Network Science and Graph Analytics

The multinational enterprise, capabilities, and digitalization: governance and growth with world disorder This essay revisits my 2014 JIBS article about the potential for integrating international business internalization theory with a strategic management capabilities perspective. It recaps the capabilities framework with an emphasis on the learning required of emerging market multinationals and illustrates this with the case of Hyundai Motor Company’s internationalization and growth. It also discusses two aspects of the global economy that have become more prominent since 2014 in shaping international business: geopolitical uncertainty and digitalization. A rise in geopolitical tensions appears to be rebalancing the relationships between multinationals and home/host governments. Digitalization facilitates international business; but it adds new vulnerabilities by (further) accelerating competition, enabling new rivals, and introducing systemic risks into digital supply chains. Impli...

Digital technology and service tradability: evidence from patent innovations and knowledge utilization Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and industrial robots have diminished employment opportunities in manufacturing trade, prompting stakeholders to explore alternative tradable sectors that capitalize on low-cost labor advantages. This paper analyzes the impact of digital technology innovations and spillovers on the tradability of services by matching input-output data and patent data from 76 economies spanning from 1995 to 2020. The empirical results indicate that patent innovations in the information industry itself will inhibit the tradability of domestic services, whereas domestic and international digital technology utilizations facilitate it. Given that the positive effects of domestic digital technology spillover outweigh the negative ones, digital technology is poised to comprehensively empower the tradability of services. The impact of different digital tec...

Analyzing Toolkits for the Development of Information Support for Smart Spaces Trends in the development of smart spaces are described. Modern tools for designing the information support of smart spaces are presented, and a brief description of them, their applied methods, and their standards are given. It is concluded that there is a growing need for specialist designers of this field of knowledge. The paper builds on prior research into using model-driven development methodologies (MDE / MDA - Model Driven Architecture) to enable structured design of smart spaces. This allows defining high-level models of a smart space which can then be systematically transformed into deployable software / hardware descriptions. It uses semantic technologies such as ontologies to give a formal, machine-understandable description to components of smart spaces (sensors, actuators, services, context, etc.). This enhances interoperability and consistency, and supports verification of models against ...

Global Trends in Artificial Intelligence. Challenges, Opportunities, and Prospects The phenomenon of the rapid transformation of the world under the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) is driven by its ability to accelerate innovation, reshape economic processes, influence the ways people interact with technology, and open new perspectives for human development. In recent years, AI was integrated into key areas of life at an unprecedented pace, significantly transforming the labor market, scientific research, social communications, global security, and the economy. However, these changes require a conscious approach to regulation, the establishment of ethical boundaries, and the adaptation of society to new technological realities. It is crucial to ensure that AI remains a tool for progress, fostering sustainable development rather than posing a threat to stability and human well-being. network, data transmission, cloud networking, 5G connectivity, cybersecurity, wireless technol...

Development of Grouting Quality Evaluation System for a Shield TBM Tunnel Using the Impact-Echo Method Effective backfill grouting is crucial for the stability of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) tunnels. Insufficient grouting can lead to severe consequences, including groundwater seepage, surface settling, and cavity in the ground. This study introduces an innovative evaluation system using the impact-echo (IE) method to ensure the quality of backfill grouting behind segment linings. Through in-depth analysis of IE signals, three key indicators-Geometric Damping Ratio (GDR), Dominant Resonance Duration (DRD), and the number of post-peak amplitude Counts above 10% of the peak value after 1 millisecond (N10AMP)-have been identified, effectively capturing grouting quality in the near-surface zone. Despite the current limitations of solenoid hammers in terms of structural thickness applicability, our enhancements in the diversification of size, impact force, and contact time extend their util...

Digitalization and sustainable branding in tourism destinations from a systematic review perspective Digital technologies are rapidly reshaping the tourism industry, offering new opportunities for destinations to communicate sustainability values and engage with environmentally conscious travelers. However, a gap remains in understanding how digital tools directly influence sustainable branding strategies and consumer perception. This study addresses this gap through a systematic literature review of 60 peer-reviewed articles, using bibliometric analysis and qualitative synthesis to identify trends, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications. The review highlights the growing role of technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, mobile apps, artificial intelligence, and social media in enhancing destination image, promoting authenticity, and supporting sustainability narratives. Two conceptual models-the Digital–Sustainability Branding Matrix and the Destination Archetyp...

Unveiling the Eco-Digital Nexus: a systematic review of pathways to sustainable futures and ecological resilience This current paper systematically examines how digitalization supports sustainable solutions and enhances resilience to ecological crises, focusing on corporate settings. Based on a review of 250 peer-reviewed articles published between 2011 and 2024, this study explores the relationship between digital technologies and environmental sustainability. Findings show a growing interest in leveraging digital tools for sustainable operations, yet reveal persistent gaps, particularly regarding the long-term effectiveness of these strategies and potential unintended consequences. Overall, this review offers valuable insights for policymakers, corporate leaders, and researchers aiming to navigate the evolving eco-digital landscape and promote resilient, sustainable futures. network security, computer networks, data communication, wireless networking, LAN, WAN, VPN, network topology,...

Integrating computer vision techniques with finite element phase field damage analysis Realistic and accurate finite element (FE) models are crucial for understanding and predicting the health, performance, and safety of deteriorated structures. Accordingly, this paper presents a novel approach that integrates computer vision techniques and a phase field method to enhance FE damage analyses. Computer vision techniques are employed to analyze the visual inspection or monitoring data and to extract the geometric features of a structure and its damage, while the phase field method provides a robust numerical solution for representing the damage and simulating its progression. The integration of these methods allows for automated and precise updates of damage information in the FE model, improving model accuracy and reducing manual intervention. Case studies on a paper board and a steel cross beam of a bridge demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach, hig...

Improving energy efficiency and routing reliability in wireless sensor networks using modified ant colony optimization Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are essential in a wide range of applications, but the challenges of energy efficiency, load balancing, and optimal routing remain critical for ensuring long-term network reliability. In this study, we introduce a Modified Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm (MACOA) to address these challenges. The proposed MACOA lies in several key innovations to address the limitations of existing ACO-based and bio-inspired routing protocols. First, MACOA applies a multi-objective heuristic function to simultaneously optimize power consumption while ensuring reliability, bandwidth, and short path distances to achieve an efficient routing solution. Second, it introduces an adaptive pheromone decay mechanism that dynamically adjusts based on network conditions, such as node energy levels and link reliability, to prioritize energy-efficient paths. Third, M...

Lymphatic-Inspired and TENG-Powered Soft Fiber Pumps for Soft Robots Soft robotic systems leverage their inherent flexibility and environmental adaptability, demonstrating significant potential across diverse fields. Fluid-driven actuation has emerged as a mainstream approach because of its capacity to enable large deformations and high output forces. However, the reliance on conventional rigid pumping components limits application scopes. Soft electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumps, including soft fiber pumps (SFPs), address these challenges by offering intelligent controllability, silent operation, and a compact structure. This study tackles critical limitations of existing SFPs, such as electrode-channel detachment, complex fabrication processes, insufficient theoretical frameworks, and dependence on external power sources. Inspired by the multi-stage drainage structure of biological lymphatic systems, we propose a novel spatially parallel electrode fiber pump configuration, enhancing stab...

Heuristic Fuzzy Approach to Traffic Flow Modelling and Control on Urban Networks Computer-aided transport modelling is essential for testing different control strategies for traffic lights. One approach to modelling traffic control is by heuristically defining fuzzy rules for the control of traffic light systems and applying them to a network of hierarchically dependent crossroads. In this paper, such a network is investigated through modelling the geometry of the network in the simulation environment Aimsun. This environment is based on real-world traffic data and is used in this paper with the MATLAB R2019a-Fuzzy toolbox. It focuses on the development of a network of intersections, as well as four fuzzy models and the behaviour of these models on the investigated intersections. The transport network consists of four intersections. The novelty of the proposed approach is in the application of heuristic fuzzy rules to the modelling and control of traffic flow through these intersection...

Exploring the Structure–Property Relationship in Montmorillonite–Carbon Quantum Hybrid Nanomaterials Combining montmorillonite (MMT), a layered silicate clay, with carbon quantum dots (CQD) is a promising strategy to develop hybrid nanomaterials with enhanced and tunable properties. In this work, we explore the structure–property relationships in montmorillonite–carbon quantum dot (MCQD) hybrid nanomaterials synthesized through two distinct routes. In Route 1, pre-synthesized CQDs using citric acid and urea as precursors were physically mixed with MMT, giving rise to MCQD-R1 hybrid nanomaterials. In Route 2, MMT was added in situ in the CQD reaction medium before thermal treatment, with contact times from 1 to 16 h, generating MCQD-R2-1 and MCQD-R2-16, respectively. Structural and spectroscopy techniques were employed to investigate the resulting hybrids. PXRD analysis revealed that the synthesis conditions preserved the crystalline structures of both CQD and MMT clay. The FT-IR indica...