Xiaorong He, Bo Xiang, Zeshui Xu and Dejian Yu
This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of two-sided matching (TSM) research, an interdisciplinary field that integrates both theoretical and practical perspectives…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of two-sided matching (TSM) research, an interdisciplinary field that integrates both theoretical and practical perspectives. By examining 756 research articles from the Web of Science database, this paper seeks to identify key trends, collaboration patterns and emerging research topics within the TSM domain.
Design/methodology/approach
The research utilizes bibliometric analysis combined with a structural topic model to analyze TSM-related articles published between January 1, 2000, and September 30, 2022. The study identifies leading subfields, journals, countries/regions and institutions based on publication volume, total citations and average citations per article. Interaction and collaboration patterns among these entities are examined through co-occurrence and coupling networks. Additionally, five major research topics are identified and explored using topic modeling and co-word networks. This hybrid knowledge mining approach better reveals the inherent structural changes in topic clusters. Topic distribution and network analysis are beneficial in capturing the attention allocation of different entities to knowledge.
Findings
The analysis reveals five prominent research topics in TSM: communication resource allocation, stable matching research, computing task assignment, TSM decision-making and market matching mechanism design. These topics represent the main directions of TSM research. The study also uncovers a shift in research focus from theoretical aspects to practical applications. Furthermore, the distribution of knowledge and interaction patterns among key entities align with the identified research trends.
Originality/value
This study offers a novel and detailed overview of TSM research highlighting significant trends and collaboration patterns within the field. By integrating bibliometric methods with structural topic modeling the study provides unique insights into the evolution of TSM research making it a valuable resource for both academic and professional communities.
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This study aims to explore the traditional plant dyeing of Xinjiang Atlas silk fabrics, providing references for the comprehensive utilization of plant dyes in intangible…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the traditional plant dyeing of Xinjiang Atlas silk fabrics, providing references for the comprehensive utilization of plant dyes in intangible cultural heritage.
Design/methodology/approach
The focus of this study is on dyeing experiments of Atlas silk fabrics using safflower extracts, constrained by regional resources. Safflower dry flowers grown in Xinjiang were selected, rinsed with pure water and rubbed. Yellow pigments were removed by adding edible white vinegar. Red pigments from safflower were extracted using an alkaline solution prepared with Populus euphratica ash, a special product of Xinjiang. The extraction rate was analyzed under varying material-to-liquor ratios, pH values, times and temperatures. Direct dyeing process experiments were conducted to obtain different colorimetric L, a, b and K/S values for comparison. Samples with good color development were selected to test the impact of dyeing immersions on color development, and their color fastness, UV protection and antibacterial effects were verified.
Findings
The dyeing experiments on silk fabrics confirmed their UV protection capabilities and antibacterial properties, demonstrating effectiveness against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. As a major producer of safflower, Xinjiang underscores the significance of safflower as an essential plant dyes on the Silk Road. This study reveals its market potential and suitability for use in the plant dyeing process of Atlas silk, producing vibrant red and pink colors.
Originality/value
The experiments indicated that after removing yellow pigments, the highest extraction rate of red pigment from safflower was achieved at a pH value of 10–11, a temperature of 30°C and an extraction time of 40 min. The best bright red color effect with strong color fastness was obtained with a material-to-liquor ratio of 1:20, a temperature of 40°C and three immersions. The best light pink color effect with strong color fastness was a material-to-liquor ratio of 1:80, a temperature of 30°C and two immersions.
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Zhijiang Wu, Mengyao Liu, Guofeng Ma and Shan Jiang
The objective of this study is to accurately predict the cost of green buildings to provide quantifiable criteria for investment decisions from investors.
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this study is to accurately predict the cost of green buildings to provide quantifiable criteria for investment decisions from investors.
Design/methodology/approach
This study proposes a hybrid prediction model ML-based for cost prediction of GBPs and obtains prediction parameters (PPs) associated with project characteristics through data mining (DM) techniques. The model integrates a principal component analysis (PCA) method to perform parameter dimensionality reduction (PDR) on a large number of raw variables to provide independent characteristic terms. Moreover, the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm is improved to optimize the prediction results and integrated with parameter dimensionality reduction and cost prediction.
Findings
The prediction results show that the mean absolute and relative errors of the hybrid prediction model proposed in this study are equal to 39.78 and 0.02, respectively, which are much lower than those of the traditional SVM model and MRA prediction model. Moreover, the hybrid prediction model with parameter dimensionality reduction also achieved better prediction accuracy (R2 = 0.319) and superior prediction accuracy for different cost terms.
Originality/value
Theoretically, the hybrid prediction model developed in this study can reliably predict the cost while accurately capturing the characteristics of GBPs, which is a bold attempt at a comprehensive approach. Practically, this study provides developers with a new ML-based prediction model that is capable of capturing the costs of projects with ambiguous definitions and complex characteristics.
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Bo Yang, Yongqiang Sun and Xiao-Liang Shen
This study aims to deepen our understanding of how chatbots’ empathy influences humans–AI relationship in frontline service encounters. The authors investigate the underlying…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to deepen our understanding of how chatbots’ empathy influences humans–AI relationship in frontline service encounters. The authors investigate the underlying mechanisms, including perceived anthropomorphism, perceived intelligence and psychological empowerment, while also considering variations between different stages of the customer journey (before and after purchase).
Design/methodology/approach
Data collection was conducted through an online survey distributed among 301 customers who had experience using AI-based service chatbot in frontline service encounters in China. The hypotheses were examined through structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis.
Findings
The findings of this study revealed the positive impacts of emotional and cognitive empathy on humans–AI relationship through perceived anthropomorphism, perceived intelligence and psychological empowerment. Furthermore, this study verified the moderating effect of the customer journey stages, such that the impacts of anthropomorphism and intelligence on humans–AI relationship displayed more strength during the pre- and post-purchase phases, respectively.
Practical implications
This research offers practical implications for companies: recognize and enhance empathy dimensions in AI-based service chatbot to empower human–AI relationships; boost customer empowerment in human–AI interactions; and tailor anthropomorphic features in the pre-purchase stage and improve problem-solving capability in the post-purchase stage to enrich user experiences.
Originality/value
This study extends relationship marketing theory and human–AI interaction frameworks by investigating the underlying mechanisms of the effect of two-dimensional empathy on human–AI relationship. This study also enriches service design theories by revealing the moderating effect of customer journey stages.
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Yen-Cheng Chen, Pei-Ling Tsui, Bo-Kai Lan, Ching-Sung Lee, Ming-Chen Chiang, Mei-Yi Tsai and Yi-Hua Lin
This study examines the temporal dynamics of consumer attitudes, perceived value and purchase intentions toward green agricultural foods, addressing critical gaps in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the temporal dynamics of consumer attitudes, perceived value and purchase intentions toward green agricultural foods, addressing critical gaps in the literature on sustainable consumption behaviours. It emphasises the mediating role of perceived value and its evolution over time, offering insights into consumer decision-making processes.
Design/methodology/approach
A longitudinal design was adopted, collecting data through structured questionnaires from primary household food purchasers in northern Taiwan at baseline, three months and six months. Analytical techniques, including multiple regression, mediation analysis and repeated measures ANOVA, were employed to examine relationships and track changes over time.
Findings
The results reveal that consumer attitudes positively influence perceived value, which fully mediates the relationship with purchase intentions. Temporal analysis indicates significant increases in perceived value and purchase intentions over six months, demonstrating that sustained exposure to green agricultural foods reinforces consumer commitment and pro-environmental behaviours. Attitudes alone do not directly predict purchase intentions without the mediation of perceived value, highlighting the critical role of perceived benefits in driving long-term sustainable consumption.
Practical implications
This study provides actionable insights for enhancing the perceived value of green agricultural foods. Businesses should prioritise health and environmental benefits, while policymakers can design campaigns and incentives to promote sustainable dietary habits, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 12.
Originality/value
By exploring the mediating role of perceived value in transforming positive consumer attitudes into purchase intentions, this study highlights how perceived value, shaped by health and environmental benefits, drives consumer behaviour. These findings contribute valuable insights for enhancing market appeal and supporting sustainable food marketing strategies.
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Hong-Bo Jiang, Zou-Yang Fan, Jin-Long Wang, Shih-Hao Liu and Wen-Jing Lin
This study adopts the elaboration likelihood model and configuration perspectives to explore the internal mechanisms underlying the influence of live streaming on consumer trust…
Abstract
Purpose
This study adopts the elaboration likelihood model and configuration perspectives to explore the internal mechanisms underlying the influence of live streaming on consumer trust building and purchase intention.
Design/methodology/approach
This study invited 757 experienced live streaming e-commerce users from Chinese platforms such as TikTok and RED, who participated in survey by filling questionnaires collected online. The research employed a mixed-method approach using SEM and fsQCA. SEM was utilized to analyze quantitative data to determine the direct and mediated relationships within product trust, while fsQCA served as a complement to identify the combinations of conditions that enhance product trust.
Findings
The findings reveal three important insights. Firstly, in the context of live streaming e-commerce, both product characteristics and streamer characteristics significantly influence consumers' trust in products. The para-social interaction plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between streamer characteristics and product trust. Secondly, four distinct paths are identified that contribute to enhancing product trust in live streaming e-commerce. Thirdly, PSI emerging as a core condition across all four paths, underscores the importance for merchants to foster positive social interactions with consumers beyond the live streaming environment.
Originality/value
This study enhances understanding of the dynamic live streaming e-commerce industry, offering insights into consumer behavior and practical guidance for merchants seeking to build engaged, trustworthy customer relationships.
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Pengyun Zhao, Shoufeng Ji and Yuanyuan Ji
This paper aims to introduce a novel structure for the physical internet (PI)–enabled sustainable supplier selection and inventory management problem under uncertain environments.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to introduce a novel structure for the physical internet (PI)–enabled sustainable supplier selection and inventory management problem under uncertain environments.
Design/methodology/approach
To address hybrid uncertainty both in the objective function and constraints, a novel interactive hybrid multi-objective optimization solution approach combining Me-based fuzzy possibilistic programming and interval programming approaches is tailored.
Findings
Various numerical experiments are introduced to validate the feasibility of the established model and the proposed solution method.
Originality/value
Due to its interconnectedness, the PI has the opportunity to support firms in addressing sustainability challenges and reducing initial impact. The sustainable supplier selection and inventory management have become critical operational challenges in PI-enabled supply chain problems. This is the first attempt on this issue, which uses the presented novel interactive possibilistic programming method.
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Morteza Saadatmorad, Ramazan-Ali Jafari-Talookolaei, Hamidreza Ghandvar, Thanh Cuong-Le and Samir Khatir
This study aims to enhance singularity detection in non-stationary signals by introducing the frugal wavelet transform (FrugWT), a novel variation of the wavelet transform.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to enhance singularity detection in non-stationary signals by introducing the frugal wavelet transform (FrugWT), a novel variation of the wavelet transform.
Design/methodology/approach
The frugal wavelet transform, based on a modified first-level discrete wavelet transform decomposition, is compared with traditional discrete wavelet transform. The performance of these transforms is evaluated using signals derived from finite element analysis of a functionally graded tapered beam made of porous material.
Findings
The frugal wavelet transform significantly outperforms the discrete wavelet transform in detecting singularities within the analyzed signals. It offers more accurate detection of singularities and local abrupt changes, demonstrating its effectiveness for signal analysis.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the field by proposing the relative frugal wavelet transform as a novel enhancement of the frugal wavelet transform. It provides a significant improvement in detecting subtle singularities in one-dimensional signals, with potential applications in advanced signal processing and analysis across various scientific domains such as electrical engineering, automotive, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, marine engineering and medical signal processing.
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Linling Zhang, Shuangqun Li and Wei Zhang
The purpose of this paper is to explore carbon emission reduction of electric vehicles from the perspective of electricity consumption.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore carbon emission reduction of electric vehicles from the perspective of electricity consumption.
Design/methodology/approach
Electric vehicles (EVs) consume large amounts of electricity, thereby generating large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, so there is an urgent need to consider whether EVs have greater potential for reducing carbon emissions than other modes of transport. In this paper, the carbon emission reduction potential (CERP) coefficients of EVs are examined under three different scenarios from an interprovincial electricity trading perspective. Scenario analysis was used to quantify the CERP of EVs in 18 provinces in China.
Findings
The results show the following: (1) The higher the proportion of general-fuel vehicles in all transportation, the higher the CERP of EVs. (2) Interprovincial power trading affects the proportion of coal power consumed in a province, and the higher the proportion of clean power in the purchased power, the lower the proportion of coal power consumed in that province. (3) The proportion of coal power in the electricity consumption of a province is correlated negatively with the CERP of EVs in that province.
Originality/value
This paper quantifies the CERP of EVs compared with other modes of transport and gives provinces a more intuitive understanding of the CERP of EVs. Furthermore, we derive the carbon emission shift out of each province via the electricity trading paths among provinces, analyzing the impacts of the variability between different provinces on EV carbon emissions.
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Ruibing Lin, Xiaoyu Lü, Pinghua Xu, Sumin Ge and Huazhou He
To enhance the fit, comfort and overall satisfaction of lower body attire for online shoppers, this study introduces a reclassification method of the lower body profiles of young…
Abstract
Purpose
To enhance the fit, comfort and overall satisfaction of lower body attire for online shoppers, this study introduces a reclassification method of the lower body profiles of young females in complex environments, which is used in the framework of remote clothing mass customization.
Design/methodology/approach
Frontal and lateral photographs were collected from 170 females prior, marked as size M. Employing a salient object detection algorithm suitable for complex backgrounds, precise segmentation of body profiles was achieved while refining the performance through transfer learning techniques. Subsequently, a skeletal detection algorithm was employed to delineate distinct human regions, from which 21 pivotal dimensional metrics were derived. These metrics underwent clustering procedures, thus establishing a systematic framework for categorizing the lower body shapes of young females. Building upon this foundation, a methodology for the body type combination across different body parts was proposed. This approach incorporated a frequency-based filtering mechanism to regulate the enumeration of body type combinations. The automated identification of body types was executed through a support vector machine (SVM) model, achieving an average accuracy exceeding 95% for each defined type.
Findings
Young females prior to being marked as the same lower garment size can be further subdivided based on their lower body types. Participants' torso types were classified into barrel-shaped, hip-convex and fat-accumulation types. Leg profile shapes were categorized into slender-elongated and short-stocky types. The frontal straightness of participants’ legs was classified as X-shaped, I-shaped and O-shaped types, while the leg side straightness was categorized based on the knee hyperextended degree. The number of combinations can be controlled based on the frequency of occurrence of combinations of different body types.
Originality/value
This methodological advancement serves as a robust cornerstone for optimizing clothing sizing and enabling remote clothing mass customization in E-commerce, providing assistance for body type database and clothing size database management as well as strategies for establishing a comprehensive remote customization supply chain and on-demand production model.