Food Usage Research Articles

CUSTOMER PARTICIPATION ETHICAL REVIEW AND VALUE CO-CREATION ON SHARING ECONOMY PLATFORMS AMONG CUSTOMERS OF GREEN FOOD IN GHANA

The objective of this research was to design a framework to examine the impact of ethical reviews on participation and co-creation on sharing economy platforms among customers of green foods. Data was collected from 591 green food customers on share economic platform users in Ghana, using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling to address the essential role of ethical review as a mediating factor between customer participation and the intention to co-create value on share economy platforms. The results confirm that consumers’ ethical reviews of sharing economy platforms act as a crucial mediating variable that influences customer participation and value co-creation. This study introduces a novel construct of customer ethics review, proposing a multidimensional framework for understanding consumers’ ethical reviews of sharing economy platforms and their impact on value co-creation. This work is the first to examine the ethical review of sharing economy platforms, offering a new construct to enhance ethics literature and providing practical insights for platform operators to foster customer participation and co-creation.

Linking brand trust and attitude with purchase intention of indian organic food customers: An S–O-R Model based analysis

Linking brand trust and attitude with purchase intention of indian organic food customers: An S–O-R Model based analysis

Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle): A Comprehensive & Concise Review on its Nutritional Profile and Therapeutic Applications

Background: A relatively untapped origin of drugs is medicinal plants. Traditional medicine employs Urtica dioica L. to treat a variety of ailments. A plant that produces fresh leaves that are dehydrated and used as a powder or in various forms is gaining popularity as a recent source of very nutritious food. Objective: This review attempts to address its nutritional profile, as well as its bioactive chemical ingredients and known food functional activities, as well as its historical usage in food and medicine. To date, several bioactive chemical components from stinging nettle have been identified, including flavonoids, phenolic and amino acids, fatty acids and carotenoids. Method: A comprehensive analysis of the literature search was conducted. Several databases have been searched using the common terms Urtica dioica, stinging nettle, phenolic compounds and phytochemicals using Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed-Medline and Google Scholar as search engines. Conclusion: The therapeutic potential of Urtica dioica and its disease-preventing strategies are updated in this review article. Also, its classification, chemical composition, nutritive value, and pharmacological activities are enlisted in this review with further future perspectives of Urtica dioica.

Celebrity Endorsement, Customer Attitude and Brand Selection as Determinants of the Fast-Food Industry Performance: The Moderating Role of Customer Age and Perceived Service Quality

ABSTRACT The use of celebrity endorsement as part of the overall marketing communication plan is growing in importance. Similarly, celebrity endorsement helps to advertise offerings and draw customers’ attention. Thus, the current study sought to examine celebrity endorsement, customer attitude, and brand selection as determinants of the fast-food industry performance. A cross-sectional survey of 550 fast food customers was conducted in Harare, Zimbabwe between February and March 2023. A purposive sampling method was used to select respondents. The study’s findings confirm all direct relationships. A partial mediation effect of brand awareness and customer attitude on the celebrity endorsement and fast food performance relationship was also confirmed. Also, customer age and perceived service quality were found to moderate the relationship between celebrity endorsement and fast food industry performance relationship. Management within the fast food industry were advised not to treat all the study variables in isolation since they complement each other. This is meant to improve the performance of firms within the retail fast food industry. The current study findings are useful as no study has been conducted within emerging markets within the sub-Saharan region to focus on customer attitude and brand selection as mediators between the celebrity endorsement and business performance relationship within the fast food industry. Moreover, little is known about prior studies that included customer’s age and perceived service quality as moderators of the effect of celebrity endorsement on retail business performance. Thus, the current study findings narrow this knowledge gap in the literature.

Natural serine proteases and their applications in combating amyloid formation.

Amyloidosis is a group of diseases including diabetes type II and neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, prion disease, etc., where a common trait is observed; accumulation of misfolded protein at different parts of the body, especially the brain which manifests the typical symptoms like dementia, movement disorders, etc. These misfolded proteins, named amyloids, are protease resistant and thus it becomes difficult to manage these diseases in vivo. Enzymes that catalyse the complete breakdown of proteins are known as proteases. The peptide bonds in proteins are degraded by these serine proteases, which cause amyloid disaggregation. We have searched for related articles using the search engines Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus for the past 10 years, selected the relevant articles, and written the outcomes and benefits of protease using the medical topic "serine protease" and the following text phrases -keratinase, lumbrokinase, serratiopeptidase, nattokinase. Alkaline serine proteases exhibit activity within the neutral to alkaline pH range. They are most capable of degrading host complement proteins, cytokines, and host clotting factors mostly due to their serine centre or metallotype. Because of its potential usage in food, pharmaceutical, and other industrial domains, this category of enzymes has been extensively investigated. Specifically, serine proteases are a group of enzymes that can be consumed orally and are stable in our gastrointestinal tract. In this review, we discussed the role of different serine proteases in amyloid aggregate inhibition and their potential application in treating amyloidosis.

Impact of urbanization and planting structure on water footprint of food, cash, and feed crops in China's northern agro-pastoral ecotone

China, especially the northern agro-pastoral ecotone, is facing severe water scarcity, which presents a significant challenge for the agriculture sector, the largest consumer of water. This study selected Yanchi County as a typical area. First, the water footprint method is used to evaluate the water usage of food, cash, and feed crops in the region from 1990 to 2020. Then, the vector error correction model (VECM) is used to analyze the short-term effects and long-term effects of urbanization and planting structure on the water consumption of these three types of crops. The results show: 1) The total agricultural water footprint (WF) in Yanchi County, as well as the WFs of the predominantly grown food and feed crops, show an upward trend. Additionally, the proportion of blue WF is relatively high across all crop types. 2) Reducing the proportion of food crops will increase the WF of cash and feed crops, but it will not necessarily decrease the WF of food crops. 3) An increase in the level of urbanization may reduce the agricultural WF in the short term, but ultimately, it will lead to an increase in the WF. Overall, this study reveals the growing pressure on agricultural water use faced by the agro-pastoral ecotone during the processes of urbanization and planting structure transformation. It highlights the importance of developing rain-fed agriculture, seizing the technological development opportunities brought by urbanization, and reasonably adjusting the cropping structure for the sustainable use of water resources.

Determinants of halal food customer behaviour in the context of Indonesia and Malaysia: a systematic literature review

Determinants of halal food customer behaviour in the context of Indonesia and Malaysia: a systematic literature review

Voluntary Wheel Running an Effective Intervention in the Management of Excessive Food Usage in CD-1 Mice (Mus musculus).

Some mice demonstrate excessive food-grinding behaviors in which food pellets are broken down into crumbs (orts). This is considered abnormal behavior and is undesirable in a research environment, as it is thought to potentially be a stereotypic behavior suggestive of a negative welfare state in these animals. Further, food grinding often necessitates more frequent food and bedding changes. Research outcomes may also be affected if investigators do not exclude food losses due to grinding when measuring food consumption. We hypothesized some mice may excessively grind food in part to expend energy and access to a running wheel would contribute to a reduction in food grinding. Total daily food usage (the combined weight of food consumption and ort production) was measured for 40 d in CD-1 mice that exhibited food grinding. Median daily food usage was compared 10 d before, 20 d during, and 10 d after access to a running wheel. Additional cages of similar food-grinding mice that did not have access to a running wheel were monitored during the same period for comparison. A significant reduction in food usage was observed in 8 out of the 20 d in which mice had access to a running wheel compared with controls (P < 0.05). This reduction was significantly less than the median daily food usage before and after the running wheels were available (P < 0.01). Food usage significantly increased sharply in the 3 d following removal of the running wheel compared with controls during the same period (P < 0.05). A positive correlation between relative humidity and median daily food usage was observed (P < 0.05). Despite fluctuations in relative humidity, providing a running wheel effectively reduced excessive food-grinding behavior.

Street food vendor patronage in an emerging economy: An empirical study of undergraduates

Street food vending is becoming increasingly important globally, however, most studies on dining outlet patronage focused on formal restaurants, especially in developed economies. Thus, this study developed a model of street food vendor patronage among undergraduates. 385 copies of the study questionnaire were distributed to street food customers in northwest Nigeria, and structural equation modeling (AMOS) was used to validate the model. Thus, value for money, food quality, and food familiarity were found as factors that influence the patronage of a street food vendor, while service quality and ambiance do not significantly influence students’ patronage. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

Litsea cubeba essential oil: Extraction, chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and applications in the food industry.

Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. (Lauraceae) is a valuable industrial crop that produces essential oil. The essential oil extracted from L. cubeba (LCEO) has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and high antioxidant properties, with great potential for increased usage in the food industry. This literature review summarizes the extraction techniques, content and chemical composition, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of LCEO, with a focus on its usage in the food industry, which is an area of substantial recent research. The chemical composition of LCEO, which is affected by various factors, plays a key role in determining its bioactivity and usage in food. The potent antimicrobial activity of LCEO against various foodborne pathogens gives it potential for use in food packaging and preservation to extend shelf life. Future research challenges include the elucidation of the role and mechanism of individual chemical components of LCEO in inhibiting specific foodborne microorganisms; cultivar development to produce germplasm that yields essential oils of the desired chemical composition; and the development of commercial products that can be used in the food industry.

Are functional foods used as self-medication? Subjective health, self-reported disease symptoms, current medical treatment and functional food choices

PurposeFunctional foods have been marketed as promoting health and reducing the risk of disease. While the market of functional foods is increasing across the globe, little is known about how actual and subjective health status are related to functional food choices and existing research evidence is inconsistent. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to systematically explore the relationship between functional food choices and perception related dimensions vs medical dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThe study used data collected from a large-scale mail survey in Japan (N = 8,368) and a representative Internet survey in Lithuania (N = 900). It used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the proposed conceptual model.FindingsThe general results indicated that functional foods could be used to maintain one’s subjective health status – the frequency of using functional food products was positively related to consumers’ subjective health status (p = 0.04). However, if consumers were experiencing health-related issues (self-reported disease symptoms or current medical treatment), there was no systematic relationship between such experience and the usage of functional food products.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to systematically analyze the relationship between subjective health status, self-reported disease symptoms, current medical treatment and the frequency of using different functional food product groups. The findings indicated that it is important to simultaneously consider different underlying factors, such as specific to functional food targeted disease symptoms and specific food product groups, which contributed to a more thorough understanding of functional food consumption.

Tibetan food customization mini-program study

One of China's distinctive culinary traditions, Tibetan cuisine is currently beset by a number of issues, including a disconnect between traditional catering and contemporary lifestyle, a low penetration rate, and the relative backwardness of traditional ordering practices with respect to informationization and intelligence. We create and implement a personalised Tibetan food system called "Intelligent Tibetan Food" as a small programme to address these issues. The system aims to enhance user satisfaction and convenience by offering personalised recommendations, online ordering, dish introduction, and other features through extensive research and analysis of Tibetan food culture, mobile Internet technology, and artificial intelligence algorithms.

Enhanced stability and biocompatibility of HIPEs stabilized by cyclodextrin-metal organic frameworks with inclusion of resveratrol and soy protein isolate for β-carotene delivery

High internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPEs) constitute a significant research domain within colloid interface chemistry, addressing the demand for robust emulsion systems across various applications. An innovative nanoparticle, synthesized from a cyclodextrin metal-organic framework encapsulated with a composite of resveratrol and soy isolate protein (RCS), was employed to fortify a high internal phase emulsion. The emulsion's three-dimensional printing capabilities, alongside the encapsulated delivery efficacy for β-carotene, were thoroughly examined. Cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (CD-MOFs), facilitated by cellulose nanofibrils, were synthesized to yield particles at the nanoscale, maintaining a remarkable 97.67 % cellular viability at an elevated concentration of 1000 μg/ml. The RCS nanoparticles demonstrated thermal stability and antioxidant capacities surpassing those of CD-MOF. The integration of soybean isolate protein augmented both the hydrophobicity (from 21.95 ± 0.64° to 59.15 ± 0.78°) and the interfacial tension (from 14.36 ± 0.46 mN/m to 5.34 ± 0.81 mN/m) of the CD-MOF encapsulated with resveratrol, thereby enhancing the RCS nanoparticles' adsorption at the oil-water interface with greater stability. The durability of the RCS-stabilized high internal phase emulsions was contingent upon the RCS concentration. Emulsions stabilized with 5 wt%-RCS exhibited optimal physical and chemical robustness, demonstrating superior performance in emulsion 3D printing and β-carotene encapsulation delivery. This investigation furnishes a novel perspective on the amalgamation of food customization and precision nutrition.

Exploring the factors influencing brand loyalty for the online food ordering sector in Vietnam

This study aims to assess the impact of social media advertising and e-brand experiences. Specifically, it examines how e-brand satisfaction and trust, acting as mediator variables, influence e-brand loyalty among online food customers in Vietnam. The research uses a quantitative method, collecting data from 469 valid responses via a survey questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using statistical tools such as Cronbach's alpha, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) through SPSS and AMOS software. The results show that e-brand experience, satisfaction, and trust are essential for developing and sustaining long-term relationships. Consequently, managers should focus on integrated activities to enhance consumer experience and satisfaction.

Progress in Multisensory Synergistic Salt Reduction.

Excessive salt intake, primarily from sodium chloride prevalent in modern food processing, poses a significant public health risk associated with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Researchers worldwide are exploring approaches to reduce salt consumption without compromising food flavor. One promising method is to enhance salty taste perception using multisensory synergies, leveraging gustatory, olfactory, auditory, visual, tactile and trigeminal senses to decrease salt intake while preserving food taste. This review provides a comprehensive overview of salt usage in foods, mechanisms of salty taste perception and evaluation methods for saltiness. Various strategies for reducing salt consumption while maintaining food flavor are examined, with existing salt reduction methods' advantages and limitations being critically analyzed. A particular emphasis is placed on exploring the mechanisms and potential of multisensory synergy in salt reduction. Taste interactions, olfactory cues, auditory stimulation, visual appearance and tactile sensations in enhancing saltiness perception are discussed, offering insights into developing nutritious, appealing low-sodium foods. Furthermore, challenges in current research are highlighted, and future directions for effective salt reduction strategies to promote public health are proposed. This review aims to establish a scientific foundation for creating healthier, flavorful low-sodium food options that meet consumer preferences and wellness needs.

EVALUATION OF PHARMACY EMPLOYEES’ USAGE OF HERBAL PRODUCTS AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT FOOD–DRUG INTERACTIONS

EVALUATION OF PHARMACY EMPLOYEES’ USAGE OF HERBAL PRODUCTS AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT FOOD–DRUG INTERACTIONS

Understanding consumer acceptance of 3D-printed food in Japan

The global market for innovative food technologies is expanding. 3D-printed food is one such technology, presenting benefits such as personalized nutrition and optimized use of food resources, which can reduce waste. This study explores the factors that influence consumer acceptance of 3D-printed food in Japan, offering essential insights for developing market strategies. We conducted a survey among Japanese residents and developed a consumer acceptance model using structural equation modeling. This model emphasizes the significant influence of social media usage, environmental consciousness, perceived benefits, and interest in innovative foods on the intention to purchase 3D-printed food. Our results indicate that a strong affinity for information through social media can heighten environmental awareness and perceived benefits, leading to increased purchase intent. Furthermore, an interest in new foods can boost the intention to buy 3D-printed food. Notably, environmental consciousness can indirectly affect acceptance through perceived benefits. The potential to reduce food loss may appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Based on these findings, we recommend that future marketing strategies for 3D-printed food in Japan underscore its environmental advantages and utilize digital media to improve consumer acceptance.

Bacterial peptidoglycan acts as a digestive signal mediating host adaptation to diverse food resources in C. elegans

Food availability and usage is a major adaptive force for the successful survival of animals in nature, yet little is known about the specific signals that activate the host digestive system to allow for the consumption of varied foods. Here, by using a food digestion system in C. elegans, we discover that bacterial peptidoglycan (PGN) is a unique food signal that activates animals to digest inedible food. We identified that a glycosylated protein, Bacterial Colonization Factor-1 (BCF-1), in the gut interacts with bacterial PGN, leading to the inhibition of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) by regulating the release of Neuropeptide-Like Protein (NLP-3). Interestingly, activating UPRmt was found to hinder food digestion, which depends on the innate immune p38 MAPK/PMK-1 pathway. Conversely, inhibiting PMK-1 was able to alleviate digestion defects in bcf-1 mutants. Furthermore, we demonstrate that animals with digestion defects experience reduced natural adaptation capabilities. This study reveals that PGN-BCF-1 interaction acts as “good-food signal” to promote food digestion and animal growth, which facilitates adaptation of the host animals by increasing ability to consume a wide range of foods in their natural environment.

Association between nutritional status of Filipino preschool children and participation in government programmes at the household and individual levels

Introduction: Health and nutrition interventions in developing countries have been linked to better thriving and survival of children. Identifying programmes with significant effect on the nutritional status of Filipino preschool children may aid in identifying impactful interventions in addressing malnutrition. This study evaluated the association between nutritional status of preschool children and government programme participation based on the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) results. Methods: Secondary data analysis of 12,949 preschool children was performed from the 2018 ENNS. The selected data included socioeconomic, anthropometric, and self-reported household-level and individual-level government programme participation. Chi-square test for association and multiple logistic regression were conducted using Stata version 16. Results: Participation in immunisation programme, growth monitoring, household food production, and awareness and usage of iodised salt were negatively associated with at least one type of undernutrition. Consequently, participation in deworming programme was positively associated with both underweight and stunting. Regression analysis showed that preschool children who underwent growth monitoring were less likely to be stunted (OR=0.58), while those who underwent newborn screening were less likely to be underweight (OR=0.53) and stunted (OR=0.62). On the contrary, dewormed children were more likely to be stunted (OR=1.63) and those from 4Ps households were more likely to be wasted (OR=2.24). Conclusion: There is a need to re-evaluate programme strategies to maximise the benefits provided. Programmes showing significant associations with nutritional status including immunisation, growth monitoring, deworming, household food production, and awareness and usage of iodised salt should be continued and sustained with updated policies.

Brand Image, Price, and Repurchase Intention of Powercat Cat Food Customers in Bandung City

This study aims to analyze the brand image and price of customers' repurchase intention of Powercat cat food products in Bandung City. The population in this study consisted of customers who had shopped for Powercat cat food products who are ≥17 years old and domiciled in Bandung City. The sample size of this study is 90 respondents, selected using purposive sampling. This study exerts a quantitative approach using a five-point Likert of online questionnaires and was conducted in Bandung City in November 2023. This study utilizes analytical techniques like validity and reliability assessments for instruments, tests for classical assumptions, and hypothesis testing by multiple linear regression. This study is backed by the Statistical Program for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. All hypotheses regarding this study’s variable relationship that leads to repurchase intention are supported. Hence, the customer repurchase intention of Powercat cat food products has two main triggering factors: brand image and customer perception of price. Furthermore, the results show that brand image has the biggest impact on forming customer repurchase intention. The results of this study provide a practical implication for Powercat to focus on developing strategies that can increase customer perceptions of brand image, and price to increase repurchase intention among Powercat customers.