Changes In Consumption Research Articles

Determination of Viscosity of Browntop Millet Grain Paste and Whole Browntop Millet Flour Paste

Background:: Methods of incorporating millets in daily diets are increasingly being explored to suit the consumer's changing needs. They are consumed mainly in low-middle-income countries. Data (functional, sensory, physical, and nutritional) to support browntop millet (BTM) use in various minimally processed/convenience foods is scanty. Objectives:: This study was carried out to study the water absorption capacity and viscosity of whole browntop millet (WBTM) grains and WBTM flour at different ratios with water after autoclaving and blending and to explore the scope of developed BTM pastes, which could be used for preparing a variety of products. Methods:: WBTM grain pastes and WBTM flour pastes were prepared in different ratios of water, such as 1:2, 1:2.5, 1:3, 1:3.5, 1:4, 1:4.5, 1:5, 1:5.5, 1:6, 1:6.5. Results:: It was found that the viscosity of pastes made from WBTM grain ranged from 40911 ± 1469 to 66867 ± 7469 mPa's at 24.2 ± 0. 2 to 24.7 ± 0.1˚C at 84.7 ± 3.3 to 95.3 ± 3.0% torque respectively. RPM ranged from 11.9 ± 0.2 to 18.6 ± 0.5. The viscosity of WBTM flour pastes ranged from 33874 ± 2864 to 45792 ± 1664 mPa's at 24.2 ± 0.1 to 24.5 ± 0.3°C at 81.7 ± 1.7 to 89.1 ± 3.0% torque with 10.8 ± 1.2 to 13.3 ± 3.2 RPM respectively. Conclusion:: The viscosity of WBTM grain pastes was statistically greater than the viscosity of WBTM flour pastes at a 5% significant level. Such pastes can be explored as convenience foods (ready to cook/ ready to eat) for use at household and commercial levels to produce products similar to bread, extruded products such as noodles, pasta, snacks etc.

Changes in Health Spending During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Expenditure Type and Household Profiles in Mexican Households

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the changes in the health expenditure of households in Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic to approximate changes in healthcare that can lead to difficulties in detecting noncommunicable diseases, among others. MethodsWe compare health spending before and after the pandemic through various estimators using multivariate linear regression models at the household level. We also explore heterogeneous effects by zone, sex, and household composition by age. We explore potential mechanisms of change estimating probit models of healthcare. We use microdata from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2018 and COVID-19. ResultsThe results suggest a significant reduction in health spending, mainly referring to oral health, clinical analysis, and medical studies. Moreover, differences arise by type of area and household age profile. Changes are more significant among families with children younger than 12 years and households situated in urban areas. Regarding the mechanisms, the results suggest that the lower spending is not due to fewer health needs but rather due to less healthcare attention. ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic had a significant and heterogeneous impact on household health spending. This lower spending could lead to less detection of noncommunicable diseases, translating into more pressure on the health system in the medium and long term.

Digital tools and AI: Using technology to monitor carbon emissions and waste at each stage of the supply chain, enabling real-time adjustments for sustainability improvements

The increasing urgency of addressing climate change has necessitated the adoption of innovative technologies to monitor and mitigate carbon emissions and waste throughout the supply chain. This paper explores the role of digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) in enabling real-time tracking and analysis of environmental impact at each stage of the supply chain. By integrating IoT devices, big data analytics, and machine learning algorithms, organizations can gain comprehensive insights into their operations, identifying key areas where emissions and waste can be reduced. The use of AI-powered predictive analytics allows companies to model various scenarios, optimizing resource allocation and operational efficiency while minimizing environmental footprints. This research also highlights successful case studies where companies have implemented these technologies, resulting in significant sustainability improvements and cost savings. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges associated with data integration, system interoperability, and the need for industry-wide standards to ensure effective monitoring and reporting. The importance of stakeholder collaboration is emphasized, as engaging suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies is essential for achieving comprehensive sustainability goals. Ultimately, this paper advocates for the strategic implementation of digital tools and AI as pivotal enablers of sustainable supply chain management, providing organizations with the capability to adapt to changing environmental regulations and consumer expectations. By leveraging technology to monitor and reduce carbon emissions and waste, businesses can enhance their competitiveness while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Perception and Attitude of Consumer Patronage of Ghana-Grown Rice: Evidence from Kumasi, Ghana

Increasing human population, urbanization, and changing consumer trends have contributed to the emergence of rice as the leading staple food in Ghana. Despite its importance in the Ghanaian diet, patronage and consumption of locally grown rice are not yet widespread. This study investigates consumer patronage of locally grown rice in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana, and fills a critical gap in understanding the specific factors that influence consumer preferences in urban settings. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 120 respondents across different income categories using a multistage sampling technique and analyzed using descriptive statistics, a Probit model, and Kendall's coefficient of concordance. The study found that cooking quality, palatability, colour, and fragrance were the primary attributes that influenced consumer preferences. Probit analysis revealed that income and the frequency of rice consumption significantly influenced the likelihood of purchasing locally grown rice. Specifically, a higher income decreases, while frequent rice consumption increases the likelihood of choosing local rice. Key constraints identified include perceived high cost, limited availability, and concerns about the quality of rice. This study recommends that local rice producers, agricultural organizations, and government bodies should make efforts to improve the sensory and culinary qualities of locally grown rice through improved processing techniques, increased promotion, and campaigns to ensure the commodity is readily available to consumers. These strategies aim to boost local rice consumption and support agricultural sustainability and food security in Ghana.

Inequalities in local funding cuts to environmental and regulatory service expenditure in England

Abstract Background The financial crisis in 2008 has led to governments across Europe introducing austerity measures. England has experienced significant financial cuts to local authority (LA) services. Environmental and regulatory (ER) services provide key functions in public protection such as, Food Safety (FS) and Animal and Public Health Infectious Disease Control (APH), services which are key infectious disease resilience. Here we investigate inequalities in local funding cuts to ER services by socioeconomic deprivation, LA type, and urbanicity, and impact on key ER service indicators. Methods This ecological study uses longitudinal modelling techniques to analyse trends in ER expenditure since the introduction of austerity and the inequalities present. We use Generalised Estimating Equations to estimate the annual percent change of ER service expenditure, and FS and APH expenditure between 2009/10 and 2020/21 in relation to deprivation, LA type and population density. Quasi-Poisson regression is used to assess impact of cuts on ER service indicators. Results Areas of higher deprivation had the largest reduction in expenditure, with ER and FS and APH cuts of 2% and of 23% respectively, compared to a 1% and 8% reduction in the least deprived areas. The share of ER expenditure spent on FS and APH decreased by 13% in the most deprived authorities compared to 6% in the least deprived areas. London boroughs had the greatest reductions in FS and APH expenditure, decreasing by 10%. Both ER and FS and APH expenditure decreased with increasing population density. Preliminary analysis shows inequalities in food business hygiene ratings in addition to other key ER service indicators since the introduction of these cuts. Conclusions The unequal distribution of cuts shows the need for increased and equitable investment into these services to enable resilience to infectious disease threats, and to prevent widening of health inequalities. Key messages • This work provides strong evidence of inequalities in local funding cuts to ER services and highlights where investment should be focused, in order to protect environmental and public health. • This work introduces the impact of local funding cuts on a vital public health service and lays the foundation for future work into the unequal impact of cuts to these services on health outcomes.

Contrasting effects of shooting disturbance on the movement and behavior of sympatric wildfowl species.

Human-wildlife conflict is a global conservation issue, necessitating effective mitigation strategies. Hunting is a common management approach to reduce conflict, but the indirect consequences are often overlooked. Chronic hunting-related disturbance can reduce fitness and redistribute species. In recent decades, goose-agricultural conflict has intensified due to increasing abundance and shifts towards agricultural foraging. On Islay, Scotland, escalating conflict culminated in shooting Greenland barnacle geese Branta leucopsis to reduce damage to agricultural grassland. In this study, we contrast the impact of shooting disturbance on the movement, behavior, energy expenditure and habitat selection of the target species (Greenland barnacle goose) and a vulnerable nontarget species (Greenland white-fronted goose, Anser albifrons flavirostris) using biologging devices (target species: n = 33; nontarget species: n = 94). Both species were displaced by shooting, and greater distances were subsequently traveled by the target species (1.71 km when directly targeted). When disturbed at any distance, total daily movement increased significantly by 1.18 km for the target species but not for the nontarget species. The target species exhibited no accompanying change in diurnal energy expenditure (measured via accelerometery) but foraged in improved grasslands further from roads after shooting disturbance, where disturbance from all sources was likely lower. The significant increases in movement and changes in foraging site selection of the target species could reduce fitness but given the infrequency of shooting disturbances (0.09 per day) there is likely capacity for compensatory feeding to recoup energetic losses. The nontarget species expectedly showed no significant change in energy expenditure, behavior or habitat selection following shooting disturbance, suggesting mitigation strategies have been effective at minimizing fitness impacts. Refuge areas with a 3.5 km diameter (three times the maximum distance from shooting that displacement was detectable) could provide undisturbed foraging for the target species, minimizing compensatory feeding and further agricultural damage. Wildlife managers should, where possible, consider the fitness implications of shooting disturbance, and whether compensatory feeding and redistribution could hamper conflict mitigation. Management strategies should also include species-specific monitoring and mitigation as we have demonstrated differing responses potentially due to imposed mitigation but also differing species ecology and "landscapes of fear."

The Impact of Changes in China's Population Structure on Consumption Patterns

Consumer spending is the key engine driving economic growth in China. However, in recent years, the overall consumption pattern in China has been affected by domestic epidemics, leading to an increase in unemployment rates among residents and a decrease in consumer willingness. As a result, the annual changes in final consumption expenditure have tended to stabilize, with almost no upward trend. Consequently, numerous studies have emerged based on the current consumption situation in China, providing recommendations to promote consumption. This paper, using data from the World Bank and China's National Statistical Yearbook, conducts research on the impact of demographic changes on consumption structure and proposes relevant suggestions to boost consumption in China. Researching the development of China's population structure reveals several notable trends. These include a decrease in the working-age population accompanied by a significant aging trend, improvements in population quality due to enhanced human capital, and a noticeable trend towards urbanization and increased population mobility. Therefore, this paper provides a series of recommendations, encourages national policies and corporate innovations that promote consumption, and offers solutions to potential issues arising from changes in population structure.

Xiaomi: An Analysis of Market Strategy under the High Cost-Performance Ratio

Abstract: Xiaomi Corporation, which was established in 2010 in Beijing, is well-known for its smartphones along with other smart hardware as well as IoT devices. It is the second-largest manufacturer of smartphones in the world, behind Samsung, with a market share of about 12%, most of which run on the MIUI (now HyperOS) operating system. It mainly focuses on providing products that are of excellent quality and performance but still maintain affordability which attracts customers from around the world. This research delves into Xiaomi's adaptive marketing tactics as a reaction to evolving market dynamics and changing consumer demands, and examines Xiaomis market plan by looking at three clear instances. The first is how Xiaomi keeps its strong position in the smartphone market by bringing out improved models every year with a steady price tag. This helps to maintain their image of being very good value for money. Second, the choice of the company to put $300,000 for three years into remaking its logo with Japanese designer Kenya Hara. This highlights how redesigning has a strategic effect on brand image and worldwide identification. Thirdly, this study talks about Xiaomis start in the car industry when it introduced the first car model called Xiaomi SU7 in month April. It shows a major shift from making only smartphones to also producing electric cars.

Deficiency of GPR10 and NPFFR2 receptors leads to sex-specific prediabetic syndrome and late-onset obesity in mice.

GPR10 and neuropeptide FF receptor 2 (NPFFR2) play important role in the regulation of food intake and energy homeostasis. Understanding the interaction between these receptors and their specific ligands, such as prolactin-releasing peptide, is essential for developing stable peptide analogs with potential for treating obesity. By breeding and characterizing double knockout (dKO) mice fed standard or high-fat diet (HFD), we provide insights into the metabolic regulation associated with the GPR10 and NPFFR2 deficiency. Both WT and dKO mice were subjected to behavioral tests and an oral glucose tolerance test. Moreover, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) followed by indirect calorimetry were performed to characterize dKO mice. dKO mice of both sexes, when exposed to an HFD, showed reduced glucose tolerance, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance compared with controls. Moreover, they displayed increased liver weight with worsened hepatic steatosis. Mice displayed significantly increased body weight, which was more pronounced in dKO males and caused by higher caloric intake on a standard diet, while dKO females displayed obesity characterized by increased white adipose tissue and enhanced hepatic lipid accumulation on an HFD. Moreover, dKO females exhibited anxiety-like behavior in the open field test. dKO mice on a standard diet had a lower respiratory quotient, with no significant changes in energy expenditure. These results provide insights into alterations associated with disrupted GPR10 and NPFFR2 signaling, contributing to the development of potential anti-obesity treatment.

The influence of supply chain agility on FMCG SME marketing flexibility and customer satisfaction

In the fast-paced Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must adapt swiftly to changing market conditions and consumer demands to stay competitive. This review explores the influence of supply chain agility on marketing flexibility and customer satisfaction in FMCG SMEs. Supply chain agility, characterized by responsiveness, adaptability, and real-time decision-making, enables SMEs to respond quickly to market shifts, optimize operations, and deliver products efficiently. As a result, agile supply chains directly impact the marketing flexibility of SMEs by enabling faster product launches, customization, and rapid adjustments to promotional strategies based on market feedback. This also highlights how marketing flexibility, supported by agile supply chains, enhances customer satisfaction by meeting expectations related to product availability, quality, and service delivery. Agile supply chains allow FMCG SMEs to reduce stockouts, improve order fulfillment times, and adapt to customer preferences, creating a seamless experience that fosters brand loyalty. Furthermore, this review presents case studies of FMCG SMEs that have successfully implemented agile supply chains to boost marketing responsiveness and customer satisfaction, demonstrating real-world applications of these strategies. By examining the interrelationship between supply chain agility, marketing flexibility, and customer satisfaction, this review emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to operations and marketing in FMCG SMEs. The findings suggest that investing in supply chain agility is critical for SMEs seeking to enhance their market adaptability and customer-centricity. The study concludes by offering recommendations for FMCG SMEs to develop agile supply chains that enable them to thrive in a competitive and ever-evolving marketplace, where customer satisfaction and rapid market response are key drivers of success. Keywords: Supply Chain, FMCG SME, Marketing Flexibility, Review.

Emerging Trends in Digital Marketing for 2024

The digital marketing landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by technological innovations and changing consumer behaviors. As we move into 2024, several emerging trends will reshape how businesses engage with their target audiences. This article explores key developments such as artificial intelligence (AI)-powered marketing, video marketing dominance, voice search optimization, privacy-centric strategies, hyper-personalization, and the growth of social commerce. These trends emphasize the importance of personalization, data privacy, and immersive customer experiences. Through practical examples and actionable insights, this article provides a roadmap for marketers looking to adapt to these shifts and stay competitive in the fast-paced digital environment of 2024.

Increasing expenditures on home- and community-based services: Do home care workers benefit?

To examine the association of Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS) expenditures on the home care workforce. We use two national, secondary data sources from 2008 to 2019: state-level Medicaid HCBS expenditures and the American Community Survey, in which we identify direct care workers in the home (i.e., home care workers), defined as nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides or personal care aides working in home health care services, individual and family services, and private households. Our key explanatory variable is HCBS expenditures per state per year. To estimate the association between changes in Medicaid HCBS expenditures and the workforce size, hourly wages and hours worked, we use negative binomial, linear, and generalized ordered logit regression, respectively. All models include demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, the number of potential HCBS beneficiaries (individuals with a disability and income under the federal maximum income eligibility limits), indicators for minimum wage and/or overtime protections for direct care workers, wage pass-through policies, and state and year fixed effects. We exclude states with incomplete reporting of expenditures. States' HCBS expenditures increased between 2008 and 2019 after adjusting for inflation and the number of potential HCBS beneficiaries. Yet, home care workers' wages remained stagnant at $11-12/h. We find no association between changes in Medicaid HCBS expenditures and wages. For every additional $1 million in Medicaid HCBS expenditures, the expected number of workers increases by 1.2 and the probability of working overtime increased (0.0015% points; p < 0.05). Results are largely robust under multiple sensitivity analyses. We find no evidence of a statistically significant relationship between changes in state-level changes in Medicaid HCBS expenditures and worker wages but do find a significant, but small, association with hours worked and workforce size.

Using punctuated equilibrium theory to explain changes in policy outputs: The case of the United States Coast Guard

AbstractThis article explores the utility of punctuated equilibrium (PE) theory in explaining revolutionary organizational change in the public sector and its effects on policy implementation, with a focus on the United States Coast Guard. We illustrate our model using data from in‐depth interviews with current and former senior Coast Guard officers and enlisted personnel, as well as secondary sources such as historical accounts and budget data. Through content analysis, we argue that PE theory begins with a change in the public sector organization's external environment, which then affects organizational strategy, structure, power distribution, and outputs. Punctuated equilibrium theory proves to be a valuable lens for understanding policy outputs in relation to organizational change.Related ArticlesKwon, Sung‐Wook, and Sylvia Gonzalez‐Gorman. 2019. “Influence of Local Political Institutions on Policy Punctuation in Three Policy Areas.” Politics &amp; Policy 47(2): 300–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12295.Neill, Katharine A., and John C. Morris. 2012. “A Tangled Web of Principals and Agents: Examining the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill through a Principal–Agent Lens.”Politics &amp; Policy 40(4): 629–56. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00371.x.Peng, Peiwen, and Tangzhe Cao. 2023. “Attention, Institutional Friction, and Punctuated Equilibrium in China's Budget: Changes in Social Security and Employment Expenditure.” Politics &amp; Policy 51(2): 256–82. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12523.

The dual role of blockchain in mediating credence attributes and moderating sensing capabilities in the wine sector

Purpose This study aims to investigate the dynamic capabilities of wineries, focusing on sensing and its role in enabling digital innovation. Furthermore, it explores the role of blockchain technology (BCT) in validating credence attributes of wine, emphasising blockchain as a strategic asset that enhances the ability of wineries to innovate and respond to changing market conditions. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts an exploratory approach based on a longitudinal, single-case study of the Argentinian Costaflores Organic Winery. Findings Findings reveal that integrating digital disruptive innovations such as blockchain can strategically position wineries to better meet emerging consumer preferences and market trends. Blockchain simultaneously acts as both a mediator and a moderator. As a mediator, it facilitates the validation of credence attributes of wine such as authenticity and sustainability, enhancing customer trust and loyalty. As a moderator, it influences the strength and effectiveness of the relationship between sensing and innovation capabilities. This enables wineries to more effectively respond to changing consumer requirements and market trends and improve operational performance. Research limitations/implications The study was limited by its focus on a single case study of the Argentinian Costaflores Organic Winery, which may affect the generalisability of the findings. However, the study provides valuable insights into the strategic adaptation and competitive positioning of wineries in response to the continuing market challenges. It significantly contributes to the understanding of integrating digital disruptive innovations as strategic assets in the agri-food sector, particularly in the wine sector. Originality/value This study addresses a significant research gap by exploring how BCT facilitates the organisation of sensing capabilities. It contributes to the understanding of how the wineries’ sensing capabilities both influence and are influenced by the adoption of BCT, particularly in the context of innovation enabling and improved operational performance.

The Effect Of Content Creators And Customer Reviews On Consumer Purchase Interest In Tiktok Social Media

The currently growing TikTok social media presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs to promote products and services to consumers through digital marketing. The thing that sellers do to increase sales is to consistently create interesting and viral content. Creativity in content creation is needed whose impact will be very influential in attracting buyer interest and changing consumer perceptions. This study aims to determine and explain the effect of content creators and customer reviews on consumer buying interest in TikTok social media. Quantitative research method. Questionnaire data collection with a Likert scale. Data analysis with SmartPLS. The results show that content creators have an effect on buying interest and customer reviews have no effect on buying interest.

Assessing the Opportunities and Risks of DUS and VCU Variety Testing for Sustainable Production through SWOT Analysis Results

Within the European Union (EU), new plant varieties to be included in the Common catalog of a member state have to be registered on the national list after plant variety testing processes to establish whether the candidate variety is distinguishable, uniform, and stable (DUS) and meets the cultivation or use value requirement (VCU). Technical development, climate change, and changing consumer needs, including the detection of GMOs, necessitate the innovation of plant variety testing methods. In our study, we assessed new characters, testing methods, and inclusion of additional data for the potential to benefit the DUS and VCU protocols. To achieve our goal, we asked experts to fill in questionnaires for the DUS and VCU methods currently used for a selection of common crops, including potato, maize, lentil, oilseed rape, and perennial grass. Within the EU-funded “InnoVar” project, partners sent out questionnaires to 19 European Countries and to 3 countries outside Europe. Surveys were aimed at analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the current methods. With their help, it is possible to look for a new direction, opportunity, and strategy to incorporate, together with the innovative new techniques, into the development of the new methods. Our study demonstrated that the SWOT analysis could be used to achieve the set goals. Results obtained after evaluation of surveys confirmed that introduction of new characters such as cold tolerance, nitrogen and water efficiency, etc. has become necessary, as has the inclusion of new test methods (molecular markers, precision techniques, organic farming). The development of high-yielding, disease and/or pest-resistant plant varieties with good adaptability and the accurate evaluation of genotypes play a crucial role in ensuring that farmers can access high-performing plant varieties and contribute to sustainable food production.

The Relationship between Covid-19 and Consumption Patterns of Poor Households

Objective: This research aims to analyze the relationship between Covid-19 and Consumption Patterns of Poor Households. The phenomenon of the Covid-19 pandemic has caused various social and economic changes. Changes in behaviour and preferences are an important part of the research by emphasizing the analysis of changes in expenditure during the Covid-19 pandemic and post-Covid-19. Method:This research is in the form of quantitative descriptive, the type of data used by researchers is primary data using a questionnaire that refers to the IFLS (Indonesian Family Life Survey) questionnaire. Primary data includes questionnaires and poor people during and postpandemic in 2019 and 2022 in rural and urban areas. The research area includes several village comparisons of Bandar Lampung City, South Lampung Regency, and Pringsewu Regency. The multiple linear methods are performed with the t-test in pairs using the statistical tool Stata. Results: The results of the study concluded that in the different tests there was no difference in food expenditure during the Covid-19 and post-Covid-19 period, between urban and rural areas, because of the tendency to have both low food expenditures during the pandemic and increase in post- pandemic. The food consumption patterns of the two regions still tend to buy the same staples. There is a difference in non- food expenditures during the rural Covid-19 period is higher because health and urban costs are lower, in the post-Covid-19 rural areas are lower and urban areas are higher. Conclusion and suggestions: The advice to the government, as cases of the Covid-19 pandemic, rise again, is to focus on providing free health services to the poor, because the expenditure on health services is quite large during the covid-19 pandemic. The government is also expected to be able to provide prolonged food staples to poor households plus complementary ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, milk, meat, and foods with high nutrition and protein.

Supply Chain Efficiency and Agricultural Product Sales: A Comparative Study of 2022 and 2023 Trends in USA

This comparative study analyzes supply chain efficiency and agricultural product sales trends in the USA between 2022 and 2023. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset of agricultural products—including livestock, fruits, and dairy—the study examines key metrics such as units shipped, units sold, and units on hand across various product categories. By evaluating these variables, the research highlights changes in supply chain performance and market dynamics over the two-year period. The study focuses on identifying shifts in product demand, sales performance, and supply chain efficiency, offering insights into how agricultural producers adapted to market conditions. Results indicate that while some categories, such as fruits, experienced consistent sales growth, others faced fluctuations due to supply chain disruptions and changing consumer preferences. This analysis not only underscores the importance of efficient supply chains but also opens avenues for predictive analysis, providing actionable recommendations for improving supply chain practices in the agricultural sector. The findings are particularly relevant for industry practitioners aiming to enhance supply chain resilience and optimize product sales performance.

Tailoring customer segmentation strategies for luxury brands in the NFT market – The case of SUPERGUCCI

This study navigates the intersection of luxury fashion brands and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) in the digital realm. By examining customer segments within the luxury NFT market, this study unfolds insights into changing market trends, consumer behaviors, and brand strategies. Employing data mining approaches, XPath analysis and the k-means clustering algorithm, this study examines user characteristics and behavior on the OpenSea platform, the largest NFT marketplace, with a specific focus on the SUPERGUCCI NFT collection by Gucci. This study identifies three distinct clusters, namely, speculators, casual collectors, and cryptocurrency natives, as well as their characteristics and behavior. The findings illustrate the significant impact of NFTs on customer segmentation and engagement, offering strategic insights for luxury brands navigating technological advancements. As the luxury sector evolves, this study enhances understanding of NFTs' role in consumer engagement and retail strategy within the digital age.

(When) are lobbying expenditures a good proxy for lobbying activity?

Abstract Lobbying expenditures are widely used as a proxy variable for measuring lobbying activity. However, the validity of this approach has rarely been examined and existing justifications do not account for heterogeneity in expenditure formats across types of lobbyists. I address the question using unique lobbying disclosure data from Wisconsin, where lobbying organizations report both expenditures on lobbying-related activities and lobbyists’ hours worked. Strong overall correlations between changes in expenditures and hours worked within organization–lobbyist dyads indicate that lobbying expenditures can serve as a reasonable proxy. However, caution is warranted due to substantial heterogeneity, with contract lobbyist relationships exhibiting weaker correlations than in-house relationships. I conclude by providing suggestions to improve empirical analyses that rely on lobbying expenditures.