Search Results (7,276)

This longitudinal study examines how perceived brand globalness (PBG) influenced sustainable purchase intentions (SPI) between 2021 and 2024, incorporating factors such as perceived brand quality (PBQ), perceived brand prestige (PBP), brand–cause fit (BCF), and the moderating effect of consumer ethnocentrism (CE). Using survey responses from 415 participants, the study employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS4. The findings reveal that CE emerged as significant in 2024, while PBP’s impact on SPI weakened—suggesting a growing consumer association of prestige with sustainability. Heightened post-pandemic ethical awareness further underscores the importance of brand values. Contrary to earlier research indicating low CE in developing markets, the 2024 results demonstrate an unexpected rise in CE, highlighting its evolving significance. Overall, the study emphasizes the necessity for global brands to adopt sustainable, locally attuned strategies to succeed in developing countries. Full article

Avocado (Persea americana), originally from Mesoamerica, has emerged as a focus of intense scientific and industrial interest due to its unique combination of nutritional richness, bioactive potential, and technological versatility. Its pulp, widely consumed across the globe, is notably abundant in monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, which can comprise over two-thirds of its lipid content. In addition, it provides significant levels of dietary fiber, fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K, carotenoids, tocopherols, and phytosterols like β-sitosterol. These constituents are consistently associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, glycemic regulatory, and cardioprotective effects, supported by a growing body of experimental and clinical evidence. This review offers a comprehensive and critical synthesis of the chemical composition and functional properties of avocado, with particular emphasis on its lipid profile, phenolic compounds, and phytosterols. It also explores recent advances in environmentally sustainable extraction techniques, including ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted processes, as well as the application of natural deep eutectic solvents. These technologies have demonstrated improved efficiency in recovering bioactives while aligning with the principles of green chemistry. The use of avocado-derived ingredients in nanostructured delivery systems and their incorporation into functional foods, cosmetics, and health-promoting formulations is discussed in detail. Additionally, the potential of native cultivars and the application of precision nutrition strategies are identified as promising avenues for future innovation. Taken together, the findings underscore the avocado’s relevance as a high-value matrix for sustainable development. Future research should focus on optimizing extraction protocols, clarifying pharmacokinetic behavior, and ensuring long-term safety in diverse applications. Full article

This study intends to provide insights and challenges for the shape of the B movement, an emerging paradigm that fosters cross-sectoral partnerships and encourages ethical business practices through so-called purpose-driven businesses. Focusing on Italy, the first European country to adopt this managerial model, the research investigates Italian Benefit Corporations, known as Società Benefit (SB), and their most appealing sustainability claims from a consumer perspective. The analysis intends to inform theory development by assuming the cultural and creative industry (CCI) as a field of interest, utilizing a within-subjects experimental design to analyze data from a diverse consumer sample across various contexts. The results indicate that messaging centered on economic sustainability emerged as the most effective in generating positive consumer responses, highlighting a prevailing inclination toward pragmatic factors such as affordability, economic accessibility, and tangible benefits rather than social issues. While sustainable behaviors are not yet widespread, latent ethical sensitivity for authentic, value-driven businesses suggests that economic and ethical dimensions can be strategically synthesized to enhance consumer engagement. This insight highlights the role of BCs in catalyzing a shift in consumption patterns within ethical-based and creative-driven sectors. Full article

The growing concern over environmental sustainability has intensified the focus on consumers’ perceptions of eco-friendly food packaging, especially among younger generations. This study aims to investigate the attitudes, preferences, and barriers faced by Greek university students regarding sustainable food packaging, a demographic considered pivotal for driving future consumption trends. An online questionnaire assessing perceptions, preferences, and behaviours related to sustainable packaging was administered to students, with responses measured on a five-point Likert scale. Three hundred and sixty-four students took part in this survey, with the majority (60%) of them being female. Principal component analysis was employed to identify underlying factors influencing perceptions, and k-means cluster analysis revealed two consumer segments: “Innovatives”, including one hundred and ninety-eight participants (54%), who demonstrate strong environmental awareness and willingness to adopt sustainable behaviours, and “Sceptics”, including one hundred sixty-six participants (46%), who show moderate engagement and remain cautious in their choices. Convenience, affordability, and clear product communication emerged as significant factors shaping student preferences. The findings suggest that targeted educational campaigns and transparent information are essential to converting positive attitudes into consistent purchasing behaviours. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and marketers looking to design effective sustainability strategies tailored to the student population. Full article

The construction industry is a major consumer of raw materials and a significant contributor to environmental emissions. Life cycle assessment (LCA) using digital models is a valuable tool for conducting a science-based analysis to reduce these impacts. However, transferring data from environmental product declarations (EPDs) to BIM for the purpose of sustainability assessment requires significant resources for its interpretation and integration. This study is founded on a comprehensive review of the scientific literature and standards, an analysis of published digital EPDs, and a thorough evaluation of IFC (industry foundation classes), identifying twenty gaps for the automated incorporation of LCA data from construction products into BIM. The identified limitations were assessed using the digital model of a building pilot, applying simplifications to incorporate actual EPD data. This paper presents the identified barriers to the automated incorporation of digital EPDs into BIM, and proposes eleven concrete actions to improve IFC 4.3. While prior studies have analyzed the environmental data in IFC, this research is significant in two key areas. Firstly, it focuses on the direct machine interpretation of environmental information without human intervention. Secondly, it is intended to be directly applicable to a revision of the IFC standards. Full article

Aging in wooden barrels is a proven technique that enhances the sensory complexity of alcoholic beverages by promoting the extraction of volatile and phenolic compounds. While oak has been traditionally used, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative wood species that can impart distinct sensory characteristics and promote innovative maturation processes. This review examines the impact of alternative woods on the aging of beverages, such as wine, cachaça, tequila, and beer, focusing on their influence on aroma, flavor, color, and chemical composition. A bibliometric analysis highlights the increasing scientific attention toward wood diversification and emerging aging technologies, including ultrasound and micro-oxygenation, which accelerate maturation while preserving sensory complexity. The role of toasting techniques in modulating the release of phenolic and volatile compounds is also discussed, emphasizing their contribution to unique sensory profiles. Additionally, regulatory aspects and sustainability considerations are explored, suggesting that alternative woods can expand flavor possibilities while supporting environmentally sustainable practices. This review underscores the potential of non-traditional wood species to drive innovation in the aging of alcoholic beverages and provide new sensory experiences that align with evolving consumer preferences and market trends. Full article

Background: this research presents an integrated approach to enhancing the sustainability of plastic bag supply chains in Indonesia by addressing critical issues related to ineffective post-consumer waste management and low recycling rates. The objective of this study is to develop a combined framework of material flow analysis (MFA) and sustainable supply chain planning to improve demand forecasting and inflow management across the plastic bag lifecycle. Method: the research adopts a quantitative method using the XGBoost algorithm for forecasting and is supported by a polymer-based MFA framework that maps material flows from production to end-of-life stages. Result: the findings indicate that while production processes achieve high efficiency with a yield of 89%, more than 60% of plastic bag waste remains unmanaged after use. Moreover, scenario analysis demonstrates that single interventions are insufficient to achieve circularity targets, whereas integrated strategies (e.g., reducing export volumes, enhancing waste collection, and improving recycling performance) are more effective in increasing recycling rates beyond 35%. Additionally, the study reveals that increasing domestic recycling capacity and minimizing dependency on exports can significantly reduce environmental leakage and strengthen local waste management systems. Conclusions: the study’s novelty lies in demonstrating how machine learning and material flow data can be synergized to inform circular supply chain decisions and regulatory planning. Full article

This study explores the role of egoistic and altruistic values on green real estate purchase intention among young consumers in Canada aged between 20 and 40 years. In addition, this study examines the mediating effects of pro-environmental self-identity between social consumption motivation and green real estate purchase intention. A quantitative cross-sectional research design with an explanatory nature is employed. A total of 432 participating consumers in Canada, comprising 44% men and 48% women, with a graduate educational background accounting for 46.7%, and the ages between 24 and 35 contributing 75.2%, were part of the study, and the data collection used a survey method with a purposive sampling, followed by a respondent-driven method. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed on the scales used for the study variables. A structural equational model and path analysis were conducted to derive the results, and the relationships were positive and significant. The study results infer the factors contributing to green real estate purchase intention, including altruistic value, egoistic value, social consumption motivation, and pro-environmental self-identity, with pro-environmental self-identity mediating the relationship. This study emphasizes the relevance of consumer values in real estate purchasing decisions, urging developers and marketers to prioritize ethical ideas, sustainable practices, and building a feeling of belonging and social connectedness. Offering eco-friendly amenities and green construction methods might attract clients, but creating a secure area for social interaction is critical. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to explore the role of egoistic and altruistic values on purchase intention, mainly in the housing and real estate sector, with the target consumers being young consumers in Canada. Full article

Contamination of food with heavy metals is an important factor leading to serious health concerns. Rapid identification of these heavy metals is of utmost priority. There are several methods to identify traces of heavy metals in food. Conventional methods for the detection of heavy metal residues have their limitations in terms of cost, analysis time, and complexity. In the last decade, voltammetric analysis has emerged as the most prominent electrochemical determination method for heavy metals. Voltammetry is a reliable, cost-effective, and rapid determination method. This review provides a detailed primer on recent advances in the development and application of graphene-based electrochemical sensors for heavy metal monitoring over the last decade. We critically examine aspects of graphene modification (fabrication process, stability, cost, reproducibility) and analytical properties (sensitivity, selectivity, rapid detection, lower detection, and matrix effects) of these sensors. Furthermore, to our knowledge, meta-analyses were performed for the first time for all investigated parameters, categorized based on graphene materials and heavy metal types. We also examined the pass–fail criteria according to the WHO drinking water guidelines. In addition, the effects of heavy metal toxicity on human health and the environment are discussed. Finally, the contribution of heavy metal contamination to the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) stated by the United Nations in 2015 is discussed in detail. The results confirm the significant impact of heavy metal contamination across twelve SDGs. This review critically examines the existing knowledge in this field and highlights significant research gaps and future opportunities. It is intended as a resource for researchers working on graphene-based electrochemical sensors for the detection of heavy metals in food safety, with the ultimate goal of improving consumer health protection. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable plant-based dairy alternatives has spurred interest in valorizing agro-industrial byproducts like hazelnut cake, a protein-rich byproduct of oil extraction. This study developed formulations for vegan ice cream using unfermented (HIC) and Aspergillus oryzae-fermented hazelnut cake (FHIC), comparing their physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties to conventional dairy ice cream (DIC). Solid-state fermentation (72 h, 30 °C) enhanced the cake’s bioactive properties, and ice creams were characterized for composition, texture, rheology, melting behavior, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibition pre- and post-in vitro digestion. The results indicate that FHIC had higher protein content (64.64% vs. 58.02% in HIC) and unique volatiles (e.g., benzaldehyde and 3-methyl-1-butanol). While DIC exhibited superior overrun (15.39% vs. 4.01–7.00% in vegan samples) and slower melting, FHIC demonstrated significantly higher post-digestion antioxidant activity (4.73 μmol TE/g DPPH vs. 1.44 in DIC) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition (4.85–7.42%). Sensory evaluation ranked DIC highest for overall acceptability, with FHIC perceived as polarizing due to pronounced flavors. Despite textural challenges, HIC and FHIC offered nutritional advantages, including 18–30% lower calories and enhanced bioactive compounds. This study highlights fermentation as a viable strategy to upcycle hazelnut byproducts into functional vegan ice creams, although the optimization of texture and flavor is needed for broader consumer acceptance. Full article

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the main leafy vegetables in the world, being present in several countries. Due to its composition, which includes a substance with antioxidant action and beneficial effects on health, it is consumed constantly. However, due to ongoing climate change that has had global effects, the crop has been suffering a reduction in productivity and quality. Thus, technologies aiming to mitigate the effects of climate extremes have been developed. In lettuce production, biostimulants make it possible to improve the growth and sustainable development of plants. This is due to their ability to activate physiological and biochemical processes in plants, resulting in an increase in the production of bioactive compounds such as vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants. In addition, biostimulants contribute to improving the nutritional quality of lettuces, making them more resistant and adapted to different environmental conditions, resulting in a more sustainable development for the crop. This review aims to compile and discuss the available scientific evidence on the use of biostimulants in lettuce cultivation, addressing their mechanisms of action, the types of substances used, the results obtained in different cultivation systems, and their potential to promote more efficient and adaptable agriculture in the face of environmental changes. Full article

The spatiotemporal evolution of the regional water use structure holds significant theoretical value for optimizing regional water resource allocation, adjusting industrial structures, and achieving sustainable water resource development. Shandong Province, located at the lowest reach of the Yellow River Basin in China, is a major economic, agricultural, and populous province, as well as a region with one of the most prominent water supply–demand imbalances in the country. As a result, exploring how water use patterns change over time and space in this region has become crucial. Using analytical methods like the Lorenz curve, Gini coefficient, cluster analysis, and spatial statistics, we examine shifts in Shandong’s water use structure from 2001 to 2023. We find that while agriculture remained the largest water consumer over this period, industrial, household, and ecological water use steadily increased, signaling a move toward more balanced resource distribution. Across Shandong’s 16 regions (cities), the water use patterns varied considerably, particularly in terms of agriculture, industry, and ecological needs. Among these, agricultural, industrial, and domestic water use were distributed relatively evenly, whereas ecological water use showed greater regional disparities. These results may have the potential to guide policymakers in refining water allocation strategies, improving industrial planning, and boosting the water use efficiency in Shandong and the country ore broadly. Full article

Produce supply chains play a critical role in ensuring fruits and vegetables reach consumers efficiently, affordably, and at optimal freshness. In recent decades, hub-and-spoke network models have emerged as valuable tools for optimizing sustainable cold food supply chains. Traditional optimization efforts typically focus on removing inefficiencies, minimizing lead times, refining inventory management, strengthening supplier relationships, and leveraging technological advancements for better visibility and control. However, the majority of models rely on deterministic approaches that overlook the inherent uncertainties of crop yields, which are further intensified by climate variability. Rising atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, along with shifting temperature patterns and extreme weather events, have a substantial effect on crop productivity and availability. Such uncertainties can prompt distributors to seek alternative sources, increasing costs due to supply chain reconfiguration. This research introduces a stochastic hub-and-spoke network optimization model specifically designed to minimize transportation expenses by determining optimal distribution routes that explicitly account for climate variability effects on crop yields. A use case involving a cold food supply chain (CFSC) was carried out using several weather scenarios based on climate models and real soil data for California. Strawberries were selected as a representative crop, given California’s leading role in strawberry production. Simulation results show that scenarios characterized by increased rainfall during growing seasons result in increased yields, allowing distributors to reduce transportation costs by sourcing from nearby farms. Conversely, scenarios with reduced rainfall and lower yields require sourcing from more distant locations, thereby increasing transportation costs. Nonetheless, supply chain configurations may vary depending on the choice of climate models or weather prediction sources, highlighting the importance of regularly updating scenario inputs to ensure robust planning. This tool aids decision-making by planning climate-resilient supply chains, enhancing preparedness and responsiveness to future climate-related disruptions. Full article

The sharing economy is considered to be a potentially efficacious approach for promoting sustainable production and consumption (SPC). This study utilizes dockless bike sharing (DBS) in Beijing as a case study to examine how sharing economy policies and business practices advance SPC. It also dynamically quantifies the environmental and economic performance of DBS practices from a life cycle perspective. The findings indicate that effective SPC practices can be achieved through the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders, including the government, operators, manufacturers, consumers, recycling agencies, and other business partners, supported by regulatory systems and advanced technologies. The SPC practices markedly improved the sustainability of DBS promotion in Beijing. This is evidenced by the increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction benefits, which have risen from approximately 35.81 g CO₂-eq to 124.40 g CO₂-eq per kilometer of DBS travel. Considering changes in private bicycle ownership, this value could reach approximately 150.60 g CO₂-eq. Although the economic performance of DBS operators has also improved, it remains challenging to achieve profitability, even when considering the economic value of the emission reduction benefits. In certain scenarios, DBS can maximize profits by optimizing fleet size and efficiency, without compromising the benefits of emission reductions. The framework of stakeholder interaction proposed in this study and the results of empirical analysis not only assist regulators, businesses, and the public in better understanding and promoting sustainable production and consumption practices in the sharing economy but also provide valuable insights for achieving a win-win situation of platform profitability and environmental benefits in the SPC practice process. Full article

Direct seeding has gained prominence as a labor-efficient and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional transplanting in rice cultivation. In direct seeding systems, early-stage management is crucial for stable seedling establishment, with sowing uniformity measured by seed counts being a critical indicator of success. However, conventional manual seed counting methods are time-consuming, prone to human error, and impractical for large-scale or repetitive tasks, necessitating advanced automated solutions. Recent advances in computer vision technologies and precision agriculture tools, offer the potential to automate seed counting tasks. Nevertheless, challenges such as domain discrepancies and limited labeled data restrict robust real-world deployment. To address these issues, we propose a density estimation-based seed counting framework integrating semi-supervised learning and background augmentation. This framework includes a cost-effective data acquisition system enabling diverse domain data collection through indoor background augmentation, combined with semi-supervised learning to utilize augmented data effectively while minimizing labeling costs. The experimental results on field data from unknown domains show that our approach reduces seed counting errors by up to 58.5% compared to conventional methods, highlighting its potential as a scalable and effective solution for agricultural applications in real-world environments. Full article