Search Results (1,257)

Drawing from practices at Walmart, we model a supply chain where the manufacturer conducts product R&D while the retailer distributes products to two distinct consumer segments: green-conscious consumers who translate environmental principles into purchasing decisions, and non-green-conscious consumers who are deterred by perceived high costs and information deficits. The retailer engages in green education targeted at non-green-conscious consumers, providing clear product explanations to improve their willingness to pay for sustainable products, though this education is motivated by profit maximization rather than altruistic environmental responsibility. Our analysis reveals that while retailer green education can boost product R&D and adoption under certain conditions, this creates a ‘consumer education paradox’—a situation where green education could further enhance product R&D and adoption, but the retailer forgoes it because doing so does not contribute to profit. This occurs because profit-driven retailers limit education to self-beneficial ranges, creating tension between individual profit maximization and overall environmental performance. We then propose two government subsidy solutions—green product quantity subsidies and product R&D subsidies—to resolve this paradox. Both effectively alleviate the tension, but green innovation subsidies, despite requiring greater government investment, consistently outperform in fostering innovation and adoption, offering superior environmental outcomes. Full article

Seafood plays a key role in a healthy diet due to its high content of essential nutrients. However, its global trade and complex supply chains expose it to frequent mislabeling and food fraud. This study investigates Italian consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for traceable seafood products, exploring how blockchain technology (BT) can enhance transparency and economic sustainability in the fish supply chain. An online questionnaire, administered in 2022 and 2024, gathered responses from a diverse demographic, focusing on four representative seafood species: farmed sea bass, striped venus clams, giant red shrimp, and albacore tuna. Results indicate that most respondents—primarily with higher education levels—value traceability and are willing to pay a premium for certified, traceable seafood. The study models the economic feasibility of implementing BT at both national and regional levels and finds that the consumer’s WTP exceeds the additional costs incurred by adopting BT. These findings support the viability of traceability systems in improving food safety and sustainability, while reinforcing consumer trust. The results also underscore the importance of providing clear information at the point of purchase, particularly regarding species, origin, and production methods—factors critical to informed seafood choices and advancing more sustainable consumer behavior in Italy. Full article

Seafood fraud, such as mislabeling low-cost rainbow trout as premium salmon, poses serious food safety risks and damages consumer rights. To address this growing concern, this study develops a deep learning-based, smartphone-compatible sensing system for fish meat identification and salmon freshness grading. By providing consumers with real-time, image-based verification tools, the system supports informed purchasing decisions and enhances food safety. The system adopts a two-stage design: first classifying fish meat types, then grading salmon freshness into three levels based on visual cues. An improved DenseNet121 architecture, enhanced with global average pooling, dropout layers, and a customized output layer, improves accuracy and reduces overfitting, while transfer learning with partial layer freezing enhances efficiency by reducing training time without significant accuracy loss. Experimental results show that the two-stage method outperforms the one-stage approach and several baseline models, achieving robust accuracy in both classification and grading tasks. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates resilience to blur and camera tilt, though real-world adaptability under diverse lighting and packaging conditions remains a challenge. Overall, the proposed system represents a practical, consumer-oriented tool for seafood authentication and freshness evaluation, with potential to enhance food safety and consumer protection. Full article

The landscape of marketing is rapidly evolving as companies adapt to new societal dynamics and technological advancements. Guerrilla marketing, characterized by its unconventional, creative, and cost-effective tactics, has proven effective in capturing consumer attention. When integrated with social media platforms, these tactics gain amplified reach, immediacy, and interactive potential, fostering viral spread and deeper consumer engagement. This research seeks to answer the pivotal question: “How does guerrilla marketing on social media influence consumer behavior and brand awareness?” To address this, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to provide an in-depth analysis of relevant studies in the field. Our findings reveal that this integration significantly enhances consumer engagement, boosts brand awareness, and positively influences purchasing behavior. Moreover, it provides firms with competitive advantages in dynamic, resource-constrained markets. The results highlight the importance of leveraging creative marketing approaches alongside digital platforms to shape consumer choices and drive successful marketing outcomes in the digital age. Full article

Rare earth elements (REEs) make up integral components in personal electronics, healthcare instrumentation, and modern energy technologies. REE leaching with organic acids is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional extraction methods. Our previous study demonstrated that batch ultrasound-assisted organic acid leaching of REEs can significantly decrease environmental impacts compared to traditional bioleaching. The batch method is limited to small volumes and is unsuitable for industrial implementation. This study proposes a novel approach to increase reaction volume using a continuous ultrasound-assisted organic acid leaching method. Laboratory experiments showed that continuous ultrasound-assisted leaching increased the leaching rate (µg/h) 11.3–24.5 times compared to our previously reported batch method. Techno-economic analysis estimates the cost of the continuous approach using commercially purchased organic acids is $9465/kg of extracted REEs and $4325/kg of extracted REEs, using gluconic acid and citric acid, respectively. The sensitivity analysis reveals that substituting commercially purchased organic acids with microbially produced biolixiviant can reduce the process cost by approximately 99% while minimally increasing energy consumption. Environmental assessment shows that most of the emissions stemmed from the energy required to power the ultrasound reactor. We concluded that increased leaching capacity using a continuous ultrasound-assisted approach is feasible, but process modifications are needed to reduce the environmental impact. Full article

Short-form video platforms have shifted advertising from standalone, time-bounded spots to feed-embedded, swipeable stimuli, creating a high-velocity processing context that can penalize casting complexity. We ask whether a “one face, many roles” casting strategy (a single actor playing multiple characters) outperforms multi-actor executions, and why. A two-phase pretest (N = 3500) calibrated a realistic ceiling for “multi-actor” casts, then four experiments (total N = 4513) tested mechanisms, boundary conditions, and alternatives. Study 1 (online and offline replications) shows that single-actor ads lower cognitive load and boost account evaluations and purchase intention. Study 2, a field experiment, demonstrates that Need for Closure amplifies these gains via reduced cognitive load. Study 3 documents brand-type congruence: one actor performs better for entertaining/exciting brands, whereas multi-actor suits professional/competence-oriented brands. Study 4 rules out cost-frugality and sympathy using a budget cue and a sequential alternative path (perceived cost constraint → sympathy). Across studies, a chain mediation holds: single-actor casting reduces cognitive load, which elevates brand authenticity and increases purchase intention; a simple mediation links cognitive load to account evaluations. Effects are robust across settings and participant gender. We theorize short-form advertising as a context-embedded persuasion episode that connects information-processing efficiency to authenticity inferences, and we derive practical guidance for talent selection and script design in short-form campaigns. Full article

Aiming at the problems of high-dimensional nonlinear constraints, multi-objective conflicts, and low solution efficiency in microgrid optimal scheduling, this paper proposes a multi-objective Harris Hawk–Grey Wolf hybrid intelligent algorithm (IMOHHOGWO). The problem of balancing the global exploration and local exploitation of the algorithm is solved by introducing an adaptive energy factor and a nonlinear convergence factor; in terms of the algorithm’s exploration scope, the stochastic raid strategy of Harris Hawk optimization (HHO) is used to generate diversified solutions to expand the search scope, and constraints such as the energy storage SOC and DG outflow are finely tuned through the α/β/δ wolf bootstrapping of the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO). It is combined with a simulated annealing perturbation strategy to enhance the adaptability of complex constraints and local search accuracy, at the same time considering various constraints such as power generation, energy storage, power sales, and power purchase. We establish the microgrid multi-objective operation cost and carbon emission cost objective function, and through the simulation examples, we verify and determine that the IMOHHOGWO hybrid intelligent algorithm is better than the other three algorithms in terms of both convergence speed and convergence accuracy. According to the results of the multi-objective test function analysis, its performance is superior to the other four algorithms. The IMOHHOGWO hybrid intelligent algorithm reduces the grid operation cost and carbon emissions in the microgrid optimal scheduling model and is more suitable for the microgrid multi-objective model, which provides a feasible reference for future integrated microgrid optimal scheduling. Full article

Background and Objective: Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common cancer among males in the Western World. Androgens are key growth regulators both in normal and malignant prostate growth. Several new types of androgen pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) have been developed for the treatment of PC. Despite the lack of evidence, sequential use of ARPIs has been adopted into everyday clinical practice. This study aimed to assess real-life ARPI use patterns, especially sequential use and treatment costs, in Finland. Methods: Nationwide register data on all ARPI (enzalutamide, apalutamide, darolutamide, abiraterone) purchases recorded in the National Health Insurance scheme register maintained by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland from January 2012 to December 2023 were used. The data included patient demographics and medicine purchase details, which were descriptively analysed. Results: During the study period, 8369 patients initiated ARPIs. The median age of the users was 75.1 years. Of these, 32.1% (n = 2685) used at least two ARPIs sequentially. The proportion of treatment initiations leading to sequential use increased from 36% in 2012 to 56% in 2017, then decreased to 14% in 2022. The total cost of sequential use was €43.8 million. Limitations include the unrecorded phase of PC. The study’s strength is its inclusion of all reimbursed ARPI purchases nationwide. Conclusions: Despite the lack of evidence, sequential ARPI use was initially prevalent but declined after the introduction of new guidelines. Randomised trials are needed to guide the sequential use of these medicines. Patient summary: Androgen pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) are widely used in prostate cancer in Finland. One-third of patients use at least two ARPIs sequentially to inhibit testosterone effect. However, there are no large clinical trials published demonstrating the benefits of sequential treatment. More evidence is needed to justify sequential use. Full article

Three-wheelers (3Ws—autos or auto-rickshaws) occupy a unique yet salient and substantive position within the context of India’s urban mobility. They provide critical first-and-last-mile connectivity, fill public transit coverage gaps, boost local and urban agglomeration economies, and are a major income source for millions. Their value and utility are especially pronounced in rapidly emerging Tier-II cities such as Amritsar. The city’s 7500-strong diesel 3W (d3W) fleet is the backbone of its transportation network but also contributes to air pollution. Though Amritsar’s favorable policies to transition the d3W fleet to electric (e3W) have reduced purchase costs by 40–60%, barriers remain. This study investigates the influence of the e3W user experience through a first-of-a-kind three-day pilot trial for ~300 d3W drivers. By leveraging a pre- and post-intervention framework combining surveys and trip diaries, this study evaluated how direct exposure influences adoption intentions, perceptions, and the social dynamics underpinning decision-making. In total, ~6% of participants switched to e3Ws following the trial, and there was a 20% drop in “don’t know” answers regarding charging duration and range. The results show non-random and meaningful shifts in attitudes, a greater awareness of range and charging times, improved views on charging convenience and vehicle safety, and air quality benefits. Full article

Water and energy are strongly intertwined, especially in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) whose electrical loads can strain local grids. This work evaluates the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of powering the WWTP attached to the smart building of Ibn Tofail University (Morocco) with building-integrated photovoltaics (PV) and a complementary wind turbine. Using the HOMER Pro optimizer, two configurations were compared: (i) stand-alone PV and (ii) a hybrid PV/wind system. The hybrid design raises the renewable energy fraction from 8.5% to 17.9%, cutting annual grid purchases by 8% and avoiding 47.9 t CO₂ yr⁻¹. The levelized cost of electricity decreases from 1.08 to 0.97 MAD kWh⁻¹ (≈0.11 to 0.10 USD kWh⁻¹), while the net present cost drops by 6%. Sensitivity analyses confirm robustness under grid electricity tariff and load-growth uncertainties. These results demonstrate that modest wind additions can double the renewable share and improve economics, offering a replicable pathway for WWTPs and smart buildings across the MENA region. Full article

The galvanic industry requires considerable amounts of water and produces significant quantities of wastewater. Two types of wastewater are created in the processes of the galvanic application of metal coatings: used galvanic baths and wastewater generated while rinsing coated elements. The composition and amount of wastewater depend on the type of process, the plant’s operational system, and the quantity of water utilised to rinse the coated elements. In this article, the possibilities of using different techniques, such as chemical precipitation, coagulation and flocculation, ion exchange, adsorption, and membrane filtration, to remove heavy metals from galvanic wastewater were analysed and assessed. It was determined that the use of physicochemical methods (i.e., chemical precipitation, coagulation, and flocculation) to remove heavy metals has significant disadvantages, including operational costs connected with the purchase of chemical reagents and the emergence of metal complexes requiring management/utilisation. On the other hand, the processes of ion exchange and adsorption can be used only for wastewater characterised by a low heavy metal concentration, with organic matter preliminarily removed. In addition, waste polluted with heavy metals in the form of used regenerative baths and used sorbents is generated during these processes. In turn, the advanced techniques of membrane filtration allow for the removal of different types of organic pollutants and heavy metals. The processes of membrane wastewater treatment exhibit a range of advantages compared to traditional technologies, including the complete, environmentally friendly removal of permanent organic pollution, easy integration into conventional technologies, a limited amount of residue, a high level of separation, and a shorter process time. The efficiency of membrane wastewater treatment depends on many parameters, including, most of all, the composition, pH, and type of membrane, as well as process conditions. The possibility of using new types of membranes to remove heavy metals from spent galvanic baths was analysed, and the possibility of using the processes in wastewater treatment systems according to the circular economy model was assessed. The assessment of the efficiency of heavy metal removal in hybrid systems combining specific individual processes and the development of state-of-the-art material solutions to realise these processes may be an interesting direction of research in this field. Full article

Background: Price is the most authoritative constituent among the factors shaping consumer demand. Growing consciousness among global communities regarding environmental issues makes greenness one of the key factors controlling demand, along with time, which drives demand in markets. This paper addresses such issues associated with a retail purchase scenario. Methods: Consumer’s demand for products is hypothesized to be influenced by pricing, time and the green level of the product in the proposed model. Time-dependent inventory carrying cost and green level-induced purchasing cost are considered. The average cost during the decision cycle is the objective function that is analyzed in trade credit phenomena, involving delayed payment by the manufacturer to the supplier. The Convex optimization technique is used to find an optimal solution for the model. Results: Once a local optimal solution is found, sensitivity analysis is conducted to determine the optimal value of the objective function and decision variables for other impacting parameters. Results reveal that demand-boosting parameters, for instance, discounts on price and green activity, result in additional average costs. Conclusions: Discounts on price and green activity advocate a large supply capacity by boosting demand, creating opportunities for the retailer to earn more revenue. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainably produced food has intensified interest in fermented milk products, such as yoghurt, which combine nutritional value with environmental and ethical considerations. However, the authenticity of sustainability claims in this sector remains contested, raising concerns about consumer trust and regulatory clarity. This review examines the role of certification and labelling in verifying and communicating the sustainability of fermented milk products. The analysis covers regulatory frameworks, consumer perceptions, and the potential of digital tools to improve transparency. Findings highlight inconsistencies in defining key terms such as organic, probiotic, and carbon-neutral, which hinder certification harmonization. Complex labels and allergen declarations can reduce clarity and trust, while overlapping or vague eco-labels risk contributing to consumer confusion and skepticism. Despite this, credible certifications still enhance purchase intent. Modern technologies, including blockchain traceability, interactive QR codes, and digital product passports, offer new ways to reinforce trust, though implementation costs and regulatory gaps remain barriers. This review concludes that effective sustainability communication must integrate robust certification schemes with simplified, transparent messaging. Harmonized standards, improved label design, and consumer education are essential to support informed choices and foster trust in sustainable dairy. Full article

This study analyzes the determinants of impulsive buying behavior in low-cost retail stores in Metropolitan Lima, with particular emphasis on psychological, economic, social, and personal factors. The research draws on survey data collected from 380 consumers aged 18 to 39 belonging to socioeconomic levels B and C who had made recent purchases in discount stores. Data were gathered through a structured and validated instrument and examined using ordinal logistic regression and multinomial discrete choice models. The dependent variable, impulsive buying, was measured through three dimensions—remembered, suggested, and pure—while explanatory variables were classified into low, medium, and high categories. The empirical results demonstrate that psychological and economic dimensions exert a strong and positive influence on impulsive consumption, whereas social factors show no significant effect. Personal factors, though less consistent, also reveal a positive role. Diagnostic tests, including robustness checks, confirm the stability of the estimations. Beyond its marketing relevance, the findings contribute to the sustainability debate by highlighting how understanding impulsive behavior can guide the design of retail strategies that foster responsible consumption, reduce the risks of over-spending in vulnerable households, and support inclusive and resilient consumption practices. Thus, the study links the analysis of changing consumption patterns with broader sustainability goals in emerging urban contexts. Full article

The value of electronic waste as an urban mine has been extensively demonstrated, particularly regarding its rich content in precious metals. However, little is known about the economic feasibility in informal recovery contexts like in Burkina Faso. Previous studies were focused on formal and industrialized systems, overlooking informal dynamics in low-income countries. This study addressed that gap by applying a scenario-based Extended Cost–Benefit Analysis to assess metal recovery pathways in Burkina Faso. Six scenarios were modeled, combining technological selectivity, variations in local collection costs, and policy incentives such as Extended Producer Responsibility and eco-taxes as well as socio-environmental co-benefits. Results showed that e-waste recovery in the informal sector became economically viable when technological, financial, and policy instruments were combined. At a reduced e-waste cost of 5 USD/kg, manual dismantling and bioleaching technologies allowed for net benefits of 6.34 and 6.85 USD/kg, respectively, corresponding to improvements of 136% and 133% compared to baseline losses. Even at 10 USD/kg, both methods remained viable with positive returns and benefit–cost ratios above 1.06. It is impossible to generate net benefits with an e-waste purchase price of 10 USD/kg without EPR or eco-tax mechanisms, unless the price is reduced to 5 USD/kg; this could impose enormous constraints on collection activities. These findings confirmed that no single factor is sufficient to achieve profitability, highlighting the need to integrate supportive policies, technological appropriateness, and environmental co-benefits, a combination that aligns with circular economy principles and is essential to unlock the full potential of e-waste recovery in low-income countries. Full article