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This study aims to explore the impact of cryptocurrency on intelligence activities by law enforcement agencies, focusing on the changing landscape due to its exploitation by terrorist organizations. Investigating the dual nature of cryptocurrency as a global payment system and a potential threat to national security, the purpose is to understand how law enforcement adapts its strategies in response to this evolving challenge.

The research uses a comprehensive approach by analyzing the integration of research and collection stages within the intelligence circle, particularly emphasizing blockchain analysis. By examining the actions of law enforcement authorities in the case study of Hamas’ crypto fundraising campaign, the study highlights how open-source information, accessible through blockchain, allows for strategic collaboration between law enforcement authorities and specialist companies in the field of intelligence analysis. This methodology enables law enforcement to enhance their intelligence gathering capabilities to trace illicit activity by terrorist organizations, leading to a successful seizure of crypto funds.

The findings reveal a symbiotic relationship between terrorist organizations and the crypto space, with the latter becoming an attractive means for financing activities. Law enforcement, in response, has evolved its intelligence practices, combining collection and research to trace and crack down on illicit crypto transactions.

The study sheds light on the dynamic challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining an effective intelligence response to the ever-evolving methods used by terrorist organizations in using cryptocurrencies.

Lean construction (LC) consists of very effective techniques; however, its implementation varies considerably from one industry to another. Although numerous lean initiatives do exist in the construction industry, the research topic related to LC implementation is still unexplored due to the scarcity of validated assessment frameworks. This study aims to provide the first attempt in developing a structural model for successful LC implementation.

This study developed a Lean construction model (LCM) by critically reviewing seven previous LC frameworks from different countries, defining 18 subprinciples grouped into 6 major principles and formulating testable hypotheses. The questionnaire was pre-tested with 12 construction management experts and revised by 4 specialized academics. A pilot study with 20 construction units enhanced content reliability. Data from 307 Moroccan construction companies were collected to develop a measurement model. SPSS V. 26 was used for Exploratory Factor Analysis, followed by confirmatory factor analysis using AMOS version 23. Finally, a structural equation model statistically assessed each construct's contribution to the success of LC implementation.

This work led to the development of an original LCM based on valid and reliable LC constructs, consisting of 18 measurement items grouped into 6 LC principles: Process Transparency, People involvement, Waste elimination, Planning and Continuous improvement, Client Focus and Material/information flow and pull. According to the structural model, LC implementation success is positively influenced by Planning and Scheduling/continuous improvement (β = 0.930), followed by Elimination of waste (β = 0.896). Process transparency ranks third (β = 0.858). The study demonstrates that all these factors are mutually complementary, highlighting a positive relationship between LC implementation success and the holistic application of all LC principles.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to develop a statistically proven model of LC based on structural equation modelling analysis, which is promising for stimulating construction practitioners and researchers for more empirical studies in different countries to obtain a more accurate reflection of LC implementation. Moreover, the paper proposes recommendations to help policymakers, academics and practitioners anticipate the key success drivers for more successful LC implementation.

AISI 4140 is a versatile, low alloy steel often used in various applications in mechanical systems and manufacturing processes. To mention a few in processes such as friction stir welding tooling and in engine components, temperatures above 700°C coupled with wear. Despite its versatility, it is still susceptible to wear and corrosion. A common method to address this shortcoming is physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating. This study aims to experimentally investigate the wear performance of AISI 4140 PVD coated with titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) at room and elevated temperatures.

Two sets of three samples were prepared. Where one sample was uncoated AISI 4140, TiN and TiAlN PVD coated, one set was tested at room temperature and the other set at 780°C for comparison purposes. The average coating thicknesses were measured, and the adhesion properties were assessed using a scratch test. Their tribological wear scars were further characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and confocal microscopy, and the results were furnished in the paper.

With the scratch test, the first critical load (Lc) on the TiAlN coating was 15% higher than that of the TiN coating. At room temperature, TiN had the highest coefficient at 0.61, while TiAlN was 0.39. After 1,500 s, samples showed run-in and stability. At elevated temperatures, TiAlN started with the highest friction but stabilized later than TiN and uncoated samples, which stabilized after 200 s due to titanium oxide formation. This was due to the formation of an oxidation layer caused by the thermal environment. Hence, the opposite is observed at room temperature. The findings were supported by the Raman, XRD, SEM EDS and areal topography analysis.

The results presented in the study are valuable to design engineers and researchers anticipating wear in high temperature applications. Therefore, with these results, reasonable, informed decisions can be made about specific design requirements.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-09-2024-0354/

Modern buildings use intelligent automation for comfort, efficiency and sustainability, impacting their construction and operation. Although building automation (BA) operates via bus lines and is controlled by sensors and actuators, computer-aided facility management (CAFM) systems often handle data redundantly. Current standards fail to detail effective systems integration, with a noticeable gap in practical network models and solutions.The purpose of this paper is to design a network model that integrates building services and networks at the automation level. The goal is to enable the CAFM side to control all electrical loads (such as lighting, blinds, pumps), climate control (HVAC) and security monitoring.

This paper explores the automatic discovery and integration of BA devices and centralized controls into CAFM systems, focusing on innovative networking models, system data provisioning, import functions and web operation. Established technologies such as Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and Extensible Markup Language (XML) standards are utilized to develop new solutions.

The paper introduces a solution with a database and software module enabling bidirectional web-based coupling via LAN. The UPnP standard was enhanced to include facility management (FM)–specific information for device communication. The prototype effectively controls devices through CAFM systems, setting a foundation for future improvements in web-based BA. These results are crucial for developing standards for automated data processing between CAFM systems and BA.

This research benefits FM, especially in maintenance, operations, energy and compliance. In addition, the need for time-consuming on-site inspections to record device master data for maintenance management, in case of commissioning or changing facility service providers, can be eliminated. The principles of the developed software module enhance CAFM systems as high-performance building control tools.

The paper adapts existing technologies for specific FM applications and integrates them for the first time into key FM processes.

This study aims to provide empirical insights into the role of communities of practice (CoPs) and associated technologies in fostering organisational sustainability (OS), particularly social and environmental sustainability within the oil and gas (O&G) sector in the Middle East. It explores how these mechanisms contribute to the enhancement of these sustainability through knowledge management (KM) and innovation.

This quantitative study examines the causal relationships among the key variables. A survey of 330 engineers from six O&G firms across three northern governorates in Iraq was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analysed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling to validate the research model.

The study highlights that knowledge is a fundamental resource for driving innovation and sustainable organisational practices. CoPs serve as a dynamic KM framework, facilitating efficient knowledge exchange, dissemination and application. This, in turn, enhances employees’ ability to address daily professional challenges while reinforcing social and environmental sustainability initiatives. The findings also reveal that CoPs and associated technologies significantly contribute to the economic, social and environmental dimensions of OS, demonstrating a moderate to substantial effect.

The findings provide actionable insights for O&G companies aiming to integrate sustainability through technology-driven CoPs. By institutionalising CoPs and leveraging digital technologies, organisations can enhance collaborative learning, knowledge retention and sustainable innovation. This research also underscores the need for leaders and managers within O&G firms to prioritise technological advancements and knowledge-sharing strategies to drive social and environmental sustainability efforts.

The study highlights how technology-driven CoPs can foster knowledge-sharing, collaboration and social sustainability within organisations, particularly in the O&G sector. By leveraging digital platforms, virtual knowledge-sharing tools and AI-driven analytics, organisations can enhance workplace inclusivity, cross-disciplinary collaboration and employee engagement in sustainability initiatives. Furthermore, the adoption of CoPs and emerging digital technologies promotes a culture of collective learning and professional development, ensuring that employees at all levels contribute to and benefit from sustainable business practices. This research also underscores the role of technology-enhanced CoPs in bridging knowledge gaps, improving social equity in professional settings and strengthening corporate social responsibility efforts.

While existing studies have demonstrated a link between KM and sustainable performance, this research uniquely examines CoPs and related technologies as enablers of social and environmental sustainability in the O&G sector. It provides a novel perspective on how organisations can leverage technological tools and knowledge-sharing platforms to enhance OS, bridging a critical gap in sustainability research.

This paper proposes a framework that aligns e-government initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The study integrates a systematic literature review with case study analysis. The literature review involved an extensive search across multiple scholarly databases to identify relevant studies. Case studies were sourced used a number of criteria with a scoring rubric for selection and evaluation. The analysis of extracted themes and patterns from both the literature and case studies informed the development of the proposed e-government framework and illustrated the causal relationships among its components.

The framework serves as a roadmap for achieving sustainable development through e-government initiatives. It emphasizes critical themes, including inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, sustainability, partnerships and collaboration and innovation and digital transformation.

Although efforts were made to include diverse case studies, some regions may be underrepresented, which could affect the generalizability of the framework across all global contexts.

This study provides a holistic approach, considering technological, social, economic and environmental factors, highlighting the importance of partnerships and collaborations in achieving sustainable development.

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are tools in the hands of governments for the pursuit of their political agendas. This feature is driving accounting scholars’ attention to SOEs’ relationship with the United Nations Agenda 2030. However, few contributions in literature have approached the topic. This study aims at understanding which determinants impact the contribution of SOEs to Agenda 2030.

To analyse SOEs’ contribution to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) through their disclosures, this study adopted a panel data analysis to explore two levels of drivers impacting SOEs practices. Furthermore, to highlight SOEs’ differences from private sector entities, this study used a comparative approach.

Results revealed how hybrid and private environments are differently impacting the contribution to the SDGs. Moreover, it emerged how hybridity through board characteristics impacts SOE disclosure quality.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to empirically test how corporate governance characteristics influence SDGs’ contribution via sustainability reporting in SOEs.

This study aims to understand the relationship between social audit (SA) and sustainable corporate social responsibility (SCSR). Furthermore, this study will investigate the mediating effect of corporate social innovation (CSI) on the relationship between SA and SCSR and the moderating impact of community participation (CP) on the relationship between CSI and SCSR.

This research was conducted in Odisha, a state in India, with 448 respondents and a response rate of 89%. The convenience sampling technique was used, and questionnaires were prepared in English and translated into regional languages during data collection. Psychological separation and Harman’s single-factor test were used to avoid common method bias. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed step by step to validate the proposed model.

The current study indicates that SA positively impacts SCSR. Findings from the analysis show that CSI partially mediates the relationship between SA and SCSR. Furthermore, this study indicates that CP moderates the relationship between CSI and SCSR.

This study is one of its kind concerning the variables considered, and it can work as a stepping stone for upgrading the delivery mechanism for corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, which can solve the fundamental problems faced in society more effectively. It will provide new paths for future researchers to study in the area of audit and CSR.

The concept of frugal innovation has been scholarly discussed from different perspectives. It is a concept that has in the recent years been receiving much attention. In this view, much of the scholarly attention has been given to the benefits of frugal innovation. However, sparse and little attention has been given to the possibilities and challenges of frugal innovation in attaining sustainable development in African Nations. Much of the work has explored the benefits of disruptive frugal innovation. Given this background, this chapter, therefore, seeks to contribute to disruptive frugal digital innovation by highlighting the challenges and possibilities frugal innovation brings in an attempt to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially SDG 1 that aims to end poverty in all forms as well as SDG 8 that aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation. Hence, this chapter aims to unleash some possibilities and challenges that can be brought by frugal innovation. Using literature analysis from 21 articles from Google Scholar, the chapter pre-empts key definitions and highlights the SDGs, the possibilities and challenges brought by frugal innovation in achieving economic and social sustainability in Africa. It is through these insights that the chapter seeks to inform theory, practice and policy in the context of SDGs in Africa.

This study investigated the impact of entrepreneurship education on the international entrepreneurship intention of the university students while considering the mediating roles of entrepreneurship alertness, proactive personality, innovative behaviour and the moderating role of global mindset in this relationship.

The research employs a survey methodology, utilising a structured questionnaire for data collection. The study specifically concentrates on students enrolled at Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) in Ghana, drawing its sample from six academic programmes within the university. Data analysis is conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM).

The findings of this research revealed that entrepreneurship education exerts a positive influence on the international entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, entrepreneurship alertness acts as a mediator in the relationship between entrepreneurship education and innovative behaviour. Similarly, a proactive personality serves as a mediating factor between entrepreneurship education and innovative behaviour. Moreover, innovative behaviour operates as a mediator in the relationship between entrepreneurship education and international entrepreneurship intention. Additionally, a global mindset plays a crucial moderating role in the connection between entrepreneurship education and international entrepreneurship intention.

This study makes a significant contribution to the field by shedding light on the mediating roles of proactive personality, entrepreneurial alertness, innovative behaviour and global mindset moderating the relationship between entrepreneurship education and international entrepreneurship intention. These insights offer fresh perspectives on the complex dynamics at play in the realm of entrepreneurship education and its impact on students' intentions for the international entrepreneurship.