Research pick: Avatars and access - "Beyond avatars and access: rethinking digital identity governance in the metaverse"

Research in the International Journal of Web Based Communities has looked at how digital identity might be governed online and specifically in the so-called metaverse. The study found that current frameworks for digital identity are ill-equipped for emerging immersive online environments, which sit under the umbrella term “metaverse”. The work argues that regulators must move from a privacy-focused approach to one that is broader and rights-based.

The study finds that digital identity in the metaverse extends well beyond usernames and authentication. It encompasses avatars, digital personas, identity credentials, data collected by internet-connected sensors, and the relationships and behavioural traces created through continuous interaction in these virtual environments. The team led participatory workshops with young adults to examine three scenarios: social media influencing, extended reality (XR) workplaces, and integrated public-private healthcare.

In each scenario, the team found that the immersive environments blurred the lines between public and private life. They also increased “datafication”, the conversion of everyday behaviour into data that can be analysed and monetised by platform operators, employers, and technology providers. The researchers argue that this new concentration of power compromises user privacy and exposes them to harms the blame for which cannot be readily apportioned.

There is thus an urgent need for a new approach to governance that is centred on human rights and embeds ethical considerations into technology development.

Anand, N. and Hazarika, B. (2026) ‘Beyond avatars and access: rethinking digital identity governance in the metaverse‘, Int. J. Web-Based Communities, Vol. 22, No. 5, pp.1-32.

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Free Open Access special issue on "The Application of Advanced Materials for Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing – Part 2" published by International Journal of Materials and Product Technology

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

• Colour fixation process and colour fastness improvement strategies for natural plant dyes in functional clothing fabrics
• Algorithm for visual communication design: generating textures of composite materials using artificial intelligence
• Design of a GUI framework for digital home appliance products based on artificial intelligence
• Preparation of intelligent responsive printing materials and their application in anti-counterfeiting and packaging
• Crack resistance and toughening mechanism of nano-SiO2 reinforced PVA fibre cement matrix composites in steel bridge engineering
• Parametric design in ceramic product form generation and manufacturing optimisation
• Preparation and performance of supramolecular polymer-based piezoresistive damping composites
• Composite material surface texture generation and cultural and creative design application based on generative adversarial networks

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Wireless and Mobile Computing

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Wireless and Mobile Computing are now available here for free:

• Energy harvesting-based trust-aware medical data transmission model with multi-objective function in cognitive radio network
• Hybrid ECD model for firewall tuning and attack detection
• Enhancing energy efficiency and QoS in 5G networks with dynamic resource optimisation green communication protocol
• An evaluation model for college students' mental health based on machine learning algorithm
• Improved multilevel scaled cognitive diagnostic model as an aid in mental health education
• Multiscale modelling and control of inductively coupled plasma etching based on recurrent neural networks
• AGOA: Adam gazelle optimisation algorithm for collaborative e-learning application in cloud computing with load balancing
• Energy-efficient dynamic load balanced clustering for MANET
• Research on system parameter optimisation in electromagnetic tomography technology

Prof. Yang Li appointed as new Editor in Chief of International Journal of Metadata, Semantics and Ontologies

Associate Prof. Yang Li from Shihezi University in China has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Metadata, Semantics and Ontologies.

Research pick: Code is in the air - "Elastic allocation and recovery of airport computing resources in response to strong disturbances in flight flows"

Airports could become better able to withstand major operational disruptions under a new computing system designed to keep digital services running during periods of intense pressure. Details are reported in the International Journal of Reasoning-based Intelligent Systems.

The researchers have developed a resource management framework, known as EAR-Sys, that dynamically reallocates computing capacity when severe weather, air traffic control restrictions or other emergencies lead to widespread flight delays, diversions, and cancellations. In simulations using real airport data, they showed that they could reduce the average computing delay by more than 14 per cent and cut recovery time after computing overload from 28 seconds to 22 seconds.

Modern airports rely on networks of computers to support flight scheduling, passenger information, and operational coordination. During major disruptions, these systems are often overwhelmed by a surge in requests as flights are rescheduled and information is updated. The proposed framework combines a spatio-temporal graph with reinforcement learning to redistribute the computational workload before any failures cascade through the network.

Unlike conventional systems, which typically allocate resources using historical demand and recover from failures only after they occur, the new approach continuously monitors changing conditions and proactively shifts computing tasks to less heavily loaded machines.

Wang, W. (2026) ‘Elastic allocation and recovery of airport computing resources in response to strong disturbances in flight flows’, Int. J. Reasoning-based Intelligent Systems, Vol. 18, No. 17, pp.48–66.

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New Open Access article available: "An intelligent fuzzy evaluation model for digital heritage design: a cyber-physical systems perspective on closed-loop feedback mechanisms"

The following International Journal of Systems, Control and Communications article, "An intelligent fuzzy evaluation model for digital heritage design: a cyber-physical systems perspective on closed-loop feedback mechanisms", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free 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.

• Biomechanical analysis of multi-sensor fusion shooting action based on spatiotemporal graph convolutional network
• Identification of consumption effects and heterogeneity detection in the digital economy using PSO-BP and a causal inference framework
• Dynamic scheduling and recommendation of cultural tourism resources using AlphaEvolve and graph convolutional networks
• A long-term system for enhancing teachers' AI application skills based on causal inference and reinforcement learning
• The dynamic reform path of teaching standards for digital media technology programs based on outcomes-based education and cognitive psychology

Research pick: Climate washes over human activity in the Yellow River Basin - "Temporal and spatial pattern of vegetation community diversity in Henan section of the Yellow River Basin based on remote sensing and ecological model"

Climate drives vegetation patterns across the Henan section of China’s Yellow River Basin, research in the International Journal of Environmental Engineering shows. However, expanding agriculture and urbanisation do have a detrimental impact on plant diversity in heavily developed areas, according to the study. The findings are based on satellite observations and ecological modelling of the region.

The researchers analysed vegetation change using satellite images and a model, MaxEnt, that predicts where species are likely to occur. They also used the Community Land Model, which simulates how ecosystems respond to changing climate and land conditions.

The team found that the average vegetation cover, as measured by the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index, increased across the region. However, recovery was uneven. Mountainous western areas improved more rapidly than the eastern plains, where cultivation and urban expansion have reduced natural vegetation. They add that climate variables, particularly temperature and rainfall, could explain almost half of the variation in vegetation patterns, but diversity was especially sensitive to autumn temperature fluctuations.

The work also shows a strong negative relationship between the intensity of human activity and plant diversity. Although ecological restoration projects increased shrub and grass richness in some areas, large-scale tree planting sometimes reduced the variety of plants growing beneath the forest canopy.

Overall, the findings might provide a framework for identifying where natural regeneration should be prioritised and where more targeted restoration is needed.

Pei, Y., Zhang, X. and Wang, Y. (2026) ‘Temporal and spatial pattern of vegetation community diversity in Henan section of the Yellow River Basin based on remote sensing and ecological model’, Int. J. Environmental Engineering, Vol. 14, No. 6, pp.1–24.

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Free 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.

• Optimisation design of electric vehicle charging stations based on GAN and reinforcement learning
• Research on the application of personalised recommendation algorithm for university translation teaching based on big data analysis summary
• Supply-demand matching and personalised recommendation system of educational resources based on deep learning
• Analysis of children's painting quality using reinforcement learning and U-Net algorithm
• Semantic-enhanced multimodal feature fusion for English rhythm analysis

Research pick: Build a better lectern and they will stand - "A user-centred ergonomic redesign of a university lectern significantly mitigates postural risk and enhances usability: evidence from REBA and SUS assessments"

Lecterns have been a feature of public speaking for centuries. Research in the International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics has developed a new design based around body measurements and working patterns of university instructors to reduce postural health risks linked to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Lecturers rated it easier to use than conventional lecterns, the study reports.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders include injuries affecting muscles, joints and tendons that develop or worsen through workplace activities. University instructors are particularly susceptible because teaching often combines prolonged standing, computer work, and sustained awkward postures that can contribute to neck, shoulder and lower back pain.

The researchers recruited 34 instructors and first analysed how they used conventional lecterns. They then built a prototype for a new type of lectern based on anthropometric data, measurements of human body size and proportions collected.

The team assessed posture using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), an ergonomic tool that estimates the risk of injury from working posture, movement, and force. Lower scores indicate lower risk and less need for corrective action. Instructors using the new lectern achieved a REBA score of 3, compared with 4 for conventional lecterns, indicating a reduced ergonomic risk. They also applied the System Usability Scale (SUS), a standard questionnaire that rates how easy and effective a product is to use. The ergonomic lectern achieved an average score well above that obtained for conventional lecterns.

Naserabadi, S.R., Nejad, N.H., Karamoozian, A. and Mohammadian, M. (2026) ‘A user-centred ergonomic redesign of a university lectern significantly mitigates postural risk and enhances usability: evidence from REBA and SUS assessments’, Int. J. Human Factors and Ergonomics, Vol. 13, No. 1, pp.1–17.

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Free 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.

• Model of ESG indicators in a Brazilian construction company
• Digital transformation and firm performance in Vietnamese food enterprises: evidence on the roles of ambidextrous innovation and organisational readiness

Free 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.

• A method for improving English text translation quality by combining BERT and knowledge graphs
• Knowledge graph-enhanced reinforcement learning for generating students personalised career progression sequences
• Implicit measurement of college students' values driven by multimodal affective computing
• Dynamic verification model for cross-border data privacy compliance using federated learning
• Dynamic promotion resource allocation and capacity planning system using utility computing

Research pick: AI in the real world - "Towards general embodied intelligence: integrating large language models, knowledge bases, and reasoning capabilities to build the next generation of AI agents"

A review of artificial intelligence research in the International Journal of Hydromechatronics suggests that combining large language models (LLMs), structured knowledge systems, and physical agents could help create machines capable of understanding, reasoning, and acting in complex environments.

The study examines how LLMs, AI systems trained on extensive text data, might be integrated with knowledge bases, which organise information about the world, and reasoning mechanisms that can produce logical conclusions. The researchers propose a conceptual framework for general embodied intelligence (GEI) and show how these elements might interact.

Current LLMs, familiar to many people as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and others, have strong language abilities but lack direct connection to the physical world. By contrast, embodied AI systems, such as robots, can perform tasks like navigation and object handling in the physical world but commonly do not have inbuilt complex reasoning and adaptation systems.

The researchers suggest that combining these two areas of technology could allow agents to use language for planning, memory, and decision-making while working with real-world conditions. However, challenges remain, including the symbol grounding problem, which boils down to the inherent difficulty in converting abstract language into physical actions.

The review identifies five priorities for progress: efficient AI deployment, integration of updated knowledge sources, improved neural and symbolic reasoning, stronger links between perception and action, and continual learning. If these are implemented successfully, then applications in healthcare support, adaptable manufacturing, and robotics for domestic and even hazardous environments might open up.

Yuan, F., Huang, X., Wang, L., Ding, J., Tian, Z., Wang, Y., Gu, S., Funabora, Y., Peng, Y. and Mao, Z. (2026) ‘Towards general embodied intelligence: integrating large language models, knowledge bases, and reasoning capabilities to build the next generation of AI agents’, Int. J. Hydromechatronics, Vol. 9, No. 2, pp.250–316.

News media may use this press release as source material, in whole or in part, provided the content is not materially misrepresented. A link back to the original article is appreciated.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Bibliometrics in Business and Management

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Bibliometrics in Business and Management are now available here for free:

• Investigating customer involvement, customer engagement dimensions, and customer loyalty in the smartphone industry: a social exchange theory perspective
• Exploring accounting research repository for innovation in higher education curriculum and contemporary market demand
• Research quality framework for universities and research institutions
• Nobel laureates and new institutional economics: a bibliometric analysis of Douglass North, Ronald Coase, Elinor Ostrom, and Oliver Williamson

Free 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.

• A construction behaviour prediction method for cable tunnels based on Qwen3-VL temporal enhancement
• Predicting elderly care needs via spatio-temporal transformer and reinforcement learning
• Deep learning-based time series simulation and forecasting of stock market risks
• Edge-empowered hierarchical attention network for accurate English text source tracing
• A groundbreaking algorithm for deconstructing wind instrument rhythms via transformer architecture and DTW

Research pick: The concrete and the clay - "Hydration and mortar properties of municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash as a cement substitute"

Research in the International Journal of Environmental Engineering has demonstrated that bottom ash from incinerated municipal solid waste could be used below a certain concentration as a filler in cement without loss of material strength in construction materials.

The researchers studied micronised powder recycled from bottom ash, a finely ground residue from waste incineration. They tested its chemical composition and performance as a component of mortar, a cement, sand, and water mixture used in construction.

Municipal waste incineration reduces landfill demand and can generate energy but produces large quantities of ash residues. In China’s major cities more than 200 million tonnes of municipal waste are incinerated annually, while almost 20 million tonnes are sent to landfill.

The IJEE paper discusses how bottom ash contains key cement-related minerals, including silicon dioxide, calcium oxide, aluminium oxide and iron oxide. After milling to a particle size of less than 100 micrometres, this material can be used in cement hydration, the chemical process that takes place allowing cement to harden.

However, replacing any more than 30% of the cement with this material reduces the 28-day compressive strength by half and flexural strength by more than a quarter. That said, a longer curing period did eventually see an increase in both compressive and flexural strength.

The researchers recommend lower replacement levels for general construction, with higher proportions reserved for applications such as pavement bases where bending resistance is important. The findings highlight the potential of recycling incineration residues while identifying barriers to wider use.

Cheng, Y. and Mu, W. (2026) ‘Hydration and mortar properties of municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash as a cement substitute’, Int. J. Environmental Engineering, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp.183–198.

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New Open Access article available: "Trends and topics in arts education and artificial intelligence: a systematic review using a human-in-the-loop model"

The following International Journal of Arts and Technology article, "Trends and topics in arts education and artificial intelligence: a systematic review using a human-in-the-loop model", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free 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.

• New media public opinion classification technology integrating improved feature selection algorithm and multi-channel random undersampling
• Gradient sparsity compression algorithm for incremental pre-training of large models in power communication scenarios
• Corporate loan risk prediction model based on improved LightGBM
• Research on two-stage distributed collaborative media transmission optimisation based on improved K-means and improved BEGA
• Design and implementation of an immersive virtual simulation learning system for Chinese tea culture

Research pick: Filtering the fake news flunkies - "Decoding user behaviour: identifying user’s prone to misinformation sharing on social media during disasters"

People who receive information on social media play a greater role in the spread of misinformation than research has acknowledged, according to research in the International Journal of Enterprise Network Management. The researchers argue that efforts to tackle “fake news” should focus as much on why users share false information as on identifying those who create the misleading content.

The work combined a review of evidence on the trust and beliefs that influence misinformation sharing and an unsupervised machine learning analysis of user behaviour. The researchers could thus develop a conceptual model to help users recognise and respond more effectively to putatively false information. The model also identified behavioural patterns associated with users who repeatedly share misinformation.

The work addresses what the authors describe as a gap in misinformation research, which has focused on the origin of fake news and the structure of online networks, rather than the decisions made by those seeing and sharing this content.

The findings have particular relevance during emergencies, when social media often becomes a primary source of information. The researchers say the findings could be used to improve social media platform policies, help in the development of media literacy programmes, fact-checking initiatives, and moderation systems aimed at reducing the circulation of misleading information, and improve public trust in information shared online.

Periaiya, S. and SobhaGopi, V. (2026) ‘Decoding user behaviour: identifying user’s prone to misinformation sharing on social media during disasters’, Int. J. Enterprise Network Management, Vol. 17, No. 2, pp.190–214.

News media may use this press release as source material, in whole or in part, provided the content is not materially misrepresented. A link back to the original article is appreciated.

New Open Access article available: "Beyond avatars and access: rethinking digital identity governance in the metaverse"

The following International Journal of Web Based Communities article, "Beyond avatars and access: rethinking digital identity governance in the metaverse", 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 Human Factors and Ergonomics

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics are now available here for free:

• Passenger comfort over time: stationary vs. driven scenarios and implications for study design
• Human factors and ergonomics considerations in the industrial metaverse
• Development of a gripping comfort evaluation method based on numerical simulations using individual hand finite element models
• Website complexity and usability: is there a role for mental workload?
• Decision making in exceptional circumstances: experts' attitude towards artefacts as preparation for encountering unexpected situations

New Open Access article available: "The evolution of showrooming in emerging fashion markets: value co-creation and co-destruction during digital transformation"

The following International Journal of Business and Emerging Markets article, "The evolution of showrooming in emerging fashion markets: value co-creation and co-destruction during digital transformation", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access special issue on "Adaptive Learning Environments with Mobile and Intelligent Technologies" published by International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation

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

• AI tutoring system: adaptive learning with mobile technology for Gen Z university students
• Students' perceived social connection in verbal interactions with GenAI chatbots and classroom peers
• Determinants of collaborative learning in online distance education: the role of self-efficacy as a mediator
• Virtual reality-enhanced learning for ESL/EFL presentation skills: effects on holistic learning outcomes
• Eat, play, discover: a cross-cultural serious game for children's self-exploration and nutritional awareness
• Intelligent academic analytics for early identification of student support needs

Research pick: Living in a less material world - "Rediscovering life through minimalism: a qualitative perspective of millennials using MCDM approach"

Consumer behaviour accounts for almost two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions. Research in the International Journal of Business Excellence argues that reducing absolute consumption, rather than simply making it greener, needs to be a priority in environmental policy.

The researchers considered the concept of minimalist living. This is a lifestyle based on intentionally having fewer possessions and consuming less overall. The research has looked at factors that are most likely to encourage the adoption of a minimalist lifestyle among the millennial generation, those born in the period around 1981 to 1996. The team identified 16 potential enablers and ranked them using interpretive structural modelling (ISM). This method maps relationships between interconnected factors to determine which have the most influence on an outcome.

The analysis shows that a strong sustainability orientation, innovative thinking, and a focus on reducing unnecessary possessions were the most influential drivers of minimalist behaviour. They also found that digitalisation, voluntary simplicity, lifestyle change, greater awareness of stress and anxiety, and changing aesthetic preferences were important factors.

The researchers explain that understanding these various drivers could help policymakers and businesses encourage lower-consumption lifestyles through environmental education and initiatives that make sustainable choices easier to adopt. The authors say their work fills a gap in research on what motivates minimalism, particularly among millennials, as climate and resource concerns prompt renewed interest in lower-consumption lifestyles.

Jain, V.K., Gupta, A. and Verma, H. (2026) ‘Rediscovering life through minimalism: a qualitative perspective of millennials using MCDM approach’, Int. J. Business Excellence, Vol. 39, No. 3, pp.291–313.

News media may use this press release as source material, in whole or in part, provided the content is not materially misrepresented. A link back to the original article is appreciated.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Supply Chain and Operations Resilience

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Supply Chain and Operations Resilience are now available here for free:

• Cruising towards supply chain viability: a tripartite perspective through multi-stage focus groups
• Designing framework for quality valorisation of perishable commodities through Agriculture Supply Chain 4.0: an emerging economy perspective
• Social and environmental disclosure and supply chain performance: mediating role of firm reputation
• Scientometric review of global e-procurement research trends from 1976 to 2022
• The effect of supply chain collaboration on new product performance: the mediating roles of innovation capability and knowledge sharing

Free Open Access issue published by International Journal of Business Information Systems

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

• Transforming human resource practices through AI-driven HRIS: a two-decade bibliometric and systematic review
• The dark sides of AI systems and their impact on business sustainability: a socio-technical systems perspective

New Open Access article available: "Temporal and spatial pattern of vegetation community diversity in Henan section of the Yellow River Basin based on remote sensing and ecological model"

The following International Journal of Environmental Engineering article, "Temporal and spatial pattern of vegetation community diversity in Henan section of the Yellow River Basin based on remote sensing and ecological model", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: What’s going down in the mining sector? - "A review of the negative impact of adopting fourth industrial revolution technology in South Africa’s mining industry"

South Africa’s mining industry risks increased inequality through the adoption of fourth industrial revolution technologies unless automation is matched by stronger governance and workforce support, according to a review in the International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering. The fourth industrial revolution refers to the growing use of digital technologies to improve industrial operations.

The researchers looked at the peer-reviewed research alongside industry and policy reports to distinguish documented effects from speculation. They found that adoption of technologies such as autonomous vehicles, drones, smart sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI) are constrained by high investment costs, a shortage of specialist skills, regulatory uncertainty, and resistance to organisational change.

Digital technology can increase productivity, improve safety, and enable real-time monitoring of equipment and hazards. The review found, however, that documented risks including job displacement among low- and semi-skilled workers, security threats to critical infrastructure, ethical concerns over AI-driven decision-making, digital workplace surveillance, and the exclusion of smaller suppliers unable to meet technology-intensive standards are all ongoing problems in the sector.

The review challenges the received wisdom concerning mining automation. The team suggests that technological change will require updated employment law, stronger oversight of automated systems, investment in worker retraining, and measures to help local businesses integrate into increasingly digital mining supply chains.

Tingini, T. and Githiria, J. (2026) ‘A review of the negative impact of adopting fourth industrial revolution technology in South Africa’s mining industry’, Int. J. Mining and Mineral Engineering, Vol. 17, No. 5, pp.1–28.

News media may use this press release as source material, in whole or in part, provided the content is not materially misrepresented. A link back to the original article is appreciated.

Free 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.

• Research on the key technology of speech recognition in English interactive system
• Design and performance analysis of multipath DQN routing mechanism in high-dynamic power optical networks
• Multi-label text classification for power communication customer service system based on BR-GBDT with label correlation weighting
• Research on the construction of higher vocational curriculum system and path optimisation model based on knowledge graph
• Research on process optimisation and intelligent decision-making modelling of RPA in university fund management

Free Open Access special issue on "Intelligent Media Arts: Convergence of Technology, Creativity, and Performance – Part 1" published by International Journal of Arts and Technology

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

• Research on music interactive teaching mode based on wireless sensor network and multimodal data fusion
• Design of an art style transfer teaching platform based on generative adversarial networks
• Automatic melody generation and arrangement assistant system in music production based on transformer architecture
• Design of a polyphonic AI music generation algorithm based on transformer adversarial mechanism
• Intelligent emotion classification for college students in online education based on text clustering modelling
• Modelling and accuracy analysis of music style and beat feature recognition using a biological genetic algorithm

Research pick: A little less conversation - "Efficient post-training pruning of dialogue summarisation based on sensitivity evaluation"

Systems that can create a summary from conversations are much in demand in customer service, news rooms, and for virtual assistants. Research in the International Journal of Applied Pattern Recognition could improve processing speed and cut computational costs by using a new compression technique that avoids the lengthy retraining normally required after algorithm optimisation.

The researchers propose a framework that cuts the summarisation model’s computational workload by 30 to 40 per cent. It does so without compromising accuracy and works about one and a half times as fast as current methods. The team tested their system against five benchmark datasets and sustained performance to within 1 per cent of standard evaluation measures, including BLEU, ROUGE, METEOR and PARENT. Those evaluation tools compare computer-generated summaries against human-written references.

The team explains that they use structured pruning instead of retraining the entire model. This allowed them to optimise the model to meet a computational constraint known as a FLOPs budget, where FLOPs (floating-point operations) represent the amount of computation needed for the processing.

The optimisation process takes less than six minutes, compared with 15 to 93 hours for conventional retraining-based methods. However, the researchers note a sharp decline in performance if the FLOPs budget is too tight, specifically below 50 per cent of the original model. This, they explain, suggests limits to current compression techniques.

Liu, Y., Zhang, Y., Sun, H. and Zhang, X. (2026) ‘Efficient post-training pruning of dialogue summarisation based on sensitivity evaluation’, Int. J. Applied Pattern Recognition, Vol. 8, No. 3, pp.1–18.

News media may use this press release as source material, in whole or in part, provided the content is not materially misrepresented. A link back to the original article is appreciated.

Free 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.

• Time frequency feature extraction for surface electromyographic signals and computational simulation of sports injuries
• Ethnic dance movement recognition combining graph convolutional network and motion attention mechanism
• Multimodal transformer for teaching evaluation: integrating speech, text and behavioural modalities
• E-commerce agricultural product delivery route optimisation with clustering and time windows
• Resource recommendation for university libraries based on graph neural networks and DNN

New Open Access article available: "Efficient post-training pruning of dialogue summarisation based on sensitivity evaluation"

The following International Journal of Applied Pattern Recognition article, "Efficient post-training pruning of dialogue summarisation based on sensitivity evaluation", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access special issue on "Dynamical Systems in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Theory, Applications and Innovations: Part 2" published by International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology

The International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.

• Intelligent path planning method for UAV inspection of complex distribution network lines under multi-branch operation tasks
• A multi-dimensional time series algorithm for personalised recommendation in an innovation and entrepreneurship resource library
• Customer churn prediction in live e-commerce based on stacking ensemble learning
• An accurate prediction method of financial transaction risk based on multidimensional data mining
• English online interactive learning behaviour recognition based on face detection
• Chinese named entity recognition with a residual convolutional neural network
• An infrared thermography-based study on temperature anomaly identification for electrical cabinets in offshore wind farm substations
• Prediction of SF6/N2 decomposition gas concentration based on infrared spectroscopy data
• An automatic recommendation method for online teaching resources based on SA-BPNN multimodal fusion
• Action-guided masking strategy for recognising foul moves in track and field athletes
• Study on leveraging fuzzy neural networks for error labelling in English machine translation
• Study on global control of solar power generation by integrating maximum power point tracking
• Semantic-guided neural network for complex dance action recognition

Free 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.

• Relatively important node mining algorithm based on label propagation
• Real-time data processing of power wide-area digital metering equipment based on deep learning algorithms
• Integrating fuzzy logic with performance art pedagogies to reconstruct engineering simulation training
• Joint source-channel coding based on attention mechanisms in semantic communication
• A compatibility calculation model for clothing coordination based on transformers and graph convolutional networks

Research pick: Advert provocateur - "Beyond the norm: exploring the paradigm shift in advertising tactics towards the unconventional and provocative"

A study of digital advertising in the International Journal of Business and Systems Research suggests that memorable visuals are more likely to encourage consumers to buy than campaigns that rely primarily on emotional impact. The findings challenge the received wisdom about how online advertising influences behaviour.

The researchers analysed survey responses from more than 400 participants using structural equation modelling. This statistical technique tests relationships between multiple factors simultaneously. They examined how four advertising characteristics, provocativeness, emotional tone, cultural relevance, and visual appeal, affected purchase intention through two pathways. The first of these was emotional response, meaning the feelings an advertisement evokes, and the second was advertisement recall, or how well people remembered the details of the campaign.

The findings indicate that provocative advertising and culturally relevant messages were effective at generating emotional reactions. However, those emotional responses did not translate into stronger purchase intentions. Similarly, an advertisement’s emotional tone neither improved recall nor influenced buying intentions.

By contrast, visually appealing advertisements consistently improved advertisement recall, and, in turn, stronger recall was linked to greater purchase intention. The results suggest that memory, rather than emotion alone, is the more reliable route from advertising exposure to consumer action.

The research addresses a gap in advertising studies, which have traditionally focused on factors such as credibility and informativeness rather than the effects of provocative or culturally tailored content. As brands compete for attention on social media platforms, the findings imply that striking imagery may be more effective when it helps audiences remember a message, rather than simply provoking an emotional reaction. For advertisers, in other words, the study suggests that attention-grabbing or controversial campaigns may need to be paired with memorable visual design to influence purchasing decisions.

Haile, T.T. (2026) ‘Beyond the norm: exploring the paradigm shift in advertising tactics towards the unconventional and provocative’, Int. J. Business and Systems Research, Vol. 20, No. 3, pp.235–256.

News media may use this press release as source material, in whole or in part, provided the content is not materially misrepresented. A link back to the original article is appreciated.

Free 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.

• Blind source separation of music signals based on improved SCA algorithm
• Digital profiling for early perception of academic risk: fusing multi-source heterogeneous data on student behaviour
• Real-time cognitive transfer tracking: a dual-stream network for online teaching evaluation
• Fine-grained sentiment classification of consumer reviews based on anchoring bias characteristics
• Efficient clustering algorithm based on fusion graph transformation and self-attention in big data scenes

Editor in Chief invites submissions for the International Journal of Applied Pattern Recognition

Prof. Xilong Qu, Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Applied Pattern Recognition (IJAPR), cordially invites high-quality original submissions presenting advances in pattern recognition methods, systems and real-world applications.

IJAPR provides an international and interdisciplinary forum for researchers, academics, engineers, developers and industry professionals to disseminate research that combines methodological innovation, scientific rigour and practical relevance.

The journal welcomes

• Original research papers
• Review articles
• Short papers
• Application-oriented and interdisciplinary studies
• Proposals for special issues on important and emerging topics

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to

• Image, face, speech, speaker and biometric recognition
• Natural object, insect and plant recognition
• Natural language recognition and analysis
• Predictive modelling and large-scale data forecasting
• Geographic and spatial applications
• Pattern recognition in biosciences and health informatics
• Applications in library and information science
• Pattern recognition in computational science
• Real-world data analytics
• Evaluation, benchmarking, testing and standardisation of pattern recognition systems
• Emerging and interdisciplinary applications of pattern recognition

IJAPR particularly encourages submissions that address significant scientific or industrial challenges, introduce innovative methods or demonstrate clear value in practical applications.

The journal is indexed by the Web of Science Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), DBLP, Computer Science Bibliography, Google Scholar and in other international databases.

Researchers working in relevant fields are warmly invited to submit their latest work to IJAPR and contribute to the advancement of applied pattern recognition research.

For further information, author guidelines and online submission, please visit the IJAPR homepage.

Research pick: Tales from the crypto - "What drives consumers to purchase cryptocurrencies? An empirical investigation"

Consumers are more likely to buy cryptocurrencies when they see them as easy to use, trustworthy, and beneficial, according to research in the International Journal of Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies, which has used the Technology Acceptance Model as a framework to examine perception and adoption.

The team analysed survey data using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). This statistical approach can test relationships between various factors simultaneously. This allowed the researchers to discern that perceived ease of use, trust, and benefits all had significant direct effects on a consumer’s intention to buy cryptocurrency. Trust showed the strongest relationship, followed by ease of use, and finally benefits. Perceived risk reduced perceptions of benefit, but this link was not statistically significant, the team reports.

The findings suggest that concerns over volatility, cybersecurity, and the minimal regulation surrounding cryptocurrencies do not necessarily deter buyers if the platforms are seen as reliable and straightforward to use. The researchers argue that consumers are more likely to recognise advantages such as lower transaction costs, borderless payments, and investment portfolio diversification when they trust the technology and can navigate it easily.

The study has implications beyond cryptocurrency markets as governments and financial regulators consider how to oversee such digital assets. The authors recommend that there should be put in place clearer investor-protection rules, standardised compliance procedures, and enforcement of ethical marketing to reduce systemic financial risks.

They also argue that digital platform providers should prioritise stronger cybersecurity, transparent fee disclosures, and accessible interfaces to strengthen user confidence while protecting financial and personal data.

Jain, R. and Sharma, S. (2026) ‘What drives consumers to purchase cryptocurrencies? An empirical investigation’, Int. J. Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies, Vol. 7, No. 3, pp.291–307.

News media may use this press release as source material, in whole or in part, provided the content is not materially misrepresented. A link back to the original article is appreciated.

Free Open Access special issue on "Intelligent Multimedia Technologies in Cultural Tourism: Enhancing Artistic Expression and Humanistic Engagement – Part 1" published by International Journal of Arts and Technology

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

• Improvement of online music teaching system in cultural tourism assisted by artificial intelligence
• Intelligent teaching methods of music appreciation based on the Kano model in the context of cultural tourism
• The international communication of Chinese red classics by multimodal information fusion and deep learning VGG network
• The role of SARIMA-BP model for development strategy of broadcasting and hosting art under online security network platform
• The impact of VR-integrated piano music appreciation instruction in cultural tourism modules
• Multimedia artificial intelligence for innovative system of university cultural tourism music education based on fuzzy theory
• Optimisation of digital music teaching system based on artificial intelligence and neural network in the context of cultural tourism
• The impact of print advertising images with Miao silver jewellery patterns in cultural tourism under the intelligent generation system
• Singing simulation of male characters in national operas based on PiGAN-SwT model and artificial neural network technology oriented by cultural tourism
• Deep learning and AI technology for the integrated development of urban-rural cultural tourism and sports services

New Open Access article available: "When political embeddedness shapes ESG practice corporate governance"

The following International Journal of Managerial and Financial Accounting article, "When political embeddedness shapes ESG practice corporate governance", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Call for Editors and Editorial Board Members for the International Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Performance Evaluation

The International Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Performance Evaluation (IJAAPE) is seeking distinguished scholars and experienced academics to join its Editorial Team under the leadership of the new Editor in Chief, Prof. Khaled Hussainey. Prof. Hussainey invites applications from committed researchers with strong publication records, editorial experience, and expertise in accounting, auditing, performance evaluation and related disciplines.

Editorial Opportunities

Regional Editors

Regional Editors are expected to promote the journal within their geographical regions, strengthen regional research networks and attract high-quality submissions. Applications are particularly welcome from scholars representing regions such as America, Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Associate Editors

Associate Editors play an active role in managing the peer-review process, recommending editorial decisions and contributing to the strategic development of the journal. Candidates should be internationally recognised experts with a strong publication record and previous editorial or reviewing experience.

Editorial Board Members

Editorial Board Members are senior academics who contribute to the journal by reviewing manuscripts, advising on editorial matters and promoting the journal within their research communities and professional networks. Members are expected to actively support the journal's growth and reputation.

Eligibility

Applicants should have the following:A PhD in accounting, auditing, performance evaluation or a closely related discipline.
A strong international publication record.
Experience as a reviewer, editorial board member, or journal editor.
An active international research network.

Interested applicants should submit a current CV, a brief statement indicating the position sought and outlining their relevant experience, and a summary of previous editorial experience (where applicable) to the Editor in Chief, Prof. Khaled Hussainey, at k.hussainey@bangor.ac.uk. The application deadline is 31 July, 2026.

International Journal of International Journal of Internet Protocol Technology is now an open access-only journal

We are pleased to announce that the International Journal of Internet Protocol Technology is now an Open Access-only journal. All accepted articles submitted from 16 July 2026 onwards will be Open Access, and will require an article processing charge of EUR €1700.

New Open Access article available: "Assessing intercultural communicative competence: a survey-based needs analysis of Thai university students"

The following International Journal of Innovation and Learning article, "Assessing intercultural communicative competence: a survey-based needs analysis of Thai university students", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: AI is not yet the answer to detecting software vulnerabilities - "Large language models for vulnerability detection: a multi-use case comparative study"

Writing in the International Journal of Applied Cryptography, a team compares eleven leading large language models (LLMs) for software security. They found that no single system consistently outperforms its rivals in detecting vulnerabilities. This, they suggest, means organisations must select such tools according to the specific software they are analysing.

The study assessed open-source and proprietary LLMs across four public benchmark datasets covering Android applications, Internet of Things (IoT) software, and blockchain smart contracts. They also tested whether the models could identify privacy-invasive behaviour in code and whether retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), a technique that supplements an AI model with external information during use, could improve detection.

The findings come as software vulnerabilities continue to rise. Industry reports cited by the authors suggest an almost two-thirds annual increase in newly discovered vulnerabilities compared with the previous year. Vulnerabilities that have been exploited have increased by 96%. They add that software supply chain attacks, which target the software development and distribution process, have also increased sharply.

Their findings show that while several models showed promise, performance varied across datasets and domains. The authors thus argue that current LLMs remain unsuitable as universal vulnerability detectors. Limitations include outdated training data and the well-known problem of AI hallucinations, where plausible, but false, outputs are presented as fact by the AI. This, they explain, highlights the need for continued updates and testing before deployment in security-critical workflows.

Kouliaridis, V., Karopoulos, G. and Kambourakis, G. (2026) ‘Large language models for vulnerability detection: a multi-use case comparative study’, Int. J. Applied Cryptography, Vol. 5, No. 6, pp.1–17.

News media may use this press release as source material, in whole or in part, provided the content is not materially misrepresented. A link back to the original article is appreciated.

New Open Access article available: "A review of the negative impact of adopting fourth industrial revolution technology in South Africa's mining industry"

The following International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering article, "A review of the negative impact of adopting fourth industrial revolution technology in South Africa's mining industry", 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 System Control and Information Processing

The following sample articles from the International Journal of System Control and Information Processing are now available here for free:

• Dynamic resource adjustment of hierarchical control Petri nets
• An ASMDO-based finite time safe control approach for unmanned aerial manipulator
• Integration of sensing, communication, and control for UAV-assisted data transmission in industrial IoT systems
• Sub-pixel resolution thematic map based on multi-source data fusion
• PCBA defect classification in real world with out-of-distribution detection

New Open Access article available: "Guidelines for the creative integration of workforce competency development with intelligent automation in industrial businesses"

The following International Journal of Business Performance Management article, "Guidelines for the creative integration of workforce competency development with intelligent automation in industrial businesses", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: Showboating in China? - "Costly signals and compliance boundaries in human rights diplomacy: China’s UPR engagement"

A study of China’s participation in United Nations human rights reviews argues that its public statements are more than diplomatic rhetoric. The paper published in the International Journal of Public Law and Policy also suggests that they serve as strategic signals that shape later negotiations.

The researchers analysed 51 statements made by China at the United Nations General Assembly between 2018 and 2024 alongside its responses to 428 recommendations during the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The latter is a UN process in which every member state undergoes a peer assessment of its human rights record.

The study identified three recurring themes in China’s human rights discourse. The first being the importance of economic development and basic living standards. The second, the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in domestic affairs. The third appeals to shared values across humanity. The authors argue that these themes define China’s negotiating boundaries.

The study found that China often accepts development-focused recommendations and even accepts policy commitments that carry implementation costs. However, recommendations that touched on issues Beijing sees as a matter of sovereignty were often rejected, despite the reputational costs of refusal.

The findings suggest that analysing a state’s public discourse may help anticipate where compromise is possible in international negotiations and where entrenched positions are likely to persist as competing interpretations of human rights become more prominent in an increasingly multipolar international system.

Jiang, Y. and Song, W. (2026) ‘Costly signals and compliance boundaries in human rights diplomacy: China’s UPR engagement’, Int. J. Public Law and Policy, Vol. 12, No. 5, pp.1–28.

News media may use this press release as source material, in whole or in part, provided the content is not materially misrepresented. A link back to the original article is appreciated.

Free Open Access special issue on "Big Data Industrial Application and Computing Innovation – Part 2" published by International Journal of Data Mining and Bioinformatics

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

• Construction of a natural gas pipeline intelligent early warning platform based on the integration of multi-source heterogeneous data management and GAN reinforcement learning
• Interactive AI virtual human synthesis technology based on multimedia visual images
• A cooperative evolutionary algorithm based on a double deep Q-network for adaptive robust service composition in cloud manufacturing
• Resource collaboration-aware service composition optimisation for cloud manufacturing
• Eye movement fixation point localisation and recognition method based on multimodal features
• Smart contract and distributed ledger based financial transaction settlement and tracking model design in digital economy

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles are now available here for free:

• Elucidations on different modes of charging techniques for enhancement of the performance of electric vehicles
• Thermal behaviours of large scale lithium-ion battery for electric vehicle and hybrid electric vehicle application: a review
• Research on two-stage on-board DC-DC converter and control technology
• Voltage lift technique-based quasi Z-source inverter for electric vehicle functioning

New Open Access article available: "Hearing the witness remotely in Jordanian law"

The following International Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics article, "Hearing the witness remotely in Jordanian law", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free 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.

• Probabilistic modelling and reliability analysis of smart grid optical communication networks
• Precursor detection for extreme weather in power facilities using deep residual shrinkage networks
• Quantification of the impact of meteorological large models based on transformer on electricity load
• Reinforcement learning-based AI framework for interference control in edge-IoT networks with limited resources
• Deep learning-driven vocal melody generation and simulation of polyphonic harmony arrangements

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

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation are now available here for free:

• Advancing research, innovation, and commercialisation strategies confronting the challenge of Varroa mites in Australia
• IT innovations, service equity and brand innovativeness: an analysis and comparison of service industries
• Crowdsourcing and small business challenges: how to leverage crowdsourcing benefits in the information and communications technology industry
• How do industrial value-added and technical innovation impact environmental deterioration in Asian nations?

Research pick: Alliance matters for disability inclusion at work - "Supervisor social support and disability inclusion: examining mediation and moderation in employee performance"

Supportive supervisors can improve the performance of employees with disabilities, according to research in the International Journal of Business Innovation and Research. However, the wider workplace environment determines how much that support translates into results.

The researchers analysed survey responses from 441 employees with disabilities and their supervisors across a range of organisations using partial least squares structural equation modelling. This is a statistical technique for examining relationships between multiple factors. The analysis showed that supervisors who provide practical, emotional, and informational support are associated with higher employee performance, both directly and indirectly.

A key mechanism was leader-member exchange, the team explains. This term describes the quality of the working relationship between a manager and an employee. Stronger, trust-based relationships partly explained why supportive supervision was linked to better performance. The findings also highlight the importance of organisational culture. A climate for psychological safety wherein employees feel able to speak up, ask for help, and raise concerns without fear of negative consequences led to greater benefits.

By contrast, stigma by association weakened those gains. This term refers to negative attitudes directed not only at the people with a disability but also at colleagues or supervisors who openly support them, potentially discouraging inclusive behaviour.

The researchers argue that the findings have implications for regions where disability inclusion remains underdeveloped. They recommend disability-focused training for supervisors, formal mentoring relationships between managers and employees with disabilities, regular assessments of psychological safety, and stronger anti-discrimination policies that protect both disabled employees and those who advocate for them.

Slade, H., Sohail, M., Ahmad, A. and Sheraz, F. (2026) ‘Supervisor social support and disability inclusion: examining mediation and moderation in employee performance’, Int. J. Business Innovation and Research, Vol. 40, No. 8, pp.1–27.

News media may use this press release as source material, in whole or in part, provided the content is not materially misrepresented. A link back to the original article is appreciated.

New Open Access article available: "Sustainable corporate boards with employee representation"

The following International Journal of Managerial and Financial Accounting article, "Sustainable corporate boards with employee representation", 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 Automotive Technology and Management

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management are now available here for free:

• Are we ready yet? Assessing Indonesia's readiness for transformative EV battery end-of-life management
• The automotive sector at the end of the ICE age? Market insights to manage a new ecosystem
• The development of subscription car service in Brazil
• Empirical analysis, mapping and prioritisation of supply chain risk - Indian automotive context
• A systematic review of the secondary market aspects of electrified vehicles

New Open Access article available: "Costly signals and compliance boundaries in human rights diplomacy: China's UPR engagement"

The following International Journal of Public Law and Policy article, "Costly signals and compliance boundaries in human rights diplomacy: China's UPR engagement", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access special issue on "Intelligent Learning Ecosystems: AI, Metaverse and Emerging Technologies for Continuing Engineering Education – Part 1" published by International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning

The International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning has published an Open Access issue. All of the issue’s papers can be downloaded via the full-text links available here.

• Construction and application effect analysis of engineering education knowledge graph based on graph convolutional network
• Evaluation of mechanical engineering classroom teaching effectiveness based on improved MTCNN algorithm
• Intelligent English translation scoring method based on multi-angle semantic feature calculation model
• Dynamic scene motion target segmentation method for physical education
• Learning path planning method for engineering education based on course group knowledge graph and learner portrait
• Campus network public opinion monitoring method based on emotional feature extraction and classification
• Automatic scoring algorithm for English essays based on topic granularity segmentation and feature extraction
• Immersive learning path design of mixed reality technology in business English education
• Teaching content generation and semantic information extraction for art and design courses targeting AIGC
• Virtual teaching laboratory based on cloud computing and improved WLC algorithm

Research pick: Click and make-up - "Digital and managerial capabilities, resilience, and innovation for the sustainability of traditional cosmetic businesses in China"

A study of traditional cosmetics retailers in China’s Guangdong province suggests that digital skills alone are not enough to improve long-term business performance. The study, published in the International Journal of Business Information Systems, suggests that value depends on whether traditional companies can use digital skills to become more resilient and innovative.

The researchers surveyed some 424 retailers. They identified three factors that affected performance improvements: mobile marketing, artificial intelligence (AI) capability, and future-orientated managerial skills. These factors were all associated with better organisational resilience. They add that this greater resilience led to increased sustainability both directly and by improving innovation capability.

The findings address a growing challenge for traditional retailers in China, and perhaps elsewhere. Guangdong produces almost half of China’s cosmetics. However, smaller “bricks-and-mortar” businesses face mounting competition from digital-first brands that are changing consumer habits. They also now have to deal with tighter regulatory requirements.

The researchers argue that resilience and innovation bridge digital resources and sustainable performance. This supports two established management theories. The first, the resource-based view, which treats valuable organisational assets as a source of competitive advantage. Secondly, dynamic capabilities theory, which focuses on how firms adapt those resources to changing conditions.

They recommend that business owners invest in accessible AI tools, mobile customer engagement, and leadership development. Conversely, they encourage policymakers to expand programmes that strengthen digital skills among these kinds of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Wang, J. and Rattanapun, S. (2026) ‘Digital and managerial capabilities, resilience, and innovation for the sustainability of traditional cosmetic businesses in China’, Int. J. Business Information Systems, Vol. 52, No. 5, pp.1–20.

News media may use this press release as source material, in whole or in part, provided the content is not materially misrepresented. A link back to the original article is appreciated.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Hospitality and Event Management

The following sample articles from the International Journal of Hospitality and Event Management are now available here for free:

• The importance of MICE services to the hotel industry and their value during the tourist low season
• A comparative examination of the sustainable practices implemented by the hotel industry in Portugal: addressing operational challenges and future needs
• Rebranding of destination quality through wellness tourism
• An exploratory study in recognising the role of events in the formation of destination image: the case of Bushehr, Iran
• A plithogenic model for determining the best hotel chain in the Indian context
• An explorative study of urban wedding consumptions in China: evidence from Shanghai and Chengdu

Free 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.

• A deep knowledge reasoning graph for graduate skill requirements
• Application of multi-modal deep learning in labour education effectiveness analysis and student behaviour prediction in colleges and universities
• Generative adversarial networks for colour pairing in fashion design based on visual perception constraints
• Hybrid real-time synchronisation algorithm for generative English learning
• Design of transfer learning pose detection algorithms for dance instruction

Prof. Khaled Hussainey appointed as new Editor in Chief of International Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Performance Evaluation

Prof. Khaled Hussainey from Bangor University in the United Kingdom has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Performance Evaluation.

Research pick: Pumping hash cash, saves on gas, gas, gas - "Benchmarking gas-saving patterns in AI-generated DeFi smart contract"

Researchers have developed a benchmarking framework to assess whether artificial intelligence (AI) can generate decentralised finance (DeFi) smart contracts that are efficient and cost-effective, lowering computational costs, known jargonistically as “gas”. The work might address a key problem seen in blockchain-based financial systems.

Decentralised finance (DeFi) is a blockchain-based financial system that provides services such as lending, trading, and asset management without the need for conventional intermediaries such as banks. It uses smart contracts, which are self-executing programs that automatically enforce agreed rules, to allow financial applications to operate on decentralised networks. There is a computational cost associated with transactions, the gas. Reducing gas consumption is the key to lowering costs for users.

The study in the International Journal of Agile Systems and Management looked at Code Llama and Code Llama–Python. These two large language models (LLMs) can generate computer code across three DeFi applications: digital tokens, tokenised vaults, and flash loans.

Rather than comparing AI directly with human developers, the researchers examined gas-saving patterns in AI-generated contracts and created a benchmark that can be applied to both human- and machine-produced code. The results showed that improving gas efficiency is not a simple process, with different contract types requiring different optimisation approaches.

The researchers suggest that AI-assisted contract development could reduce development time, improve accessibility for non-specialists, and help smaller projects build decentralised applications. However, further work is needed to reduce “gas” costs.

Pratama, A.N.W. and Wicaksana, A. (2026) ‘Benchmarking gas-saving patterns in AI-generated DeFi smart contract’, Int. J. Agile Systems and Management, Vol. 19, No. 5, pp.1–26.

News media may use this press release as source material, in whole or in part, provided the content is not materially misrepresented. A link back to the original article is appreciated.

New Open Access article available: "Large language models for vulnerability detection: a multi-use case comparative study"

The following International Journal of Applied Cryptography article, "Large language models for vulnerability detection: a multi-use case comparative study", 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 African Journal of Economic and Sustainable Development

The following sample articles from the African Journal of Economic and Sustainable Development are now available here for free:

• Comparative study of doing business in Kenya and Vietnam
• Effect of education on adoption and continued use of improved maize seeds in Burkina Faso
• Foreign aid towards accelerated economic growth in Africa: the role of independent central banks, political institutions and monetary integration
• Gearing up for sustainability and climate change disclosures in Ghana: a qualitative study
• Urban agriculture between territorial anchoring and challenges of urbanisation: case of Guersif City (Eastern Morocco)

New Open Access article available: "Supervisor social support and disability inclusion: examining mediation and moderation in employee performance"

The following International Journal of Business Innovation and Research article, "Supervisor social support and disability inclusion: examining mediation and moderation in employee performance", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

New Open Access article available: "An adaptive variable frequency control method for motor speed based on PLC"

The following International Journal of Internet Manufacturing and Services article, "An adaptive variable frequency control method for motor speed based on PLC", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: On the money - "A financial data forecasting and optimisation model combining LSTM and convolutional neural networks"

A hybrid artificial intelligence model that combines two well-established deep learning techniques has improved the accuracy of financial market forecasts across major stock indices and so-called cryptocurrency, according to work in the International Journal of Reasoning-based Intelligent Systems.

The researchers designed the model, CLSTM-HN, to address a long-standing problem in financial forecasting. That is to balance the detection of short-term market movements with recognition of longer-term trends. The researchers tested the system on publicly available data and achieved a forecasting error lower by 15 to 20 per cent compared with conventional long short-term memory (LSTM) models. They also saw an improvement in the accuracy of predicting whether prices would rise or fall by 10 to 14 per cent.

Financial markets are difficult to predict because prices are volatile, noisy and subject to sudden structural shifts. Traditional statistical approaches often rely on assumptions about market behaviour that break down during periods of instability.

The new system combines a convolutional neural network (CNN), which identifies local patterns within data, with an LSTM network, which retains information over long sequences. An adaptive alignment mechanism converts CNN outputs into a form the LSTM can process more effectively, while the training objective rewards both numerical accuracy and correct prediction of market direction.

Wang, M. and Wu, Y. (2026) ‘A financial data forecasting and optimisation model combining LSTM and convolutional neural networks’, Int. J. Reasoning-based Intelligent Systems, Vol. 18, No. 17, pp.83–99.

News media may use this press release as source material, in whole or in part, provided the content is not materially misrepresented. A link back to the original article is appreciated.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Critical Accounting

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

• Understanding compliance management practices of ready-made garment industries in Bangladesh: revisiting the challenges and pathways
• Contingent perspective on the auditor-client relationship: a new determinant of audit quality
• Factors influencing the perception of non-accounting students in introductory accounting taught in universities in Ghana
• Assurance and consultancy internal audit roles in information technology risk management and investment decisions

Free Open Access issue published by International Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing

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

• The role of scarcity cues and consumer attitudes in driving compulsive buying: an S-O-R analysis of flash sales in e-commerce
• Do service bundlers and non-bundlers perceive switching barriers differently?

New Open Access article available: "Interpersonal relationships and career development competencies: a case study of the dynamic self-ball digital game"

The following International Journal of Innovation and Learning article, "Interpersonal relationships and career development competencies: a case study of the dynamic self-ball digital game", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

New Open Access article available: "Learning under the inventory problem of economic order quantity: a behavioural study"

The following International Journal of Inventory Research article, "Learning under the inventory problem of economic order quantity: a behavioural study", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Research pick: You can tell me by the way I walk - "Dual-stream spatiotemporal fusion with dynamic feature mapping for gait-based identity recognition"

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can identify people by the way they walk. The technology focuses on how a person’s joints move, rather than on body shape alone, and could improve long-distance identity verification for security and law enforcement.

Writing in the International Journal of Reasoning-based Intelligent Systems, the team describes the SKDMap-Net system, which analyses a person’s gait using estimated body keypoints from video input. The system calculates joint positions, angles, and angular velocity and acceleration to capture the distinctive features of an individual’s gait. It copes with the effects of different types of clothing, camera angle, and even partial obstruction.

The model processes body position and movement information separately before combining them. It also uses an attention mechanism, a machine learning technique that assigns greater importance to different body parts depending on the scene, such as arm movements if the legs are obscured.

In tests on three public gait-recognition datasets, the system outperformed existing approaches. The approach could make gait recognition more reliable and at the same time reduce the amount of personal visual information that must be processed.

Quan, B. and Zhang, B. (2026) ‘Dual-stream spatiotemporal fusion with dynamic feature mapping for gait-based identity recognition’, Int. J. Reasoning-based Intelligent Systems, Vol. 18, No. 17, pp.67–82.

News media may use this press release as source material, in whole or in part, provided the content is not materially misrepresented. A link back to the original article is appreciated.

Free sample articles newly available from International Journal of Advanced Intelligence Paradigms

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

• Document summarisation using recurrent neural network
• An efficient memory based differential evolution for constrained optimisation
• An efficient implicit Lagrangian twin bounded support vector machine
• Case-based reasoning methodology for eLearning recommendation system
• Load-balanced multilayered clustering protocol to maximise the lifetime of wireless sensor networks

Free 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.

• Automated assessment of mental health integrating emojis and BERT
• An AI-driven multimodal fusion and graph-temporal modelling framework for developmental assessment of social competence and emotional expression in preschool children
• Oil painting style transfer with staged spatial-channel attention in encoder and decoder
• Elastic allocation and recovery of airport computing resources in response to strong disturbances in flight flows
• Dual-stream spatiotemporal fusion with dynamic feature mapping for gait-based identity recognition
• A financial data forecasting and optimisation model combining LSTM and convolutional neural networks

Research pick: Brand attachment blunts consumer risk perception - "When negative news fails to deter: the emotional shielding effect of brand attachment on perceived risk"

Strong emotional attachment to a brand may help explain why some consumers remain loyal even in the wake of negative publicity, according to research in the International Journal of Business and Emerging Markets.

The team analysed survey responses from 189 consumers and found that trust increased purchase intentions while reducing perceived risk. Perceived risk is the likelihood that buying a product could lead to financial, safety or other problems. However, emotional attachment to the brand affects how these factors interact. Those consumers with a weaker attachment tended to follow a conventional pattern. In this case, greater trust reduced perceived risk and supported purchase decisions. Among consumers with a stronger brand attachment, their emotional commitment led them to be less influenced by risk assessments.

The researchers describe this as an emotional shielding effect. The brand is so linked to the consumer’s identity that negative information about the brand carries less weight than for those people where the emotional ties don’t shape their decision-making and they are more rational about their purchasing choices.

The findings are based on a cross-sectional survey, which means they reveal a statistical association rather than a direct cause and effect. The survey was associated with a particular vehicle brand and its customers in China.

The work highlights a shift in marketing theory. As social media accelerates the spread of bad news of product failures, data breaches, and corporate controversies, companies must not view their customer relationships as being based on more than trust alone. Emotional attachment, the study suggests, can shape how consumers interpret negative information and whether they remain loyal. This could guide marketing practice.

Xue, X., Zhang, Y. and Zhang, Q. (2026) ‘When negative news fails to deter: the emotional shielding effect of brand attachment on perceived risk’, Int. J. Business and Emerging Markets, Vol. 18, No. 8, pp. 1–29.

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Research pick: Speak up! Closing the cultural gap in education - "Power distance and intercultural communication in higher education: a three-pathway systematic review"

A systematic review of research on intercultural communication in higher education finds that cultural “power distance”, which is the extent to which people accept unequal authority, continues to shape who speaks, who is heard, and how knowledge is shared in multicultural classrooms.

The review, published in the International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, used a structured method for transparent evidence selection and thematic coding to identify patterns across the relevant literature. In their analysis, the researchers considered three communication pathways: student-to-student, student-to-teacher, and teacher-to-student interactions.

Student-to-student exchanges were found to most consistently support empathy and intercultural learning. However, they did find that language barriers and stereotypes often limited participation. Student-to-teacher communication emerged as the least explored pathway in the literature. It was frequently constrained by hesitation to challenge authority or fear of negative evaluation. Teacher-to-student interaction remained largely shaped by traditional transmissive teaching, where information flows primarily from lecturer to student. However, participatory teaching methods and digital tools were reported to have reduced problems with hierarchy in some contexts.

The researchers suggest that communication inequalities are not simply interpersonal but embedded in institutional structures that regulate participation and legitimacy in academic dialogue. They suggest that a new framework might connect previously fragmented research and allow new insights to be found to guide education and improve learning opportunities in globalised universities.

Menjívar, C.H.H. and Mayorga, C.A.E. (2026) ‘Power distance and intercultural communication in higher education: a three-pathway systematic review’, Int. J. Knowledge and Learning, Vol. 19, No. 5, pp.1–22.

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New Open Access article available: "Benchmarking gas-saving patterns in AI-generated DeFi smart contract"

The following International Journal of Agile Systems and Management article, "Benchmarking gas-saving patterns in AI-generated DeFi smart contract", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free Open Access issue published by International Journal of Business Information Systems

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

• Digital and managerial capabilities, resilience, and innovation for the sustainability of traditional cosmetic businesses in China
• Assessing brand equity through customer reviews: a naïve Bayes classifier approach

New Open Access article available: "Linking business ecosystem structure to risk perception: a network analysis of Indonesia's bamboo craft industry"

The following International Journal of Business Innovation and Research article, "Linking business ecosystem structure to risk perception: a network analysis of Indonesia's bamboo craft industry", is freely available for download as an open access article.

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

Free 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.

• 3D visual generation system based on the fusion of multi-view geometry reconstruction and deep learning
• A trustworthy traceability and permission management system for academic publishing processes based on blockchain and AI
• Interactive teaching system based on an improved collaborative filtering algorithm and matrix decomposition
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• Practical application of social science text translation based on the computer-assisted translation platform YiCAT

Free 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.

• Process control of financial informatisation in industrial enterprises based on data mining and RPA technology
• Urban spatial morphology evolution mechanism and resilience assessment based on multi-source data fusion
• Transformer-based cross-cultural intelligent translation system for international communication
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• English-derived place name recognition and translation based on knowledge graph and phonetic generation algorithm