Consumer Concern Research Articles

Rapid improvement of rice eating and cooking quality through gene editing toward glutelin as target

Rice eating and cooking quality (ECQ) is a major concern of breeders and consumers, determining market competitiveness worldwide. Rice grain protein content (GPC) is negatively related to ECQ, making it possible to improve ECQ by manipulating GPC. However, GPC is genetically complex and sensitive to environmental conditions; therefore, little progress has been made in traditional breeding for ECQ. Here, we report that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of genes encoding the grain storage protein glutelin rapidly produced lines with downregulated GPC and improved ECQ. Our finding provides a new strategy for improving rice ECQ.

Implementation of Inaportnet Information Technology and Service Performance on User Satisfaction

Online shopping has made changes in consumer behavior when shopping, especially in Indonesia, where online shopping continues to increase. For this reason, the question that arises then is how consumer perceptions are related to online shopping in Indonesia. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of consumer perceptions of online shopping in Indonesia, namely Tokopedia, Shopee, Bukalapak and Lazada. A total of 850 respondents throughout Indonesia were involved in this study. Consumer perceptions related to online shopping in this study are security, self-efficacy, usefulness, ease of use, quality of e-service (reliability, web design, trustworthiness, personalization and responsiveness), purchase intention and customer satisfaction. The distribution of the questionnaires was carried out using two methods, namely surveys and filling out via google forms which were then analyzed and analyzed using a descriptive statistical approach. The results show that consumers tend to agree regarding security, ease of use, self-efficacy, usefulness, quality of e-service, purchase intention and customer satisfaction. Only consumer perceptions have differences in views related to online and offline buying and selling. In addition, online transactions and privacy of individual data are still a concern for consumers. Finally, some limitations and suggestions for future research are also discussed in this study.

ONLINE SHOPPING INDONESIA: CUSTOMER PERCEPTION

Online shopping has made changes in consumer behavior when shopping, especially in Indonesia, where online shopping continues to increase. For this reason, the question that arises then is how consumer perceptions are related to online shopping in Indonesia. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of consumer perceptions of online shopping in Indonesia, namely Tokopedia, Shopee, Bukalapak and Lazada. A total of 850 respondents throughout Indonesia were involved in this study. Consumer perceptions related to online shopping in this study are security, self-efficacy, usefulness, ease of use, quality of e-service (reliability, web design, trustworthiness, personalization and responsiveness), purchase intention and customer satisfaction. The distribution of the questionnaires was carried out using two methods, namely surveys and filling out via google forms which were then analyzed and analyzed using a descriptive statistical approach. The results show that consumers tend to agree regarding security, ease of use, self-efficacy, usefulness, quality of e-service, purchase intention and customer satisfaction. Only consumer perceptions have differences in views related to online and offline buying and selling. In addition, online transactions and privacy of individual data are still a concern for consumers. Finally, some limitations and suggestions for future research are also discussed in this study.

Agri-Food Surplus, Waste and Loss as Sustainable Biobased Ingredients: A Review.

Ensuring a sustainable supply of food for the world’s fast growing population is a major challenge in today’s economy, as modern lifestyle and increasing consumer concern with maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet is an important challenge for the agricultural sector worldwide. This market niche for healthier products, especially fruits and vegetables, has increased their production, consequently resulting in increased amounts of agri-food surplus, waste, and loss (SWL) generated during crop production, transportation, storage, and processing. Although many of these materials are not utilized, negatively affecting the environmental, economic, and social segments, they are a rich source of valuable compounds that could be used for different purposes, thus preventing the losses of natural resources and boosting a circular economy. This review aimed to give insights on the efficient management of agri-food SWL, considering conventional and emerging recovery and reuse techniques. Particularly, we explored and summarized the chemical composition of three worldwide cultivated and consumed vegetables (carrots, broccoli and lettuce) and evaluate the potential of their residues as a sustainable alternative for extracting value-added ingredients for the development of new biodynamic products.

Food irradiation: an effective but under-utilized technique for food preservations.

While food borne pathogens constitute a major public health problem world-wide, food post-harvest losses is considered to be the leading cause of hunger and malnutrition globally. Food irradiation is a process of preserving food in which food are exposed to appropriate doses of ionizing radiation in order to kill insects, molds and other potentially harmful microbes and allergens. The process involves carefully exposing food to a measured amount of ionizing radiation in a special processing room on a conveyor belt for a specified duration. The radiation sources could be gamma ray, electron beam or X-ray. The radiation doses could be high, low or medium depending on the products to be irradiated and the target organism to be eradicated. Irradiation technology has various applications including sprout inhibition in root and tubers, disinfestation in cereals and pulses, reduction or elimination of food borne pathogens in vegetables and animal products and delayed ripening of fruits. All these applications are intended to increase shelf life and eliminate food allegenicity. Despite consumer concern on the safety and quality of irradiated foods, it is gradually gaining acceptance due to increased awareness and the perceived safety and quality as symbolized by the Radura symbol. With the increasing acceptance and commercialization of food irradiation, it could play an important role in solving the problems of food insecurity and food borne illnesses in the world.

Detection and quantification of peanut contamination in garlic powder using NIR sensors and machine learning

Food contamination is a major concern for consumers and food businesses, especially when the contaminant is an allergen. This study focused on detecting and quantifying peanut powder in garlic powder using low-cost Near-Infrared sensors (S2.0–1550–1950 nm, and S2.5–2000–2450 nm) coupled with machine learning methods. Garlic and peanut powders of three different origins were allocated to different data sets, and 37 peanut contamination concentrations from 0.01% to 20% were studied. Samples were first assessed to determine if they were contaminated with peanut. Peanut concentration was then determined to be either low (0.01–1%) or high (2–20%). Finally, the peanut concentration was predicted. Classification accuracy of 100% was achieved when assessing models on an individual data set but declined when a second independent data set was used. In general, the models developed from the S2.0 sensor performed marginally better than those developed using the S2.5. Peanut concentration prediction models achieved Correlation Coefficient and Root Mean Square Error values of 70.8%, 0.49%, and 77.5%, 3.53% for low and high peanut concentrations, respectively. The results obtained from this study can be used to develop cost-effective contamination detection technologies for the food sector.

Immunoproteome profiling of Listeria monocytogenes under mild acid and salt stress conditions.

Listeria monocytogenes is one of the main foodborne pathogens worldwide. Although its response to stress conditions has been extensively studied, it is still present in the food processing environments and is a concern for consumers. To investigate how this microorganism adapts its proteome in mild stress conditions, a combined proteomics and bioinformatics approach was used to characterize the immunogenic protein profile of a sequence type 7 (ST7) strain that caused severe listeriosis outbreaks in central Italy. Extracted proteins were analyzed by immunoblotting using positive sera against L. monocytogenes and nLC-ESI-MS/MS, and all data were examined by five software to predict subcellular localization (SCL). A total of 226 proteins were extracted from the bands of interest, 58 of which were classified as potential immunogenic antigens. Compared to control cells grown under optimal conditions, six proteins, some of which under-described, were expressed under mild acid and salt stress conditions and/or at 12°C. In particular, adaptation and shaping of the proteome mainly involved cell motility at 12°C without acid and salt stress, whereas the combination of the same temperature with mild acid and salt stress induced a response concerning carbohydrate metabolism, oxidative stress, and DNA repair. Raw data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD033519.

Skill Needs for Sustainable Agri-Food and Forestry Sectors (I): Assessment through European and National Focus Groups

The agri-food and forestry sectors are under increasing pressure to adapt to climate change, consumer concern, technological and economic change, and complex global value chains. In turn, such challenges require that the necessary skills and competences are identified at various levels and within specific areas of the sectors. For that purpose, eleven focus groups in nine different EU-countries and two at EU-level were organized within the ERASMUS+ project “FIELDS” with the participation of farmers, cooperatives, agri-food companies, foresters, forest industries, advisors, and education providers to identify the skills needed in the agri-food and forestry sectors. The focus group participants identified business and strategic management skills, communication skills, and other skills related to sustainability, entrepreneurship, digital and soft skills to be most important for the agri-food and forestry sectors as a whole.

Consumer Concerns of Personal Data and Privacy: A Systematic Review

This article provides an overview of extant literature addressing consumer privacy in the digital context over the last decade. The number of cyber-attacks, data leakages, and invasive uses of technological devices has considerably increased in recent years, leading to an increase in consumers’ concerns about their personal information. The objective of the present research was to develop an analysis of the existing literature on consumer privacy, highlighting the state recent research dealing with consumers’ perceptions of threats and risks to their privacy in the digital context. The study developed a sensitivity continuum regarding types of personal consumer data, as well as data use concerns. The results revealed that some data was considered more sensitive than other data; that is, there was a perception of sensitivity and importance attributed by consumers to some data. This fact speaks to the concept of the privacy paradox, in which users voluntarily renounce their data in exchange for services, products, and benefits. Finally, managerial implications about information security, as well as the perceived meanings of privacy. Keywords: privacy; data privacy; consumer privacy; consumer perception; privacy concerns; literature review

Physicochemical properties of selected compounds used as ultraviolet filters in cosmetics

A ultraviolet filter is defined as a substance, mixture, or material that blocks or absorbs radiation in the UV range, and its key purpose is protect the skin from the harmful effects of the radiation. Consumer concern is mainly regarding organic filters and the frequent problems with their low photo-stability, which is highly undesirable in terms of safety. The aim of this work was to discuss the term “photo-stability” and to assess the safety of the three most popular compounds classified as ultraviolet filters. Cited studies and issued opinions by Scientific Committees on Customer Safety confirm the safety for human health of Avobenzone, Oxybenzone and Octinoxate in strictly defined maximum concentrations. Side effects of these filters, like accumulation in the bloodstream, may occur after prolonged use. In order to improve the level of photo-stability of Avobenzone and Octinoxate the following methods are used: the use of photo-stabilizers and excited state quenchers, encapsulation of the molecule in micelles or the addition of antioxidants such as vitamin C. Although these compounds do not pose a serious threat to human health, two of them (Oxybenzone and Octinoxate) have a negative impact on aquatic ecosystems.

Recent Research Advances in the Development of Chalkiness and Transparency in Rice

The appearance quality of rice represent the primary concern of consumers when choosing rice, as well as a necessary condition for high-quality rice. In the past, the focus of attention on rice appearance quality was mainly on chalkiness, and most previous reviews on rice appearance quality focused on the chalky phenotype of rice, while some more generalized chalkiness as the only indicator of rice appearance quality. This paper objectively analyses the definitions and interrelationships of rice appearance quality indicators at the present stage. Then, the formation mechanism and research status of rice appearance quality were analyzed from three aspects: endosperm structure, genetic background, and endosperm material basis. The two indicators (chalkiness and transparency) were selected, having the greatest influence on appearance, as the starting point. On this basis, the problems in the current research on rice appearance quality were analyzed and relevant suggestions are put forward, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the overall improvement of rice appearance quality under large-scale production conditions.

Presence and risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in dietary plant supplements as elucidated by a combined DR CALUX® bioassay and GC-HRMS based approach

Plant-based dietary supplements may contain undesirable contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) due to the sources of raw materials or processing methods used. The presence of these contaminants in a series of herbal supplements sold on the Ghanaian market for improving sexual performance was examined using the DR CALUX® bioassay in combination with GC-HRMS analysis. Overall, cell responses at 4 and 48 h exposure to extracts prepared without an acid-silica clean-up were relatively higher than the responses obtained from extracts prepared with an acid-silica clean-up. This indicated that the 40 supplements contained only low levels of stable aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists like polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dl-PCBs, while some contained substantial amounts of less stable AhR-agonists. Ten supplements selected for confirmation with GC-HRMS analysis contained PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs at levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.19 pg toxic equivalent (TEQ)/g only, while the level of the sum of 4 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Σ4PAHs) representing less stable AhR agonists, ranged from not detected (ND) to 25.5 ng/g. These concentrations were in line with the responses observed in the DR CALUX® bioassay. The concentration of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs corresponded to estimated daily intakes (EDIs) ranging from 0.01 to 1.20 pg TEQ/day, or 0.001 to 0.12 pg TEQ/kg bw/week for a 70 kg bw consumer, which was below the established tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 2 pg TEQ/kg bw/week, thus indicating low concern for consumers’ health. Similarly, the EDIs based on the detected Σ4PAHs in supplements ranged from 7.2 to 111 ng/day, or 0.1 to 1.6 ng/kg bw/day, which corresponded to MOE values above 10,000, indicating a low health concern.

Conceptualization of Rice with Low Glycaemic Index: Perspectives from the Major European Consumers.

Rice and cereal consumption has become a concern for consumers due to usually high glycaemic indexes (GI), which is a critical issue for a balanced and healthy diet. Therefore, the development of new products with low GI is an important target of the industry, particularly in countries with high consumption. This study assesses consumers’ perceptions about “rice” and “rice with low GI” and evaluates the effect of consumers’ rice consumption profiles through the application of a free word association technique in a structured self-administered electronic questionnaire with 256 Portuguese consumers (the European market with the highest per capita consumption of rice by far). The frequency of rice consumption was evaluated, and the consumption profile was determined through a hierarchical cluster analysis, with 9% identified as daily consumers. The response words were categorized by the triangulation technique, and the association between the word categories and dimensions, sociodemographic characteristics, and consumption profile were determined. Respondents most frequently associated “rice” with rice dishes, its sensory attributes, and nutrition, highlighting the satisfaction of nutritional and hedonic needs. Consumers revealed positive expectations in relation to the functionality of “rice with low GI”. The consumers’ rice consumption profiles, sex, age, and educational levels influenced their perception towards “rice“ and “rice with low GI”. This study provides important insights for the industry to develop a consumer-oriented, low GI rice product.

Green Energy Products and The Relationship of The Customer's Consideration for The Environment and Perceived Risk Involved with The Mediating Position of Customer Purchasing Intentions

The goal of this study is to examine green energy goods and the relationship of the consumer concern for the atmosphere and perceived danger associated with the mediating role of the customer buying intentions; the point of view of international tourists in Jordan. The sampling technique was accompanied by a cross-sectional, quantitative, and explanatory design, whereby 340 individuals were chosen using a random population method reflecting the tourists of the Jordan for a two-week span beginning on 11/11/2020. By circulation of a paper questionnaire and with the aid of some tourist guides, the person sample was achieved. Moreover, through two stages, the structural model was being analyzed. In the first stage (direct effect) the effect (PK-appropriate CPI) was not important, so H1 was not sponsored. However, the result was important with regard to (PK ΔPR), and hypothesis 2a was supported. (PK ΔEC) were not significant, so hypothesis 2a was not supported. Furthermore, the direct impact of product danger and environmental problems on purchasing intentions were explored, resulting in negative/positive and important findings (PR over CPI, P < 0.05; and environmental concerns over purchase intentions, P > 0.05), so H3awere was endorsed, however, H3b was not supported.

Convolutional Neural Networks for Estimating the Ripening State of Fuji Apples Using Visible and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

The quality of fresh apple fruits is a major concern for consumers and manufacturers. Classification of these fruits according to their ripening stage is one of the most decisive factors in determining their quality. In this regard, the aim of this work is to develop a new method for non-destructive classification of the ripening state of Fuji apples using hyperspectral information in the visible and near-infrared (Vis/NIR) regions. Spectra of 172 apple samples in the range from 450 to 1000 nm were studied, which were selected from four different ripening stages. A convolutional neural network (CNN) model was proposed to perform the classification of the samples. The proposed method was compared with three alternative methods based on artificial neural networks (ANN), support vector machines (SVM), and k-nearest neighbors (KNN). The results revealed that the CNN method outperformed the alternative methods, achieving a correct classification rate (CCR) of 96.5%, compared with an average of 89.5%, 95.93%, and 91.68% for ANN, SVM, and KNN, respectively. These results will help in the development of a new device for fast and accurate estimation of the quality of apples.

Headspace GC/MS and fast GC e-nose combined with chemometric analysis to identify the varieties and geographical origins of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

Food authenticity regarding different varieties and geographical origins is increasingly becoming a concern for consumers. In this study, headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC–MS) and fast gas chromatography electronic nose (fast GC e-nose) were used to successfully distinguish the varieties and geographical origins of dried gingers from seven major production areas in China. By chemometric analysis, a distinct separation between the two varieties of ginger was achieved based on HS-GC–MS. Furthermore, flavor information extracted by fast GC e-nose realized the discrimination of geographical origins, and some potential flavor components were selected as important factors for origin certification. Moreover, several pattern recognition algorithms were compared in varietal and regional identification, and random forest (RF) led to the highest accuracies for discrimination. Overall, a rapid and precise method combining multivariate chemometrics and algorithms was developed to determine varieties and geographical origins of ginger, and it could also be applied to other agricultural products.

Microwave frying and post-frying of French fries

French fries are popular items in the diets of many countries, but the high oil content is a major health concern for consumers. Numerous novel frying techniques have been explored by the fast food service industry and the research community to address such concern. This research aimed to study the influence of microwave heating at two frequencies (2.45 and 5.85 GHz), both individually or in combination, in frying and post-frying on oil reduction in French fries. Results showed that microwave frying reduced the frying time by 30 – 40%, with equivalent product quality attributes in terms of oil content, color, and texture, as compared to deep-oil frying. Oil intake increased with increasing moisture loss during frying, regardless of the frying methods. Post-frying condition was the key to oil reduction. Specifically, a 60 s microwave heating after frying reduced the oil content by 18 – 23%. Compared to 2.45 GHz, microwaves at 5.85 GHz could produce French fries with significantly lower oil content (p ≤ 0.05) and better quality attributes such as color and texture. This study demosntrated the potential of microwave heating in production of deep-fried French fries with lower oil content and better quality.

Age-related effects of feeder space availability on welfare of broilers reared to 56 days of age part 1: biochemical, enzymatical, and electrolyte variables

Consumer concern about rapid growth and increased production efficiency is perceived to negatively impact the welfare of the animal. This study investigated the effects of feeder space availability on welfare of broiler chickens reared to 56 d of age on biochemical, enzymatical, and electrolyte parameters. The study was a randomized complete block design. In each of the 2 trials, a total of 1,440 one-day-old Ross × Ross 708 chicks (straight-run) were obtained from a commercial hatchery. Chicks were equally and randomly allocated to 32 pens based on feeder space treatment. The 4 feeder space treatments were 2.3 cm/bird with one feeder per pen and 2.3, 4.6, and 6.9 cm/bird with 3 feeders per pen and retain uniform bird:feeder floor space, 3 feeders were installed in each pen, except for the single feeder pen. Blood samples (3 mL) were collected from the brachial wing vein of 3 birds per pen on d 27 and 55. The collected blood samples were centrifuged for plasma to determine the electrolyte levels, biochemical concentrations, and enzyme activities. Results show that only uric acid was affected by feeder space while age had significant effects on most examined variables. Plasma corticosterone and glucose were not affected by feeder space and age, indicating absence of physiological stress. In conclusion, expanding feeder allowance does not enhance welfare of broilers reared to 56 d of age.

Assessment of pesticide residues in beef feed and meat in Bangladesh: A safety issues

The use of pesticides in agricultural sectors is rising due to the growing demand for food in the world, but the presence of pesticide residues in agricultural commodities has become a major health concern for consumers and is associated with problems of food safety. Pesticides in meats and milk were derived from feeds. The present study was conducted to find the pesticide residue in cattle feed ingredients, commercial beef cattle feed and meat of beef cattle. Commercial beef cattle feed, Heart, kidney, liver, lung and muscle samples of beef cattle were collected from four district of Bangladesh were analyzed by GC-MS (Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) for organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residue. There were no organoclhorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues in collected raw materials and commercial beef feed except Saudia and Fresh feed. In case of commercial beef feed. Aldrin was found in Saudia feed and Fresh feed at the level of 77 and 336 µg/kg, respectively. The results indicate that the concentration of aldrin in commercial beef cattle feed named Saudia and Fresh feed were above maximum residue limit (MRL) values (20 µg/kg) set by WHO/FAO. Contaminants existed at different levels in cattle feed of Bangladesh.

Second chance hiring: exploring consumer perception of employers who hire individuals with criminal histories

PurposeMany employers express concern over consumer response to employees with criminal histories. However, consumers' responses may be less negative than employers assume. The authors examine consumers' response to organizations that hire employees with criminal histories.Design/methodology/approachThe authors surveyed participants randomly assigned to one of two conditions: purchasing services from an employer that hires individuals with criminal histories or from an employer whose inclination to hire individuals with criminal histories is unknown. The authors considered four service providers, among which the length of customers' time and involvement with employees varies: a grocery store, restaurant, auto-repair shop, and hotel.FindingsParticipants were no more or less likely to patronize the restaurant, the repair shop, or the grocery store that hired individuals with criminal histories, and no more or less likely to alter their willingness to pay for these services. Consumers were less likely to stay at a hotel that hired employees with criminal histories, but this difference was mitigated when customers were provided with an explanation of the benefits of hiring individuals with criminal histories.Research limitations/implicationsThis study highlights the need for further research on perceptions that limit hiring of individuals with criminal histories and other similarly marginalized populations.Practical implicationsThis research addresses a common justification – consumer concern – for not hiring individuals with criminal histories.Social implicationsIncreased employment improves individual outcomes, such as access to stable housing and food, as well as larger outcomes, such as public safety.Originality/valueThis paper highlights a population often marginalized in the hiring process. The findings challenge a common justification for not hiring individuals with criminal histories.