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Design science research (DSR) has staked its rightful ground as an important and legitimate Information Systems (IS) research paradigm. We contend that DSR has yet to attain its full potential impact on the development and use of information systems due to gaps in the understanding and application of DSR concepts and methods. This essay aims to help researchers (1) appreciate the levels of artifact abstractions that may be DSR contributions, (2) identify appropriate ways of consuming and producing knowledge when they are preparing journal articles or other scholarly works, (3) understand and position the knowledge contributions of their research projects, and (4) structure a DSR article so that it emphasizes significant contributions to the knowledge base. Our focal contribution is the DSR knowledge contribution framework with two dimensions based on the existing state of knowledge in both the problem and solution domains for the research opportunity under study. In addition, we propose a DSR communication schema with similarities to more conventional publication patterns, but which substitutes the description of the DSR artifact in place of a traditional results section. We evaluate the DSR contribution framework and the DSR communication schema via examinations of DSR exemplar publications.

Digitalization has opened up new methods to promote socialization in all types of organizations, generally, and businesses specifically. Stakeholders now prefer those businesses which are inclined towards social norms and virtues. In the era of digitalization, digital social responsibility (DSR) has become the strategic decision for all kinds of business organizations. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to highlight the achievement of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and strategic performance (SP) through customer engagement with digital social responsibility (DSR). Customer engagement with DSR is also tested as a mediator between DSR and CSR performance, and DSR and SP. Data were collected from the owners/managers of hi-tech Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). For the purpose of data analysis, various statistical procedures were applied. Results proved that DSR plays an essential role in explaining customer engagement with DSR, SP and CSR performance. Customer engagement with DSR directly affects SP and CSR performance, and also acts as a mediator. This study contributes to both theory and practical management by investigating how DSR helps to achieve SP and CSR performance. This is a unique study of the mechanism to achieve SP and CSR performance through DSR and customer engagement with DSR.

The purpose of this article is to present the key differences between the Polish Guaranteed DSR (demand-side response) Scheme operating from 2017 to 2020 and the Polish Capacity Market DSR Scheme operating from 2021, and their impacts on the decision to participate in the DSR scheme. The present study attempts to compare the rules of the old and new schemes and their impacts on the participation decision depending on the industry of the potential scheme participant. The study was conducted on a group of 50 randomly selected companies. A structured interview was used to collect information, and a chi-quadrant independence test and a Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test were used in the analysis of the collected data. The study was conducted in selected enterprises located in Poland. The results of the study indicate the elements that are similar to the literature on the subject, and key aspects arising from the unique characteristics of the Polish market and the industry of the potential participant. A detailed analysis of the collected data showed that the position of the respondent in the company and the size of the company do not affect the level of knowledge of the DSR market, or the decision concerning cooperation or the manner of reduction. All the respondents have higher opinions about the new Capacity Market DSR Scheme, which confirms the proper direction of the changes in relation to the ending Guaranteed DSR Scheme.

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the potential of blockchain technology (BT) to support the operational excellence in perishable food supply chain (PFSC) during outbreaks, by doing use-case analysis.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review is performed to determine the dimensions of operational excellence in the food supply chain (FSC), then a single use-case analysis is conducted to explore the potential of blockchain in order to achieve operational excellence for PFSC during the pandemics by applying context, interventions, mechanism and outcomes (CIMO) logic.FindingsThe findings of this study reveal that blockchain capabilities such as immutability and transparency, visibility, traceability, integration and interoperability, disintermediation and decentralisation, smart contracts and consensus mechanism provide better sustainable operational excellence outcomes for PFSCs to be more responsive, flexible, efficient and collaborative to cope with the impacts of COVID-19.Research limitations/implicationsThis research employs only one real case with multiple PFSC participants. Statistical generalisation is not possible at this stage of the research. However, the findings are not restricted to this single use-case.Practical implicationsThis study provides a research direction to explore the potential of BT to achieve operational excellence in the PFSC during outbreaks and generates prescriptive knowledge for better managerial decision-making across the PFSC during outbreaks.Originality/valueThis research conducts semi-structured interviews with different participants in one blockchain ecosystem to understand multiple participants' perspectives of operational excellence within PFSC.

As a widely accepted concept, bitumen consists of four fractions that can be distinguished by their polarity. Highly polar asphaltene micelles are dispersed in a viscous phase of saturates, aromatics and resins (maltene phase). Different concentrations of asphaltenes in the bitumen result in a range of mechanical response properties. In an interdisciplinary study the impact of the maltene phase and asphaltenes on the linear viscoelastic behavior and the microstructure of bitumen were analyzed by creep recovery testing in a DSR and by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Therefore, bitumen was separated into the maltene and asphaltene fractions and artificial bitumen samples with different, pre-defined asphaltene concentrations were produced and investigated. It was found that the artificially produced, precipitated bitumen samples can be regarded as a representative, bitumen-like material in terms of mechanical behavior and microstructure. Asphaltenes play an important role in the typical viscoelastic behavior of bitumen being mainly responsible for stiffness and elasticity. Also, their concentration appears to be correlated to the occurrence and shape of the bee-like inclusions which can be typically observed by AFM.

Design science research (DSR) is a legitimate research paradigm in the discipline of information systems (IS). One prominent DSR method is Action Design Research (ADR). The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the ADR method based on empirical experiences from a research project. We have found that the ADR method is highly relevant to an applied discipline such as IS. It creates a bridge between the organisational perspective and the technical perspective of the IT artefact. Moreover, the ADR method supports the dual mission of developing theory and producing knowledge that supports IS practitioners. The findings also include empirical evidence pointing towards a lack of prescriptive guidance with respect to the challenges such as: how to identify appropriate evaluation strategies, how to identify the abstraction mechanisms required to move from the specific-and-unique to the generic-and-abstract, and how to formulate design principles. Although we found adequate support at the macro level, the ADR method needs more detailed support for operationalisation in practice. To address this issue, we propose a number of guidelines that either seek to improve the ADR method or support those who apply ADR.

In this paper, we examine routing protocols with the shortest path in sensor networks. In doing this, we propose a genetic algorithm (GA)-based Ad Hoc On-Demand Multipath Distance Vector routing protocol (GA-AOMDV). We utilize a fitness function that optimizes routes based on the energy consumption in their nodes. We compare this algorithm with other existing ad hoc routing protocols including LEACH-GA, GA-AODV, AODV, DSR, EPAR, EBAR_BFS. Results prove that our protocol enhances the network performance in terms of packet delivery ratio, throughput, round trip time and energy consumption. GA-AOMDV protocol achieves average gain that is 7 to 22% over other protocols. Therefore, our protocol extends the network lifetime for data communications.

Reducing student attrition in tertiary education plays a significant role in the core mission and financial well-being of an educational institution. The availability of big data source from the Learning Management System (LMS) can be analysed to help with the attrition issues. This study aims to use an integrated Design Science Research (DSR) methodology to develop and evaluate a novel Big Data Analytical Solution (BDAS) as an educational decision support artefact. The BDAS as DSR artefact utilises Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches to predict potential students at risk. Identifying students at risk helps to take timely intervention in the learning process to improve student academic progress for increasing their retention rate. To evaluate the performance of the predictive model, we compare the accuracy of the collection of representational AI algorithms in the literature. The study utilized an integrated DSR methodology founded on the similarities of DSR and design based research (DBR) to design and develop the proposed BDAS employing an specific evaluation framework that works on real data scenarios. The BDAS does not only aimto replace any existing practice but also support educators to implement a variety of pedagogical practices for improving students’ academic performance.

This article examines Portugal’s engagement with China’s Digital Silk Road (DSR) and Space Silk Road (SSR). It operates on the premise that both, the DSR and the SSR, despite their rhetoric of cooperation, function within the logic of Digital Realpolitik─serving Beijing’s national interest and raising risks of technological dependency and control. Drawing on the theoretical framework of Small State Theory, the study explores how Portugal navigates its involvement with the DSR and SSR while balancing its Euro-Atlantic commitments within a dynamic landscape shaped by China’s rise. Through a qualitative methodology, the article reveals that, although Portugal has not formally joined the DSR or SSR, Chinese digital and space investments have increasingly infiltrated the national landscape. Several factors have prompted Portugal to adopt a cautious, balanced approach. The conclusions underscore the dual nature of this involvement, highlighting the broader implications for small States engaged in the global digital competition. Este artículo examina el compromiso de Portugal con la Ruta de la Seda Digital (RSD) y la Ruta de la Seda Espacial (RSE) de China. Se parte de la premisa de que tanto la RSD como la RSE, a pesar de su discurso de cooperación, funcionan según la lógica de la realpolitik digital –sirviendo al interés nacional de Pekín y aumentando los riesgos de dependencia y control tecnológicos–. Con base en el marco teórico que ofrece la teoría de los pequeños Estados, el estudio explora cómo Portugal gestiona su participación en la RSD y la RSE, a la vez que hace un acto de equilibrio para mantener sus compromisos euroatlánticos en un panorama dinámico modelado por el ascenso de China. A partir de una metodología cualitativa, el artículo revela que, si bien Portugal no se ha adherido formalmente a la RSD ni a la RSE, las inversiones de China en tecnología digital y espacial se han infiltrado cada vez más en el panorama nacional. Varios factores han llevado a que Portugal adopte un enfoque prudente y equilibrado. Las conclusiones insisten en la doble naturaleza de esta participación y destacan las implicaciones generales para los pequeños Estados que participan en la competencia digital mundial. Em 2013, o presidente chinês Xi Jinping lançou a Iniciativa Faixa e Rota, um projeto global de conectividade logística. Nos anos seguintes, foram introduzidos novos corredores, nomeadamente a Rota da Seda Espacial em 2014 e a Rota da Seda Digital em 2015, expandindo os domínios de cooperação dentro da Faixa e Rota. Ambas as iniciativas estão intrinsecamente conectadas através do seu foco na conectividade digital global. Devido à sua posição estrategicamente vantajosa, particularmente realçada pelas águas profundas do Atlântico em torno dos Açores, Portugal tem atraído uma atenção significativa da China nos seus planos para expandir os corredores digitais e espaciais da iniciativa. Este artigo tem como objetivo explorar as dinâmicas da Rota da Seda Digital e da Rota da Seda Espacial em Portugal, contribuindo para uma compreensão mais ampla do papel de Portugal na Iniciativa Faixa e Rota da China. Utilizando uma metodologia predominantemente qualitativa, este estudo aborda a seguinte questão de pesquisa: Quais são as possíveis implicações da Rota da Seda Digital e da Rota da Seda Espacial para Portugal?

This study demonstrates that the deltaproteobacterium Desulfurivibrio alkaliphilus can grow chemolithotrophically by coupling sulfide oxidation to the dissimilatory reduction of nitrate and nitrite to ammonium. Key genes of known sulfide oxidation pathways are absent from the genome of D. alkaliphilus . Instead, the genome contains all of the genes necessary for sulfate reduction, including a gene for a reductive-type dissimilatory bisulfite reductase (DSR). Despite this, growth by sulfate reduction was not observed. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a very high expression level of sulfate-reduction genes during growth by sulfide oxidation, while inhibition experiments with molybdate pointed to elemental sulfur/polysulfides as intermediates. Consequently, we propose that D. alkaliphilus initially oxidizes sulfide to elemental sulfur, which is then either disproportionated, or oxidized by a reversal of the sulfate reduction pathway. This is the first study providing evidence that a reductive-type DSR is involved in a sulfide oxidation pathway. Transcriptome sequencing further suggests that nitrate reduction to ammonium is performed by a novel type of periplasmic nitrate reductase and an unusual membrane-anchored nitrite reductase. IMPORTANCE Sulfide oxidation and sulfate reduction, the two major branches of the sulfur cycle, are usually ascribed to distinct sets of microbes with distinct diagnostic genes. Here we show a more complex picture, as D. alkaliphilus , with the genomic setup of a sulfate reducer, grows by sulfide oxidation. The high expression of genes typically involved in the sulfate reduction pathway suggests that these genes, including the reductive-type dissimilatory bisulfite reductases, are also involved in as-yet-unresolved sulfide oxidation pathways. Finally, D. alkaliphilus is closely related to cable bacteria, which grow by electrogenic sulfide oxidation. Since there are no pure cultures of cable bacteria, D. alkaliphilus may represent an exciting model organism in which to study the physiology of this process. Sulfide oxidation and sulfate reduction, the two major branches of the sulfur cycle, are usually ascribed to distinct sets of microbes with distinct diagnostic genes. Here we show a more complex picture, as D. alkaliphilus , with the genomic setup of a sulfate reducer, grows by sulfide oxidation. The high expression of genes typically involved in the sulfate reduction pathway suggests that these genes, including the reductive-type dissimilatory bisulfite reductases, are also involved in as-yet-unresolved sulfide oxidation pathways. Finally, D. alkaliphilus is closely related to cable bacteria, which grow by electrogenic sulfide oxidation. Since there are no pure cultures of cable bacteria, D. alkaliphilus may represent an exciting model organism in which to study the physiology of this process.