Search Results (72)

Studying consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for sustainable certification labels and preferences in consumption is a relevant issue for policymakers. Several studies have revealed a positive WTP a premium price for many certified products. The aim of this paper is to assess an overview of Italian consumers’ WTP for eight different sustainable certification labels and to collect information about their consumption preferences and perceptions in consumption. Participants were selected by stratified simple random sampling, using regional distribution, gender, and age as stratification criteria, to obtain a representative sample of n = 3600. Eight ordered logit models were estimated to understand how consumer sociodemographic characteristics influence the price premium. The results show important differences in WTP among different certification labels; a higher WTP emerged for ethical certifications than for environmentally focused labels. Younger individuals; women; and those with higher education, income and life satisfaction, as well as consumers in southern regions, were significantly more willing to pay premiums for certified products. However, a key finding for policymakers is that the stated price premium consumers are willing to pay falls significantly short of the actual higher costs of these products in supermarkets. Furthermore, insights into consumer perceptions and preferences revealed that quality and origin are perceived as key price drivers, while method of production holds less importance. It also emerged that consumers primarily seek a balance between quality and price, with only a small segment prioritizing certified products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite its well-established health benefits, adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (MedLife) has declined globally, including in its region of origin, alongside a significant shift toward ultra-processed food consumption. Understanding the factors associated with MedLife adherence is essential for developing targeted interventions and tailored policy recommendations. As part of the MEDIET4ALL PRIMA project, this cross-sectional study aimed to comprehensively examine geo-demographic, socio-economic, psychological, behavioral, and barrier-related factors associated with and potentially contributing to MedLife adherence. Methods: Data were collected from 4010 participants aged 18 years and above across ten Mediterranean and neighboring countries using the multinational MEDIET4ALL e-survey, which included the validated MedLife index, along with various other questionnaires. Results: Results indicate that only 22% of respondents demonstrated high adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (MedLife), with significant variability observed across countries, age groups, education levels, and health statuses. Spain had the highest proportion of participants with high adherence (38%). Factors associated with significantly higher adherence rates include older age, living in the Mediterranean region, higher education levels, a greater awareness of MedLife principles, lower perceived barriers, normal BMI, better health status, and stable economic and marital conditions (p-values ranging from 0.04 to <0.001). Additionally, individuals with high MedLife adherence exhibited more socially and physically active lifestyles and experienced less psychological strain (p < 0.001). Regression analyses identified MedLife awareness as the strongest positive predictor of adherence (β = 0.206), followed by social participation (β = 0.194) and physical activity (β = 0.096). Additional positive contributors include life satisfaction, sleep quality, living in the Mediterranean region, age, and education (β ranging from 0.049 to 0.093). Conversely, factors that are negatively associated with adherence include sedentary behavior, living environment, and barriers such as low motivation, taste dislike, price unaffordability, limited availability, and the time-consuming nature of preparing Mediterranean food (MedFood; β ranging from −0.036 to −0.067). Conclusions: These findings indicate that fewer than one in four adults across Mediterranean and neighboring countries demonstrate high adherence to MedLife, supporting prior evidence of suboptimal adherence even within Mediterranean regions. This study identified a range of behavioral, socio-demographic, and environmental factors—both positive and negative predictors—that can help guide the design of targeted, culturally adapted interventions to promote MedLife behavior. Future research should incorporate objective measurements and longitudinal monitoring to better understand underlying mechanisms, establish causality, and develop sustainable strategies for enhancing MedLife adherence in diverse populations. Full article

The circular economy (CE) is increasingly important in ensuring sustainable development. Although interactions among stakeholders are essential to achieving the CE, existing methods associated with life cycle design do not fully consider the synergies between multiple product life cycles (PLCs). Therefore, this paper proposes a platform-aggregated life cycle ecosystem (PF-LCE). The PF-LCE consists of multiple PLCs along with a platform that enables the exchange of goods and data among different PLCs. We also propose a method for supporting the conceptual design of the PF-LCE. Our method includes a four-step process to help exploit the interactions and synergistic effects occurring across PLCs at the design stage. We then use a simulated case study of PLCs sharing goods and data in the shoe industry, considering scenarios ranging from business-as-usual to full integration of the platform with four service providers. The results demonstrate that the designed PF-LCE delivers an increase in profits to service providers alongside reduced costs for consumers. CO₂ emissions also decrease. Therefore, the design method that we propose has the potential to enhance current implementations of the CE in terms of business revenues, consumer satisfaction, and environmental sustainability. Full article

Fruit quality testing plays a crucial role in the advancement of fruit industry, which is related to market competitiveness, consumer satisfaction and production process optimization. In recent years, nondestructive testing technology has become a research hotspot due to its outstanding advantages. In this paper, the principle, application, advantages and disadvantages of optical, acoustic, electromagnetics, dielectric properties research and electronic nose non-destructive testing technology in fruit quality testing are systematically reviewed. These technologies can detect a variety of chemical components of fruit, realize the assessment of maturity, damage degree, disease degree, and are suitable for orchard picking, quality grading, shelf life prediction and other fields. However, there are limitations to these techniques. The optical, acoustic and electronic nose technologies are susceptible to environmental factors, the electromagnetic technology has defects in the detection of complex molecules and fruit internal quality, and the dielectric characteristics are greatly affected by the shape and state of the sample surface. In the future, efforts should be made to enhance the implementation of non-destructive testing technology in the fruit industry through technology integration, optimization algorithm, cost reduction, and expansion of industrial chain application, so as to help the premium growth of the fruit industry. Full article

Despite the growth of fruit production, the challenge of postharvest fruit loss particularly in tropical and subtropical fruits due to spoilage, decay, and natural deterioration remains a critical issue, impacting the global food supply chain by reducing both the quantity and quality of fruits postharvest. Edible coatings have emerged as a sustainable solution to extending the shelf life of fruits and decreasing postharvest losses. The precise composition and application of these coatings are crucial in determining their effectiveness in preventing microbial growth and preserving the sensory attributes of fruits. Furthermore, the integration of nanotechnology into edible coatings has the potential to enhance their functionalities, including improved barrier properties, the controlled release of active substances, and increased antimicrobial capabilities. Recent advancements highlighting the impact of edible coatings are underscored in this review, showcasing how they help in prolonging shelf life, preserving quality, and minimizing postharvest losses of subtropical fresh fruits worldwide. The utilization of edible coatings presents challenges in terms of production, storage, and large-scale application, all while ensuring consumer acceptance, food safety, nutritional value, and extended shelf life. Edible coatings based on polysaccharides and proteins encounter difficulties due to inadequate water and gas barrier properties, necessitating the incorporation of plasticizers, emulsifiers, and other additives to enhance their mechanical and thermal durability. Moreover, high levels of biopolymers and active components like essential oils and plant extracts could potentially impact the taste of the produce, directly influencing consumer satisfaction. Therefore, ongoing research and innovation in this field show great potential for reducing postharvest losses and strengthening food security. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in the application of edible coatings and their influence on extending the postharvest longevity of main subtropical fruits, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the quality of fresh and fresh-cut subtropical fruits, prolonging their shelf life, and protecting them from deterioration through innovative techniques. Full article

This study aims to present an integrated approach to customer experience, which was developed considering the identification and application of essential factors from the product life cycle. The study was conducted in the automotive industry and may be transferable to other products with high complexity and medium–long in-service use. The main goal is to identify the determining factors and perform a regression analysis of the effect of attribute-level performance on overall customer satisfaction through the customer’s entire journey during the product development phase. This study is based on a generic example that is meant to capture trends influencing customer satisfaction in the launch of a new product vehicle, focusing on factors that influence each stage of the process, from planning–exploration, design and development, and manufacturing and validation to performance measurement and after-sales assistance. Based on multiple surveys that were used as the main instruments for measuring the level of customer satisfaction at defined touchpoints, the product life cycle was followed through several stages: prospecting survey, upstream survey, launch preparation survey, post-launch investigation, life cycle survey, and after-sales support. Three meta-factors were identified—design, price, and durability—for which the ordinal regression demonstrated that they are significant predictors of customer experience in general. The approach may be transferable to other sectors by identifying relevant attributes and adapting tools for measuring customer satisfaction, customer experience, and consumer concerns, which act as key vectors influencing the product life cycle and, by extension, business sustainability. Full article

The vase life of cut hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) flowers is a critical quality parameter, influencing their marketability and consumer satisfaction. This review examines the influence of various treatments on prolonging the postharvest lifespan of cut hydrangea blooms. It discusses hydrangea in general and its after-harvest mechanism, the vase life of cut hydrangea inflorescence in two phases, and conditions such as different storage temperatures and storage terms and length. It also highlights postharvest factors affecting cut flowers longevity like interventions targeting water balance, carbohydrate degradation, and sensitiveness to ethylene. Specific treatments that positively extend the life span of cut hydrangeas, such as sucrose, biocides, essential oil compounds, and commercial preservative solutions, are also evaluated. These treatments successfully increased the vase life of cut flowers from 3.6 to 12.3 days. The most effective solution for significantly extending the vase life of cut hydrangea flowers (‘Magical Jewel’) by 12.3 days was the combination of 1% sucrose and 8-HQS (8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate). The focus is on hydrangeas’ physiological and biochemical responses to these treatments, particularly their effects on water absorption, microbial activity, and the senescence process. By synthesising recent advancements and identifying research gaps, this review aims to provide actionable steps for growers, florists, and researchers to optimise the vase life of cut hydrangeas and improve the sustainability of their postharvest handling. Full article

This paper explores the application of a mathematical trend model to analyze product sales performance. A logistic trend model was utilized to analyze product sales performance, employing monthly sales data collected over three years. The model assessed impacts across various phases of the product life cycle. Significant sales trends were identified and modeled from historical data, demonstrating how sales dynamics mirror broader economic phenomena and consumer behaviors. In addition to logistic trends, linear and quadratic trends were also evaluated. To assess the significance of the sales trends for three products, the Mann–Kendall test was applied. The results indicate a statistically significant positive trend in the sales of product A. For evaluating the quality of data fit in model comparison, the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) were deemed appropriate. The analysis revealed that the logistic model effectively delineates different sales phases—from introduction to maturity—and highlights opportunities for optimizing strategic sales planning and customer satisfaction in alignment with market demands. The study’s findings are crucial for businesses seeking to enhance product lifecycle management and boost sales forecasting precision. Full article

Spasticity is a common complication in patients with neurological disorders, increasing disability and hampering quality of life. Combined treatment with focused shock waves (fESWT) and botulinum toxin (BoNT-A) has been shown to increase the effectiveness and duration of the effect of BoNT-A on spasticity in patients with brain injuries. We studied the effectiveness of the combination of unfocused shock waves (uESWT) and BoNT-A on spasticity. This prospective study with systematic randomization included 24 patients with brain injury, a small sample size due to clinical limitations, and spasticity was measured using the Ashworth scale (AS) for those with lower limb involvement; gait speed was assessed using the 10-m gait test (10MWT). To judge patient satisfaction with treatment, we used the Consumer Reports Effectiveness Scale-4 (CRES-4). Both uESWT and fESWT with BoNT-A resulted in a 3-point improvement in the median spasticity score, which was maintained from week 2 to week 26, and a statistically significant reduction in the 10MWT was observed. Furthermore, the proportion of patients who were very satisfied with the treatment was higher with uESWT (91%) than with fESWT (69.2%). To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the added benefit of concurrent and combined treatment with uESWT and BoNT-A injections to improve spasticity in patients with stroke or multiple sclerosis and show higher patient satisfaction with the treatment. Full article

Electric vehicle (xEV) battery durability significantly impacts the long-term operation, consumer satisfaction, and market adoption of xEVs. As driving range diminishes over time, it affects vehicle service life and lifecycle GHG emissions. Measuring the full service life of xEV batteries in laboratory tests presents technical and logistical challenges, necessitating representative measurements for parameterizing numerical models. These models are crucial for predicting long-term performance and rely on high-quality experimental data. While performance and aging trends under extreme temperatures are documented, cell thermal contact conditions suitable for direct model input are not well characterized. This study investigates lithium-ion cells from three xEV types, cycled at constant currents from C/40 to 1C, at temperatures between −15 °C and +45 °C, over 1000 cycles in a multi-year campaign. Stable isothermal cell temperatures were achieved using custom-built liquid immersion baths with forced convection, highlighting fundamental electrochemical behaviors by decoupling complex self-heating not typically monitored in air environments. The data inform and validate physics-based models on temperature-dependent performance and durability, providing operational limits to enhance cell and battery thermal management design and educate xEV consumers about conditions affecting performance, range, and durability. Full article

Food consumption plays a fundamental role in human life, shaping not only daily nutrition but also economic and social behaviors. Household expenditures on food remain among the highest, and the time allocated to food purchasing and preparation is significant. Beyond biological necessity, food represents a cultural and social phenomenon, influencing consumer habits, market trends, and lifestyle choices. This study explores the key factors influencing purchasing decisions in the agro-food sector in the North-East Region of Romania, focusing on socio-cultural influences, product attributes, brand trust, tradition, and lifestyle. The research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing a structured questionnaire to collect data from 337 residents through a convenience sampling strategy. The collected data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS 4.0 to examine the interrelationships between subjective norms, product attributes, price, consumer trust, and purchasing decisions. The findings indicate that social norms, price, product attributes, brand trust, customer satisfaction, and lifestyle have a significant and positive impact on consumer purchasing decisions. By understanding the key drivers behind sustainable food choices, businesses can optimize product offerings and enhance consumer engagement, while policymakers can design initiatives that promote sustainable consumption at both regional and national levels. Full article

Nanoarchitectonics influences the properties of objects at micro- and even macro-scales, aiming to develop better structures for protection of product. Although its applications were analyzed in different areas, nanoarchitectonics of food packaging—the focus of this review—has not been discussed, to the best of our knowledge. The (A) structural and (B) functional hierarchy of food packaging is discussed here for the enhancement of protection, extending shelf-life, and preserving the nutritional quality of diverse products including meat, fish, dairy, fruits, vegetables, gelled items, and beverages. Interestingly, the structure and design of packaging for these diverse products often possess similar principles and methods including active packaging, gas permeation control, sensor incorporation, UV/pulsed light processing, and thermal/plasma treatment. Here, nanoarchitechtonics serves as the unifying component, enabling protection against oxidation, light, microbial contamination, temperature, and mechanical actions. Finally, materials are an essential consideration in food packaging, particularly beyond commonly used polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, with emphasis on biodegradable (polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT)) as well as green even edible (bio)-materials: polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, pectin, gum, zein, alginate, agar, galactan, ulvan, galactomannan, laccase, chitin, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, etc.). Nanoarchitechnotics design of these materials eventually determines the level of food protection as well as the sustainability of the processes. Marketing, safety, sustainability, and ethics are also discussed in the context of industrial viability and consumer satisfaction. Full article

This study evaluates the potential of integrating visible and near-infrared (visNIR) spectroscopy, color analysis, and firmness testing for non-destructive tomato quality assessment and shelf-life prediction. Tomato fruit (cv. HM1823) harvested at four ripening stages were monitored over 12 days at 22 °C to investigate ripening stage-specific variations in key quality parameters, including color (hue angle), firmness (compression), and nutritional composition (pH, soluble solids content, and titratable acidity ratio). Significant changes in these parameters during storage highlighted the need for advanced tools to monitor and predict quality attributes. Spectral data (340–2500 nm) captured using advanced and cost-effective portable spectroradiometers, coupled with chemometric models such as partial least squares regression (PLSR), demonstrated reliable predictions of shelf-life and nutritional quality. The near-infrared spectrum (900–1700 nm) was particularly effective, with variable selection methods such as genetic algorithm (GA) and variable importance in projection (VIP) scores enhancing model accuracy. This study highlights the promising role of visNIR spectroscopy as a rapid, non-destructive tool for optimizing postharvest management in tomato. By enabling real-time quality assessments, these technologies support sustainable agricultural practices through improved decision-making, reduced postharvest losses, and enhanced consumer satisfaction. The findings also validate the utility of affordable spectroradiometers, offering practical solutions for stakeholders aiming to balance cost efficiency and reliability in postharvest quality monitoring. Full article

Digital financial literacy is an emerging concept that refers to the ability to effectively use digital tools, platforms, and services to manage personal finances. While previous studies have explored the behavioral effects of digital financial literacy, less is known about its broader well-being implications for financial consumers. In this study, we aim to examine the association between digital financial literacy and life satisfaction in a developed country context. Digital financial literacy was measured using a multidimensional scale that encompasses financial knowledge, digital literacy, digital financial service awareness, practical know-how of digital financial services, and self-protection against digital financial fraud. Using data of 1615 Korean adults who currently use digital financial services, this study estimated a series of regressions linking life satisfaction to digital financial literacy and covariates. The results showed a significant association between digital financial literacy and life satisfaction, with self-protection against fraud being the most influential subdimension. Notably, financial knowledge was not associated with life satisfaction when other dimensions of digital financial literacy were independently included in the regression models. These findings highlight the importance of digital skills and knowledge in navigating digital financial services. They also emphasize the need for targeted policies, financial education initiatives, and consumer protection measures to address the lack of digital financial literacy among marginalized populations. Full article

(1) Background: A sustainable healthy diet assures human well-being in all life stages, protects environmental resources, and preserves biodiversity. This work investigates the sociodemographic factors, knowledge, trust, and motivations involved in organic food acquisition behavior. (2) Methods: An online survey via Google Forms platform, with 316 respondents, was conducted from 1 March to 31 May 2024. (3) Results: Our findings show that suitably informed people with high educational levels (academic and post-college) report significant satisfaction with organic food consumption (p < 0.05). There is also a considerable correlation between ages 25–65, moderate to high satisfaction, and “yes” for eco-food recommendations (p < 0.05). The same satisfaction levels are associated with medium confidence in eco-food labels and a moderate to high monthly income (p < 0.05). Our results show that monthly income and residence are not essential factors in higher price perception. Insignificant price variation perception correlated with high confidence and weekly acquisition (p < 0.05). Similar price perception correlates with the highest confidence level and daily acquisition (p < 0.05). Obese respondents exhibited minimal satisfaction and opted for “abstention” from eco-food recommendations (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The present study extensively analyzed Romanian people’s knowledge, perception, and trust regarding organic foods. It demonstrates that sociodemographic factors differentiate consumers and influence attitudes and motivation for organic food acquisition. Full article