High Price Research Articles

Digital Marketing Strategies and Profitability in the Agri-Food Industry: Resource Efficiency and Value Chains

Agriculture is essential to any country’s economy. Agriculture is crucial not only for feeding a country’s population but also for its impact on other businesses. The paradox of agri-food companies generating substantial profits despite seemingly high product prices is explored in this article, focusing on the role of digital marketing within the agri-food industry. Enhanced digital marketing performance leads to efficient advertising campaigns, through reduced advertising costs and increased resource efficiency. To do so, the authors collected web analytical data from five established agri-food firms with the highest market capitalization. Then, linear regression and correlation analyses were used, followed by the utilization of fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) modeling. The analysis revealed that increased traffic through search sources is associated with reduced advertising costs. Additionally, enhanced website engagement contributes to lower advertising expenses, emphasizing the optimization of the user experience. However, it has been discovered that allocating funds for social media advertising eventually results in higher expenses with higher website-abandoning rate. Ultimately, successful management of the balance between product costs and profitability in the agri-food sector lies on the increased use of search sources and greatly reducing the use of social media sources.

Towards Sustainable Production of Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate: Non-biological Catalytic Syntheses of Biomass-derived Constituents.

Renewable chemicals, which are made from renewable resources such as biomass, have attracted significant interest as substitutes for natural gas- or petroleum-derived chemicals to enhance the sustainability of the chemical and petrochemical industries. Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), which is a copolyester of 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO), adipic acid (AA), and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) or terephthalic acid (TPA), has garnered significant interest as a biodegradable polymer. This study assesses the non-biological production of PBAT monomers from biomass feedstocks via heterogeneous catalytic reactions. The biomass-based catalytic routes to each monomer are analyzed and compared to conventional routes. Although no fully commercialized catalytic processes for direct conversion of biomass into 1,4-BDO, AA, DMT, and TPA are available, emerging and promising catalytic routes have been proposed. The proposed biomass-based catalytic pathways toward 1,4-BDO, AA, DMT, and TPA are not yet fully competitive with conventional fossil fuel-based pathways mainly due to high feedstock prices and the existence of other alternatives. However, given continuous technological advances in the renewable production of PBAT monomers, bio-based PBAT should be economically viable in the near future.

Marketing Channels of Pomegranate in Pune Division of Maharashtra, India

Pomegranate, scientifically named Punica granatum L., is prized globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions like India, Iran, and Spain. Pomegranate cultivation has surged in India, notably in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka, with India emerging as a top global producer. In 2020-21, India expanded pomegranate cultivation to 2.88 lakh hectares, yielding 32.70 lakh tonnes. Maharashtra led with 54.89% of national production and 59.38% of cultivated area, underscoring its key role despite slightly lower productivity than the national average. The objectives of the study were to identify different marketing channels of pomegranate, to estimate the price spread and marketing efficiency of identified marketing channels and to identify problems faced by stakeholders. The primary data was collected from 60 Pomegranate farmers and from 30 intermediaries. The study identified four different pomegranate marketing channels. Channel-1 (Producer →Pre-harvest contractor → Wholesaler-cum-commission agent→ Retailer →Consumer), Channel-2 (Producer →Wholesaler-cum-commission agent→ retailer → consumer), Channel-3 (Producer →Collection Center (CC) → Distribution Center (DC) → Consumer), Channel-4 (Producer →Village trader →Wholesaler-cum-commission agent →Retailer → Consumer). Channel-3 providing producers with 69.78% of the consumer price and demonstrating highest efficiency (2.31) for its Acharya-Agarwal marketing efficiency method was used. Pomegranate producers face challenges including high transportation costs, storage issues, price volatility, and market information deficits. Production problems include pest infestations, high input costs, and labor shortages. Intermediaries grapple with quality variation, labor scarcity, and price fluctuations. Strategic interventions in infrastructure, logistics, and market intelligence are crucial for sustainable profitability.

Scarcity effect in collaborative fashion consumption via the C2C online platform: moderating effect of consumer price sensitivity and gender

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effect of scarcity on purchase intention in a collaborative fashion consumption situation using a C2C platform. Furthermore, it examines the moderating effect of consumer price sensitivity and gender. A mixed experimental design method of 2 (scarcity level: high vs. low) × 2 (consumer price sensitivity: high vs. low) × 2 (gender: male vs. female) was applied. This study found that although the scarcity level did not directly affect purchase intention, the effect was moderated by price sensitivity. Consumers with high price sensitivity show greater purchase intention under low scarcity, whereas consumers with low price sensitivity show greater purchase intention under high scarcity. Moreover, the interaction effect of scarcity level and price sensitivity on purchase intention significantly differed for women, but not for men. This study provides insights for C2C platform marketers to devise marketing strategies considering the scarcity of second-hand fashion products and consumer traits.

Marketing research and brand management in the margarine market

Shifts in the Russian margarine market have produced changes in consumer behaviour patterns and caused a decline in sales of a number of brands. The study aims to reveal new trends in the fats and oils market and tests the hypotheses that end consumers tend to buy less margarine due to the rising popularity of a healthy lifestyle, the fast-growing demand for ready-made foods and baked goods, and customers’ high price sensitivity. The theories of brand management and marketing constitute the theoretical basis of the study. The research uses desk and field marketing research methods, survey, and statistical analysis. Calculations were carried out in statistical software SPSS and JASP. To assess brand management at the companies under review, we apply the brand loyalty index and the brand awareness indicator in Yandex Wordstat. The empirical evidence covers Nielsen panel data on retail audits in consumer goods markets for 2021–2023; data sourced from the QlickView analytical platform; OOO Profi Issledovania’s report based on the results of a field study of margarine brands in November 2023; and data from a survey conducted by the authors in November–December, 2023. The findings show that the share of margarines in total production volumes and solid fats sales is in decline. We confirmed the hypotheses that margarines consumption is decreasing due to a healthy lifestyle culture and the need to follow doctor’s recommendations. Price is found to be the key factor in choosing margarine brands.

Formal insurance and altruism networks

We study how altruism networks affect the demand for formal insurance. Agents with CARA utilities are connected through a network of altruistic relationships. Incomes are subject to a common shock and to a large individual shock, generating heterogeneous damages. Agents can buy formal insurance to cover the common shock, up to a coverage cap. We find that ex-post altruistic transfers induce interdependence in ex-ante formal insurance decisions. We characterize the Nash equilibria of the insurance game and show that agents act as if they are trying to maximize the expected utility of a representative agent with average damages. Altruism thus tends to increase demand of low-damage agents and to decrease demand of high-damage agents. Its aggregate impact depends on the interplay between demand homogenization, the zero lower bound and the coverage cap. We find that aggregate demand is higher with altruism than without altruism at low prices and lower at high prices. Nash equilibria are constrained Pareto efficient.

Competition and industrial policy in the 21st century

Abstract Large fixed costs and (direct and indirect) network externalities generate barriers to entry and high markups for winners in the digital industry. The potential for high prices, low innovation and abuses of dominant position as well as the contribution to rising inequality raise the question of how countries should regulate the industry. The tech giants’ dominance does not confront us with an unpalatable choice between laissez-faire and populist interventions. The commentary explains economic stakes, considers desirable adaptations of regulation in the digital age and draws some conclusions for policy reform.

The control unit of the combined photovoltaic/thermal system

During the last years the design and implementation of energy-saving solutions remains a relevant and integral task for implementation the route of decreasing carbon emissions and reduce the negative impact on the environment. Using combined photovoltaic/thermal systems is limited by their high price connected mainly with the complexity of their control systems, even taking into account availability of government programs for financial support for the use of alternative energy. The novelty of the proposed work consists in the development of a mathematical model and the analytical study of the control system of combined photovoltaic/thermal system for research the operation of control and logic elements and their response to transient and emergency modes during such systems operation. Aim of the work - operational analysis, analytical and optimization studies of the control system of the combined photovoltaic/thermal system to ensure reliable operation in transient and emergency modes and significantly simplify the design of such a system. In this article was implemented mathematical modeling methods and using specialized software. As a result of the work the mathematical model of the control system of combined photovoltaic/thermal system which operates with variable set of control and logic elements was developed. A structural solution of the control system is proposed for further implementation and field testing. The response criteria of the control system to transient and emergency operation modes of the combined photovoltaic/thermal system have been developed. Practical value. It was established the permissible and critical values of a number of parameters characterizing the operation of combined photovoltaic/thermal system in normal mode and deviations from which indicate the presence of an emergency situation are determined. The proposed algorithms of the control system will make it possible to increase the reliability of combined photovoltaic/thermal system and reduce the risk of emergency situations during field tests and further operation.

Spatially and temporally differentiated characterization factors for supply risk of abiotic resources in life cycle assessment

Life cycle assessment, a comprehensive tool to evaluate environmental impacts across a product's life cycle, traditionally focuses on "inside-out" impacts caused by the product on the environment, emphasizing resource use, global warming, and other environmental impacts. In contrast, the "outside-in" perspective considers resource availability and accessibility to industry. This second perspective was developed as a way to integrate raw material criticality assessment into LCA. The GeoPolRisk method assesses the supply risk based on global production concentration, import shares, political stability scores, and the average price of the commodity. This article introduces a characterization model for the GeoPolRisk method and calculates the Geopolitical Supply Risk Potential of using 46 raw materials across different countries in multiple years. The characterization factors show the highest values for precious metals, like platinum group metals (PGMs), reflecting their high market prices and concentrated production in geopolitically unstable regions. The results emphasize the significance of spatial and temporal variations in characterization factors, providing a nuanced assessment of supply risk of raw materials associated with the product system. Despite data limitations, the characterization factors offer a good estimate of the supply risk of raw materials available for use in product systems. A case study on photovoltaic laminate production highlights gallium, copper, and tin as significant contributors to supply risk. From an "outside-in" perspective, the case study demonstrates how the GeoPolRisk method complements traditional environmental indicators such as global warming, making it a valuable tool for assessing mineral resource supply risk in Life Cycle Assessment.

Construction of dual Z-scheme Ag3VO4–BiVO4/InVO4 photocatalysts using vanadium source from spent catalysts for contaminated water treatment and bacterial inactivation

Vanadate-based photocatalysts have recently attracted substantial attention owing to their outstanding photocatalytic activity for degrading organic pollutants and generating energy via photocatalytic processes. However, the relatively high price of vanadium has hindered the development of vanadate-based photocatalysts for various applications. Spent catalysts obtained from oil refineries typically contain a significant quantity of vanadium, making them valuable for recovery and utilization as precursors for the production of high-value-added photocatalysts. In this study, we transformed the V present in spent catalysts produced by the petrochemical industry into ternary vanadate-based photocatalysts [BiVO4/InVO4/Ag3VO4 (BVO/IVO/AVO, respectively)] designed for water remediation. The ternary composites revealed an enhanced photocatalytic capability, which was 1.42 and 5.1 times higher than those of the binary BVO/IVO and pristine AVO due to the facilitated charge separation. The ternary photocatalysts not only effectively treated wastewater containing various organic dyes, such as methylene blue (MB), rhodamine 6G (R6G), and brilliant green (BG), but also exhibited remarkable photocatalytic performance in the degradation of antibiotics, reduction of Cr(VI), and bacterial inactivation. This paper proposes a feasible route for recycling industrial waste as a source of vanadium to produce highly efficient vanadate-based photocatalysts.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Fel Ursi and Its Common Adulterants Based on UHPLC-QTOF-MSE and Chemometrics.

As one of the four most valuable animal medicines, Fel Ursi, named Xiong Dan (XD) in China, has the effect of clearing heat, calming the liver, and brightening the eyes. However, due to the special source of XD and its high price, other animals' bile is often sold as XD or mixed with XD on the market, seriously affecting its clinical efficacy and consumers' rights and interests. In order to realize identification and adulteration analysis of XD, UHPLC-QTOF-MSE and multivariate statistical analysis were used to explore the differences in XD and six other animals' bile. XD, pig gall (Zhu Dan, ZD), cow gall (Niu Dan, ND), rabbit gallbladder (Tu Dan, TD), duck gall (Yan Dan, YD), sheep gall (Yang Dan, YND), and chicken gall (Ji Dan, JD) were analyzed by UHPLC-QTOF-MSE, and the MS data, combined with multivariate analysis methods, were used to distinguish between them. Meanwhile, the potential chemical composition markers that contribute to their differences were further explored. The results showed that XD and six other animals' bile can be distinguished from each other obviously, with 27 ions with VIP > 1.0. We preliminarily identified 10 different bile acid-like components in XD and the other animals' bile with significant differences (p < 0.01) and VIP > 1.0, such as tauroursodeoxycholic acid, Glycohyodeoxycholic acid, and Glycodeoxycholic acid. The developed method was efficient and rapid in accurately distinguishing between XD and six other animals' bile. Based on the obtained chemical composition markers, it is beneficial to strengthen quality control for bile medicines.

Analysis of Ballistic Capability in Making Bulletproof Multilayers Using Woven Ramie Fiber, Hardfacing Metal with Epoxy Matrix for Bulletproof Vests

Bulletproof material in level III bulletproof vests must be created using hard and soft materials to prevent bullet penetration. Kevlar and SiC + PE are imported materials used as armor in bulletproof vests. The use of Kevlar and SiC is very dependent on foreign sources with high prices. An innovation was carried out by making bulletproof material using cheaper multilayer methods involving metal from hardfacing welding as a hard layer and ramie fiber as a soft layer with an epoxy matrix. To see the level of penetration and surface morphology structure in the specimens, 9 variations were made: 3 layers of hardfacing welding and 3 epoxy volume fractions (40%, 45%, 50%). Ballistic test using NIJ 0101.06 level III standards with AK-47 of 7.62 mm x 39 mm bullets and the morphology of bulletproof multilayer material after impact was observed using SEM. The results showed all specimens failed to withstand bullet penetration at a distance of 15 meters. Meanwhile, at 50 meters, the S2-C specimen with a 60% epoxy volume fraction was able to withstand bullet penetration with a BFS value of 25.85 mm. This value is &lt; 44 mm; thus, it complies with the NIJ 0101.06 body armor standard. According to SEM, most of the failures occurred because the resulting adhesion force was weak. It was necessary to add reinforcing material so that the adhesion force between the metal, ramie fiber, and adhesive increases; the materials must also have very light density to prevent the effectiveness reduction of the multilayer.

Artwork pricing model integrating the popularity and ability of artists

AbstractConsiderable research has been devoted to understanding the popularity effect on the art market dynamics, meaning that artworks by popular artists tend to have high prices. The hedonic pricing model has employed artists’ reputation attributes, such as survey results, to understand the popularity effect, but the reputation attributes are constant and not properly defined at the point of artwork sales. Moreover, the artist’s ability has been measured via random effect in the hedonic model, which fails to reflect ability changes. To remedy these problems, we present a method to define the popularity measure using the artwork sales dataset without relying on the artist’s reputation attributes. Also, we propose a novel pricing model to appropriately infer the time-dependent artist’s abilities using the presented popularity measure. An inference algorithm is presented using the EM algorithm and Gibbs sampling to estimate model parameters and artist abilities. We use the Artnet dataset to investigate the size of the rich-get-richer effect and the variables affecting artwork prices in real-world art market dynamics. We further conduct inferences about artists’ abilities under the popularity effect and examine how ability changes over time for various artists with remarkable interpretations.

Analysis of Ballistic Capability in Making Bulletproof Multilayers Using Woven Ramie Fiber, Hardfacing Metal with Epoxy Matrix for Bulletproof Vests

Bulletproof material in level III bulletproof vests must be created using hard and soft materials to prevent bullet penetration. Kevlar and SiC + PE are imported materials used as armor in bulletproof vests. The use of Kevlar and SiC is very dependent on foreign sources with high prices. An innovation was carried out by making bulletproof material using cheaper multilayer methods involving metal from hardfacing welding as a hard layer and ramie fiber as a soft layer with an epoxy matrix. To see the level of penetration and surface morphology structure in the specimens, 9 variations were made: 3 layers of hardfacing welding and 3 epoxy volume fractions (40%, 45%, 50%). Ballistic test using NIJ 0101.06 level III standards with AK-47 of 7.62 mm x 39 mm bullets and the morphology of bulletproof multilayer material after impact was observed using SEM. The results showed all specimens failed to withstand bullet penetration at a distance of 15 meters. Meanwhile, at 50 meters, the S2-C specimen with a 60% epoxy volume fraction was able to withstand bullet penetration with a BFS value of 25.85 mm. This value is &lt; 44 mm; thus, it complies with the NIJ 0101.06 body armor standard. According to SEM, most of the failures occurred because the resulting adhesion force was weak. It was necessary to add reinforcing material so that the adhesion force between the metal, ramie fiber, and adhesive increases; the materials must also have very light density to prevent the effectiveness reduction of the multilayer.

Mechanical, Thermal and Performance Evaluation of Hybrid Basalt/Carbon Fibers Reinforced Bio-Based Polyethylene Terephthalate (BioPet) Composites

AbstractLooking at the dynamically developing market of engineering materials, there is a need to create newer functional composites. Today's economic situation related to high energy prices and environmental threats force industry to conduct sustainable production. Polymer composites based on plant raw materials are increasingly appearing on global markets, which are light, have good mechanical properties and are also pro-ecological. This work involved the production of hybrid composites based on bio-based poly (ethylene terephthalate) by means of injection molding. Two types of fibers were used simultaneously as the reinforcement phase: basalt fibers and carbon fibers in the amount of 5, 7.5, and 10 wt% of each. The produced materials were subjected to a wide range of mechanical, thermal, and functional characteristics. The experimental data were compared with the theoretical results which were calculated from different micromodels. The studies showed that with the addition of the filler, the mechanical properties of the produced composites increased, but the optimal content was found for composites with 7.5/7.5 wt% addition of fibers, where the improvement was – 81%, 337%, and 25%, for tensile strength, Young's modulus, and impact strength, respectively. In the produced materials, the thermal properties of composites were also improved, where the shrinkage decreased by min. half, and linear coefficient at least 3 times. Sufficient adhesion between the fibers and the matrix was confirmed by SEM images and mechanical micromodels, which confirmed the highest efficiency of reinforcement with a total content of 15 wt% of fibers. To assess the influence of extreme conditions on the behavior of composites, hydrolytic degradation was carried out, which showed that the addition of fibers will not increase water absorption. The mechanical tests of the incubated materials lead to the conclusion that the produced materials could be successfully used in long-term applications because the properties obtained during the tensile test have deteriorated by only max. 5%. The work showed for the first time the modification of bioPET using two types of fibers introduced simultaneously. Hybridization of bioPET with basalt and carbon fibers has shown that it is possible to create very durable composites with a high Young's modulus. The work showed that different fibers are responsible for increasing other parameters – basalt fibers increase strength, while carbon fibers increase Young's modulus. The research may contribute to the popularization of bio-based polymer composites that have high strength for low weight and are a cheaper equivalent than polyamide-based composites.

D-shaped optical fiber-based refractometer for olive oil adulteration detection

Extra virgin olive oil is a product in great demand, due to its popularity as the healthiest cooking oil. Thanks to its popularity and high price, extra virgin olive oil is also a common target of adulterators who add other vegetable oils in order to increase the volume of the final product. This practice is specially harmful to consumers who choose olive oil due to dietary restrictions, in addition to directly affecting producers, due to unfair competition. Based on this scenario, this work presents a D-shaped optical fiber-based refractive index sensor to detect adulteration of olive oil caused by the addition of canola, corn, cotton, soybean and sunflower oils. The device fabrication and characterization processes are presented, detailing the instrumentation used and the methodology adopted during the measurements. The sensor sensitivity, measured against the added percentage of contaminants, was determined as 0.037 dB/%. The results show that the sensor is capable of detecting adulterations from additions of any combination of the five adulterants greater than 9% of the total volume.

Fluorescence Intensity between Standard versus Diluted Indocyanine Green to Evaluate Flap Perfusion in Rats.

The ideal dose for indocyanine green (ICG) has not been established yet, although 5 mg per mL is widely accepted for free flap evaluation. Due to its high price and rarity in developing countries, this preliminary study aimed to find the lowest concentration of ICG without reducing the fluorescence quality read by near-infrared camera in animal models. An experimental study was conducted on 25 Wistar rats divided into five groups based on the injected ICG, which was in 5 mg per mL, 3.75 mg per mL, 2.5 mg per mL, 1.25 mg per mL, and 0.5 mg per mL concentrations. The epigastric flap was elevated and confirmed to be vital on the fifth day. Upon confirmation, bolus IV injection of ICG was given via the tail, and the flap was read using near-infrared camera. The 25 different videos are randomized and rated individually in a blind manner by five microsurgeons, chosen beforehand. The videos are evaluated with a scoring system ranging from 0 to 4, assessing fluorescence visibility and flap vasculature. Nonetheless, the intraclass correlation coefficient is 0.779. There was no difference between standard and diluted ICG concentrations to evaluate flap perfusion. The 2.5 mg per mL concentration of ICG was the most favorable. This finding is not clinically relevant for application in human subjects yet. However, this study shows promising results for further usage of ICG in daily practice at a lower cost.

Did the 1917–21 economic depression accelerate the epidemiological transition? Milk prices, summer peak of mortality, and food-and-water causes of death in Madrid, Spain

This article aims to answer a provocative question: would higher prices, particularly that of milk, be beneficial for the survival of children under 2 years old? Using a database of more than 230,000 births, matched to deaths, we test this hypothesis in the context of a large Mediterranean city, Madrid, in the years 1915-1926. During this period an inflationary crisis spread from 1917 to 1921. We compare child survival, the impact of milk price fluctuations, and the summer mortality peak, controlling for socio-spatial segregation and considering all-cause mortality and mortality due to food- and water-borne illnesses, before, during and after the economic depression. A positive association between increases in the milk price and better chances of survival is statistically robust, but only observed during depression. Several explanations are discussed.

Challenging factors across industry players in implementing the green building concept in Malaysia

Abstract This study examines the obstacles to implementing the green building concept in Greater Kuala Lumpur, a relatively novel concept in Malaysia. The country currently lacks awareness regarding existing green building technologies. In 2007, a Zero Energy Building in Kuala Lumpur, constructed based on the Green Building Concept, faced challenges, ultimately unable to effectively reduce energy consumption after three years of efforts. The research focuses on evaluating internal factors and external factors that pose challenges to the Green Building Concept among industry players in Greater Kuala Lumpur. The study involved 100 respondents in the property and construction field, utilizing a cluster sampling technique. Survey results revealed that both external and internal factors act as barriers to the implementation of the green building industry in Malaysia. The Relative Important Index identified high cost and pricing factors as significant external challenges, with relative importance indices of 0.946 and 0.936, respectively. Internally, the lack of consumer demand emerged as the most formidable obstacle, boasting a high relative importance index of 0.936. Additionally, the study highlighted the lack of incentive support as a notable internal factor, with a relative importance index of 0.934. To address these challenges, the study recommends collective responsibility among all stakeholders in the property and construction industry, including architects, property agents, the government, universities, and clients. Establishing a collaborative ecosystem can foster the growth of the green building industry in Malaysia, promoting sustainability and contributing to economic development.

Expediting battery investment returns for residential customers utilising spot price-aware local energy exchanges

This paper presents a local energy exchange mechanism to benefit residential customers and retailers under variable wholesale market spot prices. To do so, a peer-to-peer (P2P) trading-enabled local energy market (LEM) is proposed to facilitate frequent energy transactions among participants. The proposed LEM mechanism considers market operational constraints and maximises electricity cost reductions. Further, the proposed LEM optimises the customers' investment return for battery energy storage systems (BESSs) and minimises retailers’ financial losses during higher spot prices in the wholesale market. Finally, a case study is demonstrated using real-world Australian data in which P2P trading is performed between interested buyers and sellers. Two scenarios with high and low wholesale market spot prices are analysed comprehensively considering five metrics such as solar-to-spot (STS); solar-to-load (STL); forward buy contract (FBC)-to-load (FBC-L); spot-to-load (Short); and FBC-to-spot (Long). The simulation results reveal that the customers reap substantial benefits from the proposed LEM in contrast with business-as-usual (BAU), allowing them to expedite BESS investment returns. Also, the proposed LEM helps a retailer decrease the effect of higher spot prices by reducing its unexpected financial losses while improving self-consumption and self-sufficiency in the local energy network.