Search results

Applications offered to end‐users as value‐added services play a vital role in the success of Internet telephony service providers. Today’s standard frameworks for developing them have several shortcomings that motivate the need for novel frameworks. Web services are an emerging paradigm for program‐to‐program interactions over the Internet. This paradigm is a prime candidate for application development in Internet Telephony because it may aid in addressing the drawbacks of today’s standard frameworks. This paper presents a case study that gives insights in the suitability of Web services as a standard framework for the development of conferencing applications in Internet Telephony. The case study includes the definition and the implementation of a novel Web service for conferencing, the implementation of the conference server in a SIP environment, the development of several conferencing applications (including a game), and performance evaluation. Based on this case study, we conclude that Web services are very promising for conferencing application development in Internet Telephony, especially as the performance can be significantly improved with the emerging techniques that are briefly discussed in the paper.

Smart city services (SCS) in contrast with other technology-based services, demand significant interaction and collaboration between the users and the service providers. This study examines the SCS delivery-channel characteristics and the users' personal (behavioral and demographic) characteristics that influence their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the services, as well as their intention to adopt (i.e. continue using) the SCS-delivery channels.

A quantitative study using a structured questionnaire was conducted for this paper. The data-collection method was administered by emailing the survey to a list of 2,350 city/urban residents who are members of the two largest universities in the greater Dubai metropolis. A total of 600 completed responses (26 percent) were received back, while 580 useable responses (25 percent) were analyzed for this paper.

Our initial findings suggest that contrary to popular belief, it is not only SCS channel factors that influence user satisfaction and continuance intention. SCS users' personal characteristics (such as their user innovativeness and control-seeking behavior) are also pivotal in determining their satisfaction and intention to continue or not continue using the SCS-delivery channels.

The paper argues that both SCS channel factors and SCS users' personal characteristics jointly influence the users' experience of the services and therefore jointly determine their satisfaction with the service as well as their SCS usage continuance intention. The result of our research gives important insights into users' behaviors toward the emerging SCS channels in general, and it will be of great value to architects and designers of Smart City technologies around the world.

The paper argues that both SCS channel factors and SCS users' personal (behavioral and demographic) characteristics jointly influence the users' trials of the services, and therefore jointly determine their satisfaction with the service as well as their SCS usage continuance intention. The result of our research gives important insights into users' behavioral intentions toward the emerging SCS channels in general; and it will be of great value to architects and designers of Smart City technologies around the world.

This paper is one of the first few studies focused on investigating the antecedents of SCS usage behaviors in the Middle Eastern region.

This study aims to examine the effects of technology-, organisation- and environment-readiness, smart economic development, change valence, social cohesion and quality of life on citizenship in the context of smart cities.

The study employed a customized questionnaire which was completed by 280 residents of China’s first-tier cities. This study tested the framework using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique.

The results indicated that smart economy development, social cohesion, change valence, technological readiness, organizational readiness and environmental readiness have a significant impact on the quality of life. Quality of life has a positive impact on citizenship.

This study adds new insights to smart city academic discussions. The study addresses a critical gap identified in existing literature which urges the need for a balance between user-centric, organization-centric and technology-centric approaches. It offers a fresh perspective on how the smart economy, social cohesion and readiness factors are interlinked. These elements together shape urban living experiences. For policymakers and urban planners, our findings provide clear guidance. They highlight the complex dynamics that must be considered to build more unified, inclusive and sustainable smart cities.

Fitness games, as a medium that combines playfulness and usefulness for exercise, face challenges in sustaining long-term user engagement. Currently, there is limited research exploring factors influencing users' continued intention to use from the perspective of user experience. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the priority of various user experience attributes of fitness games in promoting users' sustained engagement and to construct a user behavior model, offering theoretical guidance for designers and businesses.

This study distributed 441 survey questionnaires and, based on the fundamental characteristics of external games, established a model for users' continued intention to use external games. It explores the impact of various gaming elements on users' continued intention to use fitness games and the relationships between these elements.

The study indicates that usefulness, functional quality, and ease of use directly influence players' intention to continue playing external games. Social interactions, technical quality, and playfulness do not have an impact on the continued intention to use.

This research breaks away from the bias of previous studies overly focusing on playfulness in games. It fills the research gap regarding the continued intention to use fitness games and provides insights into the design and operation of fitness games.

The technology adoption propensity (TAP) index is a parsimonious yet robust tool for measuring an individual’s willingness to accept new technologies. However, further investigation is still needed to evaluate its merits in non-Western countries. With this task in mind, this study assesses the psychometric properties and predictive capabilities of TAP in Turkey.

The researchers utilized an iterative process of forward-backward translation and three rounds of piloting to ensure the cross-cultural, conceptual and linguistic equivalence for the chosen tool. The final survey was conducted online on a convenience sample of 352 academics and in person for 2 other convenience samples that comprised a total of 259 municipal officers and 300 individuals.

TAP’s four-subscale structure was confirmed by a principal component analysis (PCA), and A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed an acceptable fit across all samples. The total composition of the optimism, proficiency, dependence and vulnerability subscales was found to have adequate internal consistency and discriminant validity. Measurement invariance testing further demonstrated that TAP’s factorial organization was invariant across gender, age and income at configural, metric, scalar and strict levels. Finally, logistic and ordinary leas squares (OLS) regression analyses revealed that the TAP scores were predictive of prior technology adoption and use frequency.

Although these results are still preliminary, the confirmation and replication of TAP in Turkey clearly suggest that TAP is a dependable tool for assessing technology readiness that can be utilized well across different cultures.

This study aims to use geographical information on social media for public opinion risk identification during a crisis.

This study constructs a double-layer network that associates the online public opinion with geographical information. In the double-layer network, Gaussian process regression is used to train the prediction model for geographical locations. Second, cross-space information flow is described using local government data availability and regional internet development indicators. Finally, the structural characteristics and information flow of the double-layer network are explored to capture public opinion risks in a fine-grained manner. This study used the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak for validation analyses, and it collected more than 90,000 pieces of public opinion data from microblogs.

In the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, the double-layer network exhibited a radiating state, and the information dissemination was more dependent on the nodes with higher in-degree. Moreover, the double-layer network structure showed geographical differences. The risk contagion was more significant in areas where information flow was prominent, but the influence of nodes was reduced.

Public opinion risk identification that incorporates geographical scenarios contributes to enhanced situational awareness. This study not only effectively extends geographical information on social media, but also provides valuable insights for accurately responding to public opinion.

This study aims to investigate tourists’ impressions of the smart destinations model from the socio-technical systems and the technology–organization–environment (TOE) perspectives. Specifically, it aims to explore how information source credibility and cloud infrastructure influence tourists’ use of intelligent technology.

This measurement development is based on prior literature; after being evaluated for face and content validity, the authors used random sampling to collect data and conducted a field survey of tourists through Taoyuan Airport and using the airport MRT between December 2022 and March 2023. After confirming that tourists knew the destination information and had experience using travel-related mobile applications to plan their itinerary, the authors further invited tourists to participate in the survey, and 512 valid questionnaires were analyzed by the structural equation modeling approach.

The finding pointed out that source credibility and intelligent technology were innovative technologies that benefitted tourists, as were mobile travel planning apps, which created a relational context based on interests and activities from the socio-technical and TOE perspectives.

Technological innovation is closely related to the development of smart cities; tourists who used travel itineraries successfully understood travel-related actions and significantly had more positive affective images of the city.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the overall state and trends of the SDGs concerning business model backgrounds. Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations in 2015, encompassing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there has been a substantial increase in publications highlighting the contributions of the SDGs. Recent research underscores the pivotal role of business models and management frameworks in advancing the SDGs. However, key information, such as theoretical approaches, the most influential authors, journals, articles, and keywords, has yet to be fully determined. To address this gap, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on 167 high-impact articles in the relevant field.

This study uses a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative bibliometric analysis (performance analysis and science mapping) with qualitative content analysis.

Bibliographic coupling analysis has illuminated the intellectual structure of the literature connecting SDGs and business models, revealing six primary clusters: frameworks, management systems and reporting tools; sustainable business models (SBMs); circular business models; stakeholder and community involvement, industrial ecology and consumption; inclusive and responsible innovation; and sharing and collaborative economy business models. For Ibero-America, these findings highlight both opportunities and challenges. While there is notable progress in advancing SBMs, the analysis also points to a lack of interlinkages between countries, suggesting potential barriers to knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation within the region.

For Iberoamerica, these findings highlight both opportunities and challenges. While there is notable progress in advancing SBMs, the analysis also points to a lack of interlinkages between countries, suggesting potential barriers to knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation within the region.

The practical implications of this research are manifold. The identification of prolific authors such as Di Vaio, Palladino and Hassan, and leading journals such as Sustainability andJournal of Cleaner Production, underscores the importance of these sources for practitioners seeking to understand the intersection of SDGs and business models. The prominence of Spain and Italy, along with key institutions such as the University of Naples Parthenope and the Polytechnic University of Madrid, highlights regions and organizations that are at the forefront of this research. Practitioners can look to these sources for insights into effective strategies and frameworks for integrating SDGs into business practices. The prominence of certain clusters, such as SBMs and circular economy, suggests areas where businesses can focus their efforts to align with sustainable practices and leverage innovations in the field.

This study offers valuable insights into the evolving relationship between business models and the achievement of SDGs and proposes a novel research agenda for exploring this dynamic in Iberoamerica.

Desde la adopción de la Agenda 2030 para el Desarrollo Sostenible por las Naciones Unidas en 2015, que incluye los 17 Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), ha habido un aumento significativo en las publicaciones que destacan las contribuciones de los ODS. La investigación reciente subraya el papel fundamental de los modelos de negocio y de gestión en el avance de los ODS. Sin embargo, el estado de situación y las tendencias sobre los ODS en relación con los modelos de negocio siguen siendo inciertos, y aún no se ha determinado información crucial como los autores, revistas, artículos, palabras clave y enfoques teóricos más influyentes. Para abordar esta brecha, se realizó un análisis exhaustivo de 167 artículos de alto impacto en el campo relevante.

Este estudio emplea un enfoque de métodos mixtos, combinando análisis bibliométrico cuantitativo (análisis de rendimiento y mapeo científico) con análisis cualitativo de contenido.

El análisis de acoplamiento bibliográfico permitió descubrir la estructura intelectual de la literatura que conecta los ODS y los modelos de negocio, revelando seis grupos principales: (1) Esquemas y modelos de gestión, y herramientas de informes; (2) Modelos de negocio sostenibles; (3) Modelos de negocio circulares, (4) Participación de los grupos de interés y de la comunidad, ecología industrial y consumo, (5) Innovación inclusiva y responsable, (6) Modelos de negocio de economía colaborativa.

Para Iberoamérica, estos hallazgos destacan tanto oportunidades como desafíos. Aunque hay un progreso notable en el avance de los modelos de negocio sostenibles, el análisis también señala la falta de interconexiones entre los países, sugiriendo barreras potenciales para el intercambio de conocimientos y la innovación colaborativa en la región.

Este estudio ofrece valiosas perspectivas sobre la relación evolutiva entre los modelos de negocio y el logro de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), y propone una nueva agenda de investigación para explorar esta dinámica en Iberoamérica.

Desde a adoção da Agenda 2030 para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável pelas Nações Unidas em 2015, que engloba os 17 Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS), houve um aumento substancial nas publicações destacando as contribuições dos ODS. Pesquisas recentes enfatizam o papel fundamental dos modelos de negócios e dos marcos de gestão no avanço dos ODS. No entanto, o estado geral e as tendências dos ODS em relação aos modelos de negócios ainda são incertos, e informações cruciais, como os autores mais influentes, revistas, artigos, palavras-chave e abordagens teóricas, ainda precisam ser determinadas. Para preencher essa lacuna, foi realizada uma análise abrangente de 167 artigos de alto impacto na área relevante.

Este estudo utiliza uma abordagem de métodos mistos, combinando análise bibliométrica quantitativa (análise de desempenho e mapeamento científico) com análise qualitativa de conteúdo.

A análise de acoplamento bibliográfico iluminou a estrutura intelectual da literatura que conecta os ODS aos modelos de negócios, revelando seis clusters principais: (1) Marcos, sistemas de gestão e ferramentas de relatórios; (2) Modelos de negócios sustentáveis; (3) Modelos de negócios circulares; (4) Envolvimento das partes interessadas e da comunidade, ecologia industrial e consumo; (5) Inovação inclusiva e responsável; (6) Modelos de negócios de economia colaborativa e compartilhada

Para a Ibero-América, esses achados destacam tanto oportunidades quanto desafios. Embora haja um progresso notável no avanço dos modelos de negócios sustentáveis, a análise também aponta para a falta de interconexões entre os países, sugerindo barreiras potenciais para o intercâmbio de conhecimento e inovação colaborativa na região.

Este estudo oferece insights valiosos sobre a relação evolutiva entre os modelos de negócios e a conquista dos ODS, propondo uma nova agenda de pesquisa para explorar essa dinâmica na Ibero-América.

This purpose of this study was to examine the impact of social and organisational capital on service innovation capability among service firms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To test the proposed research model, data were collected using a cross-sectional questionnaire. The study sample consisted of 188 private and public service sector managers in the UAE. Partial least square-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to examine the research model's validity and reliability and to test the research hypothesis.

The empirical evidence indicates that during this pandemic the relationship between social capital and service innovation capability was fully mediated by strategic environmental scanning, while partially mediating the relationship between organisational capital and service innovation capability.

Managers in service organisations must be proactive during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, they should emphasise effective environmental scanning and the tracking of customer preferences to provide customised services that are valued and meet the emerging requirements of their customers. Prioritising investment in organisational capital to enhance innovation capacity is also recommended.

This study is the first to examine strategic environmental scanning as a mediator between social and organisational capital and service innovation capacity during a pandemic. There were significant differences between the findings of our study and previous studies: the authors found that, during crises, management priorities change, and businesses become more reliant on organisational capital to develop service innovation capability.

Artificial intelligence (AI) reasoning is fuelled by high-quality, detailed behavioural data. These can usually be obtained by the biometrical sensors embedded in smart devices. The currently used data collecting approach, where data ownership and property rights are taken by the data scientists, designers of a device or a related application, delivers multiple ethical, sociological and governance concerns. In this paper, the author is opening a systemic examination of a data sharing concept in which data producers execute their data property rights.

Since data sharing concept delivers a substantially different alternative, it needs to be thoroughly examined from multiple perspectives, among them: the ethical, social and feasibility. At this stage, theoretical examination modes in the form of literature analysis and mental model development are being performed.

Data sharing concepts, framework, mechanisms and swift viability are examined. The author determined that data sharing could lead to virtuous data science by augmenting data producers' capacity to govern their data and regulators' capacity to interact in the process. Truly interdisciplinary research is proposed to follow up on this research.

Since the research proposal is theoretical, the proposal may not provide direct applicative value but is largely focussed on fuelling the research directions.

For the researchers, data sharing concepts will provide an alternative approach and help resolve multiple ethical considerations related to the internet of things (IoT) data collecting approach. For the practitioners in data science, it will provide numerous new challenges, such as distributed data storing, distributed data analysis and intelligent data sharing protocols.

Data sharing may post significant implications in research and development. Since ethical, legislative moral and trust-related issues are managed in the negotiation process, data can be shared freely, which in a practical sense expands the data pool for virtuous research in social sciences.

The paper opens new research directions of data sharing concepts and space for a new field of research.