Search Results (2,393)

Sustainable packaging has become a major area of academic and practical interest, reflecting growing environmental awareness, regulatory pressure, and changing consumer expectations. This study aims to synthesize existing knowledge on consumers’ behavior toward sustainable packaging and their willingness to pay (WTP) for environmentally friendly solutions. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review was conducted, encompassing 78 peer-reviewed publications from 2019 to 2025. Bibliometric mapping using VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) identified three main research streams: consumer attitudes and determinants of behavior, willingness to pay for sustainable packaging, and perception of packaging materials and systems. The reviewed studies, conducted across Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America, employed diverse methods, including surveys, discrete choice experiments, structural equation modeling, and mixed designs. Results indicate that consumer behavior is shaped by environmental awareness, self-identity, perceived usefulness, and trust in labeling, while packaging material and functionality remain decisive for acceptance. Most studies show that consumers are willing to pay a premium of about 10–20% for sustainable packaging, though price sensitivity and hygiene concerns limit actual adoption. The findings highlight the conditional nature of consumer acceptance and emphasize the need for transparent communication, credible certification, and functional design. This study provides guidance for policymakers and businesses seeking to promote sustainable packaging solutions. Full article

Purpose: A growing body of evidence has emerged on the role of diet for health outcomes in cancer survivors. Patients transitioning to post-treatment care may seek guidance on dietary changes, and summaries of the evidence for dietary patterns recommended by guidelines can support providers in effectively answering questions. Increasing evidence suggests that food choices impact planetary health. Plant-based diets are one eating pattern that may improve patient outcomes and planetary health. Methods: We performed a literature review and used narrative reporting to summarize evidence for plant-based diets and offer specific guidance for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer patients who are post-diagnosis. Specifically, we reviewed impacts on recurrence, all-cause, and cancer-specific mortality. Results: Increased fibre intake by consuming foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer-specific and all-cause mortality, as well as reduced colon cancer-specific mortality. Replacing refined grains with whole grains is associated with improved disease-free survival for colon cancer survivors. Higher tree nut consumption is associated with improved disease-free survival for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer survivors. Soy is safe to consume for breast cancer survivors and is associated with a reduced risk of recurrence. Conversely, more Western dietary patterns high in processed meat intake are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer recurrence and prostate cancer mortality. There are also environmental benefits of a shift towards plant-based diets to address the adverse health outcomes associated with climate change and its potential impact on cancer care delivery as previously outlined in a 2024 ASCO policy statement. Conclusions: Based on the best existing evidence, providers can suggest that patients consider plant-based dietary patterns in the post-treatment phase of their cancer care to support health outcomes and planetary health. Full article

Over-the-Air updates have emerged as a critical competitive frontier in the Software-Defined Vehicle era. While offering value creation opportunities, automakers face strategic uncertainty regarding pricing models (e.g., subscription vs. one-time purchase). To clarify these dynamics, this study develops an evolutionary game model of duopolistic pricing competition. Unlike traditional studies with exogenous payoff assumptions, we innovatively employ the Hotelling model to endogenously derive firm profit functions based on consumer utility maximization. The highlights of this study include: (1) We establish an integrated “static–dynamic” framework connecting micro-level consumer choice with macro-level strategy evolution; (2) We identify that product differentiation is the decisive variable governing market stability; (3) We demonstrate that under moderate differentiation, the market exhibits a robust self-correcting tendency towards “Tacit Collusion” (mutual high pricing). However, simulation results also warn that an asymmetric disruptive strategy by a market leader can override this robustness, forcing the market into a low-profit equilibrium. These findings provide theoretical guidance for automakers to optimize pricing strategies and avoid value-destroying price wars. Full article

The large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) is an economically significant aquaculture species in Asia, with skin coloration being a key quality attribute affecting consumer choice and commercial value. This study integrated morphological, biochemical, and proteomic approaches to investigate chromatophore characteristics, pigment composition, and diurnal body color variation in the large yellow croaker. Colorimetric analysis showed the highest yellowness, redness, and lightness values in ventral skin, followed by caudal skin, with dorsal skin showing the least yellowness. Three major chromatophores were identified: melanophores, xanthophores, and iridophores. Xanthophores were abundant in ventral and caudal skin, showing larger size and deeper pigmentation ventrally, while melanophores dominated dorsally and iridophores were mainly on scales. Skin and fins were key sites for carotenoid deposition, with lutein as the predominant carotenoid. Esters of lutein and zeaxanthin were the main contributors to yellow coloration in fish. A strong positive correlation was found between skin yellowness and total carotenoid content (R = 0.91, p < 0.05). The aggregation and dispersion of xanthosomes within xanthophores appeared to be the key driver behind the light-influenced diurnal body color variation. Proteomic analysis revealed motor proteins (such as KIF21, DYNC1L1, and MYO9) and pathways related to intracellular granule movement were probably related to the pigment transport in chromatophores of large yellow croaker. In addition, tubulin dynamics also appeared to participate in pigment translocation. This study is helpful to understand the pigmentary basis of this important farmed sea fish and provides a foundation for improving the golden color traits and further molecular research on diurnal color changes in large yellow croaker. Full article

Background/Objectives: Understanding the purchasing behaviour of sweetened beverages is important, as beverages have been highlighted as a key target for reducing sugar intake. This research aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of trends in per capita volume sales of non-alcoholic water-based beverages (WBB) in Australia and their contribution to dietary sugars between 1997 and 2024. Methods: Volume sales data for the years 2018 to 2024 (Circana Connect) were integrated with three previously published datasets spanning 1997 to 2018, with adjustments to reflect the total market where applicable. Per capita volume sales were determined using national population data (Australian Bureau of Statistics) for each corresponding year. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess trends in per capita volume sales over time. Sugar contributions of each beverage category were modelled based on representative sugar content data. Results: Total WBB sales showed consistent growth over the 28-year period (1.68 L/person/year, 36.2%). Within this, sales of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) declined (−1.08 L/person/year), with a concurrent increase in non-sugar-sweetened and unsweetened beverage purchases (2.74 L/person/year). This transition became more pronounced from 2015 and coincided with a decreased contribution of WBB to dietary sugars (−0.13 kg/person/year, p < 0.001). There was variation in sales and sugar contribution trends by beverage category. Functional beverages (e.g., coconut water, protein water) showed increases in sales and sugar contribution. Conclusions: The last 28 years have seen a trend in beverage purchases away from sugar-sweetened to non-sugar-sweetened and unsweetened varieties. This comprehensive analysis of consumer beverage choices makes a valuable contribution to policy and health-focused food industry initiatives. Full article

This study explores the factors that influence Gen Z consumers’ green purchasing behavior, addressing a gap in current research by combining the Theory of Planned Behavior, the Theory of Consumption Values, and Generational Theory, and applying them to the touristic accommodation context. Based on a quantitative survey of Gen Z tourists from Spain, Norway, and Lithuania, the study examined traditional constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior alongside subjective knowledge, environmental consciousness, perceived value, and green trust. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the results indicate a significant role for price-based functional value and emotional value in shaping Gen Z’s attitudes toward sustainable accommodation. Furthermore, subjective knowledge and environmental consciousness strengthen green trust, which in turn contributes to a more positive attitude toward sustainable touristic options. Attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly predict behavioral intention, while both perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention directly influence actual purchasing behavior. The findings suggest that tourism marketers should focus on enhancing price-related and emotionally meaningful value propositions, while also fostering trust through clear communication of environmental performance. Overall, the study offers a comprehensive understanding of the drivers behind Gen Z’s sustainable accommodation choices and provides practical implications for promoting environmentally responsible tourism. Full article

Background/Objectives: Youth with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) face unique challenges in balancing dietary choices, physical health outcomes, and social–emotional well-being in school settings. This cross-sectional exploratory pilot study examined the associations of diet with physical health and teacher-reported social–emotional functioning in students with T1DM. Methods: Students with T1DM (mean age = 13.42; 47 female, 50 male; 50% White, Non-Hispanic, 50% minority) self-reported their nutritional habits using the KBlock Dietary Screener for Children when school was in session. Teacher-rated school-related behaviors were assessed through the Behavior Assessment Scale for Children-2nd Edition (BASC-2). Canonical correlation analysis was conducted to determine whether the variable sets (diet with physical health and school-related behavioral health) shared a significant multivariate relationship. Results: Youth with lower glycemic loads and consuming more sugar, dairy, and meat/poultry/fish but fewer legumes, fruit, and less saturated fat exhibited fewer externalizing symptoms and higher BMI. Diet uniquely accounted for modest variance in combined social–emotional and physical health, controlling for demographics and T1DM duration. Findings support increasing the availability of whole, nutrient-rich foods, integrating comprehensive nutrition education into curricula, and ensuring access for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status. Conclusions: Comprehensive dietary assessments and school-based randomized control trials are needed to enact more evidence-based dietary recommendations or interventions for youth, aiming for a balanced approach that addresses both mental and physical health outcomes. Full article

Expanded and intensified agriculture is a major driver of habitat loss for endangered species such as the Oriental White Stork (Ciconia boyciana), making wildlife-friendly farming an increasingly important approach for reconciling biodiversity conservation with agricultural development. Building on a 2018 feasibility study in the Sanjiang Plain, this research employs a choice experiment to examine how preferences for Oriental White Stork-friendly farming have evolved among urban consumers and residents of stork habitats under expanding green consumption and increasing experience with environmentally friendly farming. The results reveal pronounced preference heterogeneity and persistent cognitive separation between wildlife conservation and agricultural production, particularly among urban consumers, despite a stable group being willing to pay a premium for stork-friendly products. Rural residents’ decisions remain largely economically driven, though younger farmers with prior experience in environmentally friendly practices show more positive attitudes. Significant urban–rural differences suggest policy complementarities, whereby price-oriented incentives may encourage price-sensitive farmers to adopt green agriculture, while intrinsically motivated farmers require support through an Oriental White Stork-oriented value chain. Overall, the findings demonstrate that Wildlife-Friendly Farming cannot be effectively promoted through a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, stratified, group-specific policy and market mechanisms are essential for aligning producer incentives with consumer demand and supporting the long-term viability of biodiversity-friendly agricultural systems. Full article

Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) are gaining increasing attention due to their potential role as substitutes for traditional meat products, driven by sustainability and health concerns related to animal production and consumption. Therefore, investigating and understanding consumer acceptance of less common PBMAs remains crucial. In this context, this research explored sensory expectations and actual experiences of a plant-based hotdog compared to a pork hotdog in a US sample. Using a within-subject design, participants (n = 88) evaluated both products before and after tasting, assessing overall liking, willingness to buy (WTB), and key sensory attributes. Furthermore, Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) batteries were used to explore product descriptors and situational appropriateness for consumption, while open-ended questions were employed to examine what consumers liked and disliked the most about the products in more detail. Results revealed no significant differences in expected liking between the two products before tasting. However, after tasting, the pork hotdog received significantly higher scores for both overall liking and WTB compared to the plant-based hotdog. Despite the plant-based product being associated with situations related to health and sustainability, it did not lead to the same appealing hedonic experience as the animal-based product. In addition, both penalty-lift analysis and text mining of the open-ended responses confirmed that consumers seek meaty characteristics in both animal- and plant-based hotdogs (e.g., “I don’t like how light the meat is” or “would like a more meat flavor”). This research provides valuable implications for policymakers and the food industry in terms of aligning strategies with consumers’ preferences and needs, supporting efforts to reduce red meat consumption and promote healthier, more sustainable dietary choices. Full article

Green technologies are strongly present in the energy mixes of countries around the world. In addition to the need to reduce the extraction of non-renewable raw materials and the harmful environmental impact associated with energy production, the trend towards renewable energy development should also be linked to the need to minimize energy poverty stemming from high electricity prices and the need to increase the energy efficiency of existing solutions. These issues formed the basis for the study’s objective, which was to examine the regulatory framework for the development of Poland’s energy system, with particular emphasis on sustainable development. A particularly important aspect of the study was the exploration of the market for green technologies introduced into the energy system in Poland, with a primary focus on solutions dedicated to small, individual consumers (households). The cognitive value of the study and its original character is created by the cognitive aspect in terms of the interests and consumer preferences of households in this area, motivated by economic considerations related to the energy efficiency aspect of RES solutions. In this regard, there is a relatively limited number of current studies conducted for the reference country (Poland), justifying the choice of the research topic and theme. For the purposes of the study, a literature review, as well as legal standards and industry reports, was conducted. A practical study was conducted based on the results of surveys conducted by selected companies involved in the sale and installation of heating solutions. Detailed research was supported by statistical instruments using PQstat software version 1.8.4.164. Key findings confirm significant household interest in green electricity production technologies, which enable improved energy efficiency of home energy installations. Importantly, the potential for lower electricity bills, which can be attributed to low system maintenance costs and the ability to manage consumption, is a factor in choosing renewable energy solutions. Current interest in renewable energy solutions focuses on heat pumps, photovoltaics, and energy storage. Renewable energy users are interested in integrating renewable energy technology solutions into energy production and management to optimize energy consumption costs and increase household energy independence. Full article

This study presents DeepVisionAnalytics, an integrated framework that combines eye tracking, OpenCV-based computer vision (CV), and machine learning (ML) to support objective analysis of consumer behaviour in visually driven tasks. Unlike conventional self-reported surveys, which are prone to cognitive bias, recall errors, and social desirability effects, the proposed approach relies on direct behavioural measurements of visual attention. The system captures gaze distribution and fixation dynamics during interaction with products or interfaces. It uses AOI-level eye tracking metrics as the sole behavioural signal to infer candidate choice under constrained experimental conditions. In parallel, OpenCV and ML perform facial analysis to estimate demographic attributes (age, gender, and ethnicity). These attributes are collected independently and linked post hoc to gaze-derived outcomes. Demographics are not used as predictive features for choice inference. Instead, they are used as contextual metadata to support stratified, segment-level interpretation. Empirical results show that gaze-based inference closely reproduces observed choice distributions in short-horizon, visually driven tasks. Demographic estimates enable meaningful post hoc segmentation without affecting the decision mechanism. Together, these results show that multimodal integration can move beyond descriptive heatmaps. The platform produces reproducible decision-support artefacts, including AOI rankings, heatmaps, and segment-level summaries, grounded in objective behavioural data. By separating the decision signal (gaze) from contextual descriptors (demographics), this work contributes a reusable end-to-end platform for marketing and UX research. It supports choice inference under constrained conditions and segment-level interpretation without demographic priors in the decision mechanism. Full article

Reflection on sustainable economic models, such as the civil economy, has led to the development of alternative food supply chains grounded in ethical values and practices. From this perspective, the Food Village model was proposed to meet stakeholders’ needs, overcome the limitations of Alternative Food Networks, and scale up. In this study, a Discrete Choice Experiment on hypothetical Food Village participation scenarios was combined with the Portrait Values Questionnaire to analyse preferences for the model’s attributes in relation to personal values. The results indicate that consumers appreciate the ethical and territorial characteristics of Food Village, such as local and organic products and cooperative governance, as long as convenience is guaranteed (product variety, flexible hours). Furthermore, they prefer moderate forms of participation, while excessively burdensome involvement reduces their willingness to participate. Individual values influence preferences: values of “self-transcendence” and conservation are associated with greater willingness, while those of “self-affirmation” correlate with lower adherence to Food Village. This evidence suggests implications for policy and scalability: initiatives like Food Village, if supported by public incentives and flexible participatory schemes, can contribute to more sustainable food systems at scale. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vending machines in hospitals offer convenient access to snacks and beverages for employees, visitors, and patients. However, their contents are typically energy-dense and nutritionally poor, which can potentially reinforce unhealthy eating habits. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of introducing healthier vending machine options on purchasing behaviour and consumer perceptions in a hospital setting. Methods: An interventional study was conducted at a university clinical centre in Slovenia. Sales data were collected from a standard vending machine and a pilot machine stocked with healthier products over two 14-day periods. Additionally, a consumer survey assessed factors influencing purchasing decisions and opinions on the healthier offerings. Results: The proportion of healthy items purchased increased from 22% to 39% in the pilot vending machine, indicating a positive shift toward healthier choices. However, total sales declined by 18.81%, suggesting consumer hesitation toward the new product mix. Survey results identified price, ingredients, and visual appeal as the primary factors influencing purchase decisions. Conclusions: The introduction of healthier vending machine options can promote better food choices in hospital environments, though challenges remain regarding consumer acceptance and sales performance. Expanding the variety of healthy items and adopting more competitive pricing strategies may enhance uptake. Further long-term research is needed to assess the sustainability of such interventions and their broader impact on hospital food environments. Full article

Functional food plays an increasingly important role in shaping healthy dietary habits by integrating health-promoting components into consumers’ everyday diets and helping reduce food waste. Products developed using by-products and raw material streams from food processing can support the principles of the circular economy (CE) by improving resource efficiency and lowering the environmental footprint of the food system. In Poland, as in many countries worldwide, functional food is a rapidly growing category that can contribute to public health and serve as a driver of economic development. However, the excessive and scientifically unsupported use of the term “functional food” for marketing purposes may mislead consumers and weaken trust in this product group. From a CE perspective, transparent communication and informed consumer choices are essential, as they promote environmentally responsible behaviors and support sustainable production models. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge about functional food among residents of Eastern Poland, which is a less industrialized and predominantly agricultural region. The analysis focused on awareness of health benefits, consumption frequency, consumer attitudes, and interest in educational initiatives promoting functional food within CE principles. The study also examined whether consumers associate functional food with sustainability-oriented practices. The findings offer insights for educational and marketing strategies grounded in scientific evidence and highlight the potential of functional food in building a sustainable, resource-efficient food system. Full article

Background/Objectives: To promote sustainable and healthy diets, increased consumption of pulses (the edible grains of legumes) is recommended. Adolescence is a period in which perceptions and behaviours develop that can impact lifelong dietary behaviours. Therefore, this study aimed to understand how Australian adolescents perceive healthy, sustainable diets and perceive and consume pulses. Methods: Students (11–17 years old, median = 15 years, n = 33) in Brisbane, Australia, participated in school-based face-to-face focus groups and an online survey. Results: Students’ perceptions of healthy and sustainable dietary behaviours largely focused on the health aspects of food and consideration of food waste. The main factors that adolescents identified as influencing the health and sustainability of their diet were a lack of perceived responsibility for the impact of their meal choices and lack of knowledge of what constitutes a healthy and sustainable diet. Most students were unfamiliar with the term ‘pulses’ and lacked a desire to consume pulses more often. Consumption of pulses was below recommendations in national and international dietary guidelines. The main factors that adolescents identified as influencing pulse consumption related to students’ lack of capability to prepare pulses and the limited opportunities to access pulse-based foods. Conclusions: Perceptions of sustainable diets and pulses were very limited, and a lack of knowledge, skills, and limited availability were identified as barriers to their consumption. Education and cooking classes, in conjunction with increased availability of tasty pulse foods, are recommended to increase students’ pulse consumption as part of a healthy and sustainable diet. Full article