Independent metering control systems (IMCS) are an advanced electro-hydraulic technology used in mobile machinery for construction, agriculture, and mining equipment. They represent something of a revolution in mobile machinery, offering the potential to drastically improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and cut carbon emissions, so contributing to environmental sustainability. However, the path to their widespread adoption faces various challenges. A critical review of the state-of-the art International Journal of Hydromechatronics looks at hos these challenges might be addressed.

In standard hydraulic systems, fluid flow is controlled through multiway valves that adjust flow in a single direction. These usually rely on mechanical components to manage the flow. By contrast, IMCS decouples the inlet and outlet of the valve, enabling independent control of fluid flow both into and out of hydraulic actuators. This innovation allows for finer control over hydraulic functions, enhancing system performance and providing more precise energy management.

The primary advantage of IMCS lies in its potential to significantly reduce energy consumption. Traditional hydraulic systems often suffer from inefficiencies due to throttling whereby fluid flow is necessarily restricted to control speed, which leads to energy loss. By providing more precise regulation of fluid pressure and flow, IMCS can minimize these losses. This and other benefits are discussed by Ruqi Ding, Guohua Sun, and Ling Peng of East China Jiaotong University in Nanchang, Min Cheng of Chongqing University in Chongqing, and Junhui Zhang, Bing Xu, and Huayong Yang of Zhejiang University, in Hangzhou, China.

The researchers point out that all industries are facing increased pressure to meet stringent environmental standards. Improving hydraulic system efficiency by just 15 percent could save these industries billions of dollars annually, while also significantly lowering carbon emissions.

One of the main obstacles to more widespread adoption is the complexity associated with the integration of IMCS into existing machinery. Traditional hydraulic systems use mechanical controls that are relatively simple, whereas IMCS relies on sophisticated electronics and software to manage the complex control of multiple fluid inputs and outputs. To take on IMCS, industry will need to invest heavily in the new technology and on training and trust that the payback will be quick given the improvements they will see in the efficiency of their equipment.

Ding, R., Sun, G., Zhang, J., Peng, L., Cheng, M., Xu, B. and Yang, H. (2025) 'A review of independent metering control system for mobile machinery', Int. J. Hydromechatronics, Vol. 8, No. 5, pp.1–39.
DOI: 10.1504/IJHM.2025.144958

India has one of the largest legal professions in the world, with more than 600,000 law professionals. Yet, women remain underrepresented in the upper echelons of legal practice and the judiciary. Writing in the International Journal of Process Management and Benchmarking, P. Nisha and A. Vasumathi of the Vellore Institute of Technology in Vellore, India, explain how this gender disparity is particularly stark in India's Supreme Court and High Courts. Here, women represent only a small fraction of judges. The team points out that while many women have made notable progress in the legal field, they still face persistent barriers to career advancement and promotion opportunities, often referred to as the "glass ceiling".

The concept of the glass ceiling is not a new phenomenon, nor one restricted to India. Historically, women around the world have always faced significant obstacles in entering and progressing within the legal profession. Even as more women entered the profession, social expectations and family responsibilities have continued to stifle career progression to senior positions. This imbalance has persisted despite the fact that women now make up a significant proportion of law school graduates and practicing professionals.

Gender stereotypes have played a detrimental role in shaping the professional lives of women in law. This bias in the systems affects what kinds of cases women are assigned, the networking opportunities available to them, and their overall access to career-advancing resources. Faced with fewer high-profile cases and lower-paying ones at that exacerbates the problems they face, often by robbing them of the very opportunities that would allow them to gain the necessary experience to be considered for leadership roles.

The researchers suggest that institutional support could play a major role in addressing these disparities. They suggest that daycare facilities for the children of court employees might alleviate at least some of the burden and obligation on women professionals with offspring, where society often expects them to be the primary carer. However, such measures are not enough. Real progress will only happen when there is a cultural shift within law firms, judicial bodies, and educational institutions, the research suggests. Gender-neutral policies must be implemented at every level of the profession to ensure that women are not held back by biases or by societal expectations.

Nisha, P. and Vasumathi, A. (2025) 'The impact of personality traits of women advocates towards glass ceiling beliefs for career development', Int. J. Process Management and Benchmarking, Vol. 19, No. 2, pp.147–192.
DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2025.143986

Research in Thailand has looked into the marketing dynamics of banana flour and how more consumers might be persuaded to use this healthy product as an alternative source of dietary fibre. Work in the International Journal of Business and Globalisation highlights the challenges and opportunities in promoting this healthy, gluten-free, alternative to wheat flour. Banana flour has been widely used in Africa and Jamaica, and more recently South America.

Adisak Suvittawat of Suranaree University of Technology in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, explains that banana flour, also known as banana starch, is derived from unripe, green bananas. It is high in resistant starch, colloquially known as fibre, or roughage, which passes through our gastrointestinal tract undigested. Fibre is key to gut health but has additional benefits in terms of reducing the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and colon cancer. However, despite the obvious benefits of banana flour in this regard, efforts to penetrate the Thai food market may have been half-baked so far with little awareness of the product among potential consumers.

In the present study, some 400 grocery shop customers were surveyed. They were generally found to be unfamiliar with the health benefits of banana flour, although were often aware of the product itself. Those shoppers who were well-informed about the benefits tended to have a positive perception of the product. The marketing challenge thus seems to lie in bridging the knowledge gap and overcoming consumer scepticism.

An additional barrier to more widespread use in cookery and baking is price. Banana flour is more expensive than other commonly used starch sources, such as tapioca or corn starch, and even all-purpose wheat flour. In a market where consumers are price-sensitive, this price discrepancy is a big obstacle.

When it comes to promotional strategies, the research indicates that online advertising has proven more effective than traditional print media in reaching consumers. Additionally, personal selling by sales teams, which allows for direct consumer education, was also found to be an effective method. Given the unfamiliarity many consumers have with banana flour, this hands-on approach is essential for persuading them of the product's merits.

Suvittawat, A. (2025) 'Banana flour goes to market: the marketing mix to introduce banana flour to the consumer market', Int. J. Business and Globalisation, Vol. 39, Nos. 3/4, pp.442–456.
DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2025.144854

Social media has become a very useful tool for companies hoping to boost brand awareness, engagement, and loyalty among consumers. A study in the International Journal of Business Performance Management has looked at its role in detail and found that many companies are directly interacting with consumers, building stronger brand connections, and gaining a competitive edge.

Radhika Madan, a Soft Skills Trainer, in Gurgaon, Haryana and Manmohan Rahul of Sharda University in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, surveyed 350 internet users to help them establish a reliable scale for measuring the effectiveness of brand communication via social media. They used Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to analyse their survey results and found that social media offers a more direct, cost-effective, and rapid means of reaching a wider customer base when compared with conventional media, such as television, papers and magazines, and even email.

The researchers emphasize that social media platforms allow businesses to undertake ongoing dialogues with consumers, which in turn boosts both brand visibility and loyalty. This is particularly important in hospitality, air travel, banking, telecommunications, and e-commerce.

One aspect of social media's power is the potential to "go viral" when users share information about a brand or product with their networks, and the reach of that message expands quickly across the platform. Going viral can spread a brand message far wider and far more quickly than conventional advertising in many cases.

Of course, the concept of branding itself has evolved alongside the rise of social media. Traditionally, branding referred to creating a distinct identity for a company, highlighting its core values and differentiating it from competitors. Branding is no longer one-way traffic, the consumers themselves are part of the message and can have two-way, real-time conversations with businesses. This allows consumers to offer instantaneous feedback about products and services and gives businesses the means to respond to that feedback, whether positive or negative, just as quickly and to change their "offering" accordingly, if appropriate.

Madan, R. and Rahul, M. (2025) 'The role of social media as a brand communication tool: an exploratory work', Int. J. Business Performance Management, Vol. 26, No. 2, pp.228–249.
DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2025.144689

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into manufacturing processes has huge potential for improving productivity, efficiency, and safety. Machine learning models are already used to monitor equipment health and others predict supply-chain issues and consumer demand. However, research in the International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems suggests that there remain barriers to the more widespread adoption of AI in production environments. In particular, there are obstacles to incorporating AI in the early design phase.

Yuji Yamamoto and Kristian Sandström of Mälardalen University in Eskilstuna, and Aranda Muñoz Álvaro of the Research Institutes of Sweden in Västerås, Sweden, explain how the early design phase is fundamental in determining how AI might ultimately be embedded into the manufacturing workflow. They point out that it is during this period that engineers, data scientists, production staff, and other stakeholders have to align their goals with functionality and outcomes. However, this process can be stymied if there is a misalignment between the technical expertise of the data scientists and the practical knowledge of the manufacturing professionals. Poor communication and unrealistic expectations then lead to the installation of an AI system that does not meet the operational needs of the factory floor.

One of the biggest problems the researchers found is that of cognitive overload, where those involved are overwhelmed by the complexity of the tasks at hand. The technical jargon of machine learning and AI, for example, is often inaccessible to those with expertise in production management but not in data science.

Conversely, data scientists may struggle to understand the intricacies of manufacturing operations, such as workflow design and the real-time adjustments needed to address unpredicted challenges. This knowledge gap between the two groups can lead to failure especially if the AI system does not take into account the very dynamic nature of manufacturing.

Yamamoto, Y., Álvaro, A.M. and Sandström, K. (2024) 'Challenges in designing a humancentred AI system in manufacturing', Int. J. Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, Vol. 17, No. 4, pp.351–369.
DOI: 10.1504/IJMMS.2024.144289

New insights into the design and performance of combined weir-gate hydraulic structures, a crucial component of modern water-management systems, are discussed in the International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology. Weir-gate hybrid structures merge the functions of a traditional weir and a sluice gate and are now being widely used to regulate water flow, control flood risks, and aid in flow measurement.

Noor I. Khattab, Azza N. Altalib, and Arwa A. Mullah of the University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq, have now looked at a novel design for such structures, which incorporates a triangular shape with interior angles that can range from 60 to 180 degrees. Their findings explain how the configuration of these structures impacts their efficiency in managing water flow.

A weir is typically used to direct water over a barrier to control flow, while a sluice gate is designed to regulate flow beyond the barrier. By combining both functions into a single hybrid structure, engineers can maximize the benefits of each. The new work demonstrates how varying the angle within a triangular opening affects the flow of water and the efficiency of discharge measurement. The team used a key performance indicator, the discharge coefficient, is used to quantify the efficiency of the structure in controlling and measuring flow.

The researchers found that as the interior angle of the hybrid structure decreases, so the discharge coefficient increases. Under constant upstream head values, the discharge coefficient showed an average increase of 27% to 54% as the interior angle became more acute. The study also found that the shape and configuration of the structure, including the length of the crest and the specific type of flow, whether it flows over, under, or through the structure, affect overall performance. One of the important applications of these hybrid structures is the reduction of sediment accumulation beneath gates. The weir pushes materials out while the gate controls flow.

Weir-gate structures play a role in managing water: flood control, irrigation, water supply, and energy generation. If the design of these structures can be improved and optimized for specific purposes, then efficient and cost-effective infrastructure might be developed that is better equipped to handle fluctuating water conditions.

Khattab, N.I., Altalib, A.N. and Mullah, A.A. (2025) 'Hydraulic characteristics of combined weir-gate structure', Int. J. Hydrology Science and Technology, Vol. 19, No. 5, pp.1–17.
DOI: 10.1504/IJHST.2025.144936

Research in the International Journal of Management in Education has looked at the various factors that affect a teacher's behaviour in terms of innovation. Innovation, the research explains, is an important part of improving educational performance in an increasingly competitive environment.

Jimmy Ellya Kurniawan, Kuncoro Dewi Rahmawati, and Evan Tanuwijaya of the Universitas Ciputra Surabaya in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, carried out research across private schools there and their findings offer a clearer understanding of how the attitudes of teachers as well as their motivation and the organizational culture within which they work can shape their willingness to engage in innovative practices.

Educational innovation can drive teaching quality and student outcomes, the team adds. However, the factors that lead to what drives teachers to be innovative has not been researched in detail until now. The current work focuses on two key elements: learning orientation culture and self-determination. The researchers used the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), a psychological framework that links behaviour to one's attitudes, social pressures, and perceived control, to show how these elements influence teachers.

TPB shows that our behaviour is affected not only by personal beliefs but also by societal norms and how much we feel in control of our actions. In the context of education, the researchers showed that the organizational culture of a school can help foster innovation. A learning orientation culture, where continuous learning and knowledge application are prioritized, encourages teachers to embrace this. Moreover, when coupled with self-determination or a sense of autonomy there is an even greater likelihood of engaging in innovative practices.

From a practical perspective, the study offers valuable insights for school administrators. It suggests that if they can create a positive environment that emphasizes a learning-oriented culture and support the autonomy of their teachers, they might significantly enhance innovative behaviour and so student outcomes as well as the job satisfaction of their teachers.

Kurniawan, J.E., Rahmawati, K.D. and Tanuwijaya, E. (2025) 'School teacher's innovative work behaviour model', Int. J. Management in Education, Vol. 19, No. 7, pp.1–36.
DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.144925

Digital tools continue to redefine much of modern student life and learning. Educational administrators could better serve their student communities if they had a clearer view of the emotions and opinions those students are expressing online. Research in the International Journal of Information and Communication Technology, describes a deep learning-based method to analyse and categorize student sentiment in online content. The tools could offer invaluable insights for managing campus dynamics and enhancing the academic environment.

Dan Wang and Li Wang of the Gingko College of Hospitality Management in Chengdu, China, explain how deep learning techniques can be though of a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with a focus on understanding human language. By analysing content from different online platforms, such as social media, discussion forums, and website comment sections, the team suggests that it is possible to extract a clearer picture of the emotional and ideological landscape of student population.

The approach uses Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks. CNNs can identify patterns and extract key features from textual data, while LSTMs are used to understand the relationships between words in long passages of text. By combining the strengths of these tools, it is possible to extract the nuance of ideas and emotions being shared online in the wider student discourse.

A key aspect of the new analytical model is the introduction of an "attention mechanism". This improves the model's ability to accurately interpret complex emotional expressions. In online communication, students often use irony, sarcasm, or metaphor to convey sentiments, as do we all. This is difficult to grasp with a simple analytical tool. The attention mechanism allows the system to focus on the most critical words or phrases in a given piece of text and this improves its ability to detect and decode these subtle emotional cues. For instance, the phrase "yeah, right" is familiar American vernacular and is commonly used as a sarcastic riposte to an apparently unbelievable comment. Taken literally, however, it would simply be interpreted as confirmation of the person reading the unbelievable and confirming their acceptance of it.

In addition to the nuances of the model and the AI tools on which it is built, the team has also created a large-scale, annotated dataset of student-generated content. This dataset, drawn from a wide range of platforms, allowed the team to train and validate their model with real data. The same data and model might be used off campus too, to analyse public online sentiment or perhaps within the corporate environment.

Wang, D. and Wang, L. (2024) 'Deep learning semantic understanding and classification of student online public opinion for new media', Int. J. Information and Communication Technology, Vol. 25, No. 10, pp.62–76.
DOI: 10.1504/IJICT.2024.143335

A new approach to gear skiving, a specialized machining technique for producing internal gears, could improve the speed and accuracy with which gear teeth are formed. The work, described in the International Journal of Abrasive Technology, could be useful to industries reliant on high-precision gears, such as automotive and aerospace engineering.

Traditionally, manufacturing internal gears, whether spur gears, which have straight teeth, or helical gears, which have angled teeth, has been a complex, time-consuming process. Gear skiving, an advanced technique that uses a specialized cutting tool called a skiving cutter, has emerged as an effective solution.

Hiroki Yonezawa, Jun'ichi Kaneko, and Takeyuki Abe of Saitama University, and Naruhiro Irino, Yuta Shinba, and Yasuhiro Imabeppu of DMG MORI Co, Ltd., Japan, explain that unlike conventional machining methods, which often struggle with the precise geometry of gear teeth, gear skiving synchronizes the rotation of the workpiece with the motion of the cutter. This allows for a continuous and efficient cutting action. However, predicting the exact geometry of the tooth flanks, the surfaces that form the teeth of the gear, has long been a major challenge.

The new research introduces an innovative method for predicting the tooth profile after the skiving process is complete. The team analyses the shape of the material removed during machining, projecting the removal area from the perspective of the workpiece's "tooth lead" direction. The term "tooth lead" refers to the angle at which the teeth of the gear are shaped. This projection-based approach simplifies the analytical process, significantly reducing the computational resources needed to do the calculations when compared to conventional methods. The new approach focuses on the projection of the removal area, factoring in the rotation of the workpiece around its axis to estimate the final tooth profile more quickly and accurately than was previously possible.

The team explains that by providing more accurate and faster predictions of how gear teeth will form after the skiving process, manufacturers can improve the design of specialized tools such as profile crowning tools and chamfering tools. These tools are critical in ensuring the final gear has the desired geometry and performance characteristics for high-tech engineering applications. In addition, the same method can be used to assess the effects of tool wear or mounting errors on the gear's final tooth profile, allowing for better control over the production process.

Yonezawa, H., Kaneko, J., Abe, T., Irino, N., Shinba, Y. and Imabeppu, Y. (2024) 'Development of precision analysis method of tooth profile in gear skiving process with shape projection of removal area', Int. J. Abrasive Technology, Vol. 12, No. 5, pp.1–14.
DOI: 10.1504/IJAT.2024.144424

As we endeavour to address climate change issues, businesses must play an increasingly important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A study in the International Journal of Business Performance Management, has looked at the net-zero emissions target and identified the difficulties businesses are encountering and suggests a tailored approach to solving the problems different sectors face.

Net-zero emissions mean balancing the amount of greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide and other compounds – a business releases with those it removes or offsets. Achieving a balance is part of a broader effort to curb climate change and lead us into a sustainable future. The study, by Luisa Huaccho Huatuco and Juan Ramon Candia of the University of York, Ruby Christine Mathew of York St John's University, and Graciela Zevallos Porles of the University of East Anglia, UK, included interviews with senior managers from various industries. The team found that while many organizations are taking steps towards net-zero, there are many obstacles in their way that are stymieing efforts in many instances.

The team found that businesses rely heavily on technological improvements and management changes as part of their strategy to reduce emissions. However, infrastructure limitations, a lack of government guidance, and insufficient funding are holding back the transition to a greener future. As such, targets are not being hit.

The team points out that classifying businesses according to their efforts can help identify the problems and perhaps help them in their greening efforts. For instance, most of the organizations referenced in the study were classified as 'opportunity-seeking,' meaning they view the transition to net-zero emissions as a chance to innovate and grow. By contrast, businesses in the agricultural sector were seen to be taking a 'conformance' approach. In other words, they were focused on meeting regulatory requirements rather than pursuing new opportunities through the transition. Fortunately, it seems that no businesses were actively resisting or delaying their net-zero efforts.

The bottom line seems to be that there is no off-the shelf approach to suit all types of business. In other words, the study suggests that businesses might benefit from more tailored support systems, with policies designed to address the unique needs of different industries.

Huaccho Huatuco, L., Candia, J.R., Mathew, R.C. and Zevallos Porles, G. (2025) 'Unravelling net zero practices, strategies and barriers among businesses in a UK region', Int. J. Business Performance Management, Vol. 26, No. 8, pp.1–22.
DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2025.144423

We are pleased to announce that the International Journal of Power and Energy Conversion is now an Open Access-only journal. All accepted articles submitted from 18 March 2025 onwards will be Open Access, and will require an article processing charge of US $1600.

Prof. Varun Gupta from Gisma University of Applied Sciences's Multidisciplinary Research Centre for Innovations in SMEs in Germany has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Computer Aided Engineering and Technology.

We are pleased to announce that the International Journal of Internet Technology and Secured Transactions is now an Open Access-only journal. All accepted articles submitted from 12 March 2025 onwards will be Open Access, and will require an article processing charge of US $1600.

Prof. Yuanquan Shi from Hunan First Normal University in China has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Internet Technology and Secured Transactions.

Prof. Amir Hasnaoui from Excelia Business School in France has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Management and Network Economics.

Prof. Bijan Vasigh from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the USA has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Aviation Management.

The European Journal of International Management's Editor in Chief and Outreach Editor, Associate Prof. Nicole Franziska Richter and Dr. Sven Horak, are pleased to announce the following 2024 Best Paper Awards:

• Hurmerinta, L., Nummela, N. & Paavilainen-Mäntymäki, E. Boosted by failure? Entrepreneurial internationalisation as a cyclical learning process. European Journal of International Management, 22(3), 337–353.
• Sperber, S., & Linder, C. When the going gets tougher: international assignments, external shocks and the factor of gender. European Journal of International Management, 23(4), 537-567.
• Lauring, J., Butler, C.L., Paunova, M., Uman, T. & Zander, L. Openness towards language differences and cultural differences in multicultural teams: how do they interact? European Journal of International Management, 24(1), 1–24.
• Dul, J. How to sample in necessary condition analysis (NCA). European Journal of International Management, 23(1), 1–12.
• Olejniczak, T. & Froese, F. J. Development and fit of HRM over time in foreign subsidiaries: the case of Japanese subsidiaries in Poland. European Journal of International Management, 22(1), 52–79.
• Lanchimba, C., Encalada, H. P., Salazar, Y. & Welsh, D. H. B. Analysis of firm-specific, country-specific and sectoral determinants of international franchise survival. European Journal of International Management, 24(3/4), 487–510.

The Editors congratulate the authors on their significant contributions to research in the field of international management.

The Editors are also pleased to announce the following winners of the Best Reviewer Awards, and thank them for their continued efforts:

• Sang-Joon Kim, Ewha Womans University, Seoul
• Ilaria Galavotti, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza
• Sabrina Goestl, Western University, Canada
• Dirk Morschett, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
• Ursula F. Ott, Nottingham Trent University, UK
• Thomas Rockstuhl, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
• Stefan Schmid, ESCP Europe Business School, Germany

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