Preferred Product Research Articles

Extraction of evolutionary factors in smart manufacturing systems with heterogeneous product preferences and trust levels

Smart products, as an increasingly significant part of smart manufacturing systems, have brought users extreme experiences. To provide a significantly better user experience and succeed amidst intense market competition, smart products undergo continuous and iterative evolution guided by diverse user requirements. However, users' requirements are heterogeneous, ever-changing, and misleading owing to the heterogeneous familiarity and deceptive interactions, leading to an erroneous identification of product evolutionary factors and inferior subsequent evolution. In existing works, the heterogeneous preferences and trust levels of users are considered superficially, and the extracted product evolutionary factors fail to adequately fulfill users' requirements. To address this issue, a reliable extraction method for evolutionary factors of smart products with heterogeneous product preferences and trust levels is proposed. First, the fuzzy similarity measure is introduced and a group classification method based on this measure is designed to filter out users without reference value. Second, the trust score induced order weighted averaging (TS-IOWA) operator is employed to obtain the comprehensive trust level of an individual user. Third, the dual trust aggregating operator is improved by two corrective factors being incorporated with the Einstein product and the Einstein sum to overcome the deficiency: an over-reduction of trust level and an over-expansion of distrust level, and then employed to aggregate multiple trust/distrust values and sort the evolutionary factors. Finally, two case studies on the App rating system and the evolution of smart wristbands are provided to verify the effectiveness of this proposed method. Throughout the analysis, the ranking accuracy of users' trust levels has increased by 25%, and the matching ratio between the extraction results and user requirements has increased from 57.14% to 85.7% with an improvement of 50%. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is capable of obtaining more credible evolutionary factors of smart products.

Tourist Preferences for Revitalizing Wellness Products and Reversing Depopulation in Rural Destinations

Wellness tourism is a growing segment that destinations can rely on to increase tourism flows and revive underdeveloped rural areas. This study elicits tourists’ preferences for wellness tourism products and the redevelopment of a wellness destination in a depopulated rural area. The research included 595 participants in Central Greece using on-site, face-to-face surveys. The survey data were analyzed using a two-step process. First, conjoint analysis was applied to determine the combination of wellness tourism product attributes that maximize visitors’ utility. In the second step, we elicited visitors’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improvements in tourism product attributes using the contingent valuation method. The findings indicate that the combination of attributes that maximizes the preference structure of respondents includes time of visit from September to October, duration of visit from 1 to 7 days, wellness tourism as the primary purpose of the visit, and wellness activities that contain both physical activities and training as well as spiritual and emotional enhancement. Using binary logistic regression, the analysis indicates that respondents are willing to pay EUR 47.33 per visit on average further to develop wellness tourism products in the study area. Empirical results confirmed that sustainability issues, quality, and entrepreneurship factors positively impact visitors’ WTP for revitalizing wellness products. In contrast, a longer duration of stay in the area and respondents’ age negatively impact their WTP. These findings suggest that structuring a customer-driven tourism product will enhance the rural destination’s efforts to attract high-yield visitors and advance the rural economy. Furthermore, practical implications reveal that Destination Management Organizations will benefit from research results to foster targeted management plans.

Inclusion of trans-cinnamaldehyde and caprylic acid in feed results in detectable concentrations in the chicken gut and reduces foodborne pathogen carriage

Poultry act as a major reservoir host for Salmonella and Campylobacter spp., the 2 leading causes of foodborne illnesses globally and in the United States. Preharvest stage interventions to reduce foodborne pathogen carriage in poultry are increasingly informed by consumer preference for antibiotic-free poultry production. The in-feed inclusion of plant-derived antimicrobial compounds is a promising antibiotic alternative strategy to reduce foodborne pathogen load in the broiler chicken gut. Yet, the fate of these phytochemicals through the broiler chicken gastrointestinal tract is unknown. Likewise, while in-feed phytochemicals have been widely demonstrated in challenge models to reduce foodborne pathogen carriage, little is known regarding efficacy to curb natural routes of infection. As such, the aim of the present study was 2-fold. We sought to determine the concentrations of 2 phytochemicals, trans-cinnamaldehyde and caprylic acid, in each region of the chicken gastrointestinal tract following their in-feed inclusion over a 6-wk production period. In addition, we investigated how the in-feed provision of these phytochemicals may protect against environmental acquisition of Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella spp. Trans-cinnamaldehyde and caprylic acid were detected in crop, gizzard, duodenal, jejunal, and ileal contents. Crop and gizzard concentrations were not significantly (P > 0.05) different. A significant (P < 0.05) decrease in phytochemical concentration was observed in intestinal regions compared to crop and gizzard. Trans-cinnamaldehyde was consistently identified in cecal and colon contents, while caprylic acid was not detectable in these regions. Trans-cinnamaldehyde and caprylic acid were found to reduce (P < 0.05) Salmonella load. Together, our data establish that the in-feed addition of trans-cinnamaldehyde and caprylic acid, 2 phytochemicals that have previously been shown to exert antimicrobial activity against poultry-associated foodborne pathogens, results in detectable concentrations in the broiler chicken gastrointestinal tract. By providing researchers with a gastrointestinal region-by-region map of phytochemical concentrations, the present study is expected to inform the choice of in-feed phytochemicals targeting foodborne pathogen carriage in the broiler chicken gastrointestinal tract.

ASSESSING FISHING ACTIVITY, FISH PRODUCTION AND DEMAND IN ILU ABBA BORA ZONE, SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA

The study was aimed to assess fishing activity, fish production and demand outlook in Ilu Abba Bora Zone, Oromia Region, southwest Ethiopia, to generate baseline data that would help in the proper and sustainable utilization of fish resources. Previous reports, field assessment, structured and semi-structured questionnaires and direct observation were employed for data collection. Five districts (Mettu, Yayo, BiloNopa, Bure and Sale Nono) were selected using purposive sampling technique. From each district, fishermen and households along and near riverine water bodies were selected purposively. The fishing activities of the area are aimed for subsistence by part-time fishermen and for local market during the dry season. The fishing gear commonly used are hooks of different sizes, traps (fish basket) and rarely gillnet. Birbira (Milletia ferruginea) is also used by fishermen in Sale Nono district. Though the severity of the constraints varies from one district to the other, the main fish production constraints in the area are low demand for fish, lack of awareness, lack of facilities, low profit, and long distance to market place. The fish demand and supply in the study area is unbalanced. Fresh whole fish, gutted and dried fish are mostly preferred fish products. Labeobarbus intermedius, Labeobarbus nedgia, Bagrus docmak and Oreochromis niloticus are the species preferred by consumers in the study area. Awareness creation and promotion of local fish farming is important to integrate fish in the community’s diet and to scale up fish demand and supply in the area.

A Bilevel Model for Carbon Pricing in a Green Supply Chain Considering Price and Carbon-Sensitive Demand

In today’s industrial landscape, there is a mounting urgency to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of emissions stemming from supply chain operations. On one front, policy-makers impose increasingly stringent emission reduction targets for supply chains, while on another front, consumers express a heightened preference for products and services with reduced carbon footprints. This study addresses the challenge of determining an optimal carbon pricing strategy by integrating the imperatives of a green supply chain with carbon taxation policies. To this end, we introduce a bi-level mixed-integer linear programming model for supply chain network planning, encompassing considerations of carbon taxation policies and the responsiveness of demand to the final product’s price and associated carbon emissions. Findings from a case study underscore that an escalation in carbon pricing prompts the supply chain to prioritize emissions reduction through the utilization of environmentally conscious approaches. The results reveal the need for a USD 0.9/kg carbon price to achieve a 10% emission reduction, resulting in an 80% profit decline. Notably, a 10% reduction has profound impacts, which leads to the suggestion of a gradual approach. Furthermore, as carbon prices reach higher levels, the supply chain tends toward curtailing production, thereby fostering an environment conducive to emission abatement. Consequently, policy formulators must judiciously calibrate a fitting carbon pricing mechanism to strike a harmonious equilibrium between emission reduction targets and the financial outlays of the supply chain.

Transformative power production futures: citizen jury deliberations in Saskatchewan, Canada

BackgroundTransforming power production systems to achieve net zero emissions and address climate change will require deep structural changes, partially dependent on community perceptions of the necessary energy transition. The article presents results from 2-day citizen juries held in four communities of Saskatchewan, Canada: Estevan, Swift Current, Regina, and Saskatoon in 2021/22 whose purpose was to determine if place attachment impacts future power production preferences and whether social learning can be achieved. Mixed research methods included a survey before and after the citizen juries and a qualitative analysis of the discussions and outputs.ResultsResearch results confirm that while there are common concerns across communities about unbiased information, transparent decision-making, justice/equity concerns, and people's involvement, community-imagined energy futures can be very divergent. Not only place-based attachment, the existent industry and infrastructure surrounding the community impact preferences but also openness to learning and group dynamics contribute. Focused deliberations on the complex problem of climate change advance social learning.The coal, oil, and gas community of Estevan supported coal, natural gas, and carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) to a substantially larger extent than other communities, even increasing their preference for coal after the citizen jury. Saskatoon chose Small Modular Reactors (SMR) as their top choice, whereas Swift Current switched from preferring natural gas to solar and SMRs.ConclusionsThe findings from the jury sessions suggest changing attitudes toward SMRs as a potential source of energy, as well as a shift from cost considerations to environmental. Future research implications could include differing methodologies and potentially partnering beyond academia. Jurors all expressed the desire for greater government leadership, urging the government to demonstrate accountability, hold large enterprises accountable, and be more proactive in bringing parties together.

Government and Polluting Companies Game Strategies in the Context of Green Finance A Prisoners Dilemma Game Model

Promoting the development of green industries to facilitate the growth of green finance has become a consensus among various sectors of society. This article focuses on the game theory strategies between governments and polluting companies in the context of green finance. Taking the Prisoner's Dilemma game model as an example, we discuss if polluting companies, under different types of governments, would choose to allocate loans towards improving production and environmental projects. Furthermore, we analyze whether the preferences of the general public towards eco-friendly products would influence the game strategies of governments and polluting companies. Through solving the model, we find that when governments increase penalties for polluting projects, reduce the costs of environmental project research and development for polluting companies, enhance environmental awareness among the general public, and stimulate their preference for eco-friendly products, they can strengthen corporate social responsibility and promote green investments. Consequently, polluting companies are more likely to invest in environmental projects to gain greater returns.

When feeling powerless, we crave nostalgia: The impact of powerlessness on the preference for nostalgic products

When feeling powerless, we crave nostalgia: The impact of powerlessness on the preference for nostalgic products

Forest Product Preference and Timber Subsidies: Unveiling Economic Differences in Forests of Eastern Mid-hill

The preferences of forest users regarding forest products are shaped by diverse socio-economic conditions, contributing to a complex preference-policy nexus. However, the factors influencing these preferences remain puzzling. This study aimed to analyze the preferences for forest products and assess the relevance of price subsidies across different economic strata (i.e., rich, medium, poor, and ultra-poor) based on cases from four community forests. The study employed stratified random sampling and well-being rankings to explore the socio-economic dynamics in community forests. Our findings revealed significant variations in forest product preferences among economic classes, with the wealthier class favoring timber, the medium preferring fuel wood, and the poorest class striving for fodder. Despite efforts to implement price subsidies, they proved ineffective, as the discounted timber rates failed to attract households with lower income. Therefore, to ensure the sustainability of community forestry, this study recommends initiating discussions among policymakers to develop policies that facilitate a fair distribution system. One practical solution suggested is to reconsider the current subsidized price differences between wealth groups. By addressing these issues, community forestry can achieve a more equitable and sustainable approach.

Analysis of factors influencing production of rice farming and farmers preferences in addressing production risks in Tanjung Jabung Barat district, Jambi province

Study This aim For analyze influencing factors production farming lowland rice and preferences farmer respond production farming paddy fields in Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency, Jambi Province. Locus study are Sriagung Village and Rawa Medang Village taken in a way purposive . Size sample as many as 91 respondents. Withdrawal method sample use simple random sampling method. Estimation function production use function production Cobb- Douglass. Approach method preference farmer respond risk production use method Moscardi and de Janvry. Determinant factors function production farming paddy fields are Urea Fertilizer, NPK Fertilizer, Fertilizer organic and pesticides. Variable Urea fertilizer, NPK fertilizer and fertilizer organic very significant effect to production. Preference farmer respond risk production based on third variable the obtained that farmer own preference avoid risk.

A New Benchmark for Consumer Visual Tracking and Apparent Demographic Estimation from RGB and Thermal Images

Visual tracking and attribute estimation related to age or gender information of multiple person entities in a scene are mature research topics with the advent of deep learning techniques. However, when it comes to indoor images such as video sequences of retail consumers, data are not always adequate or accurate enough to essentially train effective models for consumer detection and tracking under various adverse factors. This in turn affects the quality of recognizing age or gender for those detected instances. In this work, we introduce two novel datasets: Consumers comprises 145 video sequences compliant to personal information regulations as far as facial images are concerned and BID is a set of cropped body images from each sequence that can be used for numerous computer vision tasks. We also propose an end-to-end framework which comprises CNNs as object detectors, LSTMs for motion forecasting of the tracklet association component in a sequence, along with a multi-attribute classification model for apparent demographic estimation of the detected outputs, aiming to capture useful metadata of consumer product preferences. Obtained results on tracking and age/gender prediction are promising with respect to reference systems while they indicate the proposed model’s potential for practical consumer metadata extraction.

Bystander preference for naloxone products: a field experiment

BackgroundBystander administration of naloxone is a critical strategy to mitigate opioid overdose mortality. To ensure bystanders’ willingness to carry and administer naloxone in response to a suspected overdose, it is critical to select products for community distribution with the highest likelihood of being utilized. This study examines bystanders’ preference for and willingness to administer three naloxone products approved by the FDA for bystander use and identify product features driving preference.MethodsThe population was a convenience sample of individuals who attended the Kentucky State Fair, August 18–28, 2022, in Louisville, Kentucky. Participants (n = 503) watched a standardized overdose education and naloxone training video, rated their willingness to administer each of three products (i.e., higher-dose nasal spray, lower-dose nasal spray, intramuscular injection), selected a product to take home, and rated factors affecting choice.ResultsAfter training, 44.4% chose the higher-dose nasal spray, 30.1% chose the intramuscular injection, and 25.5% chose the lower-dose nasal spray. Factors most influencing choice on a 10-point Likert scale were ease of use (9 [7–10]), naloxone dose (8 [5–10]), and product familiarity (5 [5–9]).ConclusionsBystanders expressed high willingness to administer all studied formulations of naloxone products. Product choice preference varied as a function of product features. As the number and variety of available products continue to increase, continuous evaluation of formulation acceptability, in addition to including individuals with lived experience who are receiving and administering overdose reversal agents, is critical to support adoption and save lives.

SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS, STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT, SUPPLY MANAGEMENT AND R&amp;D ACTIVITIES IN THE COSMETICS INDUSTRY:

Purpose – In this study, in the light of best practices and strategies of AKALIFE PHARMACEUTICALS, which develops first-class cosmetics and dermo cosmetics products and manufactures also food supplements; the research question “How cosmetics companies can sell their sustainable innovations to the customers?” has been answered.&#x0D; Design/methodology/approach – In order to answer the research question a survey was formed and the data obtained from this survey, The paper discusses what takes for a cosmetics companies to achieve sustainable accomplishments in a cosmetics industry. In this context, besides the accomplished practices of AKALIFE PHARMACEUTICALS, data was collected from 107 people by survey method by selecting three independent variables that are effective on the preferability of sustainable innovations in the cosmetics sector. The statistical analyzes of these data were completed and the findings were discussed.&#x0D; Findings – As a result of the analysis, it has been observed that the most effective primary factor on the preferability of sustainable innovations invented on the cosmetics industry by customers is R&amp;D activities. The fact that cosmetics companies develop niche formulas that have never been applied before and produce unique cosmetic products by supplying raw materials that have not been used in any cosmetics product before, brings about them to strengthen their position in the cosmetics market and provide a strong comparative advantage over their rivals. It has been observed that the effectiveness of strategic management is almost as effective as the efficiency of supply management, although not as much as the efficiency of supply management, in the customer's preference of cosmetics products as sustainable innovations.&#x0D; Originality/value – Cosmetics industry, which is a dynamic and innovative sector that is always open to change, attracts the attention of many entrepreneurs and investors in these days. The study concludes that it is crucial for sustainable cosmetics companies to take advantage of the values of sustainability, healthy content, uniqueness and innovation in generating a prosperous corporate identity and potent brand image that customers will adhere to.

A comparative cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment of three cotton stalk waste sustainable applications

This paper presents a novel approach to utilizing agricultural waste. It compares three different applications for cotton stalks: fabrication of wood composites, bioethanol production, and biogas cradle-to-gate Life cycle assessment production processes. Cotton cultivation generates a lot of debris, mostly cotton stalks, which are incinerated or landfilled, Sustainable resource management is critical for maintaining the ecosystem, and economic stability, and promoting social fairness since it ensures the long-term availability of resources while minimizing environmental damage. The investigation uses the Ecological Footprint, Impact 2002 +, Global Warming Damage Potential, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Recipe Midpoint, Ecosystem Damage Potential, and CML IA Baseline—open LCA-enabled environmental sustainability assessments. The analysis showed that bioethanol has a lower carbon footprint and climate change impact than both wood composite and biogas production processes, as a result, this could cause a preference for bioethanol production as an environmentally friendly strategy for cotton stalks utilization. While human toxicity was higher in the biogas production process, it emits less fossil CO2 than biogenic CO2. The total climate change of wood composite, bioethanol, and biogas production processes was 0.01761, 0.011300, and 0.01083 points, respectively. This research helps accomplish wider ecological and economic aims by giving insights into sustainable waste management practices.

Unveiling the Mind of the Machine

Abstract Previous research has shown that consumers respond differently to decisions made by humans versus algorithms. Many tasks, however, are not performed by humans anymore but entirely by algorithms. In fact, consumers increasingly encounter algorithm-controlled products, such as robotic vacuum cleaners or smart refrigerators, which are steered by different types of algorithms. Building on insights from computer science and consumer research on algorithm perception, this research investigates how consumers respond to different types of algorithms within these products. This research compares high-adaptivity algorithms, which can learn and adapt, versus low-adaptivity algorithms, which are entirely pre-programmed, and explore their impact on consumers' product preferences. Six empirical studies show that, in general, consumers prefer products with high-adaptivity algorithms. However, this preference depends on the desired level of product outcome range—the number of solutions a product is expected to provide within a task or across tasks. The findings also demonstrate that perceived algorithm creativity and predictability drive the observed effects. This research highlights the distinctive role of algorithm types in the perception of consumer goods and reveals the consequences of unveiling the mind of the machine to consumers.

Exploring personal savings versus hedonic consumption in the new normal

PurposeConsumers can spend their disposable income on hedonic consumption or save for the future. Their preferences were altered by the prolonged life and livelihood-threatening experiences of the pandemic. This paper aims to study the spillover effect of the pandemic experience on consumer savings attitudes and hedonic purchase preferences in the new normal.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted 35 in-depth interviews with consumers in India. The data were analysed thematically.FindingsThe results showed that when fear of life and negative emotions of the pandemic persisted, consumers became short-term focused, moved towards materialism and increased hedonic spending. Alternatively, individuals who faced substantial financial hardships resorted to an increased preference for savings. The relationship between changes in savings orientation and hedonic consumption was found to be moderated by consumer's individual differences in financial vulnerability and life history strategies.Practical implicationsAs the trend towards increased hedonic consumption and preference for luxury products continues, the study findings can be used to devise effective marketing strategies to tap the emerging segment of mass luxury consumption.Originality/valueDespite ample work being conducted in the hedonic consumption domain, it has not been studied in conjunction with savings orientation, a significant determinant. This research links personal savings orientation with hedonic spending and substantiates that purchase decisions are cognitively weighted as a choice of discretionary spending against the opportunity to save.

Effect of status threat on preference for cross-domain self-improvement products: The moderation of trade-off beliefs

Negative psychological experiences, such as exposure to a status threat, are an important driver of consumer behavior. While existing literature has overwhelmingly argued that consumers endeavor to cope with a status threat via compensatory consumption (i.e., purchasing status-related or hedonic products), other studies have demonstrated that consumers who perceive the threat as controllable tend to resort to adaptive consumption (i.e., within-domain self-improvement products). The current research proposes that perceived loss of control stemming from a status threat leads to consumers' preference for cross-domain self-improvement products. Further, trade-off beliefs moderate the effect of status threat on perceived loss of control, which in turn predicts preference for cross-domain self-improvement products. These findings contribute to the theorization of status threat and cross-domain self-improvement products and provide significant practical implications for marketers.

Development of a New Conceptual Model: Consumers’ Purchase Intention towards Eco-friendly Bags

Purpose: The main purpose of the study is to look at the elements that influence customers’ buying intentions for eco-friendly bags. This investigation aims to provide useful information for stakeholders, including corporations, legislators, and environmental groups. It will investigate the factors that influence customer purchasing intentions toward environmentally friendly solutions, as well as their implications for accomplishing sustainability goals such as reducing resource consumption, limiting waste creation, and lowering carbon emissions. The primary goal of this research is to promote a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible consumer culture that develops a more sustainable relationship with the environment. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research relies on secondary data obtained from scholarly sources available on platforms like Google scholar, ReserachGate, Web of Science, SSRN, and others. The study also employs focus group discussions to formulate hypotheses and identify factors that influence consumers’ intentions to purchase eco-friendly bags. Findings/Result: This study employs empirical data and a conceptual model to investigate the determinants of consumers’ intentions to purchase eco-friendly bags. Key factors identified include environmental consciousness, social influence, product attributes, willingness to invest, and perceived environmental advantages. Consumers are more inclined to buy eco-friendly bags when they possess strong environmental awareness, are influenced by social factors, find the product appealing, express a willingness to pay a premium, and perceive tangible environmental benefits. The research contributes valuable insights into drives of consumer preferences for sustainable and eco-friendly products, exemplified by eco-friendly bags. Originality/Value: This study used conceptual models, theories, and focused group interactions to establish several postulates about the factors influencing consumer purchase intentions for eco-friendly bags. Paper Type: Review of literature for the development of the conceptual framework.

Implications of Refurbishing Authorization Strategy and Distribution Channel Choice in a Closed-Loop Supply Chain

This study examines the optimal authorization strategy for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the optimal distribution channel choice for a platform, and their interactions. We developed four models based on the OEM’s two strategy choices — authorization and non-authorization strategies, and the platform having two distribution channels for refurbished products: reselling and agency selling channels. Our results indicate that the authorization strategy is optimal for the OEM when consumer’s preference for refurbished products is not sufficiently high. Unlike conventional research, an increase in the production cost of a new product leads to different choices for the OEM. Specifically, the OEM prefers a non-authorization strategy in the reselling channel and an authorization strategy in the agency selling channel. Moreover, under the OEM’s authorization strategy, the platform always adopts a reselling channel for refurbished products. However, under the OEM’s non-authorization strategy, the platform’s choice is determined by the commission fee and the production cost of the new product.

Investigating consumer's buying behaviour of green products through the lenses of extended theory of planned behaviour

PurposeThe study aims to predict the drivers of green purchase in extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) by investigating direct and indirect role of consumers' attitude toward green purchase along with moderating effects of green trust and willingness to pay on purchase behaviour in an emerging market.Design/methodology/approachA total of 417 useable responses were recorded from three different states of north India to resolve the issues related to demographic diversity in country by using a structured questionnaire. Structural equation modelling, mediation and moderation analyses were used to investigate the hypothesised relationships.FindingsThe research unveiled that environmental concern, subjective norm have significant direct and indirect influence on green purchase intention via attitude. Furthermore, this study also elucidates that green trust significantly moderates attitude–behaviour, and intention–behaviour relationships, whereas willingness to pay does not significantly moderate these relationships in proposed model.Practical implicationsThis study provides interesting insights regarding consumers of emerging market toward green purchase. These insights are useful for marketers to design more focused strategies for enhancing the consumers' preferences for green products and promotion of pro-environmental behaviour in emerging markets.Originality/valueThe novel insights of this study are the mediating role of attitude in an emerging market in extended TPB model and exploration of the moderating role of green trust and willingness to pay premium to reduce the attitude–behaviour and intention–behaviour gaps for enhancing the consumers' preferences for green purchase.