Search Results (620)

This study examines consumer behavior, preferences, and knowledge regarding honey in Kosovo to inform more effective production, marketing, and policy strategies. Data were collected from 503 respondents through an online questionnaire and analyzed using a combination of artificial neural networks (ANN), decision tree modeling (CHAID), and ordinal logistic regression. The results show a high prevalence of honey consumption, strong preference for locally produced honey, and significant variability in consumer willingness to pay (WTP) based on knowledge, income, and trusted information sources. ANN identified recommendations and product familiarity as primary predictors of WTP, while the decision tree highlighted knowledge and income as key variables for segmentation. The ordinal logistic regression confirmed the importance of perceived quality and product attributes, particularly botanical and geographical origin, in shaping purchasing decisions. The use of complementary statistical models enhanced both predictive power and interpretability. The findings highlight the crucial role of consumer education and trust cues in fostering sustainable honey markets in Kosovo. Full article

Determination of the right price is vital for the success of newly developed food products. This study examined the market prices and their determinants for five ready-to-cook catfish products: Panko-Breaded Standard Strips (PBSS), Panko-Breaded Standard Fillet (PBSF), Panko-Breaded Delacata Fillet (PBDF), Sriracha-Marinated Delacata Fillet (SMDF), and Sesame-Ginger-Marinated Delacata Fillet (SGMDF). Market prices were derived using Vickrey’s second-price auction, where the second-highest bid represents the market price. We analyzed experimental auction data from 121 consumers using a logit model to estimate the probability of offering the market price based on product sensory attributes, socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, and the level of competition (panel size). Consumers’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) was elicited in two rounds: before tasting (visual evaluation) and after tasting (organoleptic evaluation) the products. Breaded products received higher market prices than marinated products, with PBDF ranked highest. Sensory traits, especially taste, along with income, education, and grocery shopping involvement, significantly influenced the formation of market price. Increased competition elevated the market prices. Both product features and consumer characteristics significantly affect market price outcomes, and experimental auctions provide a robust tool for understanding consumer behavior toward newly developed food products. Full article

Objectives. To integrate clinical and economic evidence on the main non-pharmacological interventions aimed to reduce the burden of caregivers of people with dementia, with specific attention to stated preference measures (SPM), Willingness-to-Pay (WTP) and Willingness-to-Accept (WTA), alongside other cost-effectiveness indicators (ICER, QALY). Methods. A systematic review was conducted on randomized and quasi-experimental evaluations, economic models, and preference studies concerning psychoeducational/coping interventions, activity-centered/occupational programs (TAP), technological solutions and tele-support, and goal-oriented cognitive rehabilitation (CR). For each study, the following indexes were extracted: design, sample size, psychological outcomes (anxiety/depression, burden, engagement), utility per QALY, costs per perspective (the health–social and the broader societal perspectives), ICER, WTP/WTA, and sensitivity results. Results. Psychoeducational programs and CR show consistent benefits on distress, anxiety/depression, and caregiver quality of life; TAP reduces caregiver burden and patient behavioral problems, with favorable signs of cost–effectiveness; results on the effects of technologies are heterogeneous, but online modules with telephone support improve psychological morbidity. QALY improvement is generally modest, but the probability of cost-effectiveness remains high when costs do not differ significantly from treatment as usual, or when, from a societal perspective, the unpaid caregiving time of the caregiver is valued. Preference studies indicate positive WTP for additional hours of home care, health–social integration, and facilitated groups; evidence on WTA is scarcer and methodologically variable. Conclusions. Short, structured interventions with a human support component offer good value-for-money; the adoption of societal perspectives and the systematic use of WTP/WTA can better capture the value perceived by caregivers. Heterogeneity issues persist. Full article

In response to recent policies on sustainable finance, nature restoration, soil protection, and biodiversity conservation, it is increasingly important for projects to assess their impacts on natural capital to safeguard Ecosystem Services (ES). Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) are recognized as strategic tools for fostering cost-effective, nature- and people-centered development. Yet, standard economic and financial assessment methods often fall short, as many ES lack market prices. Indirect, ecosystem-based approaches—such as ES monetization and environmental cost accounting—are therefore critical. This study evaluates the feasibility of investing in NBSs by estimating their economic and financial value through indirect ES valuation. An empirical methodology is applied to quantify environmental costs relative to ES delivery, using Willingness to Pay (WTP) as a proxy for the economic relevance of NBSs. The proposed ES-Cost Accounting (ES-CA) framework was implemented across major NBS categories in Europe. Results reveal that the scale of NBS implementation significantly influences both unit environmental costs and ES provision: larger interventions tend to be more cost-efficient and generate broader benefits, whereas smaller solutions are more expensive per unit but provide more localized or specialized services. The findings offer practical guidance for robust cost–benefit analyses and support investment planning in sustainable climate adaptation and mitigation from an ES perspective. Full article

This study uses the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), a quantitative approach, with interval regression and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) models to assess the non-use values of the Zhongjieshan and Liuheng Marine Ranches. The aim of the study is to quantify the monetary value of non-market benefits, examine socioeconomic influences on stakeholders’ Willingness to Pay (WTP), and provide a basis for ecological compensation mechanisms. Zhongjieshan’s annual non-use value is estimated at 28.99–30.81 million CNY (Chinese Yuan) (median WTP 74.33–78.99 CNY per person), while Liuheng’s value is higher at 108–111 million CNY (median WTP 150.20–153.89 CNY per person), suggesting greater ecological and recreational potential at Liuheng. The results show robust model performance, with minimal WTP differences. WTP for Liuheng is primarily influenced by income and environmental awareness, while Zhongjieshan shows a distance-decay effect. Visitor profiles reveal that Zhongjieshan attracts younger, moderately educated visitors, while Liuheng draws more highly educated, economically diverse groups. These findings suggest that Zhongjieshan should prioritize community-based co-management, while Liuheng should focus on high-quality, technology-driven ecological leisure development. The study also emphasizes the need for targeted awareness campaigns and supports the creation of diversified ecological compensation mechanisms beyond government funding. Full article

Urban stormwater management presents significant challenges for municipalities seeking to balance environmental resilience with financial considerations and social equity. This study investigates the factors shaping residents’ willingness to pay (WTP) for a proposed stormwater management fee in Norwalk, Connecticut, within the context of local sustainability plans. A survey of 457 residents assessed demographics, personal beliefs, perceptions of benefits, risks, and WTP. Since participation was voluntary and open, an exact response rate could not be calculated, and the resulting respondent profile differed from city benchmarks. The results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics alongside a Random Forest machine learning model assessing two payment scenarios, achieving classification accuracies above the majority-class baseline (approximately 60–68%). Across both scenarios, expectations of tangible and locally visible outcomes, including infrastructure upgrades and climate resilience improvements, were the strongest determinants of WTP. When respondents evaluated a specific fee amount rather than a general modest fee, concerns about affordability and program effectiveness became more influential and revealed the conditional nature of financial support. The findings illustrate the value of machine learning for analyzing public attitudes toward environmental finance and highlight how policy framing, transparency, and communication shape acceptance of sustainability measures. These insights provide a data-driven foundation for future research on public engagement and equity in local environmental policy and stormwater plan development. Full article

Seabed mining has gained widespread attention under the blue economy concept, offering economic opportunities while posing significant environmental risks. In Sri Lanka, where mining of seabed resources is growing, understanding public perceptions and preferences for seabed conservation remain crucial to ensure sustainable resource management. This study, therefore, represents the first empirical assessment of public preference and Willingness to Pay (WTP) for seabed conservation in Sri Lanka. A Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE)-based approach was employed to assess public preferences for seabed conservation. Data were collected from 630 respondents across Sri Lanka using a pre-tested self-administered structured survey. The analysis employed Conditional Logit (CL) and Random Parameter Logit (RPL) models to estimate preference heterogeneity and attribute trade-offs. The findings of the study reported strong public support, with a WTP of Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) 3532 per household per year for seabed conservation. Younger, well-educated individuals demonstrated a significantly higher preference for seabed conservation. Biodiversity loss (66.9%), physical damage to seabed (40.7%) and exploitation of natural resources (17.8%) were recognized as major consequences of sea bed mining, highlighting the need for stringent regulatory frameworks (34%) and public engagement (44%) in sustainable seabed conservation. The RPL model revealed significant preference heterogeneity for key attributes. A significant positive preference for a 30% reduction in mineral extraction (coefficient = 0.894, p < 0.05) reinforces public preference for stricter extraction limits. A 25% reduction for biodiversity and habitat destruction (coefficient = 0.010, p < 0.05) reflects public concern for seabed conservation in the context of ongoing marine resource related economic development activities. These results underscore the importance of integrating economic valuation into seabed conservation policies, ensuring that seabed mining activities align with sustainability goals. The study suggests targeted awareness campaigns, financial incentives, and inclusive policymaking to bridge socio-economic disparities and foster long-term public support for seabed conservation. These insights provide a critical foundation for policymakers to develop balanced approaches that promote economic benefits, while safeguarding marine ecosystems within Sri Lanka’s blue economy framework. Full article

The agroecological (AE) transition of agri-food systems can help address climate change impacts in Tunisia, including reduced local food production and high import dependency, but it requires understanding consumer behavior toward eco-friendly food products. Thus, a survey of 521 Tunisian consumers was conducted to assess environmental awareness and willingness to pay (WTP) for food produced under AE practices. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that sustainable consumption is mainly influenced by knowledge of AE practices, which is stronger among consumers with higher education and income. However, WTP for sustainable products remains low, making it essential to develop marketing strategies that target distinct demographic groups, improve product labeling, and enhance environmental education. Full article

Background/Objectives: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important global health concern associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Despite established guidelines for VTE treatment, there is a gap between clinical recommendations and their implementation in practice because of limited accessibility, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and among patients with cancer. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) on VTE in patients with cancer at a Thai university-affiliated hospital. Methods: A cost–utility analysis using a Markov model was developed to estimate costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of DOACs and low-molecular weight heparin (LWMH) in Thai patients with cancer aged over 60 years. The model with eight health states, including CAT on treatment, pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (CRNMB), non-intracranial hemorrhage major bleeding (non-ICH MB), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), off treatment, and any death, was developed with a one-month cycle length and used to estimate costs and health outcomes from a societal perspective with a lifetime horizon. The efficacy and safety of DOACs compared to LMWH were obtained from a network meta-analysis, while the costs were based on a Thai university hospital database. All costs and outcomes were discounted at 3%, and the Thai societal willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold (THB 160,000 per QALY gained) was applied. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated to compare costs and QALYs of the interventions. Results: The total lifetime cost of LMWH was THB 70,928 (USD 2,163), while for apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban, the costs were THB 26,323 (USD 803), THB 33,667 (USD 1,027), THB 29,570 (USD 902), and THB 22,310 (USD 680), respectively. The QALYs for LMWH, apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban were 0.771, 0.775, 0.746, 0.759, and 0.770 QALYs, respectively. Compared to LMWH, apixaban provided 0.004 additional QALYs, with a decreased cost of THB 44,605 (USD 1,360), resulting in reduced expenses. On the other hand, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban were also associated with lower lifetime costs but reduced life-years and QALYs when compared with LMWH. Conclusions: This study revealed that apixaban is likely to be the preferred option for treating patients with CAT. However, policy decision-making process should take into account the uncertainties related to the implementation of this practice. Full article

Off-grid renewable energy systems have become a cost-effective way to supply electricity in remote rural areas, contributing to achieving universal energy access as mandated by Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7). However, benefits are often compromised by limitations in the financial and technical capacity and capabilities of rural beneficiaries to operate and maintain the technology, raising concerns about the cost-effectiveness of investment in the systems. This study examines the non-economic social benefits of providing electricity through off-grid renewable systems and whether these benefits justify investment in the efforts and costs borne by rural communities. Using the case study of the community-managed Kalilang micro-hydro power plant (MHPP) operating on Sumba Island, Indonesia, we estimate the value of non-market benefits of off-grid renewable electricity in rural Indonesia. By applying a mixed-methods approach, this research qualitatively identified perceived non-market benefits through 16 key informant interviews and subsequently employed contingent valuation (CV) with 105 households to estimate their willingness-to-pay (WTP) for these benefits. The results suggest that off-grid renewable projects remain socially viable even when direct economic returns are lacking. Inclusion of these social values into project evaluation and appraisals is needed to better reflect the contribution of off-grid renewable energy systems to community well-being. Full article

Background: The global livestock industry faces pressure to reduce antimicrobial usage while maintaining animal health and productivity. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) including probiotics, prebiotics, phytogenics, essential oils, organic acids, and enzymes have emerged as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Commercial success depends on consumer acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) for products from animals raised using these approaches. Objective: This systematic review synthesized peer-reviewed literature examining consumer knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and WTP toward animal products produced using NPIs or marketed as antibiotic-free (ABF) to identify a critical gap in existing research. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed studies published from January 2020 to December 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed original research examining consumer perspectives toward NPIs or antibiotic-free (ABF) animal products. Narrative synthesis was employed due to study heterogeneity. Results: From 847 records, 15 studies met inclusion criteria. A critical finding was that virtually no peer-reviewed research directly examines consumer perceptions of specific NPIs such as probiotics, prebiotics, phytogenics, organic acids, or enzymes as feed additives. The included studies predominantly examined ABF production generally (60%) without specifying alternatives employed. Europe accounted for 80% of studies, while Asia accounted for 20%. Consumer awareness of agricultural antibiotic use was consistently low across contexts. Attitudes toward ABF products were favorable with one study reporting WTP premiums of 18–20%. Health consciousness was the strongest predictor of acceptance. Conclusions: The review highlights that while substantial literature exists on ABF products, no studies examine consumer perceptions of specific non-pharmaceutical interventions. Future research should investigate consumer responses to intervention specific labeling and communication strategies. Full article

Achieving climate neutrality in construction requires more than available low-carbon technologies; it also depends on informed demand and consumers’ willingness to adopt sustainable materials. This paper examines ecological awareness, attitudes, and behavioral intentions toward eco-friendly building materials in Poland, using four independent waves of a nationwide online survey (CAWI) conducted in 2023 and 2025 (N ≈ 1000 per wave; adults aged 18–80). The questionnaires measured environmental awareness; willingness to pay a price premium (WTP) for properties built with eco-materials; actual purchasing behavior during renovations; support for regulations mandating developers’ use of ecological materials; and key socio-demographic factors. While the results confirm a pronounced attitude–behavior gap, the article details the research design and analytical approach, reports awareness, attitudes, and WTP across waves and subgroups, and discusses implications for “soft” interventions (e.g., norms, information, defaults) that can complement regulatory frameworks and financial incentives. It concludes with limitations and practical recommendations for policymakers, industry, and civil society to accelerate the adoption of low-emission materials. Full article

This study investigated the perceptions of AAW among educators (n = 47), students (n = 359), and aquaculture sector stakeholders (n = 34) in key aquaculture regions of South and South-Central Vietnam. Using a mixed-methods survey, perception scores, understanding of core welfare concepts, curricular coverage, and willingness to pay (WTP) for higher-welfare products were assessed. Although perception scores were high across surveyed groups, only 5.57% of students identified most of the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare, while 17.0% showed no understanding of welfare. This highlighted a gap between awareness and understanding, leading to the development of the Awareness Depth Gap Framework. A small but statistically significant negative correlation (Kendall–Theil –Sen slope = −0.28, p < 1.25 × 10⁻¹²) indicated that greater AAW curricular inclusion was associated with stronger welfare attitudes. Willingness to pay modest premiums (6–10%) for higher-welfare products increased non-linearly with higher perception scores among educators and students. In contrast, aquaculture sector stakeholders appeared to prioritise economic factors over welfare. These results highlight the need for structured AAW curricula and community collaborative education to close knowledge gaps. This study provides the first empirical insights into AAW perceptions across the education and aquaculture sectors in Vietnam. Full article

High-quality, interoperable biodiversity information is a prerequisite for effective conservation policy, compliance with European Union (EU) reporting obligations, and efficient environmental decision-making. Greece’s LIFE EL-BIOS (LIFE20 GIE/GR/001317) developed the first National Biodiversity Information System, aiming to aggregate, standardise, and disseminate spatial and non-spatial data for species, habitats, pressures, and trends. This paper provides an economic valuation of this information system as a public, non-market good. We designed a two-stage stated-preference study: (i) a short pre-survey to calibrate initial bids and (ii) the main survey employing double-bounded dichotomous choice (DBDC) contingent valuation with a spike-logit specification. The payment vehicle was a hypothetical monthly subscription in a post-LIFE scenario. The instrument measured time savings (hours), perceived reliability (Likert 1–5), and key demographics/roles. A total of 167 valid responses were collected in September 2025. Participants reported an average of 5.2 h saved per use (median 4; max 14). Among those expressing willingness to pay (WTP), 77% rated EL-BIOS reliability as “High/Very high”. Econometric results indicate time savings as the strongest positive determinant of WTP; perceived reliability is positive and marginally significant; years of experience are negatively associated with acceptance; and cost has a strong negative effect. Mean WTP is estimated at €6.7 per month (median €3.5). Notably, 64% of those unwilling to pay declared protest motives (data should remain public and free). Accordingly, non-payment is decomposed into true zero WTP versus protest-based refusal, i.e., refusal to pay despite acknowledging value. This high protest share reflects principled opposition to paying for public biodiversity data rather than low perceived value of the system. The EL-BIOS database generates measurable productivity gains and social value both through positive WTP and principled protest responses supporting open public data. These findings inform policy on sustainable financing, governance, and long-term operation of national biodiversity information systems. Full article

Sustainable tourism is increasingly important for local sustainable livelihoods; however, its development is often hindered by financial limitations. To address this critical constraint, this study investigates the relationship between tourist satisfaction and their Willingness to Pay (WTP) for Community-Based Tourism (CBT) service improvements. Employing a novel Culture Tower/KHUC Tower-based approach, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling with the Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (CPBM), we analyze data from 275 young respondents collected in mid-December 2024 and mid-August 2025. Our empirical results demonstrate that tourist satisfaction is a strong predictor of WTP, alongside financial status, environmental concerns, and environmental quality assessment. Additionally, we identify food quality, service delivery, and infrastructure as the primary determinants of satisfaction in CBT contexts. The findings reveal that satisfaction-driven financing mechanisms can unlock sustainable revenue streams for CBT destinations, provided that strategic investments address key service quality dimensions. Our results have important implications for tourism managers and policymakers seeking to enhance financial sustainability through coordinated stakeholder engagement, targeted infrastructure improvements, and transparent fund management systems in Lac Village and beyond. Full article