Global Consumers Research Articles

Research on the Development Trend of New Energy Electric Vehicles in China based on Mathematical Model

As the global economic development moves closer to the direction of green sustainability, the international automobile market pays more and more attention to the development of new energy vehicles. New energy electric vehicle (NEV), as a kind of new energy vehicles, has developed rapidly in recent years due to its characteristics of low pollution, low energy consumption, peak power consumption and adjustment capacity, and has been welcomed by global consumers and governments. The Chinese government conforms to the development of The Times and actively promotes the development of its industry. This paper aims to study the development trend of China's new energy electric vehicles in China, through the establishment of multiple linear regression equation model analysis of different factors of new energy electric vehicles, and using the stochastic comparison model compared the influence of new energy electric vehicles on the traditional energy vehicle industry, and establish the influence factor model, analyze the international policy influence on the development of new energy electric vehicles, in the whole research process to test and the advantages and disadvantages analysis.

Optimization and Application Analysis of the UAV "Last Mile" Mobile Terminal Distribution Station in Rural Area under the Background of E-Commerce

With the booming demands of global consumers, the grand total of international e-commercial procurement in 2024 will be expected to exceed 6.3 trillion USD. Under the pressure of huge orders and shipping lag, figuring out a cost-effective last mile delivery achieving real door-to-door service, especially in rural areas, has become one of the focuses in the international e-commercial market. To better solve this problem, this paper starts with the analysis of international e-commercial status and the feasibility of UAV mobile terminal station launch, taking good account of drone delivery route setting, time schedule, and costs spent to optimize the mobile station moving. Based on a series of experiments to iterate the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) mobile terminal station delivery mode, it will provide some insights to the market about how the last mile delivery will develop in the next decade. This paper will focus on applying the hybrid ant colony algorithm to improve truck-drone collaborative last mile delivery route settings and figure out the best delivery route combo for cost saving.

How thinking style influences online consumers’ responses to compromise-based service attributes

ABSTRACT Prior studies on online shopping behavior have been silent about global consumers’ compromise choices in online service attributes. Three studies investigate how and when consumers’ thinking styles affect their service responses toward online retail websites offering compromise options. The priming findings demonstrate that consumers in two cultural groups (Korea and France) are more satisfied with and more likely to repurchase from compromise-based websites in the holistic-thinking than analytic-thinking condition. This research contributes to extant literature on consumer online behavior and provides managerial insights on the practical uses of compromise tendencies for online service strategies in global retail markets.

Bilateral Trade Welfare Impacts of India’s Export Ban of Non-Basmati Rice Using the Global Partial Equilibrium Simulation Model (GSIM)

India, the world’s leading rice exporter, banned the export of non-Basmati white rice, accounting for 25% of its total exports (or 10% of the global rice trade). The ban aims to ensure availability to domestic Indian consumers and reduce domestic market prices, impacting global rice market accessibility, consumers, and producers across twelve regions. The study utilized the global simulation model (GSIM) to analyze the effects of trade restrictions on industries. The model uses national product differentiation to assess trade policy changes at global, regional, or national scales. It examined importer and exporter effects on trade values, tariff revenues, exporter surplus, and importer surplus. It found that India’s Voluntary Export Restraint (VER) ban on non-Basmati rice resulted in a higher local price and a negative global net welfare impact of USD 1.7 billion. The losses decreased to USD 1.4 billion when importing countries responded by reducing rice import tariffs by 25% and USD 1.1 billion when importing countries reduced tariffs by 75%. Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf Cooperation Council regions were most affected. The study also found minimal impact on consumer surplus in India due to inelastic rice demand.

An Integrated Circular Supply Chain Framework to Enhance Malaysian Business Performance

Businesses rely on supply chain management to suit the needs of global and multigenerational consumers. However, the current linear manufacturing and distribution supply chain strategy has been regarded as the source of dangerous waste generation, environmental deterioration, and the global warming phenomenon. In mitigating this issue, circular supply chain management, a practical integration model, is seen as the solution as it helps to reduce material flows and supply chain waste. Unfortunately, the fundamental mechanisms that can support its effective execution have not been comprehensively examined, hindering its complete incorporation into company strategy. Thus, to overcome this knowledge gap and improve organizational understanding, this study uses the systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) procedure to investigate the characteristics, enablers, and barriers of circular supply chain management. The study found five interconnected key structures: government, industry stakeholders, corporate management, end users, and financial institutions, all of which play important roles in the successful implementation of a circular supply chain strategy. As a result, close collaboration across the five identified stakeholders is essential to enable successful implementation. This study's objective is to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8, 9, and 12, which aim to promote peace and prosperity for people and the planet both now and in the future.

Crop Production and Pesticide Use: Has Ghana Overlooked the Obvious on Health?

Vegetables and cereals, besides health benefits, are of significant socio-economic importance in Ghana, because, the whole production process provides employment for both rural and urban dwellers. Unfortunately, the high prevalence of pests (weeds inclusive) and disease complexes, associated with them, inflict significant economic damage on field and storage, if not properly managed. This review purposed to document challenges from pesticide use and suggest perspective recommendations for mitigation. Information was sourced from published journal articles, technical and annual reports (Research Extension Farmer Linkage Committee (RELC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, Ghana), and Institutions), the authors’ observations and personal communication with farmers, agricultural extension agents and other experts. The review analysis indicated over 80% of farmers use pesticides, particularly on high-value cash vegetable and cereal crops; and also to alleviate human labour constraints. Challenges such as pesticide resistance, increasing incidence of existing pests and diseases, or the manifestation of new pests and diseases due to climate change or continuous cropping among others were evident, prompting shifts to increased pesticide use for management and also for desired profit. Highlights on concerns for the insatiable quest for pests and disease control by chemical means, consequently increased reports on dangers of continuous pesticide use on human and public health, the environment and the economy. This research revealed that a minimal understanding of the use and application of pesticides contributed to the non-intended effects on health and the environment. Hopefully, the identified gaps and recommendations if properly addressed by policy would significantly enhance quality production systems for global trade and protect local consumers. State the contribution of this study to scholarship. Keywords: Vegetable Crop Production, Pesticide Use, Contamination, Pesticide Residue, Public Health

Anticipating tomorrow: Future trends and predictions in Ayurveda entrepreneurship

The ancient Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, is causing a ripple effect of entrepreneurial opportunities, where the application of traditional knowledge becomes synced with modern business strategies. This article informs readers about the future path and predictions of entrepreneurship in Ayurveda. Factors are discussed which would shape the future. This is being driven largely by the increasing consumer demand for products that are more natural and holistic in the health solutions they provide; the COVID-19 pandemic is an added impetus to the appeal of immunity-boosting Ayurvedic products. Innovations in the area of technological advancements are seen globally in general and within domains of digital health platforms and artificial intelligence, which is fundamentally changing the practice of Ayurveda from a person-centric healing approach to one that is available globally. Innovations are of prime importance in meeting contemporary customer expectations and increasing the impact of the treatment given through Ayurveda. Another important factor of support is from the governmental side through regulatory support, especially the Indian government. The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy) in India has provided every needed support in promoting research in Ayurveda, its standardization, and the quality and safety of the products. These situations are necessary regulatory frameworks that would build consumer trust and facilitate global acceptance. There is also a growing concern for sustainability and ethics in practices. There is, however, a sea change with the increasing number of entrepreneurs who have adopted eco-friendly sourcing methods and fair trade practices in an effort to make their business models indelibly associated with Ayurveda’s core principles: human beings living in harmony and perfect balance with the rest of nature. The Ayurvedic products and services market is expected to grow manifold with new product developments and growing demand from global consumers increasingly focusing on products broadly categorized under “holistic wellness.” Market expansion, hence, allows several opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop new markets and new product offerings that can cater to the perceived health needs of a broad customer base. With growth and development come challenges such as regulatory roadblocks, market competition, and consumer distrust, which are issues that need to be coped with for sustained business growth. This effectively closes the general outline for the future of Ayurveda entrepreneurship on a trajectory of growth that is both vibrant and sustainable, propelled and achieving completeness by the rainbow of innovation, consumer demand, and a pledge to wholeness in health and well-being. This suggests that Ayurveda entrepreneurship, through harnessing technological developments and reaching the standards of regulators, making sustainable practices its flagship in a world where health will become one of the most valued parts of every life, could fulfill the rich legacy handed down by this ancient science and at the same time serve meaningfully in the future of global healthcare. It provides detailed insight into an emerging area in Ayurveda entrepreneurship with great potential to bring about impactful change and growth in the years ahead.

Sensory optimization of gluten-free hazelnut omelette and sugar-modified chestnut pudding: A free choice profiling approach for enhanced traditional recipe formulations.

The Mediterranean region is distinguished by its gastronomic diversity and a wide variety of indigenous nut crops. In line with changing global food consumers' preferences, a noteworthy aspect is the increasing demand to the use of local varieties in recipe formulation. The aim of the present study was to incorporate the Terra Fria chestnut (Portugal) and Negreta hazelnut from Reus (Spain) in traditional Mediterranean recipes. The sensory, technofunctional, nutritional, and shelf-life characterization were investigated in hazelnut omelette (gluten and gluten-free) and chestnut pudding (sugar and sugar-free) formulations. Results conducted by trained assessors using the free choice profiling (FCP) showed that hazelnut omelette samples were described as "creamy," "smooth," and "handmade." In addition, the texture obtained with the hazelnut omelette gluten-free version showed the softest textural profile analysis attributes, with lower values for hardness (2.43±0.36N), adhesiveness (-0.38±0.00gs) and gumminess (2.12±0.14). Furthermore, the shelf-life studies revealed a more golden color (>14.43 of a* CIELAB coordinate) and a lower moisture content (25.36%-43.59%) in the hazelnut flour formulation, in addition to the enrichment in terms of protein (8.36g/100g), fiber, and healthy fats. In the case of chestnut pudding, it was observed that the study parameters did not differ significantly from its sweetened analogue with positive attributes in FCP ("toasted," "fluffy," and "sweet"), positioning it as a viable alternative to sugar in this application. Therefore, both hazelnut flour in hazelnut omelette and oligofructose in chestnut pudding proved to be promising ingredients in the formulation of gluten-free and sugar-free developed products, offering attractive organoleptic and textural characteristics.

Olfactory and Gustatory Perception among Plant-Based vs. Omnivorous Dieters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Driven by heightened awareness of environmental sustainability, personal health, and animal welfare, there has been a rapid surge in adoption of plant-based diets (PBDs) by global consumers. Despite the important implications of potential links between PBDs and chemosensory (e.g., olfactory and gustatory) perception, the empirical evidence has yet to be comprehensively reviewed. This systematic review aims to synthesise existing data comparing olfactory and gustatory perceptions among individuals following plant-based (including vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian) and omnivorous diets. Seven databases produced 1038 publications for screening against the pre-registered criteria. Eleven studies were included in this review, with three focusing on olfaction and eight on gustation. Of these, three gustatory studies provided sufficient data for meta-analysis, revealing little difference between plant-based and omnivore dieters on an overall level. The PBD group exhibited a significantly lower threshold (i.e., higher sensitivity) to sweetness compared to the omnivore group (ES = −0.336, 95% CI between −0.630 and −0.042, p < 0.05). Additionally, olfactory studies indicated that PBD followers perceived meat-related odours to be less pleasant compared to omnivores. Overall, this review points to a sensory–diet relationship, highlighting the potential role of sensory perception in sustainable plant-based dietary behaviours. The findings also encourage food manufacturers to consider potential chemosensory alterations among plant-based consumers.

What happened to the subjects? Questions about mezcal

Mezcal is a Mexican agave spirit that has helped to create a sense of authenticity among global consumers, significantly increasing its presence on the world market. This has led to a great expansion of the production areas included in the Denomination of Origin, changing its artisanal forms of production and creating an ambiguous position for the subjects that produce this drink. The aim of this essay is to contribute a new theoretical perspective to the academic debate on the patrimonialisation of mezcal, incorporating analyses that focus on the issues behind the production of this emblematic beverage. It discusses the need to understand the productive dynamics of this predominantly rural beverage, based on an understanding of the relationships between subjects at different levels of the production chain. We have opted for a classical theoretical framework that dares to consider mezcal producers as peasants and that affirms the explanatory potential of revising the classics of peasant social theory in order to offer new insights into the problem of dispossession through the appropriation of the biocultural knowledge that underlies the production of mezcal.

Unveiling wearables: exploring the global landscape of biometric applications and vital signs and behavioral impact

The development of neuroscientific techniques enabling the recording of brain and peripheral nervous system activity has fueled research in cognitive science. Recent technological advancements offer new possibilities for inducing behavioral change, particularly through cost-effective Internet-based interventions. However, limitations in laboratory equipment volume have hindered the generalization of results to real-life contexts. The advent of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as wearables, equipped with sensors and microchips, has ushered in a new era in behavior change techniques. Wearables, including smartwatches, electronic tattoos, and more, are poised for massive adoption, with an expected annual growth rate of 55% over the next five years. These devices enable personalized instructions, leading to increased productivity and efficiency, particularly in industrial production. Additionally, the healthcare sector has seen a significant demand for wearables, with over 80% of global consumers willing to use them for health monitoring. This research explores the primary biometric applications of wearables and their impact on users’ well-being, focusing on the integration of behavior change techniques facilitated by IoT devices. Wearables have revolutionized health monitoring by providing real-time feedback, personalized interventions, and gamification. They encourage positive behavior changes by delivering immediate feedback, tailored recommendations, and gamified experiences, leading to sustained improvements in health. Furthermore, wearables seamlessly integrate with digital platforms, enhancing their impact through social support and connectivity. However, privacy and data security concerns must be addressed to maintain users’ trust. As technology continues to advance, the refinement of IoT devices’ design and functionality is crucial for promoting behavior change and improving health outcomes. This study aims to investigate the effects of behavior change techniques facilitated by wearables on individuals’ health outcomes and the role of wearables in promoting a healthier lifestyle.

The Role of Economic Development in Export Performance in Islamic Countries

The necessity for a reevaluation of international trade has become increasingly apparent, particularly in Islamic countries. This study aims to estimate the economic development of selected Islamic countries, namely Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Brunei Darussalam, and Kuwait, in terms of export performance. This study was conducted within the broader context of Islamic countries, with a specific focus on analyzing dynamic panel data from 2010 to 2019. The dependent variable included exports of goods and services, while the regressors included GDP growth, broad money, and inflation. An estimation based on the panel generalized method of moments revealed a significant effect of export (-1) on export, a significant and negative impact of broad money on export, and a significant and positive effect on inflation. In contrast, GDP growth was not found to be significant. These findings are consistent with the high number of global Muslim consumers and the growth of Islamic finance assets. Currently, Islamic countries are prioritizing product diversification for both the Muslim and global markets. These findings indicate the need for increased economic development to achieve the practical implications of sustainable economic growth in Islamic economies.

Influence of the Technology Ecosystem on the Companies’ Competitiveness

In this article, the author aims to analyse the influence of the technological ecosystem on the competitiveness of companies. In the current era, several factors directly influence all actors in the global economy, in particular, consumers, companies, and governments. Their development must be in line with these movements. In a world where terms such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, big data, fintech and artificial intelligence are natural and present in everyday processes, it is important to study and analyse how technology, with its entire ecosystem, impacts the actors mentioned above. The Internet, software, advanced technological tools have a direct impact on the business environment, especially as the exponential pace at which this field is evolving requires continuous dynamism in all aspects. Thus, the research aims to identify what the technological factors are and how they impact processes within companies.

Durability of alkali-activated fly ash-slag concrete- state of art

India ranks among the foremost global producers and consumers of cement, and the cement industry contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Alkali-activated materials have gained significant attention as a sustainable alternative to Portland cement, offering the potential to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions and promote effective recycling of waste materials. Fly ash (FA) and Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) are preferred raw materials for Alkali-activated concrete (AAC) owing to their effective repurposing of waste, widespread accessibility, advantageous chemical composition, and performance attributes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state-of-the-art on the durability aspects of fly ash/slag-based AAC. The paper explores the unique characteristics of FA/GGBS-based AAC, emphasizing their potential to enhance the durability of concrete structures. Insights into the material behaviour under various environmental exposures, including aggressive chemical environments and freeze–thaw cycles, are presented. Furthermore, the article addresses both the obstacles and prospects associated with implementing fly ash/slag-based AAC as a potential construction material suitable for large-scale infrastructure projects. This overview is designed to direct future research efforts and provide practitioners with insights into the potential of FA/GGBS-based AAC for ensuring the prolonged durability of concrete structures.

Exploring direct and indirect cultural experiences: a study of global consumers’ Hanbok experience and engagement mediated via YouTube

With the rapid development of technology and media, people’s experiences of other cultures have shifted from direct only to a combination of direct and virtual experiences. This study investigated how global consumers directly and indirectly experience other cultures, mediated by YouTube. It focused on the consumer experience of the Korean traditional costume, the Hanbok. YouTube content focusing on Hanbok experiences was collected to understand the direct Hanbok experiences, while viewers’ reactions to YouTube content (i.e., views, likes, and comments) were collected to understand indirect Hanbok experiences. The analysis involved two steps. First, the latent Dirichlet allocation topic modeling algorithm in Python was used to extract topics from direct and indirect Hanbok experiences. Second, simple regression analysis was conducted using numerical data derived from textual data through linguistic inquiry and word count to examine the relationship between direct Hanbok experiences via YouTube and viewer engagement as an indicator of indirect Hanbok experiences. The results showed that YouTubers’ Hanbok experiences were categorized into seven topics, namely novelty, sensory, daily, cultural, trial, pleasing, and intellectual experiences. Indirect Hanbok experiences were identified based on dimensions of consumer engagement, such as social, cognitive, learning, behavioral, and affective engagement. The regression analysis results revealed that cultural and affective Hanbok experiences significantly impacted consumer engagement. This study expanded the scope of research by exploring indirect cultural experiences mediated by a media platform.

Tele-connecting regional carbon inequality in China to global consumers

Global trade may lead to unequal distribution of CO2 emissions and economic benefits among countries. While regional carbon inequality within a country driven by specific foreign consumers is rarely discussed. Taking China as an example, this study constructed a nested MRIO table to trace the CO2 emissions & value-added flows between each province of China (30 in total) and 18 other countries/regions, and measured the provincial carbon inequality based on emission terms of trade (ETT), emission-value (EV), carbon-Gini coefficient indicators triggered by these global consumers. Here we show that most provinces are net emission exporters and almost half of China's provinces suffered both environmental and economic losses in international trade. What is worse, it triggered severe regional imbalance of emissions and economic gains within China. The less developed western provinces with high emission intensity are always at a disadvantage in international trade, but some eastern provinces are on the favorable side. The consumption of the EU caused the most severe carbon inequality among provinces. These findings provide further information to relieve trade-induced carbon inequality at a refined scale and give inspiration to build more equitable trading mechanisms globally.

Improving Corporate Performance through Stakeholder-Based ESG Practices

In the context of escalating concerns over environmental issues and global warming, consumers and investors increasingly prioritize corporate sustainability and social responsibility. To bolster corporate image and competitiveness, many companies integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their strategic frameworks. While existing research has established a positive link between robust ESG practices and improved financial performance—attributed to factors such as enhanced reputation, cost reduction, and effective risk management—the precise mechanisms of this relationship remain unclear. This study aims to enhance understanding by exploring how ESG considerations impact stakeholders and influence corporate performance. Empirical evidence underscores that commendable ESG performance yields favorable outcomes for all key stakeholders. Simultaneously, the research examines the reciprocal relationship where executive behavior significantly influences ESG ratings. Through this investigation, it aims to provide additional insights into the intricate interplay between ESG, stakeholders, and corporate performance, contributing to a nuanced comprehension of this crucial nexus.

Spatial distribution, compositional characteristics, and source apportionment of legacy and novel per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in farmland soil: A nationwide study in mainland China

China, as one of the largest global producers and consumers of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), faces concerning levels of PFAS pollution in soil. However, knowledge of their occurrence in agricultural soils of China on the national scale remains unknown. Herein, the first nationwide survey was done by collecting 352 soil samples from 31 provinces in mainland China. The results indicated that the Σ24PFASs concentrations were 74.3 - 24880.0 pg/g, with mean concentrations of PFASs in decreasing order of legacy PFASs > emerging PFASs > PFAS precursors (640.2 pg/g, 340.7 pg/g, and 154.9 pg/g, respectively). The concentrations in coastal eastern China were distinctly higher than those in inland regions. Tianjin was the most severely PFASs-contaminated province because of rapid urban industrialization. This study further compared the PFAS content in monoculture and multiple cropping farmland soils, finding the concentrations of PFASs were high in soils planted with vegetable and fruit monocultures. Moreover, a positive matrix factorization (PMF) model was employed to identify different sources of PFASs. Fluoropolymer industries and aqueous film-forming foams were the primary contributors. The contributions from different emission sources varied across the seven geographical regions. This study provides new baseline data for prevention and control policies for reducing pollution.

COVID-19 AND THE QUALITY OF AUDIT EVIDENCE: ASSESSING THE IMPACT ON AUDITING PRACTICES IN INDIA

COVID-19 pandemic was truly the striking booster for the surgical empowerment of Digital era and marketing. It revolutionized and transformed the B2B to B2C era. Although the awareness of Digital Marketing was buzzing in air before COVID-19, the visibility was certainly low. Few Top-rated brand corporates were progressively alert about its gravity-based largescale markets, big-size revenue, ensured that digital marketing would create a consumer-driven importance in a way ahead of bridging effective communication between consumers and businesses. Remote-and Hybrid working was the ultimatum in bringing more Online Business to the Marketing Managers onboard. The global consumers were highly influenced by trending digital campaigns and contents popped out on popular social digital platforms. Due to insufficient budget, startups were the first-time game changing players in markets who incessantly fought against all odds facing while developing the software on-demand. Extreme programming and Kanban made things possible and finally experts built viable interface for supporting efficient online infra through consumer-friendly apps and websites. The business corpus was entirely into online campaigns and held onto “Everything’s just ONLINE.” The data shows that out of many challenges, during the phase of COVID-19, 59% of some listed companies fueled their efforts on solving problems in areas of digital marketing and 66% of them finished of the task waiting for an ONLINE world that never was before. POST-COVID was full of new wave excitement, unlimited opportunities piled up for skilled digital marketers and service providers. The hiring process of these skilled content creators, digital marketing managers and online advertisers was just a culture shock in the new age digital era, however, “everything’s just Online” is the outstanding local to global trend in continuing.

The effects of fair information practices on ad effectiveness among Chinese consumers: trust transfer across contexts

ABSTRACT In response to growing privacy concern among global online consumers, platform companies may follow principles of fair information practices (FIPs) to foster consumer trust, which subsequently shapes the effectiveness of digital ads displayed by the platform. However, the connection between FIPs and advertising perceptions remains underresearched in existing literature. By establishing and testing a dual context framework that integrates theories of procedural fairness, trust transfer and regulatory focus, this study investigates the psychological mechanism driving the effects of FIPs on targeted ads. The results show that FIPs arouse consumers’ platform trust via perceived fairness, followed by a transference of trust from the platform to the ads, thereby amplifying positive responses to targeted ads. Whereas privacy concern is reduced by platform trust, its hypothesised effects on ad effectiveness were not supported. Our findings underscore a cross-context trust transference embedded in social platforms for advertising, whereby trust enhancement (relative to privacy concern reduction) directly boosts ad perceptions, thus, offering valuable insights on the practices of digital platform managers and e-marketers.