Authors - Ivan Blekanov, Svetlana S. Bodrunova, Li Jing, Mohsin Hassan Khan Abstract - Traditional data mining techniques, while effective for structured nu-merical data, struggle with the complexity, ambiguity, and dynamic nature of natural language. To address these challenges, topic models have emerged as a powerful tool for uncovering latent topic structures in text, enabling applications such as trend analysis, recommendation systems, and decision support. These models are particularly valuable in social network content analysis, where they help reveal user behavior, information dissemination patterns, and social dynam-ics by identifying implicit topic distributions. The linguistic diversity of text data lowers the quality of the topic models. To overcome this shortcoming, Trans-former-based text encoding is applied. However, benchmarks for text encoding are not set, and the models have not been properly compared in terms of dimen-sionality/noise reduction. We conduct comparative analysis of five neural-net-work encoding models based on the Transformer architecture, integrating them with clustering methods for efficient topic detection. We employ a dataset of COVID-related discussions from Twitter collected between November 24, 2021, and January 23, 2022. The methodology pipeline includes text encoding, dimen-sionality reduction, and clustering, with detailed steps and results discussed in the respective sections. The results show that the encoding models differ substan-tially in how they help in topic detection, with the general text embedding (GTE) model providing for the best quality. Our findings highlight the models’ differing efficiency in topic detection, offering insights for future research and practical applications in text analysis and knowledge discovery.
Authors - Irappa Alagur, Prayag Gokhale Abstract - Managing finance is an important skill that differs across the generations, influenced by their investment preference and risk-taking ability. This study is an explorative study that reveals the investment preference, awareness, participation and risk tolerance among Generation Z and Generation Y. Thes research is undertaken with the objectives to examine the investment awareness amongst Gen Z and Gen Y investors, their future investment choices and assess their risk tolerance level. For the study, convenience sampling technique is used with structured questionnaire for data collection from 100 respondents confined to Bangalore, the silicon city of India. The questionnaire is designed to include 15 questions; all are set in google form and distributed amongst the intended audience on selective bases fulfilling the criteria and requirement. The responses are captured and presented in pictorial diagrams. The authors analyzed all the responses separately. The findings of the study revealed that Generation Zs are risk-taking investors, and they prefer to have investment in high liquid funds and unfamiliar markets where outcome is hard to predict to leverage risk with return. It is also found that Gen Zs are very volatile in keeping their investment in a particular fund and rollover frequently to satisfy their short-term requirements. In contrast, it is observed from the analysis that Generation Y investors are risk-avoidable and prefer to invest in stable and long-term assets like fixed deposits and commodities. They prefer to invest in a familiar market with low volatility where risk is minimum with constant return.
Authors - Trilochan Jena, Pradipta Kumar Sanyal Abstract - A key role of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is to help businesses grow rapidly in competitive markets. Foreign companies entering the Indian market have made it tough for small businesses. Using mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and restructuring has become a standard practice to ensure a company’s survival, advancement, and competitiveness. A significant number of bank mergers have occurred in India over the past decade, prompting many to wonder whether they have been efficient in adding value for bank owners. The analysis pairs four public sector banks post-merger—SBI, PNB, BOB, and Canara Bank—with four other public sector banks that did not merge—IOB, UCB, BOI, and CBI—all based on their market capitalization. To measure organic growth, Current Ratio, Advance to Deposit Ratio, NPA to Advance Ratio, Capital Adequacy Ratio, Operating Profit Ratio, Net Profit Ratio, Interest Coverage Ratio, EPS, and Dividend Payout Ratio are reviewed. We analyze inorganic growth using the Standard Event Study Methodology in a period from -200 to +30 days. Financial and operational results were better for merged banks than for non-merged banks following the merger. Although the AR and CAR results for mergers were mainly positive, they did not reach a level of statistical significance. Each merged bank displayed sound financial performance based on its Altman Z-score (>2.6). Overall, M&As help shareholders, and yet banks that haven’t merged take care of the remaining issues proactively.
Authors - Wirote Jongchanachavawat, Noppon Mingmuang, Chayut Ployjirapas, Kwanchai Nanan, Kamonwan Oiumekha, Noppong Cheychuen, Wannatham Noyklay, Polaphat Laima, Suphat Bunyarittikit Abstract - This research presents the development of a low-cost obstacle avoidance prototype designed for mobile robotic applications, with a potential use case in autonomous wheelchairs. The system utilizes a single ultrasonic sensor mounted on a servo motor to perform multi-directional distance scanning, allowing the robot to detect and avoid obstacles in real time. An Arduino-based control algorithm interprets distance measurements at four predefined angles (30°, 60°, 120°, and 150°), enabling the robot to make navigation decisions including forward movement, turns, and retreating actions.The system was tested under various conditions: with obstacles in front, in front-left, and in all directions (front, left, and right). Results showed a 100% success rate in the simple frontal obstacle scenario, 80% in the front - left obstacle case, and 60% in the most complex environment with obstacles on three sides. The primary cause of failure was the sensor's limitation in detecting very close objects (less than 2 cm).The findings confirm the feasibility of implementing this single-sensor approach in low-cost assistive mobility devices. The prototype demonstrates effective navigation capabilities and provides a practical foundation for future development of intelligent obstacle-avoidance systems for autonomous wheelchairs.
Authors - Bimlendu Shahi, V. Pushparajesh Abstract - The rise of Software defined network-based containerized applications has driven the need for efficient resource management and network optimization, especially in constrained environments for Raspberry Pi. This paper highlights the AI driven approach in optimizing Raspberry Pi-based container setups using Strongly typed genetic programming (STGP). This generative AI driven approach is followed by the prompt engineering aspects for implementation of adaptive approach in SDN Network. The proposed approach improves task success rates, reduces latency, and min-imizes resource contention based on real-time network metrics using CPU usage, Memory utilization and Network consumption. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of STGP in maintaining optimal performance in highly dynamic network environments. The proposed model allows more precise and adaptable solutions for resource-constrained SDN environments on distributed systems of Raspberry Pi.
Authors - Rohan Anantapur, Pranav Rao Pernankil, Animesh Giri Abstract - The emergence of smart carts in the retail and shopping industry has introduced questions regarding the safety and security of these autonomous guided vehicles. While smart carts enhance the shopping experience through automation and real-time transaction processing, they are susceptible to various risks that can compromise their functionality and user data. Many existing cyberattack detection systems fail to consider a well-rounded set of features, leaving smart cart networks exposed to sophisticated threats. This approach enhances the resilience of smart cart systems by detecting and mitigating security breaches effectively. In this paper, we introduce DeepCart, a cyberattack detection and classification system that focuses on violations in smart cart networks. DeepCart leverages Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) to identify cyberattack data patterns and employs Deep Belief Networks (DBN) for accurate classification of detected threats.
Authors - Ryo Itokawa, Eisuke Ito Abstract - With the widespread adoption of smartphones, digital credential presentation systems such as the EUDIWallet and ISO-compliant mobile driver’s licensesare being deployed worldwide. In contrast, human access control at data centers still primarily relies on a combination of physical IC cards and biometric authentication. This creates a considerable burden for engineers who frequently need to access multiple facilities, as they must manage several physical IC cards. To address this issue, this study investigates the feasibility of introducing a digital access pass based on the Verifiable Credentials (VC) framework, currently being standardized by the W3C. Building on the experience gained through the development of a VC-based digital student ID system at Kyushu University, we propose a conceptual system that enables the issuance, presentation, and verification of credentials via smartphones. In this paper, we outline the current operational practices and challenges of human access control in data centers. We also present a conceptual model of a VC-based digital access pass, followed by a discussion of future directions and challenges for implementation.
Authors - Keishin Asakura, Yuya Ieiri, Hiroki Sasayama, Osamu Yoshie Abstract - Recently, the importance of designing tourism routes based on a com-prehensive evaluation of tourist experiences has been increasingly recognized. One common approach for such an evaluation involves the use of electrodermal activity (EDA) data, a physiological indicator of emotional arousal. However, owing to the high cost and complexity associated with collecting and analyzing EDA data, their use in real-world tourism settings remains limited. Consequently, this study focused on the individual excitement level (IEL) curve as a subjective and cost-effective alternative for visualizing emotional transitions during sight-seeing. Building on previous studies, we developed a web-based application that allows tourists to self-report their emotional responses with greater granularity. Unlike previous methods that use only three levels, the proposed system supports both a five-level positive scale (1 to 5) and an extended ten-level scale (-5 to +5) that incorporate negative emotions. We conducted a field experiment in Mojiko, Kitakyushu City, where participants used the application while engaging in actual sightseeing. The results demonstrated that IEL curves based on five- and ten-point evaluations exhibited stronger alignment with the EDA data than those based on a three-point evaluation. In particular, the inclusion of negative evalua-tions on a ten-point scale enabled a more comprehensive representation of emo-tional fluctuations. These findings suggest that the proposed method enhances the expressive capacity for emotional self-reporting and supports the practical implementation of data-driven tourism route planning.
Authors - Victor Edwin Reyes, Joele Althea Manansala, Wilson M. Tan Abstract - The process of document notarization in the Philippines is vulnerable to institutional corruption due to a lack of a centralized source of truth. Recent initiatives by the Philippine government to introduce a digital-ready national ID system allow for an e-government-based approach to tackle this problem. This paper proposes an institutional and technical framework for such an approach, describes the implementation of a minimal viable system, and provides recommendations based on its performance under test loads. Such a framework must minimally comprise of institutional support, a storage for documents and notarization records, a mechanism for identity validation, and a physical information format along with a reader of this format. This proposed framework was implemented minimally and tested. Recommendations based on these tests were made with an emphasis on improving performance and technical rigor.
Authors - Monu Bhagat, Sunil Kumar Abstract - Recently, the identification and classification of illnesses from images of plant leaves have been an ongoing problem in agricultural research. There is a dearth of proper dataset to be able to use modern deep learning-based disease detection algorithms for plant disease detection. We may rely less on farmers to take precautions to ensure the safety of their crops if they can use image-processing techniques to identify plant illnesses. For better use of these advancements mobile applications need to be developed, where farmers directly can upload the images and get desired feedback for his crop/plant. In this work we have developed such a solution where we attempted to solve the dataset crisis by using cycleGAN and used the generated synthetic dataset for leaf disease detection. For classification, we used transfer learning model EfficientNetB3 and achieved classification accuracy 93.33%. Finally, these developments are implemented in a mobile application for easy and scalable use for farmers.
Authors - Laila D. Malabanan, Apolinar P. Datu, Annaliza C. Sinfuego, Dawn Nari S. Condez, Jessica Rose P. Enriquez, Lexus P. Mon-tenegro, Ana Celine G. Esquierdo, Chona S. Lajom Abstract - Bridging the Gap: Perceptual Differences Between Physical and Vir-tual Tours in 360 Maynila takes a closer look at how people experience culture and history in today’s digital age. With virtual tours becoming more accessible through platforms like 360 Maynila, this study compares how audiences perceive traditional, in-person tours versus immersive virtual ones. Using surveys, the re-searchers gathered insights from individuals who experienced both formats. Re-sults show that while physical tours create a stronger emotional connection and allow for richer sensory engagement, virtual tours offer convenience, accessibil-ity, and a modern twist that appeals to tech-savvy audiences. Interestingly, many participants found that virtual tours sparked curiosity but lacked the depth and atmosphere of being physically present. The study suggests that instead of re-placing one with the other, a blend of both can offer a more inclusive and dynamic cultural experience. By understanding these perceptual differences, cultural in-stitutions and tourism organizers can create more engaging and adaptable ways for people to connect with heritage, no matter where they are. This research high-lights the growing role of technology in storytelling and encourages thoughtful innovation in how we share and preserve our cultural identity.
Authors - Jhon Eric D. Punzalan, Apolinar P. Datu, Jonas A. Jaro, Andro Isao T. Aquino, Jubilee Anne C. Del Rosario, Khen Karlo A. Ocampo, Paulo M. Gabagat, Earl John Z. Alba, Marivic P. Mojica, Rizza May G. Tandog Abstract - This study examines the promotional strategies employed by Philippine festivals to attract both local and international tourists. Festivals in the Philippines are not only vibrant expressions of cultural heritage but also vital drivers of tourism and economic activity. With increasing global competition and changing tourist behavior, effective promotion is essential to maintaining their relevance and appeal. The research gathered responses from a diverse group of participants, analyzing demographics, engagement patterns, and perceptions of various promotional approaches. Findings reveal that festival attendees are predominantly young adults, male, students, and largely international tourists, particularly from Asia and Europe. Respondents strongly agree that festivals across national, regional, and city levels are widely attended and culturally significant. Promotional efforts using a mix of traditional media, experiential marketing, and digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and social media are seen as highly effective, especially among younger, tech-savvy audiences. Promotional content is perceived as credible and culturally authentic, contributing to high satisfaction and repeat attendance. However, key challenges such as budget constraints, inconsistent branding, and limited digital marketing expertise persist. Respondents support strategies focused on enhancing digital engagement, extending festival durations, and maintaining cultural authenticity. The study concludes that a well-integrated, inclusive, and globally oriented marketing approach is essential for sustaining and expanding the appeal of Philippine festivals. It recommends strategic investments in capacity building, digital tools, and culturally grounded storytelling to strengthen the Philippines’ position as a leading cultural tourism destination in Southeast Asia.
Authors - Takashi Miyata, Noriaki Takemura, Takumi Kato, Kazuhiko Tsuda Abstract - In the field of internal marketing, concern exists that advanced technology may be perceived as a negative target in employee attitudes. This is because new technology will completely change the processes that employees have accumulated and put their employment at risk. Therefore, to help employees understand the value of advanced technology, the technology concept is important. By targeting an organization’s big data analysis infrastructure, we verified a concept that is attractive to potential job-changers. A randomized controlled trial of 500 people in Japan revealed that potential job-changers are attracted to a workplace through the appeal of the presence of high-speed internal processes rather than high technical performance. This effect was more pronounced than concepts that promoted risk management such as personal information leaks, or that promoted management of business domain knowledge. The background to this is that close collaboration with business departments is essential for data scientists to function effectively. The factors that cause data science projects to fail are more prominent in the aspects of internal processes and organizational friction than in technical aspects. Having an internal environment that solves these problems is very attractive to employees. By analyzing employees’ needs and developing a concept, employees will have a positive attitude toward advanced technology.
Authors - Luay Jum’a Abstract - This study examined the impact of digitalization on total quality management (TQM) practices and examines how both digitalization and TQM practices influ-ence supply chain performance (SCP) within the manufacturing sector in Jordan, a developing country. Using the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities theory, the study conceptualizes digitalization as a dynamic enabler that rein-forces internal quality capabilities. Data were collected through a self-adminis-tered survey targeting managers in Jordanian manufacturing firms, resulting in 74 valid responses. Established measurement scales were used, and the data were analyzed using multiple linear regression via SPSS. The findings reveal that dig-italization significantly enhances the implementation of TQM practices, particu-larly by improving process visibility, data integration, and quality control. Amongst the six TQM dimensions examined, only process management and em-ployee involvement demonstrated a significant positive impact on SCP. Addi-tionally, digitalization was found to have a direct and positive effect on SCP, reinforcing its strategic role in enhancing responsiveness and efficiency in supply chains. The study contributes to literature by incorporating digital transformation with quality and supply chain in the context of Jordan as a developing economy. It additionally offers actionable suggestions for managers in pursuit of aligning digital initiatives with quality-driven practices to improve supply chain out-comes.
Authors - M.Akashi, M.Nagano, Y.Ieiri, O.Yoshie Abstract - Recently, the number of tourists engaging in walking tourism at various destinations has increased, presenting new opportunities for local economic activity. However, the mechanisms underlying consumer behavior in walking tourism remain unclear, and effective methods for designing such tourism have not been established. This study aims to elucidate the mechanism of consumer behavior by integrally analyzing eye-tracking data, conversation data, and electrodermal activity (EDA) data collected during walking tours. Empirical experiments were conducted in Otaru City and Atami City, with data analyzed from multiple perspectives. The analysis revealed that eye-tracking data, conversation data, and EDA data can effectively identify triggers of consumer behavior during walking tourism. Furthermore, the increase in EDA highlights the potential to extract consumer behavior in walking tourism.
Authors - Anthony Garces L, Pablo Flores-Siguenza, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman, Piera Maresca, Rodrigo Guaman Abstract - In a global landscape increasingly driven by competitiveness and sus-tainability, manufacturing companies face significant challenges in adopting sustainable practices—often due to financial limitations, limited technical training, and inadequate policy support. This study presents a systematic literature review focused on methodologies, tools, and performance indicators used to optimize industrial plant layout, with a particular emphasis on enhancing operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. Using Fink’s methodology, 46 peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2024 were rigorously analyzed through a three-tier bibliometric approach: meta-analysis, keyword clustering, and descriptive sample analysis. The findings highlight the effectiveness of hybrid strategies that integrate systematic layout planning (SLP), advanced simulation platforms (FlexSim, Arena, ProModel), and multi-criteria decision-making techniques (AHP, NSGA-III). These approaches demonstrate clear improvements in workflow efficiency, bottleneck reduction, and environmental impact mitigation. Key performance indicators identified include material flow, travel distance, cycle time, inventory levels, and carbon footprint. The study under-scores the importance of integrated methodologies that align operational and sus-tainability objectives, offering valuable insights for decision-making in industrial engineering and facility planning goals.
