Minchen Zhu, Weizhi Wang and Jingshan Huang
It is well known that the selection of initial cluster centers can significantly affect K-means clustering results. The purpose of this paper is to propose an improved, efficient…
Abstract
Purpose
It is well known that the selection of initial cluster centers can significantly affect K-means clustering results. The purpose of this paper is to propose an improved, efficient methodology to handle such a challenge.
Design/methodology/approach
According to the fact that the inner-class distance among samples within the same cluster is supposed to be smaller than the inter-class distance among clusters, the algorithm will dynamically adjust initial cluster centers that are randomly selected. Consequently, such adjusted initial cluster centers will be highly representative in the sense that they are distributed among as many samples as possible. As a result, local optima that are common in K-means clustering can then be effectively reduced. In addition, the algorithm is able to obtain all initial cluster centers simultaneously (instead of one center at a time) during the dynamic adjustment.
Findings
Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm greatly improves the accuracy of traditional K-means clustering results and, in a more efficient manner.
Originality/value
The authors presented in this paper an efficient algorithm, which is able to dynamically adjust initial cluster centers that are randomly selected. The adjusted centers are highly representative, i.e. they are distributed among as many samples as possible. As a result, local optima that are common in K-means clustering can be effectively reduced so that the authors can achieve an improved clustering accuracy. In addition, the algorithm is a cost-efficient one and the enhanced clustering accuracy can be obtained in a more efficient manner compared with traditional K-means algorithm.
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Jingshan Huang, Jiangbo Dang, Michael N. Huhns and Yongzhen Shao
The purpose of this paper is to present ontology alignment as a basis for mobile service integration and invocation.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present ontology alignment as a basis for mobile service integration and invocation.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents an automated schema‐based approach to align the ontologies from interacting devices as a basis for mobile service invocation. When the ontologies are ambiguous about the services provided, compatibility vectors are introduced as a means of maintaining ontology quality and deciding which service to choose to reduce the ambiguity.
Findings
Both precision and recall measurements are applied in the evaluation of the alignment approach, with promising results. In addition, for the compatibility vector system, it is not only proved theoretically that the approach is both precise and efficient, but it also shows promising results experimentally.
Originality/value
In cases where sufficient resources are not available and only a certain number of mobile devices can be chosen for interaction, this approach increases the efficiency by choosing suitable mobile device(s).
Research limitations/implications
This current approach makes use of a center ontology, but introduces the problem of how to handle the vulnerability issue inherent in this centralized solution. To analyze and solve this problem is a potential research direction.
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Zhichuang Qi, Jingshan Chen, Zhangmi Huang, Chunyan Hu and Baojiang Liu
This paper aims to prepare Poly(Styrene-Butyl acrylate-Methacrylic acid) @Poly Gallic acid-Fe3+ photonic crystal composite inks [P(St-BA-MAA)@PGA-Fe3+ PCCI, @ means the PGA-Fe3+…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to prepare Poly(Styrene-Butyl acrylate-Methacrylic acid) @Poly Gallic acid-Fe3+ photonic crystal composite inks [P(St-BA-MAA)@PGA-Fe3+ PCCI, @ means the PGA-Fe3+ is loaded on the microspheres] and construct noniridescent structural colors on fabric substrates, with the goal of improving the visibility of structural colors.
Design/methodology/approach
P(St-BA-MAA)@PGA-Fe3+ PCCI were prepared by coating P(St-BA-MAA) microspheres with a metal-polyphenol network formed by gallic acid (GA, C7H6O5) and Fe3+. The assembly effects of the inks were explored under different conditions, including pH, temperature, concentration and surface tension. The optimal self-assembly conditions of the inks were determined using the controlled variable method.
Findings
The results demonstrated the successful preparation of P(St-BA-MAA)@PGA-Fe3+ PCCI. The metal polyphenol network film composed of GA and Fe3+ was successfully coated on the surface of P(St-BA-MAA) seed microspheres. The assembly mechanism of the inks was investigated, indicating that at a diethylene glycol (DEG, C4H10O3) concentration of 0.3 wt% and pH of 7, bright noniridescent structural colors could be formed on fabric surfaces after self-assembly by PCCI at 60 °C for 10 min. Furthermore, the mechanical fastness of the structural colors was enhanced due to the adherence of the soft shell composed of P(St-BA-MAA) and GA.
Originality/value
Utilizing a cost-effective approach and a diverse array of readily available raw materials, we have successfully prepared P(St-BA-MAA)@PGA-Fe3+ PCCI, which boasts superior performance and offers fabrics a range of unique coloring styles. This innovation paves the way for potential applications of structural colors in practical production, thereby broadening their realm of utility.
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The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of uncertainty, namely, macroeconomic uncertainty (MU) and financial uncertainty (FU) on foreign exchange market stability…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of uncertainty, namely, macroeconomic uncertainty (MU) and financial uncertainty (FU) on foreign exchange market stability, specifically on foreign exchange market pressure (EMP) and jump risk (RJV).
Design/methodology/approach
The latent threshold time-varying parameter VAR (LT-TVP-VAR) econometric approach is used in estimations to solve structural breaks.
Findings
The relationship of uncertainties and China's foreign exchange market stability is latent threshold nonlinear dynamic time-varying. In China's renminbi (RMB) appreciation stage, both MU and FU weaken the appreciation pressure of RMB. Moreover, MU and FU significantly increase the RJV, while MU significantly affects the RJV of the foreign exchange market. In the RMB depreciation stage, both MU and FU strengthen the EMP.
Research limitations/implications
Findings based on data in China's foreign exchange market can be considered for other global markets in future research.
Practical implications
An increase in MU and FU has a negative effect on foreign exchange stability. Regulators can prevent the economic system uncertainty shocks on foreign exchange market stability through observation and judgment of MU and FU, which helps prevent and relieve financial risks. Investors can reduce foreign exchange risk as the exchange rate rebounds after hedging behavior during high uncertainty periods.
Originality/value
The effect of MU on the foreign exchange market stability is greater than that of FU, regardless of whether EMP or RJV occurs in the foreign exchange market.
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Abstract
Purpose
Tourists’ destination image is crucial for visiting intentions. An ancient capital with diverse characteristics is an important component of China’s urban tourism. The purpose of this paper is to address the following questions: what are the differences and commonalities of the perceived destination image of ancient capitals? What makes the difference of the perceived destination image in these cities? Aside from the exterior factors, are there internal factors of cities that influence tourists’ cognition and perception of destination image?
Design/methodology/approach
The comment text data of Baidu tourism website were used to determine the differences in the destination images of China’s four great ancient capitals: Beijing, Xi’an, Nanjing and Luoyang. ROST content mining and semantic network analysis were for differences and commonalities of the perceived destination image, and correlation analysis was used to explore the internal factors of cities that influence tourists’ cognition and perception of destination image.
Findings
Though the same as ancient capital, the four ancient capitals’ images are far apart; historical interests are the core of tourism experience in ancient capital city; image perception is from physical carrier, history and culture, and human cognition; tourist’ destination affect of ancient capital is most from its history and culture; protecting identity and maintaining daily life are crucial for ancient city tourism.
Originality/value
Previous studies on ancient capitals have focused on the invariable identity of ancient capitals’ destination images, and left a gap on determining from where the invariable identity comes in general and how much it influences destination image. This gap was addressed in this study, by analyzing the destination images of four ancient capitals in China as cases. In this way, this study provided reference to the other ancient cities worldwide.
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Qingmeng Tong, Shan Ran, Xuan Liu, Lu Zhang and Junbiao Zhang
The main purpose of this study is to examine the impact of agricultural internet information (AII) acquisition on climate-resilient variety adoption among rice farmers in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this study is to examine the impact of agricultural internet information (AII) acquisition on climate-resilient variety adoption among rice farmers in the Jianghan Plain region of China. Additionally, it explores the influencing channels involved in this process.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on survey data for 877 rice farmers from 10 counties in the Jianghan Plain, China, this paper used an econometric approach to estimate the impact of AII acquisition on farmers’ adoption of climate-resilient varieties. A recursive bivariate Probit model was used to address endogeneity issues and obtain accurate estimates. Furthermore, three main influencing mechanisms were proposed and tested, which are broadening information channels, enhancing social interactions and improving agricultural skills.
Findings
The results show that acquiring AII can overall enhance the likelihood of farmers adopting climate-resilient varieties by 36.8%. The three influencing channels are empirically confirmed. Besides, educational attainment, income and peer effects can facilitate farmers’ acquisition of AII, while climate conditions and age significantly influence the adoption of climate-resilient varieties.
Practical implications
Practical recommendations are put forward to help farmers build climate resilience, including investing in rural internet infrastructures, enhancing farmers’ digital literacy and promoting the dissemination of climate-resilient information through diverse internet platforms.
Originality/value
Strengthening climate resilience is essential for sustaining the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring national food security; however, the role of internet information has received limited attention. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the casual relationship between internet information and climate resilience, which fills the research gap.
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Weinan Zheng, Peng Xiao and Andrew Madden
Academic contention occurs when research evidence is amenable to more than one interpretation. China has a long tradition of Shang Que (商榷), in which authors argue for their…
Abstract
Purpose
Academic contention occurs when research evidence is amenable to more than one interpretation. China has a long tradition of Shang Que (商榷), in which authors argue for their preferred interpretation. The modern form of this tradition is the Shang Que article, which often takes the form of research papers in Chinese-language journals and which tends to be question-oriented. Shang Que articles usually take the views of a particular author or article as the focus of independent and complete criticism by another, independent, academic. This paper explains the role of Shang Que articles in Chinese scholarship and their influence on international academia.
Design/methodology/approach
A bibliometric analysis was used to explore the characteristics and evolution of Chinese Shang Que articles using 30,577 articles published between 1979 and 2018. Microsoft Excel and Gephi were used for data analysis and visualization.
Findings
Findings suggest a decline in the number of Shang Que articles and an increase in the number of co-authors. Shang Que articles remained particularly prominent in Philosophy and Humanities and Social Sciences, where they focused on local issues such as classical Chinese, the Sinicization of Marxism and Chinese literature. This suggests that the number of Shang Que articles is related to the degree of internationalization of a research field.
Originality/value
Shang Que articles, which have been influenced by academic paradigms in English, are a fusion of China's Shang Que tradition and of the modern academic system. Through considering Shang Que articles, this paper explores the benefits of local academic traditions in non-English-speaking cultures.
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Yelin Hu, Bingjing Li, Ying Zha and Douqing Zhang
The banking industry plays a key role in China's financial industry. In the past decade, the speed of the development of China's commercial banks has gradually declined…
Abstract
Purpose
The banking industry plays a key role in China's financial industry. In the past decade, the speed of the development of China's commercial banks has gradually declined. Commercial banks with different ownership structures also have certain differences in terms of operating efficiency, and their monetary policies are often different. Therefore, the authors study the impact of ownership structure on the efficiency of commercial banks under different monetary policies. This study also provides relevant reference opinions with regard to the healthy, sustainable and stable development of China's banking industry.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper mainly uses the two-stage data envelope analysis (DEA) model under meta-frontier and group frontier to study the deposit and loan efficiency changes of 16 banks from 2007 to 2014 under ownership structure heterogeneity. Furthermore, the model introduces the balance parameters between deposits and loans, in order to realize the mathematical abstraction description of macro-monetary policy.
Findings
First, based on bank efficiency analysis, the paper finds that most banks' loan efficiency is higher than their deposits. Second, the paper concludes that different monetary policies have little effect on bank deposit and loan efficiency, while ownership heterogeneity has a significant impact on bank performance. Finally, through the decomposition of the sources of inefficiency in bank performance, this paper finds that management and technology are two factors that affect the inefficiency of banks.
Originality/value
The authors work contributes to the existing literature in the following ways: First, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to use the DEA model to study the relationship between monetary policies and bank supply chain efficiency. The results may provide additional managerial implications for the banking industry from the perspective of monetary policies. The result is helpful in terms of explaining how and why banks should strengthen risk management, as well as how to deal with non-performing loans in management terms and finally, why banks should make financial technology innovations in technology terms.