Consumer Confidence Research Articles

Investigating the Factors Affecting Customer Trust in E-Commerce

In the rapidly evolving landscape of e-commerce, the foundation of customer trust has emerged as a critical determinant of success for online businesses. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of trust in e-commerce, identifying and analyzing key factors that influence consumer confidence and loyalty. Through a comprehensive examination, we highlight the importance of website design and usability, security measures, customer reviews and testimonials, customer service and support, and the impact of brand reputation and influencer endorsements. The discussion extends to actionable strategies for e-commerce businesses to build and maintain customer trust, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and adaptation to changing consumer expectations and technological advancements. Real-life case studies provide insights into successful and unsuccessful attempts to foster trust online, underscoring the lessons learned. The article concludes by reflecting on the dynamic nature of trust in e-commerce, urging businesses to stay vigilant and proactive in creating a trustworthy shopping environment. This analysis serves as a valuable resource for e-commerce businesses aiming to navigate the complexities of building trust in the digital age.

The Role of Sanitation, Hygiene, and Safety Education in Enhancing Economic Efficiency in the Food Service Industry

The study aims to explore the crucial role of courses on Sanitation, Hygiene, and Safety in enhancing the standards of the food and beverage industry in Soppeng Regency. The methodology involves conducting surveys among food business operators and analyzing emic data to evaluate their knowledge of hygiene, sanitation, and safety practices. Findings reveal that many operators have limited awareness of food spoilage caused by microorganisms, and they receive insufficient training on maintaining workplace safety standards. This knowledge gap potentially undermines product quality and poses significant health risks to consumers. Additionally, the study identifies a lack of standardized guidelines for sanitation and safety that are consistently adhered to across the industry. The conclusion highlights the importance of continuous education and comprehensive training programs aimed at improving operators' knowledge of hygiene and sanitation, thereby addressing these shortcomings. Strengthening this understanding is crucial for supporting sustainable tourism, enhancing consumer confidence, and elevating overall service standards within the food and beverage sector in Soppeng Regency, fostering a safer and more appealing industry environment.

Biofertilizer use in the United States: definition, regulation, and prospects.

The increasing demand for sustainable food production has driven a surge in the use and commercialization of biological inputs, including biofertilizers. In this context, biofertilizers offer potential benefits for nutrient use efficiency, crop yield and sustainability. However, inconsistent definition of the term "biofertilizer" and regulations, particularly in the USA, hinder market growth and consumer confidence. While the European Union, and countries like Brazil, India, and China have made progress in this area, the USA market, projected to exceed $1 billion by 2029, lacks clear guidelines for biofertilizer production and sale. The USA market is dominated by Rhizobium genus, Mycorrhizae fungi, and Azospirillum species and based products targeting various crops. Although there is a growing and promising market for the use of biofertilizers, there are still many challenges to overcome, and to fully realize the potential of biofertilizers, future research should focus on modes of action, specific claims, and robust regulations that must be established. KEY POINTS: • The term "biofertilizer" lacks a universally accepted definition • It is necessary establishing a national regulation for biofertilizers in the USA • The biofertilizer market is growing fast and the biggest one is in America.

Integrating Blockchain Technology in Pharmaceutical Supply Chains

This paper presents a transformative approach to enhancing transparency, security, and traceability. By utilizing a decentralized ledger system, stakeholders can access real-time data about drug provenance and distribution, thereby increasing consumer confidence and improving regulatory compliance. Existing pharmaceutical supply chains face significant challenges, including counterfeit drugs, lack of visibility, and inefficiencies in tracking products through complex logistics networks. These issues lead to financial losses, compromised patient safety, and regulatory penalties. This study proposes a novel framework, the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain using Blockchain Technology (PSC-BCT), designed to address these existing challenges. The PSC-BCT framework leverages smart contracts, distributed ledgers, and IoT integration to create a secure, transparent, and efficient supply chain ecosystem. This framework enables all participants, from manufacturers to pharmacists, to share and verify transaction data, thereby enhancing accountability and reducing the risk of fraud. The proposed method is utilized to streamline operations, reduce delays, and enhance data integrity within the pharmaceutical supply chain. By ensuring that every transaction is recorded immutably, stakeholders can verify product authenticity and track the drug's journey from production to the end consumer. The findings indicate that the PSC-BCT framework significantly improves supply chain transparency and efficiency while reducing instances of counterfeit drugs. Furthermore, the implementation of blockchain technology fosters trust among stakeholders and enhances compliance with regulatory standards, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and safety.

ANALISIS DESKRIPTIF KUALITATIF IMPLEMENTASI WORD OF MOUTH DALAM KOMUNIKASI PEMASARAN PRODUK BROOKLAND COFFEE

This research aims to explore and describe exactly how the application of word of mouth marketing communication in Brookland Coffee's product marketing strategy. The research method uses a descriptive qualitative approach by conducting direct observations and in-depth interviews with key informants consisting of the owner, baristas, and consumers of Brookland Coffee. The results showed that Brookland Coffee consistently implements a word of mouth strategy by prioritizing aspects of trust and consumer confidence. This strategy is implemented through a family approach, networking, and community building, especially the bicycle community. The research conclusion revealed that the effectiveness of word of mouth succeeded in strengthening Brookland Coffee's marketing communications, supported by consistent product quality, good service (hospitality), and the use of Instagram social media as a supporting platform for marketing strategies. Brookland Coffee succeeded in building a strong brand identity through a combination of offline and online word of mouth communication.

Detecting water-soaked disorder and reddish-pulp disorder in peach fruit using bio-speckle

This study addresses the challenges in nondestructive identifying diseases, particularly water-soaked and reddish-pulp disorders, in peaches during storage and transport. Existing technologies have struggled to detect these diseases during this period, leading to potential food loss and consumer distrust. Biospeckle has emerged as a promising discriminator of the internal state of the fruit by utilizing laser-induced scattered light patterns. Pigment interference is minimized by employing lasers with wavelengths of 532 and 650 nm. This study focuses on the ability of biospeckle to distinguish between healthy and diseased fruit based on characteristic values, specifically the Fujii index and cumulative amplitude (Cum. amp.) at 2–3, 3–4, 4–5, and 6–7 Hz. The t-test results demonstrated significant differences in these values, particularly for water-soaked and reddish-pulp disorders. Biospeckle outperforms other non-destructive methods by identifying the symptoms pre-storage. These results indicate that Cum. amp. at 3–4, 4–5, and 6–7 Hz may be more useful in identifying water-soaked fruit than the Fujii index and Cum. amp. at 2–3 Hz. Red lasers are more effective in detecting reddish-pulp disorders than green lasers, which are hindered by pigment absorption. This finding highlights the potential of biospeckle in precise symptom identification, which is crucial for ensuring food quality and consumer confidence.

Optimizing Fish Feed Pellets Handling Systems to Minimize Microplastics Emissions - A Pilot Test Based Approach

The fisheries and aquaculture industries are vital components of global food production, yet they also contribute to release of microplastics into marine environments, posing risks to ecosystem health and seafood safety. Among the contributing factors, the erosion of feeding pipes during the pneumatic conveyance of fish feed pellets stands out as a significant source of microplastic pollution. This study focuses on optimizing feed pellet conveying systems in fish farms to minimize microplastic emissions while maximizing pipeline lifespan and pellet integrity. Using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes commonly found in aquaculture facilities, the impact of air velocity and pipeline configuration on pipe wall erosion and pellet breakage was investigated. Through pneumatic conveying tests, the effects of varying air flow rates and bend radii were assessed on pipeline wear and feed pellet integrity. The findings of the study underscored the importance of optimizing operating parameters to bring a balance between preventing pipe blockages and minimizing abrasive impacts on pellets and pipeline surfaces. Furthermore, a simulationbased approach to optimize feeding system performance is presented, integrating the experimental results into a computational model. This model allows for the evaluation of different operating conditions and pipeline configurations, offering insights into costeffective strategies for reducing microplastic emissions while maintaining efficient feed delivery to fish populations. Ultimately, this research provided practical recommendations and best practices for the aquaculture industry to mitigate microplastic pollution from feeding pipes. By optimizing feed pellet conveying systems, environmental sustainability can be enhanced, seafood quality be preserved, and bolster consumer confidence in aquaculture products.

Agri-food fraud in Africa vis-à-vis global health

This paper reports on the extent of agri-food fraud in Africa, its occurrence across the Africa-EU trade borders, and associated implications for global health. It revealed that agri-food fraud in Africa and across Africa-EU trade borders may be a concern. Meanwhile, a few suspected cases have been reported, there may be more unchecked/unnoticed agri-food fraud practices ongoing in Africa requiring food trade border checks and rapid decisions making processes to reduce exposures. Exposure to adulterants can have significant implications for global health, as consumers unknowingly pay for, and consume, products that may be adulterated with substances which constitute a risk factor to one or more unchecked hazards against consumers' health protection. As global trade in agri-food products expands, the supply chain vulnerability to fraudulent activities becomes increasingly evident. This may be worse partly due to the inadequate food safety laws in African countries or poor enforcement. There is a need for food safety regulations in Africa that aim to ensure the safety and authenticity of food products, protect public health, and maintain consumer confidence. Finally, there is a need for rapid detection tools to make quick decisions on the field and agri-food traceability systems.

Passenger Rights and Airline Responsibilities Under International Treaties: An In-Depth Look At Aviation Law and Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: The main aim of the article is to assess the level of compliance with passenger rights and the fulfillment of obligations by airlines according to international treaties, an in-depth look at aviation law and sustainable development goals. Theoretical Framework: Several international airlines serve as the subjects of the study, additionally, aviation legislation will also be examined, with improvements to it based on the results of the conducted assessment. Method: The scientific task involves proposing a methodological approach to evaluating the level of compliance with passenger rights and the fulfillment of airline obligations according to international treaties. Results and Discussion: The result of the research, the level of compliance with passenger rights and the fulfillment of obligations by airlines according to international treaties for the listed airlines have been determined. The findings have become the basis for identifying key ways to improve aviation legislation. Research Implications: The study has implications and only considers a specific list of airlines. In the future, it should be expanded to take into account the specifics of individual countries. Originality/Value: This study focusses on ensuring that passenger rights are protected, which in turn enhances consumer confidence and promotes higher standards of service within the airline industry.

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.

Effects of preslaughter handling approach and aging on carcass and meat quality attributes in goats

This study aimed to assess the impact of preslaughter handling method and aging on carcass and meat quality traits in goats. Twenty-seven male goats of Ardi breed were assigned into three treatment groups viz., the control (C), ear pulling (EP), and hind-leg pulling (HP). The carcasses were stored for post-mortem aging periods of 1, 7, and 14 days. On day 0 and the respective aging days, samples of the Longissimus thoracic et lumborum (LTL) muscles were collected and examined for various meat quality parameters. The preslaughter handling of goats significantly increase the total bacterial count, total Enterobacteriaceae count, and total Clostridium count. It also had a significant effect on the pH of LTL muscle during aging. A significantly lower values for pH were recorded in the treatment groups (EP and HP) as compared to the pH of the C group on day 1 of aging. Notably, both treatment groups were found to increase the shear force, hardness, and chewiness of the meat, ultimately compromising its quality. The proper treatment of meat animals, especially goats, is crucial for enhancing carcass and meat quality. Careful preslaughter handling practices by avoiding ear and hind-leg pulling can minimize negative impacts on the final product. Therefore, the significance of conducting this study lies in its potential to enhance animal welfare, improve meat quality, boost economic benefits for producers, and foster consumer confidence in meat products.

Effect Of Consumer Education By Consumer Federation Of Kenya On Consumer Protection In Commercial Banks Of Kenya

Background: In many jurisdictions, consumer protection law has not been enacted despite the financial services industry's development. This means that in order to boost client confidence and promote the adoption of innovative products, financial services clients must have access to fundamental protections. The prevalence of uninformed customers who rely on financial institutions for their information has led to a rise in the misuse of consumer confidence. Abuse by banks and its marketers, such as imposing exorbitant charges on clients' accounts without providing formal advice, is becoming more widespread. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the measures taken by the Consumer Federation of Kenya to ensure adequate access to information by Kenyan commercial banks customers in an effort to ensure their protection. approach was taken to get in touch with the COFEK staff. Methodology: Questionnaires were utilized in the study to collect data. Both inferential and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Version 22 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed. Frequency tables, percentages, and relevant statistical descriptions were used to display the data. Results: Most of the respondents were fairly aware of the consumer education activities carried out by the protection agency in commercial banks. Consumer education had a significant coefficient (p-value = 0.0001; β = 0.469) according to the data analysis. Consumer education is statistically significant in ensuring consumer protection. Conclusion: COFEK should enhance the sensitization programs put in place for clients with a view of making them more informed. Public drives to raise the awareness levels should be carried out.

Election and Wallet: The Effect of Election Periods and Consumer Expectations on Consumer Confidence with ARDL and QARDL Model Approach

The growing significance of consumer confidence and the explanation of the factors influencing this confidence is an important issue worthy of study. This study aims to examine the effects of election periods and consumer expectations on the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) in Turkey. To this end, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Quantile Autoregressive Distributed Lag (QARDL) models will be employed. Data on the variables in question were collected on a monthly basis from Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) over the period spanning 2012:1 to 2024:3. The ARDL model findings indicate that election periods exert a positive and significant influence on the TGE, both in the short run and in the long run. The intention to buy or have a house built and the intention to save have positive and significant effects on the TGE in both the short and long run. Conversely, the intention to buy a car and the cost of living index have a positive and significant effects on the TGE in the short run, but no significant effect was found in the long run. The QARDL model reveals that asymmetry is present, with all variables exhibiting disparate effects across different quartiles. The findings of this study indicate that in order to enhance consumer confidence and guarantee economic stability, it is essential to prioritise the housing market, savings patterns and reducing the cost of living. The development of policies that ensure the sustainability of the confidence and stability created during election periods is crucial. The research offers invaluable insights into ARDL and QARDL models that can inform Turkey's economic policies.

A Systematic Review of Traceability and Monitoring in Port Transportation Processes for Halal Compliance and Certification

This systematic review provides a comprehensive analysis of halal transportation practices at ports, with a focus on the critical aspects of traceability and monitoring mechanisms. As the global halal market continues to expand rapidly, ensuring the integrity of halal products across the entire supply chain, particularly during port clearance and transportation—has become increasingly vital. This article synthesizes current research on the challenges faced in transportation, technological advancements, and the regulatory frameworks governing halal logistics at ports. It evaluates existing methods for tracking and verifying the halal status of goods from their origin to the destination, emphasizing the pivotal role of traceability and monitoring in upholding halal integrity. The review identifies significant gaps in the literature, particularly concerning the standardization of halal transport protocols and the integration of advanced tracking technologies. Additionally, it examines the policies and regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing the halal transport process. The findings underscore the urgent need to develop comprehensive, globally recognized guidelines that can adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape and address the diverse needs of the halal market. This study is instrumental in fostering more efficient, transparent, and reliable halal shipping practices at ports, ultimately bolstering consumer confidence and supporting the continued growth of the global halal market.

Prospects and challenges of mobile banking in Bangladesh: A case study

Mobile banking is a technology advancement that enables convenient, anytime, anywhere access to financial services. When using mobile banking, customers can access banking services via their phones without having to wait in line. It is a branchless kind of banking. The purpose of the study was to identify the prospects and challenges facing Bangladeshi mobile banking in the twenty-first century. Over 80 respondents were selected using Yaro Yamani formula from a sample of bank clients and bankers and given a standardized questionnaire. The study's goal has been perceived through the application of the descriptive research approach. Based on the study's findings, people's interest in mobile banking is growing daily due to its advantages. Certain banks do not presently offer all mobile banking services, and not all respondents are aware of all the mobile banking options available. Fast data transfer and cost-effective usage are two factors that entice customers. Some of the disadvantages of mobile banking are that it is very expensive, private, complex, etc. Lowering operational risks and increasing consumer confidence in Bangladesh's mobile banking services can be achieved through robust technical information control and security procedures that ensure the integrity and confidentiality of financial transactions.

Compliance with anti-money laundering laws and their impact on banking operations in Pakistan: banking expert’s opinion

Purpose Despite sound anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and membership in the financial action task force, money laundering remains a severe concern faced by Pakistan because of its weak AML regime. This led to an investigation of the perceptions of banking expert’s regarding the AML law’s costs and complexity, mapping of compliance cost and measures taken by Pakistani banks in compliance with AML laws. Design/methodology/approach A socio-legal study approach was adopted based on library-based, and interviews using social media platforms to treasure the experts’ opinions regarding the impact of AML laws on baking operations in Pakistan. A semistructured interview-based questionnaire was handed out to Pakistani banking officers. Findings The findings revealed that, for banks to meet the AML obligation, they must overcome challenges including cost and complexity. Nevertheless, these costs are less expensive than the penalties assessed for noncompliance. Practical implications Following AML regulations can help the banking industry grow, which, in turn, attracts more foreign investment by boosting consumer confidence. However, it is difficult and expensive to comply with these requirements. The current research hopes that the financial regulatory authorities of Pakistan will adopt more effective measures for efficient compliance with AML laws. Originality/value The impact of compliance with AML laws on banking operations in Pakistan was examined in this study for the first time using banking officers’ opinions from various banks best of author’s knowledge.

Blockchain-Enhanced Organic Product Authentication and Provenance Verification System

Blockchain technology is being used to develop systems that can authenticate organic products and corroborate their provenance. This could revise the organic food assiduity by adding translucency and traceability, perfecting consumer confidence, and reducing the environmental impact. The system works by creating a unique digital identity for each organic product at the point of product. This digital identity is also stored on a blockchain, which is a distributed tally that's tamper- evidence and transparent. As the product moves through the force chain, each party in the chain scans the QR law on the product and updates the blockchain with information about the product's movement. This allows consumers to corroborate the product's authenticity and provenance, as well as to learn further about how the product was produced and transported.

Examining the Relationship Between Consumer Sentiment and Stock Price Returns

This study centers on exploring the dynamic relationship between the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (UMCSI) and the S&P 500 Index, employing both a bivariate regression model and Granger Causality analysis. The aim is to provide deeper insights into how fluctuations in consumer sentiment, as reflected by the UMCSI, impact and are impacted by movements in the S&P 500 Index. Furthermore, Granger Causality analysis is employed to discern the directionality of this relationship. The results indicate that the S&P 500 Index Granger Causes the UMCSI, implying that past values of the S&P 500 Index contain predictive information about future changes in consumer sentiment. This finding suggests that stock market movements can potentially serve as leading indicators of shifts in consumer confidence, offering predictive insights into broader economic trends and consumer behavior.

Assessing Dietary Supplements, Nutritional Deficiencies, and the Potential of Personalized Nutrition

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened public awareness of health, leading to a surge in the consumption of dietary supplements, particularly vitamins and minerals. These micronutrients are vital for numerous physiological processes and overall health maintenance. However, the rapid expansion of the health product market has also resulted in the proliferation of substandard items and the risk of misuse or overconsumption. This study analyzes the ingredients in various health products and assesses the nutritional deficiencies prevalent in local populations. It emphasizes the importance of balanced nutrition while cautioning against the excessive intake of certain supplements. The research also explores the potential of personalized nutrition, driven by advances in genomics and biotechnology, to provide tailored supplement recommendations. Additionally, the study highlights the need for stricter regulations and improved quality control in the health product industry to ensure consumer safety and confidence. By offering insights into the nutritional needs of individuals, this study aims to guide informed and responsible supplement use.

Ensuring Food Safety through Effective Supply Chain Management:Challenges and Suggestions

Ensuring food safety is a complex challenge exacerbated by the global nature of modern supply chains. Effective supply chain management plays a crucial role in safeguarding food. This paper explores the concerns of food safety that causes by unethical food supply chain. Case studies from both developed and developing regions illustrate successful initiatives and highlight lessons learned. The role of collaboration among stakeholders—producers, processors, distributors, regulators, and consumers—is emphasized as crucial for effectively managing risks and ensuring compliance with safety standards throughout the supply chain. This essay examines how supply chain issues affect food safety through three case studies: China’s oil scandal mixing edible and chemical oils, the 2022 U.S. peanut butter recall due to salmonella contamination, and antibiotic-contaminated Vietnamese shrimp amid Japan’s nuclear water release. Each case underscores the impact on public health and trust. By examining three current cases, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how ineffective supply chain management can create food safety risks and reduce consumer confidence in the safety and integrity of the food supply chain and suggest possible course of action.