Consumer Benefits Research Articles

CRISPR Technology Acts as a Dual-Purpose Tool in Pig Breeding: Enhancing Both Agricultural Productivity and Biomedical Applications

Pigs have long been integral to human society for their roles in agriculture and medicine. Consequently, there is an urgent need for genetic improvement of pigs to meet human dual needs for medicine and food. In agriculture, gene editing can improve productivity traits, such as growth rate and disease resistance, which could lower farming costs and benefit consumers through enhanced meat quality. In biomedical research, gene-edited pigs offer invaluable resources as disease models and in xenotransplantation, providing organs compatible with human physiology. Currently, with CRISPR technology, especially the CRISPR/Cas9 system emerging as a transformative force in modern genetics, pigs are not only sources of sustenance but also cornerstones of biomedical innovation. This review aims to summarize the applications of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in developing pigs that serve dual roles in agriculture and biomedical applications. Compared to ZFNs and TALENs, the CRISPR/Cas9 system offers several advantages, including higher efficiency, greater specificity, ease of design and implementation, and the capability to target multiple genes simultaneously, significantly streamlining the process of genetic modifications in complex genomes. Therefore, CRISPR technology supports the enhancement of traits beneficial for agricultural productivity and facilitates applications in medicine. Furthermore, we must acknowledge the inherent deficiencies and technical challenges of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology while also anticipating emerging technologies poised to surpass CRISPR/Cas9 as the next milestones in gene editing. We hypothesize that with the continuous advancements in gene editing technologies and successful integration of traits beneficial to both agricultural productivity and medical applications, the goal of developing dual-purpose pigs for both agricultural and medical use can ultimately be achieved.

Analisis Sistem Pengawasan MUI Terhadap Sertifikat Halal pada UMKM di Kota Surakarta

This study aims to analyze the role of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in supervising the halal certification process for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Surakarta City. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, involving MSME actors, MUI Surakarta officers, and a number of related documents. The results of the study indicate that MUI has an important role in ensuring the halalness of products and increasing consumer confidence. Initially, halal certification was issued by MUI Surakarta, but now the authority has been transferred to the Halal Product Guarantee Organizing Agency (BPJPH) under the Ministry of Religion. However, MUI still has a role in supervision through its fatwas and monitoring of products in circulation. MSMEs in Surakarta face challenges in obtaining halal certification, such as limited resources and knowledge of certification procedures. However, halal certification not only benefits consumers, but also producers, because products with a halal label can increase customer trust and loyalty. The effectiveness of the MUI supervision system in Surakarta already has a strong foundation, but there is still a need for improvement, especially in facing the challenges of the digital era and dynamic regulatory changes. This study presents a new approach with a focus on the analysis of the MUI supervision system for halal certification of MSMEs in Surakarta based on product identification, type, nature, and characteristics. The final result is that the role of MUI in facilitating and supervising the halal certification process is very important to improve the effectiveness of supervision and facilitate MSME access to halal certification. This study provides valuable insights for policy makers and halal industry players in improving the effectiveness of supervision and facilitating MSME access to halal certification.

Artificial Intelligence in Life Expectancy Prediction: A Paradigm Shift for Annuity Pricing and Risk Management

This article explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting life expectancy and its far-reaching implications for the annuities market. Traditional actuarial models, often reliant on demographic data and historical trends, face limitations in accuracy and personalization. We present a novel approach leveraging machine learning algorithms, including neural networks, decision trees, and ensemble methods, alongside natural language processing and deep learning techniques. Our AI-driven models integrate diverse data sources, including medical histories, genetic information, lifestyle factors, and socio-economic indicators, to provide more accurate and individualized life expectancy predictions. Using a dataset of anonymized health records and historical mortality data, we demonstrate that our AI models significantly outperform traditional actuarial tables in predicting individual mortality risks. The enhanced predictive power of these models has substantial implications for the annuities market, enabling insurers to price products more precisely, manage longevity risk more effectively, and optimize reserve capital. Moreover, consumers benefit from fairer pricing and personalized product offerings. This article underscores the need for regulatory framework revisions to accommodate AI-driven methodologies in actuarial practices. We also discuss ethical considerations, data privacy concerns, and the challenge of model interpretability, highlighting areas for future research to ensure responsible deployment of AI in life expectancy predictions and annuity pricing

Analysis of the Influence of Consumer Trust, Perceived Benefits, and Usage Risks on QRIS User Satisfaction with Ease of Use as a Mediating Variable: A Case Study of Jatinegara District, East Jakarta

This research aims to analyze the influence of consumer trust, benefits, and risks on user satisfaction with QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) through ease of use. In today’s era, payment or transaction systems are mostly conducted online using QR code scanning. Therefore, this research focuses on understanding the extent to which trust affects consumer satisfaction in using QRIS as a payment tool and explores the benefits of QRIS usage for the community. Additionally, the research assesses the impact of risks associated with using QRIS on user satisfaction. Ease of use serves as a mediating factor contributing to user satisfaction as the final outcome. The research employs stratified sampling as the sampling method. Data collection methods include interviews, observations, and distributing questionnaires. The analysis is conducted using SmartPLS 4 with Path Coefficient testing to measure the direct influence of independent variables on the dependent variable. The final results of this study are expected to provide insights specifically for QRIS service providers and developers.

Benefits and Vulnerabilities of the Free Trade Agreement for the EAEU Countries and China

Aim. Objective is to formulate the position of the EAEU in the negotiations on the free trade area with China.Tasks. We determine the potential results of the creation of the China-EAEU free trade area for each country.Methods. The indices of complementarity and trade intensity were calculated, and the benefits to society from the abolition of customs tariffs were calculated using a partial equilibrium trade-policy simulation.Results. The study of supply and demand for excavators showed that the total benefit of consumers (the construction industry) from the abolition of customs duties only slightly exceeds the losses of producers and the government. Based on the complementarity assessment, it was found that the free trade agreement is more beneficial for China than for the EAEU countries — the structure of China’s exports better corresponds to the structure of imports of the EAEU countries. It was revealed that the exports of the EAEU countries to China are not diversified, and the main export goods face minimal tariffs — 0% for crude oil from Russia and Kazakhstan, 3% for potash fertilizers from Belarus, 0% for ores and concentrates of precious metals from Kyrgyzstan, 0% for copper ores and concentrates from Armenia. The EAEU countries may be interested in further liberalization of trade with China due to the intention to export frozen fish, corn, wheat and rice (Russia), tobacco (Kyrgyzstan and Armenia), meat and dairy products (Belarus), and cognac (Armenia).Conclusions. Reduction of duties on the specified goods may be the subject of a preliminary temporary agreement. A free trade zone may be created by finalizing the existing Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the EAEU and its Member States and the PRC. It is recommended that, in addition to including provisions on the abolition of customs duties, sections on trade in services, investments, and movement of individuals be included.

The positive impact of corporate mergers on consumer welfare: from the perspective of corporate R and D investment

Enterprise mergers are essential for the development and growth of enterprises, and they are also an important mechanism for the market economy to improve the overall efficiency of the market through the survival of the fittest. Compared to gradually growing a company through internal accumulation, merging with other companies can achieve various goals such as scale expansion, business expansion, and financial optimization faster in a short period. Although business mergers are spontaneous actions of enterprises, the merger of enterprises, especially large enterprises, affects their performance and consumer welfare. To better study the potential impact of corporate mergers, this article combines traditional and modern merger theories to investigate the positive effects of corporate mergers on product prices, corporate innovation, and overall consumer welfare. The impact channels of Chinese-listed company mergers on their R&D expenses are evaluated empirically. Through empirical and theoretical analysis, this article proves that business mergers can improve efficiency, innovation, and consumer benefits by increasing research and development expenditures.

Impact Factors for Sustainable Consumption in Todays World

One can define sustainable consumption as the act of procuring services or products that satisfy the requirements of individuals while simultaneously reducing the impact on the environment, which has become increasingly important in addressing global challenges like climate change and resource depletion. The present study explores the factors influencing sustainable consumption, focusing on social, economic, psychological, policy, and business strategy aspects. By reviewing research surveys, results of regression analysis, and case studies, this paper reveals that social norms, income levels, environmental awareness, government policies, and green marketing strategies significantly impact consumers sustainable consumption behaviors. The findings of the study emphasize that sustainable consumption can only be effectively promoted if multifaceted influences are considered in an integrated manner and several sustainable strategies involving all stakeholders are put in place. Ultimately, this investigation renders useful awareness for the benefit of consumers, companies, and policymakers who are interested in enhancing their practices regarding sustainability.

The first assessment of grain yield and associated traits in durum wheat across a decade in Nepal.

Rapid urbanization and evolving dietary preferences have heightened the demand for durum wheat and its derivatives in developing nations like Nepal. This study represents the first comprehensive exploration and evaluation of durum wheat genotypes in Nepal, addressing the escalating need for high-yielding varieties. The primary objective was to identify stable and prolific durum wheat lines for release, enhancing Nepal's durum wheat breeding program. Utilizing genotypes from CIMMYT's disease screening and yield nurseries from 2011/12 to 2020/21, a total of 132 genotypes, including international checks, underwent evaluation over ten years under the Alpha Lattice design. Results revealed significant variation among genotypes for grain yield and other traits, identifying high-yielding and stable lines suitable for Nepal. Heritability analysis highlighted moderate heritability for grain number per spike, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield. Cluster analysis identified distinct clusters with high grain yield and desirable agronomic traits. Disease incidence facilitated the selection of resistant lines, with DWK38 emerging as the highest grain yielder (4416.04 kg/ha). Overall, durum wheat lines from CIMMYT exhibited robust performance in Nepal, enabling the identification of superior lines with potential benefits for farmers and consumers. The study's implications include developing and releasing superior durum lines in Nepal, providing farmers with profitable alternatives amidst evolving food habits. In conclusion, the findings from this study provide a valuable foundation for future durum wheat breeding efforts in Nepal, guiding the selection of genotypes that are well-suited to the diverse environmental challenges of the region.

EXPRESS: Disrespectful Promotions: The Negative Impact of Price Promotions on Products Symbolically Linked to Stigmatized Identities

To reach a more diverse consumer base, companies have begun to offer products symbolically linked to stigmatized identities, and these products are often promoted by price discounts. Despite past work finding that linking consumer identities to products is generally appealing and that price promotions benefit consumers, the current research finds that offering discounts on products symbolically linked to stigmatized identities may backfire. Across eight studies, which include a variety of stigmatized groups in U.S. society, we find that when a company offers a discount on a product symbolically linked to a stigmatized identity, members of the stigmatized group react negatively toward the company (i.e., they hold less favorable attitudes, have lower purchase intentions, and choose the company’s competitor). These negative reactions, which do not arise for the non-stigmatized, occur because stigmatized consumers perceive the company’s action of offering a discount as disrespectful toward their social group. The effect is contingent on whether the company is an in-group or out-group member, the selection of other discounted products, and the type of sales promotions employed. This research enriches our understanding of stigmatized consumers and offers insights into the nature of disrespectful cues in the marketplace and the social cost of price promotions.

Effects of virtual try-on technology as an innovative e-commerce tool on consumers' online purchase intentions

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the role of using augmented reality (AR) in the form of virtual try-on technology in consumers' purchase decision-making process.Design/methodology/approachThe study, executed in a beauty industry context, uses the value-based adoption model (VAM). Data were collected by means of a survey carried out on 238 Tunisian women. Subjects performed an experimental task using the virtual try-on (VTO) application in the L’Oréal website. Web-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data, which was processed using an exploratory factor analysis and partial least squares structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings shows that perceived value is positively related to purchase intentions and it was affected by both perceived benefits and perceived costs. In particular, perceived benefit (perceived usefulness) was found to have a strong positive effect on perceived value. Moreover, it turns out that perceived enjoyment does not have a significant effect on the perceived value. In terms of perceived costs, perceived intrusiveness was found to limit perceived value. The results also show a significant relationship between AR characteristics and perceived benefits. For personal traits, personal innovativeness is found positively influencing perceived usefulness, but it shows no significant effect on perceived enjoyment.Practical implicationsCompanies should highlight the benefits for consumers (interactivity, informativeness and usefulness) and attempt to reduce the costs (intrusiveness) related to the use of VTO AR technology, which can play a substantial role in determining the perceived value and purchase intentions.Originality/valueThe existent literature, which examines the AR in e-tailing, shows weak acknowledgment of theories related to consumer barriers to AR adoption in e-tailing, they overlook the role of consumer psychology and individual differences in AR acceptance. Thus, this study contributes to the literature by enhancing the understanding of the roles that AR based VTO technology plays in determining consumers’ online purchase intentions by extending the application of perceived value theory and taking into account its characteristics and personal traits that play a role in weakening or strengthening the customer's benefits and cost perceptions.

The Role of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Meat Products, Not Just as Starter Cultures.

Lactic acid bacteria (LABs) are microorganisms of significant scientific and industrial importance and have great potential for application in meat and meat products. This comprehensive review addresses the main characteristics of LABs, their nutritional, functional, and technological benefits, and especially their importance not only as starter cultures. LABs produce several metabolites during their fermentation process, which include bioactive compounds, such as peptides with antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and immunomodulatory properties. These metabolites present several benefits as health promoters but are also important from a technological point of view. For example, bacteriocins, organic acids, and other compounds are of great importance, whether from a sensory or product quality or a safety point of view. With the production of GABA, exopolysaccharides, antioxidants, and vitamins are beneficial metabolites that influence safety, technological processes, and even health-promoting consumer benefits. Despite the benefits, this review also highlights that some LABs may present virulence properties, requiring critical evaluation for using specific strains in food formulations. Overall, this review hopes to contribute to the scientific literature by increasing knowledge of the various benefits of LABs in meat and meat products.

Use of rice flour to produce plant-based yogurt alternatives.

Plant-based yogurt alternatives (YAs) are in demand due to the societal prevalence of milk sensitivities and allergies and some consumers abstaining from animal-derived products. Producing rice flour YAs has considerable potential because rice flour is hypoallergenic, more economical compared to plant milks, and there are no commercial rice-based YAs. A new higher protein variety of rice was developed, Frontière, which is sold as both brown and white rice. Therefore, the overall goals of this study were (1) to compare physicochemical properties of YAs from Frontière brown (Frontière brown rice flour [FBRF]) and white (Frontière white rice flour [FWRF]) high-protein rice flours to regular protein level rice flours and (2) to evaluate the sensory quality of Frontière YAs compared to commercial plant-based oat yogurt. Rice flours were fermented with Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (a probiotic) to produce FBRF- and FWRF-YAs. A consumer study was conducted to compare FBRF- and FWRF-YAs to a commercially available oat-based YA. Consumers rated the YAs using 9-point hedonic and just-about-right (JAR) scales. Protein, fat, and ash levels were greater, whereas starch levels and peak viscosities were lower for BRFs than for WRFs. The use of BRF resulted in longer fermentation times but higher bacteria counts for YAs. FWRF-YA was preferred in terms of overall flavor and liking, sweetness, and tartness. Purchase intent (PI) for FWRF-YA increased 2.6 times after providing a health claim. This research showed that rice flour can be used to produce YAs with probiotic counts above the minimum recommended, which provides added health benefits for consumers. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research provides a possible new use of Frontière high-protein rice flour to produce plant-based yogurts. This will help the rice industry by adding value, and those who are vegan, allergic to casein, or lactose-intolerant will have another option for a plant-based yogurt. Moreover, the greater levels of probiotic bacteria found in the brown rice flour YAs can potentially provide greater health benefits, making brown rice flour a better choice for making rice-based YAs.

Development and characterization of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-enriched functional yogurt using Limosilactobacillus fermentum 4–17

The consumption of functional foods is steadily increasing due to their positive impact on health. This study focused on developing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-enriched functional yogurt using Limosilactobacillus fermentum 4–17 over a 14-day storage period. Various aspects, including the physicochemical properties of the yogurt, GABA levels, and viable cell counts, were examined. Throughout the storage period, the pH of the yogurt decreased, while the acidity increased, indicating changes in fermentation activity. The highest level of GABA (14.846 mg/100 mL) was recorded on the second day. The viable cell count increased in all samples, reaching its peak at 7.47 Log CFU/mL by the 14th day. Notably, on the 14th day, the yogurt exhibited the lowest syneresis percentage, along with the highest water-holding capacity (WHC), hardness, and overall stability. These findings suggest that this GABA-enriched yogurt has significant potential as a functional product in the market, contributing to improved health benefits for consumers.

Production of equol, dehydroequol, 5-hydroxy-equol and 5-hydroxy-dehydroequol in soy beverages by the action of dihydrodaidzein reductase in Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains

Equol and 5-hydroxy-equol, and their analogous compounds dehydroequol and 5-hydroxy-dehydroequol, are bioactive isoflavones formed by microbial metabolism. The aims of this work were to elucidate the formation of dehydroequol and 5-hydroxy-dehydroequol, to identify the role of dihydrodaidzein reductase (DHDR) in the production of equol, dehydroequol, 5-hydroxy-equol and 5-hydroxy-dehydroequol and to develop soy beverages enriched in these compounds through engineered lactic acid bacteria. DHDR was responsible for the production of equol and dehydroequol from dihydrodaidzein (DHD), and of 5-hydroxy-equol and 5-hydroxy-dehydroequol from dihydrogenistein (DHG), even in the absence of tetrahydrodaidzein reductase (THDR). The combination of DHDR with dihydrodaidzein racemase (DDRC), and/or THDR, allowed the production of soy beverages enriched in equol (241.34 ± 34.56 μM), dehydroequol (31.23 ± 5.78 μM), 5-hydroxy-equol (125.54 ± 7.90 μM) and 5-hydroxy-dehydroequol (292.34 ± 14.67 μM). Beverages fortified with high concentrations of equol, 5-hydroxy-dehydroequol and 5-hydroxy-equol could provide significant health benefits for consumers.

The (in)effectiveness of financial consumer protection: Quasi-experimental evidence from consumer finance in China

The booming consumer finance sector has grappled with internal and external challenges, which call forth strong regulatory responses to financial consumer protection (FCP). Existing studies, however, have explored the economic consequences of FCP from a macro or meso perspective and failed to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the FCP framework. To remedy this, we collected a novel dataset from an online complaint platform in China, which included over 12,000 real-world complaints from March 2019 to September 2022. Built on the dataset, we employ a regression discontinuity in time approach to examine the effect of a representative FCP policy (i.e., Implementation Measures of the People's Bank of China for Protecting Financial Consumers' Rights and Interests) on the average rating of the consumers' perception of dispute resolution. We confirm the effectiveness of the FCP policy in improving dispute resolution, and the results remain robust for a series of tests. Moreover, the effectiveness of the FCP policy varies in different aspects of perceptions and complaint topics. The heterogeneous analysis demonstrates that first-mover and foreign-shareholding consumer finance companies are more responsive to the Measure. Finally, regulatory punishment and media attention are two channels in which FCP policy benefits consumers' perception of dispute resolution. We further discuss some important policy and managerial implications.

한국의 e커머스 시장 전략방향 연구: Business Model Canvas, 5Force Model을 이용한 공급망 전략 측면

Purpose: This study derives a sustainable strategic direction for K-commerce companies to respond to a threatened entry of multinational companies, mainly Chinese (C-commerce) companies, into the Korean e-commerce market. Research design, data, and methodology: The methodology includes a market approach, the Business Model Canvas, and the 5Force Model for the study period from March to July 2024. Results: The direction of Korea's e-commerce market success strategy, classified into asset type and non-asset type, is that the first is One Strength, which has the competitiveness and entry power to lead existing competitors. The second is that One Medle has the bargaining power of suppliers that can protect existing customers from conversion due to consumer benefits and seller benefits. The third is Three Weakness, which is facing the threat of new entrants, the bargaining power of buyers, and the threat of alternative products, so there are always risks. Conclusions: The implications of the “One Strength, One Medle, and Three Weakness” sector derived from Korea's e-commerce market strategic direction study are summarized into three in terms of supply chain strategy and presented in the text.

Exploring the physicochemical and microbiological properties of glutinous rice (Tapai pulut) fermented using Lactobacillus plantarum: A comprehensive characterization using 1H NMR

This study aimed to investigate the potential of producing lacto-fermented glutinous rice (Tapai pulut) to improve its physicochemical properties, metabolite compounds, and antibacterial activity of the end product. Glutinous rice was fermented with Amylomyces rouxii, and Lactobacillus plantarum 1 at 30 °C for 48 h. Lacto-fermented glutinous rice had significantly lower pH values and higher total lactic acid, soluble solid, glucose, and organic acid contents. The 1H NMR metabolomics profile revealed the presence of alcohols (7.67 mmol/L), sugars (208.16 mmol/L), organic acids (0.91 mmol/L) and amino acids (15.74 mmol/L), contributing to its antimicrobial activities and flavor profile. The lacto-fermented glutinous rice exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus (18.20 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (18.92 mm), Listeria monocytogenes (15.42 mm), Escherichia coli (15.85 mm), and Salmonella typhimurium (12.23 mm). Meanwhile, the viable count of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the lacto-fermented glutinous rice was 9.49 log10 CFU/g. Based on sensory evaluation and positive feedback from panelists, lacto-fermented glutinous rice emerges as a promising probiotic food with potential health benefits for consumers.

No Free Lunch? Welfare Analysis of Firms Selling through Expert Intermediaries

Abstract We study how firms target and influence expert intermediaries. In our context, pharmaceutical manufacturers provide payments to physicians during promotional interactions. We develop an identification strategy based on plausibly exogenous variation in payments driven by differential exposure to spillovers from academic medical centers’ conflict-of-interest policies. Using a case study of an important class of cardiovascular drugs, we estimate heterogeneous effects of payments on prescribing, with firms targeting highly responsive physicians. We also develop a model of supply and demand, which allows us to quantify how oligopoly prices reduce drug prescribing, and how payments move prescribing closer to the optimal level, but at great financial cost. In our estimated model, whether consumers are harmed by payments depends on whether there is substantial under-prescribing due to behavioral or other frictions. In a final exercise, we calibrate such frictions using clinical data and estimate that payments benefit consumers in this case study.

Nutritional and Functional Value of Andean Native Legumes and Their Potential Industrial Application.

Legumes are edible seeds that have high nutritional and functional value. Their cultivation and consumption turn out to be an alternative to hunger and guarantee food security in vulnerable populations. This manuscript explores the nutritional and functional properties and potential uses of native Andean legumes such as Pajuro, Tarhui, Common bean, and Lima beans. They contain macro and micronutrients and bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive that benefit consumer health. These compounds are particular proteins, peptides, polyphenols, alkaloids, vitamins, minerals, and among others. Moreover, Andean legumes have shown industrial potential due to their technological properties that could be useful in adding value to other food products. These properties are due to their content of starch, oil, fiber, and protein that could facilitate their processing and obtain products with adequate sensory characteristics. Andean legumes have good nutritional and functional value and have the potential to be included in daily diets. Given the accumulated evidence, we believe that the consumption of Andean legumes in nature and processed should be strongly encouraged.

Vertical mergers without foreclosure

AbstractThe typical concern about vertical mergers is the foreclosure of downstream rivals. In a vertically related industry where downstream firms have a common supplier, margins can reveal whether upstream competition constrains that supplier. I develop a test (based on margins) to identify whether the supplier is constrained premerger and, consequently, cannot raise input prices postmerger. However, even without foreclosure in equilibrium, vertical mergers can harm consumers. Vertical mergers increase consumer prices and benefit all firms, including downstream rivals, when downstream (horizontal) competition weakens sufficiently. This theory of harm differs from typical theories, which pit the merged entity against downstream rivals.