an operational role, the study finds that CEOs with IT backgrounds exert a broader and more strategic influence. This is largely because CEOs control the firm’s overall direction and have greater authority over resource allocation.

There are implications for firms operating in economies still building their digital infrastructure, namely China, and many other parts of the developing world. The research suggests that appointing tech-savvy leaders can help bridge the gap between policy ambition and operational execution.

Zhang, X., Chen, J. and Xu, L. (2025) ‘CEO’s IT background, attention configuration and digital innovation’, Int. J. Technology, Policy and Management, Vol. 25, No. 5, pp.1–25.

Free Open Access article available: "Message characteristics of tweets and retweets from public and private bank users in Thailand"

The following International Journal of Business Information Systems article, "Message characteristics of tweets and retweets from public and private bank users in Thailand", 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: "Moderating effect of psychological distance on the impact of cause-related marketing on tourism relationship value"

The following International Journal of Services and Operations Management article, "Moderating effect of psychological distance on the impact of cause-related marketing on tourism relationship value", 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 Water

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

• Physiochemical and geospatial analysis of groundwater quality of Myorpur block, Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, India
• A study on the assessment of pollution and strategies for rejuvenation of Bharathapuzha river in Kerala, India
• Monitoring drought condition through detecting the vegetation condition index at Barry City in Wales, UK using temporal Landsat imageries
• Understanding and mitigating extreme rainfall events in Jeddah: a comprehensive analysis of the November 24, 2022, flash flood and historical trends