Consumer Demand Research Articles

How did South Korean multiplexes survive the pandemic?: A dynamic capabilities perspective

Purpose The film industry is going through a period of upheaval and crisis. This study aims to examine the movie theater industry’s survival strategies by analyzing South Korean multiplex management strategies during the pandemic from a dynamic capabilities perspective. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted a case study to analyze the management strategies of South Korean multiplexes using Teece's (2007) proposed components of sensing, seizing and transforming. Data was collected from business reports, websites, publications, news releases and interviews beginning in January 2020, when COVID-19 began to spread in South Korea, until June 2023. Findings South Korean multiplex theaters’ sensing capabilities have enabled companies to understand the changing demands of consumers and respond quickly. The seizing capability also enabled the development of distinctive business models, and the transforming capability contributed to equipping growth engines from a long-term perspective. Originality/value This study confirmed that the dynamic capabilities perspective and the three components conceptualized by Teece (2007) can explain the strategic choices of firms during acute crises such as pandemics. Additionally, these findings have practical implications for global film industry stakeholders.

Comparative Analysis of Rapid and Less Invasive Methods for A2A2 Dairy Cattle Genotyping and A2 Milk Purity Detection

In this study, two methods for assessing the purity of A2 fermented milk and β-casein genotypes in dairy cows were examined. The need for rapid and precise methods for herd screening and A2 milk quality control justified this study. Accordingly, an ELISA test was developed to identify β-casein A1 in fermented milk, and a commercial Lateral Flow Immunoassay (LFIA) was evaluated to determine A2A2 genotypes and the purity of A2 milk. The results demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA test in identifying β-casein A1. The LFIA test successfully identified A2A2 genotypes and confirmed the purity of A2 milk, with a minimum detectable contamination of 5% for raw milk and 10% for fermented milk. Both tests exhibited 100% sensitivity and specificity, resulting in positive and negative predictive values of 100%. The positive likelihood ratio was infinite, while the negative was zero, indicating a precise and reliable test with no false diagnoses. Compared to traditional genotyping, these methods proved to be more practical and showed potential for large-scale screening. It was concluded that ELISA and LFIA are valuable tools for ensuring the quality and authenticity of A2 milk, meeting the demands of producers and consumers for safe and healthy dairy products.

Transformation towards Organic Cassava Production in Yasothon Province, Thailand

With the marked increase in consumer and commercial demand for organic foods and products, organic cassava production has become a viable alternative for small growers because it can lead to the sustainability of the agriculture and food production system. However, few studies have been conducted to enable a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to the transformation from chemical into organic cassava production systems. This study quantitatively aimed to identify socioeconomic, cassava profitability, and institutional factors that influence the cultural practice transformation towards organic cassava production in a district of Yasothon province, Thailand. We used a structured interview schedule to collect data from 283 sampled cassava growers comprising 236 chemical cassava growers and 47 organic cassava growers in the district during the period from August 2020 to November 2020. Quantitatively, we used the binary logistic regression method to identify the positive and negative factors contributing to the transformation of cassava production systems including growers’ motivations for the transformation. The study findings indicated that income from organic cassava was taken as the main motivation for growers’ decisions to transform (40.3%). We found that organic cassava farm gate price, access to formal credit, labor used and membership in growers’ organizations were positive significant factors that affected the cultural practice transformation. Finally, small cassava growers as well as stakeholders should systemically be considered by policymakers and in strategic intervention through relevant institutions.

Electric vehicle adoption in Generation Z: Drivers of Hungarian higher education students' attitude

AbstractThe transition to electric vehicles has become an urgent priority due to their lower environmental impact. The automotive industry has already developed solutions for zero-emission vehicles to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, this transition heavily depends on the evolution of consumer demand. This paper focuses on Generation Z, as they will soon become a determining consumer segment in the automotive market. Our research aims to analyze Generation Z's attitude toward electric vehicles. Their attitude provides valuable insights for industry leaders regarding future consumer behavior. We analyzed the relationship between selected adoption factors (environmental concern, perceived risk, ease of use, and enjoyment) and Generation Z's attitude toward electric vehicles (measured by perceived relative advantage). Our research is based on data from Hungarian Generation Z respondents, and our findings conclude that environmental concern is less relevant than enjoyment and ease of use, which are the most impactful factors.

A Qualitative Analysis of the Socio-cultural Barriers to Intra-African Trade: Evidence from Nigerian Exporters

This study qualitatively analyzed the sociocultural barriers to intra-African trade, focusing on challenges faced by African businesses in cross-border markets, their impacts, and mitigation strategies. An exploratory case study design was adopted, using purposive and snowball sampling to select participants. Primary data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 10 members of the Association of Nigerian Exporters (ANE). Reflexivity and participant validation ensured research credibility, while Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis framework guided data analysis, with thematic maps aiding interpretation. The findings identified five key sociocultural barriers substantially inhibiting intra-African trade: cultural complexity, corruption and bureaucratic obstacles, trust gaps, unhealthy rivalries, and business network challenges. These barriers contribute to miscommunication, failed negotiations, weakened consumer demand, failed partnerships, and increased operational costs for intra-African trade. These findings underscored that sociocultural factors play a pivotal role in shaping the success or failure of intra-African trade, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to address these barriers. In particular, they emphasized that cultural complexity hampers communication and negotiations, while corruption and bureaucratic obstacles erode trust and create inefficiencies. Trust gaps weaken partnerships, unhealthy rivalries hinder collaboration, and business network challenges limit market access and increase operational costs. Tackling these issues is crucial for improving trade efficiency and fostering stronger economic integration across the African continent.

Optimum pricing decision for the retailer with warranty and price-dependent variable demand

Buying inventory on a credit basis is an effective pricing plan, and trade credit is a popular component of market transactions that increase demand. In a dynamic situation, most businesses offer different rewards and services to their consumers under certain terms and conditions during commodity sales. The accompanying companies provide a warranty period facility to increase consumer demand for products. The holding cost often increases over time. This study determines a production model wherein the production rate is proportionate to the price-warranty period based on the demand rate with time-dependent holding cost and trade credit policy. This work leads to three vital conventions: (I) the rate of product demand is considered to be price-warranty period dependent; (II) the non-linear function is considered for the rate of replacement failure, wherein the capital of the manufacturer depends on the warranty period; and (III) the rate of inflation is constant; moreover, the present time value of money also measured. This study aims to find the selling price, cycle time, and warranty period by using an algorithm to optimize the total profit function of the manufacturer. The results are validated by solving three numerical examples with their graphical representation based on different situations and the major parameters, and sensitivity analysis is analyzed with important decision-making implications.

Factors Influencing Selection of Dairy Products by Retailers with Special Reference to Amul - A Study in Raipur

This report summarizes the comprehensive analysis of the behavior of retailers, product range, and promotion strategies by the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies in the dairy products industry. The study was done during a two-month internship at Amul, with an objective to get practical knowledge about the distribution, marketing, and sales activities of FMCG companies through General Trade, Modern Trade, and Horeca channels. These considerations include profit margins, available products, reliable supply chain, and brand equity to arrive at a conclusion. Thereby, findings suggest the preference of retailers for trusted brands by the consumers having quality assurance and consistent supplies because of the perishability aspect related with dairy products such as milk, curd, and paneer. In addition, kiosk events, wall paintings, and shutter advertisements have proven to have a positive effect on the visibility of the brand and engagement of the consumers with the brand, thus affecting the decision of retailers to stock. Shelf space allocation was also observed to depend on consumer demand, brand promotions, and product differentiation in competitive retail environments. Through market visits and retailer feedback, the study provided actionable recommendations to strengthen Amul's brand presence and optimize product turnover. This internship emphasized the importance of close relationships and support mechanisms from strong retailers in fostering brand loyalty and market growth in the FMCG industry. Keywords: Distribution Efficiency, Brand Loyalty in Dairy, Retailer Relationship Management.

Heat Transfer Mechanism Study of an Embedded Heat Pipe for New Energy Consumption System Enhancement

Aiming at the demand for new energy consumption and mobile portable heat storage, a gravity heat pipe with embedded structure was designed. In order to explore the two-phase heat transfer mechanism of the embedded heat pipe, CFD numerical simulation technology was used to study the internal two-phase flow state and heat transfer process of the embedded heat pipe under different working conditions. The evolution law of the internal working medium of the heat pipe under different working conditions was obtained. With the increase in heating power, it is easier to form large bubbles and large vapor slugs inside the heat pipe. When the heating power increases to a certain extent, the shape of the vapor slugs can no longer be maintained at the bottom of the adiabatic section, and the vapor slugs begin to break and merge, forming local annular flow. When the filling ratio (FR) is relatively low, the bubble is easy to break through the liquid level and rupture, unable to form a vapor slug. With the increase in FR, the possibility of projectile flow and annular flow in the heat pipe increases. Under the same heating power, the temperature uniformity of the heat pipe becomes stronger with the increase in heating time. The velocity distribution in the heat pipe is affected by the FR. The heating power has almost no effect on the distribution of the velocity field inside the heat pipe, but the maximum velocity is different. At an FR of 30%, there are two typical velocity extremes in the tube near positions of 120 mm and 160 mm, respectively, and the velocity in the tube is basically unchanged above a position of 200 mm. There are also multiple velocity extremes at an FR of 70%, with the maximum velocity occurring near 240 mm.

Reducing Uncertainty in Energy Hub Operation: A Demand Response Approach for Improved Cost-Efficiency

Abstract In this paper, a daily programming was performed for an Energy Hub (EH). This EH has a typical electricity generation unit, a boiler, a Combined Heat and Power (CHP), two hectares of solar farm, three wind turbines with different capacities, a battery and a heat storage unit. This hub can purchase electricity from the upstream grid and is also responsible for fully supplying the electrical and thermal loads. Herein, power generation uncertainty by Renewable Energy Sources (RESs), the consumer's electrical and thermal demands as well as the upstream grid electricity market price are modeled by appropriate probability functions. In addition, the combined thermal and electrical energies to consumer are optimized. Moreover, the effect of uncertainty of uncertain parameters is reduced using a Demand Response Program (DRP) by load shifting method. The DRP is applied to both energy forms (electrical and thermal), which reduces hub costs by shifting the load from the hours when energy is expensive and unavailable to the hours when energy is cheap and available. Energy storage devices also shift energy from expensive to cheap hours. The integration of a Demand Response Program effectively minimizes operational costs and enhances the efficiency of the Energy Hub by optimizing energy usage in response to fluctuating prices and availability.

Enhancing Brioche Bread with Emulsified Seed and Nut Oils: Nutritional and Sustainable Benefits

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an oil-in-water emulsion formulated from water and seed and nut oils as a substitute for butter in the formulation of brioche bread. First, the selected oils were physicochemically characterized. In the brioche, animal fat was fully and partially replaced, and the effects were analyzed at the physical, chemical, and sensory levels. The new formulations exhibited increased lightness, a softer crumb, improved cohesiveness, and greater expansion compared to the control, resulting in fluffier and lighter brioches. Nutritionally, the seed and nut oil brioches showed a lower fat content and lower energy value, but higher protein and carbohydrate levels. The lipid profile was enhanced, with a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, which positively impacted two heart-friendly indices and increased the vitamin E content. This improvement potentially allows the food industry to apply health claims to product labeling. Regarding sensory analysis, in all cases, the reformulated brioches scored higher than the control sample in terms of external appearance, although there remained a preference for the flavor and aroma of the traditional version, which could be mitigated by adding flavor compounds such as diacetyl. This study differs from previous research by using a seed and nut oil emulsion instead of non-emulsified oils, improving the texture and stability of brioche bread, an achievement not consistently reported in prior studies. Additionally, it emphasizes sustainability by offering a plant-based alternative that addresses the growing consumer demand for vegan and eco-friendly products while providing enhanced nutritional benefits that support potential health claims.

Research on Paths to Enhance the Quality of Cultural, Sports, and Tourism Consumption Scenarios in Liaoning

With the continuous improvement of the socio-economic development level, people's living standards have been ensured, leading to a greater focus on spiritual satisfaction. This shift provides new opportunities for the tourism industry. During the process of driving economic growth and social development, the integration of culture, sports, and tourism industries has emerged as an important force. The development of these integrated industries, as a new model of industry integration in China, has been found to have a high degree of industry fit through systematic practical application. This integration not only enables effective resource consolidation and optimal allocation but also creates more attractive and competitive products and services to meet diverse consumer demands. Analyzing from the consumer perspective, the integration of culture, sports, and tourism can further stimulate consumers' potential, and how to leverage this integration to enhance consumption levels has become an urgent issue for relevant departments and enterprises. This paper comprehensively analyzes the importance of improving the quality of cultural, sports, and tourism consumption scenarios, proposes solutions to problems encountered during development, and thus promotes high-quality development of the industry.

Efficient astaxanthin production: Advanced strategies to improve microbial fermentation

AbstractAstaxanthin is a very valuable chemical with strong antioxidant effects, including anti‐cancer, anti‐inflammatory, eye protection, and other properties. The rapid development of synthetic biology has facilitated microbial astaxanthin production, offering environmental benefits, mild reaction conditions, and alignment with consumer demand for natural compounds. Accordingly, this review introduces the latest progress in the production of astaxanthin using different microorganisms including native microbes like Haematococcus pluvialis and Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous, as well as engineered microbes like Yarrowia lipolytica and Escherichia coli. Methods for improving astaxanthin production through fermentation process regulation and metabolic engineering are reviewed and directions for future work are proposed.

Analysis of Zara's Financial and Market Performance

Founded in 1975 by Amancio Ortega, Zara has rapidly expanded its market share by transforming the latest fashion trends into accessible products. This paper explores Zara's evolution and current standing in the global fashion industry, focusing on its innovative ‘fast fashion’ model and successful integration of e-commerce. The analysis highlights Zara's strong financial performance, with online sales contributing significantly to revenue growth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its successes, the brand faces increasing competition from rivals such as H&M and Uniqlo, especially regarding sustainability practices. The paper proposes optimization strategies, including enhanced supply chain digitalization and a stronger focus on sustainable practices, to ensure Zara maintains its competitive advantage. Lastly, this paper emphasizes the importance of innovation and adaptability in the evolving e-commerce environment while meeting consumer demands for environmentally responsible fashion. Through an in-depth analysis of Zara, this paper not only reveals the key elements of its business success but also provides insights for future fashion companies in terms of sustainable development and technological innovation.

Impact Assessment and Yield Gap Analysis of Composite Fish Culture Technology in North East Region with Special Reference to Arunachal Pradesh, India

The North Eastern States (NES) are the easternmost region of India among them Arunachal Pradesh is a largest hill state and shares its international boundaries with Bhutan in the west, China in the north and Myanmar in the east with a wide range of climates and altitudes. Fish farming is playing a vital role from economic, nutritional and employment point of view in the state, in spite of increase in the production, the current level of fish production is not sufficient to fulfil the requirement, very much far-away to meet out the present consumption demand. Therefore, to identify the yield gap and adoption gap of improved production practice of composite fish culture technology the present study was conducted in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. It has been observed that the yields obtained by the farmers are well below those obtained in Govt. Farms and OFT/FLD trials. Carp cultivation practices of 171 farmers were examined on the basis of multistage random sampling. The sample was collected from all the administrative circle of the district West Kameng of Arunachal Pradesh NER India. The average production obtained by the respondents were found only 1.09 t/ha annually, but the range was 2.0 to 2.4-2.8 t/ha in the trials of Govt. farms and OFT/FLDs. The difference of 1.31t/h constituted yield gap under normal practices, these differences were observed due to critical fish farming input availability lacuna on time, the extent to which the farmers adopted the recommended practices, and other socio-economic factors. The study thus clearly showed that the gap is due to the deficiency in adopting the technology along with timely un-availability of quality fish seed and feed which may be bridged only by promotion of the region specific tailored suitable technology of fish farming along with assurance for availability of critical inputs on time.

The relationship between urban residents’ physical exercise attitudes and sports consumption demands: the mediating role of physical activity level

ObjectThis study examines the differences and relationships among urban residents’ physical exercise attitudes, physical activity levels, and sports consumption demands, focusing on how physical activity mediates the relationship between exercise attitudes and consumption behaviors.MethodA survey was conducted among residents in Chengdu using validated questionnaires to measure physical exercise attitudes, physical activity levels, and sports consumption demands. Data analysis included independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA to assess differences across demographic variables, as well as correlation analysis and structural equation modeling to examine the path relationships among key variables.ResultsIndependent samples t-tests and ANOVA showed significant differences in sports consumption demands across age, education, and income groups (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships among physical exercise attitudes, physical activity levels, and sports consumption demands (p < 0.01). Structural equation modeling confirmed that physical activity levels partially mediated the relationship, with a direct effect size of 0.295 (p < 0.001) and an indirect effect size of 0.117 (p < 0.001), accounting for 28.4% of the total effect.ConclusionThe study highlights that positive exercise attitudes significantly impact sports consumption demands directly and through the mediating role of physical activity levels. Enhancing physical activity can amplify the effects of exercise attitudes on consumption, providing insights for promoting sports participation and consumption in urban settings.

Cultural Dimensions and Consumption Values of Cross-Border Electronic Commerce: A Canonical Analysis

The purpose of this research is to explore the fitting models for cross-border e-commerce by developing localized business strategies tailored to cultural factors. The study adopts Hofstede’s five cultural dimensions along with Sheth et al.’s five consumption value dimensions. A canonical correlation analysis is employed to identify the fitting relationships between cultural dimensions and consumer values. The targeting samples focus on the rapidly growing Southeast Asian economy. The results indicate differences in cultural dimensions among countries like Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar. The canonical correlation analysis reveals fitting combinations for each region: Taiwan’s higher individualism, masculinity, and long-term orientation align with demands for functional, conditional, and emotional values in e-commerce. Vietnam’s high risk-taking propensity fits demands for conditional and epistemic values. Malaysia and Indonesia, with similar cultural profiles, are highly correlated with consumer demands in functional and emotional values, with Malaysia additionally emphasizing epistemic value. Myanmar’s high masculinity and long-term orientation correlate with demands for functional, emotional, and conditional values, while its low power distance links to demands for social and epistemic values. Overall, the study shows that there is no fixed correspondence between cultural dimensions and consumption values in e-commerce. Optimal configurations vary, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies to promote e-commerce development across different regions.

Perspective on 2D perovskite ferroelectrics and multiferroics

Two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectrics and multiferroics have attracted considerable scientific and technological interest in recent years due to the increasing demands for miniaturization and low energy consumption of electronic devices. At present, the research on 2D ferroelectrics and multiferroics is still focused on van der Waals materials, while the known bulk ferroelectric and multiferroic materials are mostly found in perovskite systems. The ability to prepare and transfer 2D perovskite oxides has provided unprecedented opportunities for developing ferroelectrics and multiferroics based on 2D perovskites. In this Perspective, we review the research progress on 2D ferroelectrics and multiferroics in inorganic perovskites in terms of different ferroelectric and magnetoelectric coupling mechanisms. The improper ferroelectricity and novel magnetoelectric coupling mechanisms discovered in 2D perovskites are emphasized, and then, the main challenges and future development direction are put forward.

New profit models for property management in the post-pandemic era: A study on consumer attitudes towards community value-added services.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in 2020, has had a tremendous impact on various industries and the daily lives of the general populace, thereby contributing to increasing uncertainty in business competition. Property management enterprises, despite witnessing a mostly stagnant expansion and enhancement of their existing operations, have, owing to the unique nature of their services, continued to experience a relatively positive competitive environment. Notably, the recent emphasis in property management companies has been on the development of value-added services at the community level, which represents a critical avenue for securing a competitive edge by addressing consumer demands. This study, grounded in the ABC theory and the theory of planned behavior, seeks to analyze consumer attitudes towards the provision of value-added services by property management firms, including facets such as community healthcare services, community lifestyle amenities, community educational offerings, and personalized services. Moreover, the study delves into the mediating role played by satisfaction with fundamental property management services. The empirical findings emphasize the significant enhancement in consumer receptivity to property management firms' value-added services, particularly in the domains of community healthcare, lifestyle amenities, education, and personalized services. In addition, it highlights the indirect effect of property owners' contentment with essential property management services on their perspectives concerning the delivery of value-added services by property management firms. The implications of these research conclusions bear significant relevance for organizations engaged in offering such services.

Investigating the effect of protein type and protein concentration on texture and mouthfeel sensory properties of plant and animal-based beverages

Recent consumer demand has driven the food industry to develop the next-generation plant-based beverages. One major challenge has been mimicking the desirable textural and mouthfeel properties of animal-based counterparts. Despite the critical role of these properties in consumer acceptance, research comparing these aspects in plant- and animal-based beverages remains limited. This study addressed this gap by examining the impact of protein type (animal vs. plant) and concentration (8 g vs 13 g/8 fl.oz) on beverage texture and mouthfeel characteristics while developing a comprehensive sensory lexicon for these attributes. Sixteen texture and mouthfeel descriptors were generated, each with unique definitions and references. Sixteen assessors evaluated 14 different beverages that were grouped by protein content: low protein (LP; 8 g of protein/8 fl. oz) and high protein (HP; 13 g of protein/8 fl. oz). Each beverage group included two animal-based beverages (commercial skim milk [CSM] and milk protein isolate [MPI]) and five plant-based beverages (pea protein isolate [PPI], soy protein concentrate [SPC] and three types of soy protein isolates [SPI 1–3]). Similarities were observed between LP animal-based beverages, while small differences were observed within LP-SPIs. LP-SPC was significantly different for 8 out of the 16 attributes compared to all other LP-beverages. The same trends were observed in HP-beverages, with the differences among protein sources in the LP-beverages consistently mirrored in HP-beverages. These findings underscore that textural and mouthfeel differences between plant and animal-based beverages are predominantly influenced by the type of protein used rather than protein concentrations within the range of 8–13 g/8 fl. oz.

Unravelling the ontogeny and tissue-specific expression profiles of immune-related genes in the near-threatened endemic catfish, Clarias dussumieri

Clarias dussumieri, an air breathing catfish endemic to the Western Ghats in India, is categorized as 'Near Threatened' by the IUCN. This species is of high regional consumer demand and is one of the prioritized candidate species for aquaculture diversification and conservation. Despite its ecological and commercial significance, comprehensive studies on its immune system are lacking. This study elucidates the ontogenetic development and tissue-specific (brain, anterior kidney, gill, spleen, muscle, liver, hindgut and skin) expression profiles of key immune-related genes in C. dussumieri. Larvae were sampled at various developmental stages post-fertilization, and tissues from adult fish were analyzed for expression patterns of genes associated with inflammation (IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS), antimicrobial defense (LYS, HAMP), stress response (HSP70), complement system (C3), cell-mediated immunity (MHC-IIβ, CD4-1), and adaptive immunity (IgM). The expression of IL-1β was highest at 60 days post-fertilization (60D), while TNF-α expression peaked at 25D before dropping notably by 60D. iNOS showed a peak at 7D, underscoring its importance in early immune defence. LYS exhibited a high expression at 10D, while HAMP peaked at 60D, highlighting their roles in antimicrobial defence. Stress marker HSP70 increased from 15D onwards and complement component C3 was consistently expressed at low levels throughout development. MHC-IIβ and CD4-1 showed significant increase since 10D and 7D respectively, suggesting the establishment of cell-mediated immunity. IgM expression increased notably from 15 days, indicating the development of adaptive immunity. In adult fish tissues, IL-1β, TNF-α, LYS and HSP70 showed highest expression in the hindgut, while C3 was predominantly expressed in the liver. MHC-IIβ and CD4-1 were highly expressed in the spleen and anterior kidney respectively. IgM was abundant in the anterior kidney and spleen. This study provides crucial baseline data on the immune competence of different developmental stages of C. dussumieri, informing strategies for effective vaccination and disease management in aquaculture, and enhancing our understanding of fish immunology for conservation efforts.