Main Consumers Research Articles

Identification of Supply Chain Performance of Anchovy Commodity in Panomboman Village, North Sibolga, North Sumatera Province

Anchovies are one of the commodities in the fisheries sector in North Sibolga District, Central Tapanuli Regency and have a high selling value. However, the price of this commodity product is not fixed so that fishermen's income is not optimal. The purpose of this study was to identify the performance of the anchovy supply chain in Panomboman Village, North Sibolga District. This study is descriptive qualitative where the data collection methods are interviews, observations, and documentation studies. The results of the study show that the design pattern of the anchovy product supply chain network involves ten main actors, namely fishermen, collectors, wholesalers, retailers, and end consumers. There are three flows, namely the flow of goods from upstream to downstream, the flow of money from downstream to upstream and the flow of information from upstream to downstream and from downstream to upstream. The results of the study showed that the performance of the anchovy product supply chain in the village was considered inefficient because there was a fairly large marketing margin between fishermen and collectors, namely IDR 3,500 upto IDR 8,000/ Kg of anchovy products. Finally, fishermen formed a group of fishermen and distributed their anchovy production directly to wholesalers. Keywords: Supply chain, anchovies, fisheries .

The present and future of peer review: Ideas, interventions, and evidence

What is wrong with the peer review system? Is peer review sustainable? Useful? What other models exist? These are central yet contentious questions in today’s academic discourse. This perspective critically discusses alternative models and revisions to the peer review system. The authors highlight possible changes to the peer review system, with the goal of fostering further dialog among the main stakeholders, including producers and consumers of scientific research. Neither our list of identified issues with the peer review system nor our discussed resolutions are complete. A point of agreement is that fair assessment and efficient change would require more comprehensive and rigorous data on the various aspects of the peer review system.

Do You Want Me?: Exploring Differences in Consumer Home Robot Preferences, Perceptions, and Purchase Intent

While research in human-robot interaction is beginning to focus on the acceptance of domestic robots, there is little research on the potential adoption of these agents. Technology adoption is a complex phenomenon requiring not only positive perceptions of technology but also its value, along with product desire strong enough to lead to desired adoption behavior. Adoption of innovations also occurs in phases, from early adopters to mainstream consumers, then laggards. While the characteristics of technology early adopters generally have been researched extensively, there is no previous work that seeks to validate some of these variables for domestic robots specifically, and which draws from HRI research to further amend them. In this work, we determine how various consumer and robot characteristics affect assessments of home robot liking, privacy concerns, and purchasing intent. We find that five main consumer characteristics are associated with robot early adopters, and that surprisingly, income has a negative correlation with purchasing intent, specifically for the companion robot. We further compare predicted product liking to purchasing intent, showing that although robot acceptance is reasonably high for those in the mainstream, purchasing intent is low. For all market segments, perceptions of high price accounted for about 20-30% of the variance in intended purchasing, intended use 6-7%, belief in performance as advertised 4-6%, and design 3%. While privacy concerns were not influential to purchasing intentions held by early adopters, they were to mainstream users and laggards.

Non-Wood Forest Product Extractivism: A Case Study of Euterpe oleracea Martius in the Brazilian Amazon

Euterpe oleracea Martius is the main palm tree species that contributes to the Amazonian economy and its pulp is a widely sought-after product in the market due to its nutritional and health benefits. However, high market demand has stimulated changes in land use practices of native stands, including management models that increase fruit productivity. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the socioeconomic aspects involved in the extractivism/local management practices of this species in a community in the Brazilian Amazon. We interviewed 10 families from the 15 ones that participate in the productive chain of this species in the community, with questions related to the socioeconomic aspects, management practices, and commercialization of E. oleracea. Its fruit collection in the community is an important activity that provides family income, with the majority of production being for pulp. Family labor is of fundamental importance for the maintenance of production and is presented in all steps of the production chain. The main advantage in Santa Luzia is its location near the main consumer markets, so community members should take advantage of this more effectively and stimulate the strengthening of the community’s local processing unit, mainly for the commercialization of the pulp, which constitutes the greatest contribution.

Analysis of Marketing Strategies of POP MART

In recent years, trendy toy IPs have gradually evolved into one of the core markets for global blind box consumption. With consumers' demand for personalized and unique products on the rise, the trendy toy market has entered a rapid growth phase. The global trendy toy market has a significant driving effect, and cultural exchanges and cooperation between countries have endowed the industry with new vitality. Moreover, the Generation Z (usually refers to the generation born between 1995 and 2009, who seamlessly integrated with the internet information age from birth and were greatly influenced by digital information technology, instant messaging devices, smartphone products, and other technologies ), as the main consumer force, continues to drive the trendy toy market's growth with their impressive spending power. Therefore, in such a context, various brands are increasing their investment in trendy toys to meet the growing market demand. This report conduct a comprehensive analysis of POP MART's market positioning and product marketing strategies based on the STP and 4P marketing theories, and also give some practical suggestions to the future development of POP MART.

A Study on the Fast Food Consumption Behavior of Generation Z in Shenzhen: A Case Study of the Tastien Brand

The development of the Chinese burger brand“Tastien” is of profound significance in the localization process of fast food culture. The mechanism of its success, however, are rarely studied in related fields. As Generation Z takes over as the strongest consumer force, this study focuses on the consumption behavior of young people in Shenzhen towards the Tastien fast food brand, attempting to explore its causes through questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews, and rational analysis. The research findings show that: 1) Tastien took Generation Z as the main consumer target group and conducted suitable strategies. As a result, it has gained tremendous market growth in the past few years; 2) Tastien is widely favored because of its high cost-effectiveness and unique Chinese burger image. This reflects the distinctive consumption habits of Shenzhen’s Generation Z, which not only seek affordability, but also value the emotional fulfillment that they gained from their purchases. For these consumers, the concept of ‘emotional value for money’ plays a crucial role, as they gravitate towards brands that provide both economic and emotional satisfaction. The research results is important for helping fast food brands understand their service groups and accurate position on the market.

Justification of the choice of characteristics of the thermal imaging system lens of an unmanned aerial vehicle

The significant prevalence of kamikaze drones causes, firstly, the need to increase their efficiency; secondly, the reduction of their cost. In this sense, the task of equipping such unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with inexpensive thermal imaging cameras arises. For remote surveillance thermal imaging systems, one of the main consumer evaluations is the range of target detection and recognition with a given probability. Currently, the best technical solution in this case is the use of microbolometric matrix detectors equipped with inexpensive infrared lenses. When justifying the parameters of the lens, which is compatible with the selected detector and ensures maximum efficiency of operation, it is advisable to use calculation method. The article is devoted to the development of a simplified method of synthesis of the main parameters of the UAV thermal imaging system lens for the selected type of microbolometric matrix detector. The methodology is based on the noise equivalent temperature difference. An example of calculating a lens for an inexpensive on-board thermal imager of a kamikaze drone based on the proposed methodology is given.

Metabolites limiting predator growth wane with prey biodiversity

Predator–prey interactions are a major driver of microbiome dynamics, but remain difficult to predict. While several prey traits potentially impact resistance to predation, their effects in a multispecies context remain unclear. Here, we leverage synthetic bacterial communities of varying complexity to identify traits driving palatability for nematodes, a main consumer of bacteria in soil. We assessed trophic interactions between four nematode species and 122 bacterial isolates, across a gradient of prey biodiversity ranging from single species to 50 species. Nematode size, a proxy for prey palatability, varied strongly with prey community composition and could be predicted by metabolic and morphological properties of the prey. However, the influence of prey traits on predators depended on biodiversity. Secondary metabolites drove palatability in monoculture, but this effect vanished under increasing prey biodiversity, where prey size became the dominant predictors of nematode size. Although idiosyncratic properties are often emphasized in the literatures, our results suggest that in biodiverse assemblages, the composition of available prey and their traits are more reliable predictors of predator–prey interactions. This study offers valuable insights into microbial ecology in the context of predator–prey interactions, as cryptic microbial responses can be guided by deductions based on generalizable biological traits.

Fuzzy logic application in the evaluation of energy efficiency in buildings in Brazil

Energy is a resource that has become indispensable to contemporary life, as it is present in everyday life in all areas. However, this important resource is limited, and during its production, it has great potential to generate socio-environmental problems. Since buildings are one of the main energy consumers, using energy efficiency to soften consumption is essential. To this end, Brazil has the Technical Quality Regulation for the Energy Efficiency Level of Commercial, Service and Public Buildings (RTQ-C), developed by the National Electricity Conservation Program (PROCEL), which grants the evaluation of energy efficiency in buildings. Nevertheless, the RTQ-C includes only five levels of classification and does not consider the uncertainties associated with the analysis parameters. To broaden this assessment, fuzzy logic is an option that provides the determination of sub-levels and more scope for the classification. Thus, the present work aims to propose a fuzzy logic-based model that can assess the energy efficiency of buildings deriving from the RTQ-C parameters. A case study is used to show the applicability and functionality of the proposed model. Using the methodology provided by the RTQ-C manual and by fuzzy logic, it was possible to arrive at a rule base, which provides a more realistic perspective on the energy assessment of a building. The results showed that fuzzy modeling is feasible and more comprehensive, it can be used in other buildings and research with similar characteristics, as well as by managers of public and private companies that seek to evaluate, manage, and make more accurate decisions regarding the energy efficiency of buildings under their responsibility, bringing economic, social, and environmental benefits.

The impact of changes in consumption patterns in the post-pandemic period in Hungary

AbstractThe study investigates the impact of negative economic changes on Hungarian consumption habits on a representative sample of 1,000 people during the post-COVID period, which we interpreted as the period after December 2021. The quantitative research shows that a significant part of the population was affected by the unexpected effects of the economic environment. The change in purchasing habits was driven by the search for promotions and value for money products. Regarding the place of purchase, the research showed that the share of online shoppers did not increase for the 12 product categories surveyed, while the role of discounters in offline purchases increased. The survey highlighted that a third of the population cannot afford to make large purchases, while at the same time avoiding loans. Two-thirds of the population's view of the future is quite pessimistic. In consumption attitudes, the first priority is the aforementioned “discounting”, while the second priority is saving money on packaging. Hungarians tend to save more on electricity and heating. Finally, the result of our cluster analysis is that we have been able to distinguish five consumer groups that are able to describe the main consumer attitudes in the post-Covid crisis period. The defined clusters are the following: Resistant, Bargain hunter, Conscious, Rationing and What you can afford is what you can get.

Patterns of development of export cargo flows of grain crops from the southern regions of Russia

The topic of the study is to identify patterns of development of export cargo flows of grain crops from the southern regions of the Russian Federation. The analysis of the volumes of grain shipments from the ports of the AzovBlack Sea and Caspian basins separately was carried out. The main consumers and importers of Russian grain are highlighted, as well as the main directions in the transportation of grain cargoes from the southern regions of Russia. Various standard sizes of bags involved in the transportation of this category of goods are considered, as well as the reasons for their use in the export of Russian grain from the ports of the Caspian Sea and the Black SeaAzov basin. The main types of grain crops to be exported from the southern regions of the Russian Federation are noted, including their shares of the total volume of all transported grain. The dynamics of changes in the volume of transportation of individual grain crops from the ports of the Black SeaAzov basin and the Caspian Sea, respectively, is presented. The trend towards a stable annual increase in export cargo flows of Russian grain is analyzed. The seasonality in the export of the studied category of goods is considered, annual temporary peaks in the curves of cargo flows corresponding to a sharp increase in the volume of grain shipments are highlighted. The presence of patterns in the behavior of the curves of grain export cargo flows from the southern regions of Russia is noted, manifested in the similarity of the shapes of the curves of transportation volumes over various years, as well as in their desire to approach the average curve of cargo flows calculated for the entire analyzed period. The question was raised about the possibility of taking into account the trends under consideration when forecasting changes in the volume of grain export shipments from the ports of the Black SeaAzov and Caspian basins.

Environmental and economic assessment of urban wastewater reclamation from ultrafiltration membrane-based tertiary treatment: Effect of seasonal dynamic

This study aimed to assess the environmental and economic performance of an ultrafiltration (UF) tertiary treatment of effluent from an urban wastewater treatment facility. Data from a UF demonstration plant composed of commercially available equipment, including industrial hollow-fiber membranes was used to project a full-scale facility. The results from the demonstration plant recommended different ranges of transmembrane fluxes and sparging air demands under summer and winter conditions to prevent excessive fouling. The energy balance of the full-scale facility would be 0.308±0.112kWh·m-3 in summer and 0.140±0.040kWh·m-3 in winter, with blowers' being the main consumers (86-93%). CAPEX accounted for €0.030±0.002·m-3 in summer and €0.027±0.002·m-3 in winter and membrane acquisition represented 66-69% of the investment cost. Energy expenditure was the major OPEX cost (66-79%), with a total operating cost of €0.077±0.023·m-3 and €0.042±0.008·m-3 in summer and winter, respectively. The final average value obtained for the TAC was €0.107m-3 in summer and €0.068m-3 in winter. The environmental assessment confirmed optimizing energy consumption and membrane requirements as the main factors influencing environmental sustainability. Specifically, summer and winter emissions of 0.079-0.175 and 0.043-0.079 kgCO2eq·m-3 (Global warming potential); 8.1·10-4-1.7·10-3 and 4.8·10-3-8.1·10-3m3·m-3 (water consumption); 0.019-0.041 and 0.010-0.019kg oileq·m-3 (fossil fuel scarcity); and 1.4·10-4-2.9·10-4 and 7.7·10-4-1.4·10-4kg Cueq·m-3 (mineral resource scarcity) were calculated, respectively. The obtained permeate quality complied with the most stringent Spanish and EU regulations.

Hardware industry of the Russian Federation: History of formation, current situation and forecast of development

Subject. The article discusses the economics of the hardware industry of the Russian Federation. Objectives. The study aims at the forecast assessment of production volumes of hardware products in Russia, based on the analysis of strategic planning documents for the development of the main related sectors of the economy, using steel and wire products in their operations (construction, transport, energy, industry, agriculture). Methods. The study draws on research methods, like monographic, statistical and economic, systems analysis, and forecasting. Results. We considered the main aspects of the hardware industry development in the era of the USSR and at the present time. Currently, the production of hardware has decreased fourfold, as compared to the Soviet period. The findings are important for planning the strategic development of the hardware industry and devising the industry support measures. Conclusions. According to the forecast analysis of the steel and wire production in the Russian Federation for 2030–2035 that rests on planned indicators of the branches of the national economy being the main consumers of hardware, the hardware industry should increase production volumes by 32% by 2030–2035 relative to 2023.

Exploring the interplay between experiential and material product purchases on consumer behavior: a meta-analytic investigation

ABSTRACT Despite wealth of research on experiential and material purchases, there is limited understanding of the boundaries of this scholarship, particularly in terms of the contributing factors and moderators that explain consumer preferences. To address this gap, this study aims to understand the influence of consumer preferences for experiential vs material purchases on consumer behavior and identify the key factors shaping these preferences. The study performed a meta-analysis of 22 experimental studies spanning from 2012 to 2022, employing a systematic approach following PRISMA guidelines. It investigated the link between cognitive, behavioral, intellectual, and affective factors and consumer preferences for experiential versus material products. The meta-analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between 36 main indicators and consumers’ decisions to make experiential or material purchases, with experiential purchases exhibiting a strong positive influence on consumer behavior. The study offers significant theoretical implications for the fields of marketing and consumer research regarding experiential and material purchases, as well as practical implications for marketers and policymakers.

Определение способов повышения энергоэффективности путем анализа электропотребления предприятий судостроительной и судоремонтной отрасли

The possibilities of improving energy efficiency in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry are being considered. Energy efficiency plays a key role in modern industry, especially in industries with high energy consumption, such as shipbuilding and ship repair. In the Astrakhan region, with a significant amount of available water resources, there are many enterprises in this industry. An overview of the industry in the region is presented, an analysis of the structure and dynamics of electricity consumption at enterprises in this industry is carried out, the identification of the main consumers of electricity and the most energy-consuming processes are identified. Based on these data, measures are proposed to optimize energy consumption. The existing technologies and methods aimed at reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry are analyzed. Both technical and organizational measures are considered, such as the introduction of energy-saving equipment, optimization of production processes and the introduction of energy monitoring and management systems. Recommendations on improving the energy efficiency of enterprises in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry will reduce energy costs, improve the environmental sustainability of production and increase the competitiveness of companies in a market economy. The results obtained can be used by the management of enterprises, energy management specialists and government agencies to develop strategies to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency in this industry. An integrated approach will be useful to enterprises in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry for the efficient use of available resources, reducing costs and minimizing negative effects on the environment, which in the long term will contribute to increasing competitiveness and sustainability.

AS OPERAÇÕES COM CÃES COMO FERRAMENTA DE MENOR POTENCIAL OFENSIVO NA GESTÃO DA SEGURANÇA PÚBLICA NO BRASIL

This work was developed during professional experience within a public security institution at the municipal level, formed by men, women and dogs, based on hierarchy and discipline, where I have the honor to serve for approximately 18 years and currently, whose focus is in the administration and direction of the CANIL unit of this institution, in the resources allocated and developed by each department, as well as highlighting all the work carried out by the sectors and agents that make up this respective specialized unit. Contextualizing the work of the police dog (K9) and its tutors in contemporary times, aiming at meeting the priorities contained in the planning prepared by the institution's "CANIL" unit. Priorities that are a national reference for excellence in the provision of services in operations and presentations with their dogs (K9), thus increasing satisfaction and credibility, not only with organizations that also enjoy the services provided by the CANIL of the Metropolitan Civil Guard of the city of São Paulo, but the main consumer of public security services, the citizen. Always concerned about the welfare of our animals.

Quality Evaluation and Optimization of Idle Goods Swap Platform Based on Grounded Theory and Importance–Performance Analysis

Given economic downturns and environmental concerns, promoting innovative consumption patterns is urgently needed. Swap is a promising collaborative consumption pattern that redistributes ownership of goods without using money. In the past, no research has focused on swap platform quality due to a lack of empirical resources. Therefore, this study aims to construct theoretical methods for evaluating and optimizing the quality of swap platforms. Analyzing consumer characteristics and motivations, the study creates a user profile that guides swap platforms’ market positioning. Then a quality evaluation model for swap platforms is constructed to identify areas for improvement. Data were collected from core users of a start-up swap platform in Shanghai, including 20 in-depth interviews and 180 survey questionnaires. The findings reveal that the main consumers in Shanghai’s swap market are highly educated women aged 20 to 40, with upper-middle incomes. They are motivated by functional, charitable, economic, and hedonic factors. Using grounded theory and the IPA method, this study developed a quality evaluation model for swap platforms, consisting of 18 indicators that clearly distinguish areas of weakness and strengths. This study provides valuable insights into the methodological research of quality evaluation for swap platforms and offers practical suggestions for their optimization.

The Relationship between the Knowledge Economy and Marketing: a Bibliometric Analysis

Knowledge is a commodity of the knowledge economy, produced, disseminated and consumed in this environment. It should be noted that the main enablers, the political system and society, and the main consumers, the economy and society, are highlighted. Moreover, various marketing tools can be applied to promote a knowledge-based economy and ensure lifelong learning. The selection of marketing solutions is contingent upon the degree to which society is prepared to transition to a knowledge-based economy. Thus, a need exists to investigate the relationship between the knowledge economy and marketing. The aim of this research is: by applying the bibliometric analysis method, to analyse the relationship between the knowledge economy and marketing. The analysis conducted revealed that the knowledge economy is a relevant scientific field. Topic trend analysis revealed a shift in studies. From 2016 to date, the emphasis has been on decision-making, manufacturing, sustainability and sustainable development. The focus of studies has shifted from the United States and the European Union to China. This suggests future research directions, such as research into the application of the knowledge economy in different settings and different sectors, and research into the relationship between the knowledge economy and sustainability issues.

Usos de materiales y energía en una tierra finita

INTRODUCTION. This article examines the relationship between material resources and the energy transition needed to mitigate climate change. The Earth is an open system in terms of energy, but closed in terms of materials, which implies that its sustainable management is crucial. It is estimated that around 50% of the human energy system and 70% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are associated with materials management, which underlines the need for a new approach to materials management that limits the continued growth of resource extraction while promoting a circular economy. The article concludes with a reflection on the attitudes and actions needed for the post-fossil transition and the importance of education in this process. OBJECTIVE. To analyse the impact of material resources on the energy transition and to propose measures for a more sustainable management. METHOD. Theoretical research based on the analysis of reports and data on the use of material and energy resources. RESULTS. It was found that materials management is one of the main consumers of energy and constitutes one of the main sources of GHG emissions, and that moderation in its consumption and orientation towards the circular economy can significantly contribute to reducing them. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. In order to advance towards a post-fossil civilization, in addition to general awareness and a change in attitudes, a change in the structure of the energy system, new forms of financing and new resource management regulations adapted to the characteristics of renewable energies are required.

Experimental and Kinetic Simulations of Technetium-Catalyzed Hydrazine Oxidation in Nitric Acid Solution

The catalytic reaction of Tc plays a significant role in the chemical separation process during spent fuel reprocessing. However, few studies have been conducted on the chemical reaction mechanism between Tc and hydrazine. Moreover, the instability of Tc(V) and Tc(VI) makes their measurement difficult, rendering many aspects of the reaction process and mechanism unclear. This study investigates the catalytic reaction between Tc and hydrazine in a nitric acid solution. To this end, we obtained the kinetic laws of the reaction under various conditions of acidity, hydrazine concentration, and Tc concentration by monitoring the concentrations of hydrazine and Tc(VII) over time. The reaction kinetics model demonstrated that numerical simulations could effectively predict the reaction process. Results indicated that hydrazine promotes the reduction of Tc(VII) to Tc(IV), constituting the basis for establishing the Tc(IV, V, VI, VII) catalytic cycle. Among these, Tc(V) and Tc(VI) were important active intermediates and the main consumers of hydrazine. The research results may be useful for actinide separation processes based on valence control.