Consumer Information Research Articles

Optimal scheduling of smart home energy systems: A user-friendly and adaptive home intelligent agent with self-learning capability

This paper proposed a user-friendly and adaptive home intelligent agent with self-learning capability for optimal scheduling of smart home energy systems. The intelligent agent autonomously identifies model parameters based on system operation data, eliminating the need for manual input and making it more user-friendly and practical to implement. It can also self-learn the latest energy consumption information from an updated dataset and adaptively adjust model parameters to accommodate changing conditions. Utilizing these determined models as input, the intelligent agent performs day-ahead optimal scheduling using the proposed many-objective integer nonlinear optimization model and automatically controls system operation. Experimental studies were conducted on a laboratory-based smart home energy system to verify the effectiveness of the developed intelligent agent in different scenarios. The results consistently demonstrate Mean Absolute Percentage Errors below -12.7 % across all three scenarios, indicating the accuracy of the intelligent agent. Furthermore, the optimal scheduling significantly enhances system performances. After optimization, daily operational costs, peak-valley differences, and CO2 emissions were reduced by 34.1 % to 81.6 %, 29.2 % to 36.7 %, and 19.6 % to 43.2 %, respectively. Moreover, the PV generation self-consumption rate and self-sufficiency rate improved by 29.6 % to 38.0 % and 40.5 % to 49.4 %, respectively. The proposed intelligent agent provides invaluable guidance for optimal dispatch of smart home energy systems in real-world settings.

Stakeholders Alignment in CSR Implementation in Southeast Asian Agro-industry

This article focuses on the broader misalignment of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs by multi-national corporations in Southeast Asia, particularly in the agricultural sector. It explains the likely causes of such impact through the lens of the Stakeholder Theory. The paper aims to illustrate how corporations present and strategize their CSR initiatives, emphasizing that the proposed solutions may only sometimes align with the actual needs of the recipients. Using Freeman's perspective/ This paper argues that an intrinsic disparity exists between the intentions and execution of CSR programs, particularly those initiated by multi-national companies, and the divergence of expectations between corporations acting as implementers and the recipients of these programs. Despite the clear articulation of these requests by most affected locals, multi-national corporations often need help to meet these demands. As a result, the lack of accessible information and limited consumer literacy, coupled with political and commercial branding by ASEAN, creates a conducive environment for CSR misalignments.Keywords: CSR; Southeast Asia; agriculture; stakeholder theory

COMPARISON OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DIFFERENT CARROT VARIETIES

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a globally significant root vegetable, rich in bioactive and nutritional compounds. Carrot is a crop with a wide range of phenotypic variability including colour, shape, size, and other characteristics. The aim of this work was to determine and compare selected morphological traits and chemical composition of 24 carrot varieties grown under open field conditions in Slovakia. Altogether, 11 qualitative characteristics and 6 quantitative parameters were evaluated. The carrot roots were also analysed for essential chemical constituents including reducing sugars (fructose, glucose, saccharose), carotenoids, dietary fibre, dry matter, ash, and mineral compounds. A wide range of diversity in morphological characteristics and chemical composition indicates a high variability of studied varieties. The root length ranged from 59 to 205 mm, root diameter varied from 17.7 to 39.0 mm and root weight ranged from 21.0 to 74.8 g. Based on the measurement results, saccharose was the dominant sugar ranging from 1.89 to 4.67 g.100 g-1 of fresh weight, carotenoid content varied from 85.94 to 374.24 µg.g-1 of fresh weight, the amount of dietary fibre ranged from 25.67 to 36.02% of dry matter. Considerable differences were also observed in the content of macro and microelements [mg.100 g-1] ranging as follows: P (17.5 - 52.0), K (110.0 – 337.0), Na (65.9 – 186.0), Fe (0.324 – 3.340), Cu (0.042 – 0.126), Zn (0.152 – 0.945) and Mn (0.062 – 0.189). The presented results can provide useful information for carrot growers and consumers in terms of morphological characteristics as well as the chemical composition of individual carrot varieties.

The influence of homophily and social identity on eWOM in streaming consumption behaviour

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the influence of homophily and social identity in eWOM adoption and influence on music consumption in streaming platforms. The study also proposes a framework for eWOM influence on product consumption. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through an electronic questionnaire with a total of 524 valid responses. A partial least square methodology was used to approach the data analysis. Findings The findings indicate that both homophily and social identity have an influence on eWOM effect. Additionally, homophily shows influence on social identity being an important value to the total influence. It is also confirmed how eWOM has direct influence on music consumption. Practical implications Social information of consumers becomes more relevant than ever, as the results contribute to highlight its importance as a message adoption influencer and product consumption driver. Originality/value This study contributes to social communication theory by identifying homophily and social identity as valuable assets during eWOM generation. The research brings a new angle to social identity theory in the social network environment and influences eWOM adoption in music streaming consumption.

The Illusion of Randomness: Evaluating Student Sampling Performance

Randomness is a critical concept in the study of statistics, both for everyday consumers of statistical information and producers of statistical analyses. However, students at all levels do not always hold concept images that translate to non-uniform or complex sampling contexts. In this article, we explore the way statistics students relate the idea of “drawing at random” to visual sampling tasks. We collected data from approximately 1,000 college students where students attempted to click 50 points at random from shapes that included optical illusions and distractions. One task included a disc, while another included a rectangle with highlighted sectors of unequal size. The survey we administered also included a number of questions and statements to determine which events that the participants identified as random or not. We used a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to identify how students' samples may or may not diverge from a truly random sample. Findings reveal challenges in perceiving and replicating randomness, particularly in the presence of optical illusions or constraints that interfere with a uniform or equiprobability assumption. The study highlights the complexity and difficulty in understanding randomness and correctly applying it in real-world scenarios, both among students in an introductory statistics course and among upper-level students enrolled in a statistics major.

Mapping the landscape of consumer empowerment and information communication technology: A comprehensive analysis

Mapping the landscape of consumer empowerment and information communication technology: A comprehensive analysis

Challenges and opportunities of short food supply chains in Spain: A stakeholder participatory study

In food distribution, trends are emerging that seek to reduce the number of agents involved, promoting short supply chains (SFSCs). In response to that, the objective of this research is double: analysing the level of consumer awareness, use and willingness to pay for products being distributed through SFSCs and on the basis of the information obtained, analysing the issues that producers employing these channels are facing with the aim of using this information to design strategies to help the production sector. We have employed a qualitative approach and organised 12 focus groups including consumers and producers from various Spanish towns, with discussions being carried out between March and July 2022. The outcomes reveal that, producers and consumers recognize benefits in these channels but note barriers like lack of consumer information and access inconveniences. Consumers show less inclination for SFSC purchases, especially for delicate (meats) or infrequent (wine) products, preferring supermarkets. Finally, the participants highlight price and online channel inconvenience as main limitations, echoed by producers. In order to promote short food supply chains, it would be essential to overcome the barriers identified in this study by implementing strategies focused on information, accessibility, price competitiveness and optimisation of the purchasing process. These actions will not only offer advantages to both consumers and producers, but will also boost the local economy. In addition, this study's findings can help in the design of public policies that promote SFSCs and encourage their adoption.

Semi-supervised learning with flexible threshold for non-intrusive load monitoring

Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) can obtain fine-grained power consumption information for individual appliances within the user without installing additional hardware sensors. With the rapid development of the deep learning model, many methods have been utilized to address NILM problems and have achieved enhanced appliance identification performance. However, supervised learning models require a substantial volume of annotated data to function effectively, which is time-consuming, laborious, and difficult to implement in real scenarios. In this paper, we propose a novel semi-supervised learning method that combines consistency regularization and pseudo-labels to help identification of appliances with limited labeled data and an abundance of unlabeled data. In addition, given the different learning difficulties of various appliance categories, for example, feature learning is more difficult for multi-state appliances than two-state appliances, the thresholds employed for different appliances are adjusted in a flexible way at each time step so that the informative unlabeled data and their pseudo-labels can be delivered. Experiments have been conducted on publicly available datasets, and the results indicate that the proposed method attains superior appliance identification performance compared to cutting-edge methods.

LEGAL PROTECTION FOR E-COMMERCE TRANSACTION BUSINESS ACTORS IN THE ERA OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN INDONESIA

Digital transformation contributes to the growth of trade through electronic media (E-Commerce). This provides a great opportunity for business actors to develop their business and increases the chances of consumer default. One possible cause of payment failure is the transaction method that uses the Cash on Delivery method. This research aims to determine legal protection for business actors in buying and selling transactions via E-Commerce. The research method used is normative juridical with descriptive research specifications, data collection is carried out through documentary studies and literature studies, and data analysis is carried out qualitatively through deductive logical thinking. Legal protection for business actors against acts of default committed by consumers is generally regulated in the Civil Code and specifically regulated in the Electronic Transaction Information Law and Consumer Protection Law. The Civil Code explains that business actors have the right to receive payment if their goods reach consumers. If the consumer commits an act of default, the business actor can ask for compensation for losses caused by non-fulfillment of the agreement. Technically, the Consumer Protection Law does not fully protect the rights of business actors as parties to buying and selling transactions via E-Commerce. Because, since the publication of the Consumer Protection Law in 1999, the era of digitalization has not changed, so the existence of the Electronic Transaction Information Law complements this deficiency. There needs to be an update to the Consumer Protection Law to protect the rights of business actors. Without adequate regulations, it will cause new disruptions to the development of the Indonesian economy.

Effects of Context Cues on Chinese Consumer Cross-Border Purchase Intention: General vs. Low-Carbon Korean Goods

Purpose - Previous research has emphasized but not empirically investigated the precise effects of cross-border online shopping context cues and overall consumer perception on consumer cross-border purchase intention (CBPI). To address the gap, based on an S-O-R model and valence framework, this study investigates the structural relationship of online context cues →overall consumer perception → consumer CBPI. Design/Methodology - This study conducts a questionnaire study with 308 Chinese participants to test the all hypotheses. Findings - This study reveals that four context cues have positive effects on overall consumer perceived value and increases CBPI. On the contrary, four context cues have negative effects on overall consumer perceived uncertainty, which discourages CBPI for Korean goods. In addition, there is also a significant difference between the general and low-carbon goods shopping process in context cues → overall consumer perception relationship. Originality/value - This study focuses on online shopping context cues to elucidate Chinese consumer information processes for the CBEC marketing mix as a key to improving overall perception and CBPI. In addition, as the moderating role of good type addresses the significant different information process in general and low-carbon goods on overall consumer perception formation, this study scrutinizes how context cue effects are shaped by goods type.

Perceived Value and Adoption Intention for 5G Services in India

Acknowledgment of the significance of environmental factors in technology adoption is widespread. However, empirical investigations into how environmental awareness influences the interconnection between perceived value and adoption intention for 5G services are notably lacking. This study investigates how perceived value shapes consumers’ 5G adoption intentions and how environmental awareness moderates the relationship between perceived value and adoption intention, employing the Value Adoption Model (VAM). Survey items on perceived value, adoption intention, and environmental awareness, drawn from existing literature on consumer value and information systems, were employed to gather data. An online questionnaire was completed by 530 participants from India. The collected data was processed using PLS-SEM. The findings indicate that perceived usefulness and enjoyment are key drivers of adoption, while perceived costs show mixed effects. Notably, technical issues do not negatively impact perceived values, but perceived fees negatively affect the perceived value of 5G services. Overall, perceived value significantly influences 5G adoption intention, with environmental awareness mediating this relationship. The findings offer valuable guidance to 5G service providers in emerging markets and provide policymakers with insights into the interplay of cost-benefits and environmental considerations in 5G service adoption.

Strategi Pemasaran Untuk Meningkatkan Penjualan Kopi Nako Kebon Jati Bogor

Businesses that combine environmental and product aspects are currently growing quite rapidly. Consumers are not only served products according to their taste but can also enjoy natural views with fresh air. One business that utilizes natural aspects as a marketing strategy is Kopi Nako Kebon Jati. This research aims to analyze marketing strategies to increase sales of Kopi Nako Kebon Jati Bogor. The research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive approach. Data comes from analysis of the results of literature reviews and related official publications. The results of this research show that the marketing used by Kopi Nako Kebon Jati Bogor is the Marketing Mix which consists of 4Ps, namely product, price, place and promotion. Of these four things, efforts are made to maximize product marketing strategies. After that, it is supported by a social media platform via the Kopi Nako Kebon Jati Instagram account. This Instagram aims to provide useful information for consumers and reach a very wide market, so that it can increase sales of Kopi Nako Kebon Jati Bogor. The unique strategy that differentiates Kopi Nako Kebon Jati from the others is Hidden Gem, namely that they take a place quite far from the city center and make it a special attraction for Kopi Nako Kebon Jati which sells views of Mount Salak which are not available in coffee shops in general.

Beyond the cow: Consumer perceptions and information impact on acceptance of precision fermentation-produced cheese in Germany

Precision fermentation (PF) is a process for producing dairy products without the need for cows. The technology is considered to have potential for addressing sustainability issues by producing high-nutritional proteins with lower resource consumption. As knowledge about the impact of information as well as of perceived benefits and risks on consumer acceptance is still low we conducted an experimental study with 2,035 German participants. We tested five information treatments regarding basic facts, technology, genetic modification, and similarity to other products using a between-subject design. Furthermore, we included potential benefits and risks concerning animal welfare/farmers’ livelihoods, food quality (consistency and naturalness), land use, nature, and market. Our analysis only shows a significantly negative, but low, impact of information about genetic modification on consumers’ willingness to try PF cheese. We were further able to reveal that consumers are positively influenced by benefits that emphasize the consistent quality and sustainability aspects of PF cheese. The negative arguments addressing farmers’ risk of losing their source of income and the potential market power of large companies appear to be the greatest acceptance-reducing influence. Overall, this study serves as a basis for the successful marketing and communication of PF cheese.

Examining presence in immersive virtual reality and website interfaces through the cognitive fit and cognitive load theories

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the effects of presence on users’ information processing in mediated visualizations using immersive virtual reality (VR) and websites, focusing on information understanding and cognitive load. The impact of user interfaces on users’ perception of presence is also tested.Design/methodology/approachA between-subjects laboratory experiment using two user interfaces – immersive VR and website – is carried out. It is complemented by a self-administered survey on the participants.FindingsThe current results indicate that an immersive VR interface improves tourists’ information processing by producing a heightened sense of presence. The results confirm that presence facilitates tourists’ information processing by increasing information understanding and decreasing cognitive load. Finally, a negative relationship between cognitive load and information understanding is obtained.Practical implicationsVR user interfaces are not only visually appealing but also cognitively optimized. Immersive VR devices can be introduced in the specific sale process of cruise trips through both offline channels (physical stores and travel agencies) and online channels to facilitate tourists’ information processing during the prepurchase phase.Originality/valueThe primary contribution lies in the integration of the theory of presence with two influential information processing frameworks, namely, cognitive load theory and cognitive fit theory. This integration provides a holistic perspective on how user interfaces influence consumer information processing in the unique context of cruise tourism, particularly during the stage of a prepurchase information search.

Knowledge Management and Linked Data Generation in the CIS Statistics Committee

This article presents the actions implemented by the Interstate Statistical Committee of the CIS (CIS-STAT) in knowledge management information systems, preparation of linked data and «smart» (semantically rich) metadata as part of the CIS data hub that is under construction. Based on the analysis of international experience and after conducting their own long-term research, the authors set out the purpose behind the work – to increase the efficiency and potential of using statistical data by ensuring an unambiguous and meaningful data interpretation, including in consumer information systems. To reach this goal, the authors proposed new approaches and technologies for building a knowledge management system based on the semantic network, which made it possible to link machine-interpretable semantic models with human-readable knowledge representations. Addressing the objective of organizing knowledge about statistical methodology is a key to increasing the potential for using linked data and enabling collaborative processing of statistical data. The proposed methodological and technological approach is aimed at contextualizing a subject area used to develop linked data and generate «smart» metadata. It also provides new opportunities for consumers to work with statistical data and metadata – their interpretation, meaningful analysis, comparison and joint processing. Along with a description of the systems operating cycle, the article provides a meaningful analysis of the issues of harmonizing statistical terminology, identified by practical work with the «Labor Statistics» domain. Special attention is paid to the role of the expert community in developing a knowledge management system

Spatiotemporal dynamics and influencing factors of CO2 emissions under regional collaboration: Evidence from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in China

Against the backdrop of global climate change and the “dual carbon” target, cities have a significant responsibility to achieve carbon reduction targets. As a crucial urban agglomeration in northern China, effectively balancing economic growth with CO2 emission reduction to achieve high-quality economic development remains a significant challenge that the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region should address both presently and in the future. The objective of this study is to utilize nighttime lighting data and energy consumption information to quantify the CO2 emissions of diverse cities within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region spanning from 2006 to 2020. The research aims to analyze the spatial progression patterns of CO2 emissions across these urban centers, identify key determinants and their interrelations, and delve into the underlying mechanisms pivotal for advancing carbon mitigation strategies within urban agglomerations. The results indicate that: with an exception in Beijing where CO2 emissions slightly decreased compared to 2006, CO2 emissions increased across cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region by 2020. High-value CO2 emission areas are primarily concentrated in central of the study area, exhibiting negative spatial correlation characteristics. Based on its urban development positioning, it is imperative for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration to formulate and implement carbon reduction strategies on innovative development, industrial upgrading, and ecological protection among other aspects towards coordinated low-carbon development.

How to build trust on entertaining farm stay in sharing economy? Trust formation and its impact on repurchase intention

Abstract Entertaining farm stay in sharing economy has become a unique and feasible accommodation option in China. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework with which to examine the trust-building mechanisms within this emerging sector. Utilizing data from 527 experienced tourists in China, this study conducted a structural equation modeling analysis. The findings indicate that system quality, information quality and service quality, all stemming from platform factors, significantly influence trust. Electronic word-of-mouth, influenced by guest factors, and media richness, influenced by host factors, positively affects perceived usefulness and trust. Notably, while system quality remains positively correlated with trust, its impact on perceived usefulness is diminishing, reflecting the changing information landscape and consumer preferences. This study extends the research on consumer trust on entertaining farm stay in sharing economy. It also provides certain theoretical guidance for trust building in entertaining farm stay market.

Establishing a Geo-Database for Drinking Water and Its Delivery and Storage Components with an Object-Based Approach

Infrastructure facilities that serve the city as a whole and should be considered as a whole should be built in an orderly and planned manner, just as cities are. Infrastructure facilities become obsolete over time. Aging infrastructure facilities may become unserviceable over time. When the need for maintenance and repair arises, it is mandatory to renew or replace infrastructure facilities. In this case, necessary maintenance/repair and renovation works should be completed as soon as possible. These infrastructure facilities may not be transferred to maps in the digital environment and may often be managed with person-oriented information, not institutional. There is a problem for decision makers, namely, that the construction, maintenance, repair and governance of infrastructure facilities cannot be carried out systematically, on time and effectively. The only way to provide such a service is through the combined use of today’s informatics, Geographical Information System (GIS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technologies, unlike the classical methods of the past. The aim of the study is to effectively manage the scarce resource of drinking water and its facilities, which are an important component of infrastructure facilities, with a method that uses current mapping technologies and informatics facilities. Especially after Infrastructure for Spatial Information (INSPIRE) and the transformation of Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard, Turkish National Geographic Information System (TNGIS) studies and many academic studies carried out in Türkiye have been modelled with Unified Modelling Language (UML) diagrams in accordance with LADM. Similarly, within the scope of this study, UML diagrams were prepared, and then a GIS database was established. Thanks to field workers, chiefs, engineers and others working on water pipelines, all necessary data, classic, as-built and digital, were gathered. These were collected in different ways in order to conduct spatial and non-spatial analysis in the study area of Trabzon. The most important result from the study is that the entire drinking water infrastructure of Trabzon has been transferred to the system in a structure that allows spatial queries, ensuring that damage detection on water components, maintenance and repair processes are carried out in the shortest time and at the lowest cost. The investigation and application of a sensor-integrated GIS-aided system, making it possible to control and monitor the use of lost and illegal water to be controlled as well as inform consumers who will be affected by possible maintenance and repair, is recommended.

Social media sharing disposition (SMSD) as a driver of consumer information-sharing behavior

Purpose Despite the continued focus on online sharing through social media, little consumer research has looked at this behavior as an independent construct or tried to determine how it relates to other consumer behaviors. Consequently, this study aims to explore the concept of social media sharing disposition (SMSD), proposes a measure of the construct, and, in five studies, assesses its reliability and validity and its relationship to other online and offline consumer behaviors. Design/methodology/approach Five studies using surveys were carried out to assess the SMSD construct. The studies gathered data to assess the properties and validities of SMSD, as well as its ability to assess offline and online sharing behavior. Findings The results indicate that SMSD is a useful construct that helps to explain people’s social media and offline sharing behavior, although its focus is primarily on social media sharing. It also displays convergent, discriminant and predictive validity. These results indicate that SMSD can be used to predict the likelihood of consumers sharing online information. They also confirm that SMSD works effectively in different cultural contexts. SMSD can also be used to assess consumer offline sharing behavior. Research limitations/implications There was neither an investigation of actual differences in behaviors among consumers in the number of posts or online reviews they undertook, based on SMSD, nor a study of whether individuals are more likely to incorporate brand information into their posts. Future research could explore these behaviors to determine whether they can be explained by SMSD. There was also no focus on a rationale for engaging in social media sharing; that is, there are no proposed antecedents of SMSD. Additional studies could assess antecedents of this construct. Practical implications Marketers interested in engaging consumers as participants in the dissemination of online (electronic) information can segment and target consumers on the basis of SMSD. Therefore, it can be used to determine who should be targeted with information to disperse to other consumers. It is likely that there is a relationship between SMSD and social media influencer (SMI) activity, so it could also be used to identify SMIs among consumer bases. It can also be adapted and applied to understanding offline sharing behavior. Originality/value The paper reports on SMSD and establishes that it is an additional construct that can help explain consumer information sharing. The construct relates to a social media context, where it may be increasingly difficult to identify consumers who engage in differential sharing of digital information.

Governing Consumer Information in the Digital Age: Lessons from a Controversy Between a Food Rating App and Processed Meat Manufacturers

Abstract This article examines the legal response to a controversy on dietary information in the context of commercial court and appellate court rulings. Against a backdrop of health and environmental crises, the construction of information on such risks has become a sensitive issue for market actors, as a result of which courts are asked to arbitrate conflicts. This is particularly important at a time when informational mediations carried out by new actors increasingly take the form of digital ratings and augmented information. The dispute involving the firm Yuca and the French agro-industrial processed meat sector is a case in point. This paper analyses the structural arguments put forward in this legal dispute at the first instance and appeal stages. In the light of law and socio-economics, it untangles questions pertaining to the link between denigration and freedom of expression and the definition of the role of scientific research and consensus in the decisions. This leads us to shed light on the contents of the changing missions of two central types of actors: the mediators who monitor and regulate market practices and the judges that arbitrate these mediations and settle controversies.