Fractals are intricate geometric shapes that exhibit self-similarity, meaning their patterns repeat at different scales, no matter how much they are magnified. Unlike traditional geometric figures such as circles or squares, which can be described with simple equations, fractals are generated through iterative mathematical processes, producing infinitely complex and detailed structures.

We see fractals all around us, in the branching structure of a tree, in clouds, snowflakes, coastlines, in the system of blood vessels and nerves in our bodies. Fractals can thus be used as a scientific model for many natural phenomena, However, their inherent beauty and intrigue can be a source of artistic inspiration too.

A study in the International Journal of Information and Communication Technology introduces an advanced approach that can be used to create novel images based on fractals. The optimisation algorithm, developed by Junli Wang of the School of Digital Arts at Wuxi Vocational College of Science and Technology in Wuxi, China, and known as the Equilibrium Optimiser (EO), significantly improving efficiency and design diversity.

Fractal geometry was first formalised by Benoît Mandelbrot in the 1970s and has influenced fields ranging from architecture to computer graphics and even music composition. The challenge in fractal art generation has traditionally been the reliance on manual input, requiring expertise and time-consuming adjustments. The new research overcomes some of those limitations through the EO algorithm, which enables a more efficient, diverse, and aesthetically rich exploration of fractal forms, according to the study.

The EO algorithm is an advanced optimisation algorithm based on how natural physical systems balance themselves. Unlike Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO), the EO algorithm adjusts its search strategies dynamically to avoid becoming trapped in local optimisation points, a common problem of many mathematical models. This means that the EO algorithm can fine-tune the parameters needed to generate fractal patterns, producing designs with greater symmetry, complexity, and structural variation than traditional approaches. Wang's tests show that the EO algorithm works better than older algorithms in terms of the speed with which it converges on a solution and the visual quality and stability it produces.

Beyond its technical contributions, this research raises important questions about the intersection of technology and art. The ability to generate intricate fractal patterns automatically expands the creative possibilities available to artists, designers, and researchers. Unlike hand-drawn or physically painted works, digital fractal art is created through computation, challenging conventional ideas of authorship and artistic intent.

Wang, J. (2025) 'An alternative method for generating fractal art patterns based on the balanced optimiser algorithm', Int. J. Information and Communication Technology, Vol. 26, No. 5, pp.54–68.
DOI: 10.1504/IJICT.2025.145150

Can money buy happiness? An age-old question with as yet no definitive answer. The ancient philosophers could not find it, nor can modern economists with their spreadsheets and algorithms. A study in the International Journal of Happiness and Development has explored the complex relationship between income and happiness and provides some new insights into the debate.

Ling Zhang China Agricultural University in Beijing, China, and Sajal Lahiri of Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, Illinois, USA, used data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, a comprehensive dataset that tracks individuals over time, and found that having a higher income does seem to correlate with increased life satisfaction. Importantly, the data is longitudinal, which means it tracks the same individuals over several years, allowing the researchers to control for unchanging factors such as personality traits or family background.

The study also found that for those with rising income, their happiness tends to rise too. Conventionally, the Easterlin Paradox has suggested that although wealthier people are generally happier at any given time, happiness does not necessarily increase as individuals become wealthier over their lifetime. This new research somewhat overturns that notion.

Of course, there are always exceptions to any rule, poorer people with seemingly plenty to smile about, who accept their lot and enjoy life regardless and conversely the super-rich individual who never smiles and seems perpetually burdened by their wealth.

The study used subjective well-being (SWB) scales, where individuals rate their life satisfaction on a scale from 1 to 10 to measure happiness. The results were telling: income was positively linked to life satisfaction, and the effect of income on happiness has become more pronounced in recent years. The study also showed that individuals whose income decreased in real terms, often because of factors such as technological progress or globalization, reported lower levels of life satisfaction. This suggests that declines in income, particularly among lower-income individuals, can negatively affect well-being.

While the relationship between money and happiness remains a nuanced topic, the evidence from this study adds weight to the argument that economic well-being plays a significant role in determining overall life satisfaction. These findings emphasise the importance of addressing income inequality and supporting policies that help individuals increase their earnings. As the study suggests, fostering economic fairness and opportunity may not only help individuals thrive, but could also enhance collective happiness.

Zhang, L. and Lahiri, S. (2025) 'Income and happiness: a study of a panel of US residents', Int. J. Happiness and Development, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp.1–14.
DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2025.144959

Artificial intelligence (AI) and deep-learning technologies have led to the development of so-called deepfakes. These are generated or manipulated video or audio recordings that can alter a person's facial expressions, voice, or even their entire identity. While deepfakes have some legitimate uses in areas such as entertainment and art, their potential for misuse and for the spread of misinformation or damaging reputations has been recognised for several years. As the technology used to create deepfakes becomes more sophisticated, so there is a growing need to develop methods for deepfake detection.

Research described in the International Journal of Computational Science and Engineering introduces a hybrid deep-learning model that can itself improve the detection of deepfake content. The model combines two convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures, Inception ResNetV2 and Xception, along with long short-term memory (LSTM) networks. LSTM networks can process sequential data from video or audio segments and are particularly useful in spotting inconsistencies in manipulated media.

Shourya Chambial, Tanisha Pandey, Rishabh Budhia, and Balakrushna Tripathy of the Vellore Institute of Technology in Tamil Nadu, India, and Anurag Tripathy of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, trained their deepfake detector on a large dataset containing both real and manipulated video data. They were able to achieve an accuracy of almost 97 percent in tests. This suggests that the hybrid approach is capable of identifying subtle signs of manipulation in digital media and so decide whether a video is real or fake.

An important aspect of the research is that it emphasizes the importance of fine-tuning deep-learning models so that they work well with real-world data. An issue that commonly arises with certain types of AI model is that of "overfitting", where the algorithm is too closely tied to the specific characteristics of its training data and struggles to perform on new, unseen data. In the current work, the team monitored performance and adjusted it to ensure it remained effective with a wide range of video content.

Chambial, S., Pandey, T., Budhia, R., Tripathy, B. and Tripathy, A. (2025) 'Unlocking the potential of deepfake generation and detection with a hybrid approach', Int. J. Computational Science and Engineering, Vol. 28, No. 2, pp.151–165.
DOI: 10.1504/IJCSE.2025.144802

Better technology for keeping track of glass beer bottles could be important in improving health and safety and operational efficiency in the alcoholic beverage sector, according to work published in the International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management.

A team in Brazil has evaluated three technologies, laser, carbon dioxide laser, and QR code systems and considered basic criteria such as security, cost, performance, and social impact. Carolina Xavier da Silva Seixas Rocha, Aldara da Silva César, and Cecilia Toledo Hernández, and Ualison Rébula de Oliveira of the Fluminense Federal University in Volta Redonda, and Fabiane Letícia Lizarelli of the Universidade Federal de São Carlos in São Carlos, Brazil, suggest that QR code technology offers the best balance between the various factors, particularly in terms of safety and broader social implications.

Traceability is the ability to track products through the supply chain and has become a critical issue in the food industry due to the increasing frequency of health problems associated with foodborne pathogens. According to the World Health Organization, millions of people are affected by foodborne illnesses each year, underlining the importance of systems that can trace the origin and movement of food products. Effective traceability can help quickly identify and remove products that pose a safety risk, which is vital for consumer protection.

The team focus on Brazil, where beer consumption is on the rise, and highlight the need for improved traceability in the beer industry. The team has identified how Brazilian glass bottle manufacturers lacking the ability to trace individual bottles. This limitation inevitably complicates the resolution of customer complaints and the identification of production issues.

While there are sophisticated methods for analysing a given bottle, the team suggests that the two-dimensional bar code system, known as the QR (Quick-response) code, offers a promising solution to traceability. QR codes are relatively inexpensive to implement, easy to use, and capable of providing real-time data on product movements. These features make them a strong choice for companies looking to meet both safety requirements and consumer demand for transparency. Additionally, QR codes align with increasing regulatory pressures in markets like Brazil, where food safety standards are becoming more stringent.

Rocha, C.X.d.S.S., César, A.d.S., Hernández, C.T., de Oliveira, U.R. and Lizarelli, F.L. (2025) 'Analysis and selection of glass bottle traceability technologies in the beer production chain', Int. J. Productivity and Quality Management, Vol. 44, No. 2, pp.178–204.
DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2025.144340

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

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.