Education has already been transformed radically by technological advancements and by societal changes. Traditional, classroom and lecture-based models have evolved into more interactive and engaging approaches. However, challenges remain, and the student experience is not always as they and their educators might hope for. A study in the International Journal of Information and Communication Technology has looked at how virtual reality (VR) technology might be integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) teaching platforms to create a more immersive and interactive educational experience for certain parts of the curriculum.

Dafei Wu of the School of Information Engineering at Hunan University of Science and Engineering in Yongzhou, Hunan, China discusses how VR technology provides an immersive environment and could for many students enhance traditional teaching methods by offering a dynamic and engaging platform. When combined with the IoT that allows interconnected devices to interact with their environment and exchange data, the potential of VR might be opened up even further, changing how educational content might be delivered and so experienced.

Wu suggests that this kind of integration could lead to novel teaching methods paradigm to the benefit of students. It might even be tailored to be more closely aligned with society and industry requirements from the educational system. Conventional teaching methods often keep theoretical and practical learning separate, the world of VR technology coupled with the IoT might help better support teaching objectives and student development.

Fundamentally, with such an approach, students might access course materials and engage with content at any time and anywhere, thus allowing them to experience continuous learning and develop skills at their own pace within the overall educational framework. This, Wu suggests, might be particularly useful on courses where the demand for resources often exceeds availability.

"Simulation results demonstrate VR's extensive applicability, offering a broader and more open educational platform," concludes Wu. He adds that "Future endeavours should focus on effectively combining immersive IoT with higher education to enhance educational outcomes."

Wu, D. (2024) 'Design and implementation method of immersive IoT teaching platform based on virtual reality technology', Int. J. Information and Communication Technology, Vol. 24, No. 8, pp.76–89.

DOI: 10.1504/IJICT.2024.139865

Recent upheavals in the global market have put supply chains under immense pressure and the logistics and road transportation sectors are struggling to keep apace with geopolitical tensions, rampant inflation, and the rising demand for sustainability as well as many other issues. Rising energy costs and a shortage of qualified drivers are also adding to the burden. Research in the International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering has looked at the potential for Horizontal Logistics Collaboration to overcome many of the problems.

Taher Ahmadi, Jack A.A. van der Veen, and V. Venugopal of the Nyenrode Business Universiteit in Breukelen, The Netherlands, and Mehdi A. Kamran of the German University of Technology in Oman, Muscat, Oman, discuss how HLC involves different companies combining their transportation or logistics activities to mutual benefit in the face of the afore-mentioned growing challenges. This strategy aims to enhance economic, social, and environmental outcomes by optimizing the use of vehicles and so reduce transportation costs as well as carbon emissions.

However, while the theoretical benefits of HLC are well-documented, practical implementation has not lived up to expectations, the work suggests. The main obstacle is a lack of understanding regarding the hidden coordination costs, particularly those associated with inventory and warehousing.

The new study has investigated the complexities of HLC and developed a quantitative model of two supply chains. Each supply chain includes a single buyer and supplier situated in different regions. The model then compares and contrasts two scenarios: a standalone case in which each buyer manages transportation independently, and a second HLC scenario wherein the buyers coordinate inventory replenishments and deliveries using shared transport vehicles.

The team found that while the HLC scenario did reduce transportation costs and carbon emissions, it also introduced a downside in terms of higher warehousing costs. This increase stemmed from the need for synchronized, but less-than-optimal, ordering frequencies. The extra warehousing costs could negate the benefits of HLC as well as adding a layer of complexity to the decision-making process for companies considering this collaborative approach.

Nevertheless, the study shows just how important it is to evaluate the total costs for transportation and warehousing, rather than simply focusing on the potential transportation savings. Of course, there may well be ways to optimize such an approach and make it work better for all parties involved. If collaborating parties can mesh more effectively in terms of geographic proximity and order frequency, then they might gain all the pros with much-reduced cons of HLC

Ahmadi, T., van der Veen, J.A.A., Venugopal, V. and Kamran, M.A. (2024) 'Conditions for viable horizontal collaborative transport: insights from a stylised model', Int. J. Industrial and Systems Engineering, Vol. 47, No. 5, pp.1–35.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISE.2024.139945

The emergence of so-called deepfake technology, which commonly involves the generation of fake images, video, and sound that seem so authentic as to confuse even expert viewers and listeners is at the point where it can influence important aspects of our lives, such as politics, finance, and beyond. This new era of deception sees sophisticated image and video forgeries making the headlines. Often these deepfakes are identified quickly, but sometimes the damage may well already be done once the deepfakes are called out, especially given the rate in which videos and other digital media can go viral on social media.

Digital manipulations that alter or completely synthesize faces, have become alarmingly convincing, contributing to fake news and eroding public trust in digital media. Research in the International Journal of Autonomous and Adaptive Communications Systems has led to a new approach that spots illumination inconsistencies within images and so can identify whether a video or photograph is a deepfake.

According to Fei Gu, Yunshu Dai, Jianwei Fei, and Xianyi Chen of Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology in Nanjing, China, deepfakes, which can be classified into four main types: identity swaps, expression swaps, attribute manipulations, and entire face synthesis. Each poses different threats and risk to. Identity swaps, where one person's face is replaced with another's, and expression swaps, which transfer facial expressions from one individual to another, are particularly worrying. Deepfakes can cause serious harm to the reputation and perception of the individuals or groups that are being deepfaked.

The usual approach to deepfake detection is to take a binary classification approach. However, the conventional approach can fail if the video or images are highly compressed or of poor quality. Compression and quality can obfuscate facial features and reduce the trust in deepfake detection.

Even expert deepfakers can falter when it comes to getting the lighting matched perfectly between altered and unaltered regions in an image or video. It is this issue that Gu and colleagues have focused on in their detection method, which uses a neural network to spot illumination discrepancies.

Gu, F., Dai, Y., Fei, J. and Chen, X. (2024) 'Deepfake detection and localisation based on illumination inconsistency', Int. J. Autonomous and Adaptive Communications Systems, Vol. 17, No. 4, pp.352–368.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAACS.2024.139383

Middle managers play an important role in an organisation undergoing structural change. They are the ones who must implement the changes, but conversely as employees they will be subject to the very changes they put in place. This can often put them in a place of conflicting demands, where they must manage their own stress and uncertainty while carrying out new directives that will affect their colleagues and subordinates.

A study in the International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion has taken a major bank as a case study in order to look at how middle managers might cope with this stress during corporate restructuring and what strategies they might use to overcome the stress and find their way around the many challenges.

Pravitha Jogie, Annemarie Davis, and Catherine Le Roux of the Department of Business Management at the University of South Africa in the City of Tshwane suggest that middle managers generally respond to corporate restructuring in one of two ways. They either cope or they "cop out" and evade the responsibilities placed on them in some way. The team explains that coping usually involves proactive strategies such as positive reframing, where managers view themselves as agents of change and engage with the process. Positive reframing allows middle managers to perceive restructuring as an opportunity for growth and improvement. By contrast, "copping out" refers to disengagement and withdrawal behaviour, such as territorialism, where the middle manager protects their own interests and is perhaps involved in spreading rumours, all of which can disrupt the restructuring process but also provide something of a psychological escape route for the managers who engage in such behaviour.

The business environment has always been marked by constant change where globalization, economic fluctuations, technological advancements, and international crises affect the way a company operates and its bottom line. The team explains that the financial services sector faces particularly intense competition, regulatory changes, and digital transformation. These factors have led to frequent organizational restructuring for many companies, which puts pressure on the middle managers to interpret, communicate, and implement new structures and strategies.

The research suggests that it is obviously better that middle managers cope rather than cop out, and points to the learning of new skills and networking with peers and mentors as being useful tools to help in this regard. They even suggest that engaging in hobbies or other "extracurricular" activities might be useful coping mechanisms. It is possible then for a manager to maintain a sense of control and purpose, as this is essential for their mental well-being and their productivity in the workplace, as well as ensuring the same for colleagues and subordinates.

However, the research often showed the converse. Middle managers might become withdrawn and disengage from the task at hand. This was especially common among managers who felt powerless or unsupported, indicating a need for organisations to foster a supportive environment to ensure smooth restructuring when this is needed.

Jogie, P., Davis, A. and Le Roux, C. (2024) 'Middle managers' practices during organisational restructuring: coping or copping out?', Int. J. Work Organisation and Emotion, Vol. 15, No. 5, pp.1–21.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWOE.2024.139912

The Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippus, is renowned for its striking appearance and perhaps even more than that, its remarkable long-distance migration. The population present in North America heads south each year in the late-summer, early autumn, travelling thousands of miles to its wintering grounds. The prowess of these magnificent butterflies as natural aviators is beyond doubt. Unlike almost every other species of butterfly, Monarchs do not have coupled forewings and hindwings. This gives them unique flight stability and manoeuvrability that allows them to generate great lift and navigate efficiently, even at low speeds and high angles of attack.

Research in Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics, An International Journal, has investigated the aerodynamics of the Monarch Butterfly. The work provides new insights into the species itself but also points to the potential for non-fixed wing micro-aerial vehicles (MAVs). Fadile Yudum Comez and Dilek Funda Kurtulus of the Middle East Technical University, and Nevsan Sengil of the University of Turkish Aeronautical Association in Ankara, Turkey, have used a model of the butterfly's wings to investigate the flow field around fully opened forewings at various angles of attack. With this study, the team hoped to understand the complex aerodynamic phenomena that allow these butterflies to fly so well.

The researchers used computational fluid dynamics simulations, including unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations, to analyse the airflow around the model of the Monarch's rigid wings. An important finding from the study was the recognition of significant differences in the aerodynamic performance in smooth (laminar) or turbulent flow models, particularly at higher angles of attack. They showed that the maximum lift-to-drag ratio was achieved at an angle of 30 degrees, but the wings "stall" at 40 degrees. Such insights will be useful in designing and developing micro-aerial vehicles that might mimic Monarchs. Such flying machines may well one day be magnificent, but the designs will have to be able to copy with unsteady aerodynamic effects.

Comez, F.Y., Sengil, N. and Kurtulus, D.F. (2024) 'Three-dimensional flow evaluation of monarch butterfly wing', Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics, Vol. 24, No. 4, pp.191–203.

DOI: 10.1504/PCFD.2024.139335

Research in the International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation has investigated how the preparedness of university students and graduates for the complexities of the job market might be improved. A software application that integrates challenge-based learning (CBL) with a personalized chatbot is introduced and the benefits discussed. The findings suggest that this innovative approach might well address some of the longstanding issues associated with conventional education and how to equip students with both the technical knowledge and the soft skills required in the world of work.

Andrea Sofia Cornejo Paredes, Alexander Acuña Ramírez, Beatrice Cueva Medina, Aremi Isabel Paja Medina, José David Esquicha Tejada, and José Alfredo Sulla-Torres of the Universidad Católica de Santa María in Arequipa, Perú, explain that challenge-based learning, CBL, is a learner-centric educational tool that focuses on solving real-world problems and conducting research that contributes to societal development. The approach contrasts with conventional learning methods, which often prioritize theoretical knowledge over practical applications. By focusing on real-world challenges, CBL can be used to help learners develop critical skills such as teamwork, effective communication, and problem-solving.

In the present work, the team has developed software, a mobile application, or app, using agile methodologies including the open workbench Scrum and a lean startup approach. These prioritize iterative development, user feedback, and minimal wasted resources, so that the final product meets user needs most efficiently. The app facilitates the publication and management of both academic and business challenges, providing a dynamic platform for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.

One of the main features of this application is its integration of a personalized chatbot. This AI-driven assistant supports students by answering queries related to CBL, so improving their understanding and effective use of the learning approach itself. The chatbot can offer immediate, tailored responses so that the learners receive the help they need precisely when they need it, making the learning process more efficient and engaging.

Cornejo Paredes, A.S., Acuña Ramírez, A., Cueva Medina, B., Paja Medina, A.I., Esquicha Tejada, J.D. and Sulla-Torres, J.A. (2024) 'Mobile application that integrates challenge-based learning with a chatbot to encourage innovation in university students', Int. J. Mobile Learning and Organisation, Vol. 18, No. 3, pp.363–380.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMLO.2024.139718

Inderscience's Editorial Office is delighted to report that Electronic Government, an International Journal has been indexed by Clarivate's Emerging Sources Citation Index

The journal's Editor in Chief, Dr. June Wei, would like to take this opportunity to express her deep appreciation to her Editorial Board Members and to Inderscience's Editorial Office staff. She says, "It is all their hard work and great support over the years that's brought Electronic Government the success of being indexed in Clarivate's ESCI."

Clarivate has recently released its latest impact factors, and Inderscience's Editorial Office is pleased to report that many Inderscience journals have increased their impact factors, particularly the European Journal of Industrial Engineering, International Journal of Knowledge Management Studies, International Journal of Applied Pattern Recognition and International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics.

Impact factors are displayed on all indexed journals' homepages. We congratulate all the editors, board members, reviewers and authors who have contributed to these latest indexing achievements.

Scopus has now released its 2023 CiteScores. Inderscience's Editorial Office is pleased to report that many Inderscience journals have improved their CiteScores, particularly the following titles:

• International Journal of Integrated Supply Management
• International Journal of Green Economics
• International Journal of Hydromechatronics
• International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning
• Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development
• International Journal of Medical Engineering & Informatics
• International Journal of Intelligent Information and Database Systems
• International Journal of Computational Science and Engineering
• International Journal of High Performance Systems Architecture

Prof. Zongqing Zhou from the International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators in the USA has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Hospitality and Event Management.

Inderscience is pleased to announce the news that the International Journal of Vehicle Performance has been indexed by Clarivate's Emerging Sources Citation Index.

The journal's Editor in Chief, Dr. Xiaobo Yang, has offered the following comments:

"I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the inclusion of the International Journal of Vehicle Performance (IJVP) in the Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI). This marks a significant milestone for IJVP and reflects the dedication and hard work of our editorial team, contributors and reviewers.

Inclusion in ESCI not only acknowledges the quality and relevance of the research published in our journal, but also enhances the journal's visibility and accessibility across the global academic community. We are confident that this will further encourage scholarly contributions and enrich the discourse within the field of vehicle systems performance.

We are committed to maintaining and improving the standards that have led to this achievement. This recognition provides us with the motivation to continue our efforts in publishing high-quality research and fostering academic excellence."

Inderscience's Editorial Office is pleased to report that the International Journal of Hydromechatronics has increased its Scopus CiteScore from 6.0 to 7.6.

The journal's Editor in Chief, Prof. Liang Yan, said, "This year, IJHM achieved a CiteScore of 7.6, marking a 27% increase. Over the past year, the editorial team has made significant efforts to control manuscript quality, optimise the review process and enhance promotional efforts. Both the editorial board and the young editorial members have dedicated more effort to the journal's development. We sincerely extend our gratitude to our readers and authors for their support. Moving forward, we will continue to strive to make IJHM a better and more influential journal."

Inderscience is pleased to announce that the International Journal of Information and Computer Security has been indexed by Clarivate's Emerging Sources Citation Index.

The journal's Editor in Chief, Associate Prof. Biju Issac, has shared the following statement concerning this achievement:

"The news of IJICS getting indexed in Clarivate's Emerging Sources Citation Index is fantastic. It clearly reflects the quality of the papers published in the journal through rigorous peer review, and I am sure it will attract further high-quality paper submissions. I would especially like to thank the authors, editorial board members and reviewers for their contributions in making this journal successful. I hope the quality of this journal will only get better in the days to come. We will be aiming for a higher impact factor over the next few years."

Prof. Eldon Li from National Chung Cheng University in Taiwan has been appointed to take over editorship of the International Journal of Information Systems and Management.