Niche Market Research Articles

Fatty acid profile, omegas and lipid quality in commercial cuts of pirarucu (Arapaima gigas Schinz, 1822) cultivated in excavated tanks

The study aimed to determine the fatty acid profile, omegas and lipid quality indeces in commercial cuts of pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) of the slaughter class 11.1 to 14.0 kg. Sample collections were carried out in two fish processing industries located in Rondônia state, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with processing performed in triplicate. Data were submitted to ANOVA to assess differences between commercial cuts in chemical compositions. If ANOVA appeared statistically significant (α=0.05), the averages were compared by Tukey's test. In the composition of fatty acids, there was a difference (p <0.05) between cuts. Commercial cuts that expressed the highest percentages of SFAs tail fillet 51.2%, of MUFAs fillet mignon 39.8% and of PUFAs deboned cut 20.7%. The indeces prescribed for lipid quality, ∑PUFAs/∑SFAs, ∑PUFAs (n-6/∑n-3), AI, TI and HH, indicate that commercial cuts have lipid quality. Deboned is the cut with the highest PUFA fatty acid content, with the highest values of Omega 3, 6, 7 and n-9 being also expressed. Nutritional information is important for the processes of conservation and processing, development of new products on the market, as well as guiding the form of preparation, thus providing commercial security for different market niches.

The Potential of Brazilian Beef Production from the Perspective of Effectiveness and Efficiency

The general objective of the research is to analyze the national bovine protein market in order to compare the Brazilian production and productivity in relation to the main world producers of bovine livestock, in order to discuss, under the prism of effectiveness and efficiency in the perspective of rural administration. For the analysis procedure of this work, the SWOT Matrix tool was applied, focusing on the criteria of "strength", "weakness", "threat" and "opportunity". Based on the results found in the research, it was possible to conclude that Brazil has significant chances of growth for this sector of the economy, but it will only be able to sustain itself in this market when efficiency is also part of the decision-making process. Based on the SWOT Matrix, it was observed that the “strength” of the country in this segment is concentrated, in general, in the significant available agricultural production areas and in the hegemonic technologies existing at the national level. In the field of “weakness”, it was observed that the concentration of technologies in a certain group of rural producers reduces the diversification of production technologies, which may represent a loss of competitiveness in certain market niches, mainly in those more demanding sectors. In addition, high production costs were also perceived as a “weakness” that impacts the country's competitive power. The “opportunities”, on the other hand, are more linked to the growing global demand for food, placing Brazil at the forefront of food on the planet. The “threats”, in turn, observed in this study are linked to food safety and more demanding production criteria in competitive markets, which impose, in the Brazilian reality, the need to adopt a strategic vision and greater investments in science and technology, aiming to improve the development, in the national territory, of technologies more adapted to the realities of different biomes, such as the Amazonian biome.
 Keywords: Effectiveness, Efficiency, Livestock, Cattle, Brazil.

Towards niche market for shared mobility: Identifying heterogeneity of potential early adopters to use shared electric bikes in a Chinese mega city

Shared mobility endures the pandemic, legislative upheaval, and points to a sizable potential market with wider range of shared services. As the shared mobility segment worldwide continually increases, a noticeable trend towards segmentation of shared mobility services, namely, the niche market, is gaining attention. However, the majority of scholarship has mainly focused on early adopters’ transition from conventional transportation modes to shared mobility, with little attention given to the shift towards specialized and niche shared mobility services. To address such gap, this study aims to explore the heterogeneous characteristics of potential early adopters of shared electric bikes among different transportation groups in the existing market. The questionnaire targets 1,034 citizens living in Shenzhen, a mega city in China, from March to April in 2020, before the official launch of the shared electric bikes scheme in the city. Both binary logistic models and text sentiment analysis have been conducted to present a comprehensive analytical framework to understand the group-sensitive identification of potential early adopters. Results reveal that age, car ownership, commute time, and confidence level on the potential scheme are four significant variables to explain all respondents’ willingness to adopt shared electric bikes, regardless of their existing dominant transport mode. However, when it comes to subgroups with different travel preferences, the profile of potential early adopters vary distinctly. Specifically, younger public transport users are interested in adopting shared electric bikes but have price concerns; gender is the most significant variable to predict private vehicle user’s adopt willingness, and female user show strong concerns on safety issue; users who primarily walk or cycle can benefit from shared electric bikes to travel longer distances, and lastly, there are no significant variables to predict electric bike users’ intention to switch from self-owned bikes to shared programmes. Overall, an analytical framework is presented in the study to comprehend the diverse features of prospective early adopters who may utilize shared electric bikes from different transportation groups, and a collection of development strategies for operators is proposed.

Computer-Aided Special Stepping Jacquard Graphing for Weaving the Reversible Traditional Jamdani Fabrics Using Discontinuous Inter-turning Extra Weft

Abstract Traditional figured Jamdani muslin of West Bengal is woven by skilled weaver artisans using “Discontinuous Inter-Turning” (DIT) extra weft in the plain shed without using any figuring shedding device like jala/adai or jacquard. With their imagination, the weaver selects the number of ends according to the figure formation, inserts the weft, and turns it so that the weft does not form any floats in the weft-turning places. It is noted that for weaving Jamdani, when the jacquard is used with cards, punched from regular stepping figured graph of few motifs forms, it results in long floats at few weft turnings places. This research aims to develop a special stepping (SS) jacquard graphing technique using computer-aided graphing tools for weaving figured Jamdani fabric using jacquard without any floats in the weft-turning places similar to the manual selection. The study started by analyzing the interlacing diagram of the figure woven with the DIT method without forming any floats. The principle involved in the SS graphing is derived from the analysis. The procedures followed in jacquard graph editing software for preparing the SS graphing are evolved. The correctness of the graphing technique is checked by weaving the sample. It is determined that the SS graphing is advantageous for weaving figured Jamdani fabric with all the motif forms with the DIT method without forming any floats in the extra weft-turning places. Through this, it is possible to weave contemporary and fashionable loom-made reversible figured Jamdani garments like dupattas, scarf, shawls, and half sarees woven with subdued motifs in plain weave for the niche market, apart from weaving the traditional Jamdani sarees.

Effect of the incorporation of pregelatinized cassava starch on the physicochemical, textural, and acoustic characteristics of baked snacks.

Almost all the dehydrated cassava puree is pregelatinized cassava starch (PCS). Its potential application in food would add variety. But food characteristics vary depending on the raw materials used. We examined how the structure of snacks changed when PCS was used instead of flour in terms of porosity, instrumental textural parameters, and acoustic parameters and compare them to commercial crackers. The volume of air was unaffected by the substitution. However, substitution did reduce thickness and alter the number, size, and wall firmness of pores, as well as their distribution and shape, which raise the values of firmness, fracturability, hardness, and fragility, though not linearly. The partial substitutions and the control did not exhibit any appreciable differences in the acoustic parameters. The total replacement sample was noisier and maintained a wide variety of sounds. The PCS vitreous state is primarily responsible for structure changes, but other elements, such as processing conditions, contribute to differences in comparison to the commercial samples. The porosity of commercial samples was lower than that of the elaborated samples. Texturally, it led to lower fracturability and greater fragility (less mm until fracture and fewer force peaks). The elaborated samples were all louder than the commercials. Although sensory analysis is required to classify a food as crunchy, the physicochemical changes caused by the substitution and their impact on the structure's behavior were established. Each textural parameter cannot determine whether the food is crunchy, crispy, or friable on its own; an analysis that incorporates all the characteristics is required. Supplement Material. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study demonstrates that pregelatinized cassava flour can be used to partially or completely replace wheat flour in baked snacks. Although textural differences were noted, these alterations were acceptable for products with a similar market niche. These findings might be used in the food business, notably by companies aiming to offer baked snack choices that are not made with standard wheat flour.

Hidden Faces of Hidden Champions: Communication Strategies of Niche Market Leaders

Hidden Faces of Hidden Champions: Communication Strategies of Niche Market Leaders

Comparison Of Travel Motivations In Yoga Tourism And Mass Tourism

In this study, it is aimed to compare different travel motivations of tourists who prefer yoga and mass tourism. In this sense, phenomenological method was used to determine the differences between niche markets and mass markets. The sample of the research consists of individuals who have experienced yoga tourism and mass tourism. The research questions were asked face-to-face to the coastal tourists in the Alanya region and the participants in the yoga center operating in the Alanya region. According to the findings obtained from the interviews, motivation and expectation differences were observed between the tourists whoprefer the niche market and the tourists who prefer the mass market. Hence, the study would be important in understanding and meeting the motivations of niche markets compared to mass markets.

Electric Vehicle Adoption Behavior and Vehicle Transaction Decision: Estimating an Integrated Choice Model with Latent Variables on a Retrospective Vehicle Survey

Electric vehicles (EVs) promise a sustainable solution to mitigating negative emission externalities of transportation systems caused by fossil-fueled conventional vehicles (CVs). While recent developments in battery technology and charging infrastructure can help evolve the niche market of EVs into the mass market, EVs are yet to be widely adopted by the public. This calls for an in-depth understanding of public adoption behavior of EVs as one dimension of vehicle decision making, which itself may be intertwined with other vehicle decision-making dimensions, especially vehicle transaction. This study presents an integrated choice model with latent variables (ICLV) to investigate households’—as a decision-making unit—decisions on vehicle transaction type (i.e., no transaction, sell, add, and trade) and vehicle fuel type (i.e., CVs and all EV types, including hybrid EV, plug-in hybrid EV, and battery EV) choice. To analyze the ICLV model empirically, one of the first revealed preferences national vehicle survey involving CVs and all EV types was conducted, which retrospectively inquired about 1,691 American households’ dynamics of vehicle decision making and demographic attributes over a 10-year period as well as their attitudes/preferences. The model estimation results highlight that EV adoption and vehicle transaction choice is influenced mainly by (1) the dynamics of household demographic attributes and (2) four latent constructs explaining attentiveness to vehicle attributes, social influence, environmental consciousness, and technology savviness. Notably, EV adoption promotion policies are found to be likely most effective on socially influenced individuals, who tend to consider advertisement and social trend more when making vehicle decisions.

Words of scents: a linguistic analysis of online perfume reviews

Abstract This study explored linguistic resources that people employ to express their perceptions and opinions of a fragrance. Several natural language processing (NLP) techniques were used, including sentiment analysis, topic modelling, and supervised classification. The data were collected from the website of Fragrantica, popular among perfume lovers, and the reviews pertained to a niche market fragrance. The findings from the sentiment analysis revealed that the positive reviews contained a greater percentage of lexis referring to the social world, social processes, sexuality, leisure, and mental states. In the negative reviews, the prevalent lexis concerned health, illness, and social conflict. The topic modelling analysis indicated that the positive reviews centred on issues related to the experience of wearing the perfume, its sensual character, and its olfactory qualities. The negative reviews focused on skin chemistry, the perfume notes, and physical reactions to the scent. The supervised classification analysis indicated notable differences in the frequency ratios of some lexical items in the positive and negative reviews.

Export profitability and firm R&D: on China's export diversification under trade war

China has become the world's largest export economy and the Sino-US trade war since 2017 has brought about serious implications for its foreign trade. To mitigate the effect of the trade war, China has tried to diversify exports from the US to other major trade partners. This paper aims to study the impact of the trade war on the export profitability of Chinese manufacturing firms and examine the role of firm R&D activities in their export diversification process. It is found that under the trade war, firm export profitability with intensive exports to the US declined, but the negative shock is less potent for firms with more R&D activities. In addition, the resilience of R&D-intensive firms stems from two distinctive abilities, i.e., the ability to attract new customers in different alternative markets and the ability to optimize the composition of market niches.

Disqueras intermedias, categorías de mercado y cultura institucional de las disqueras en Colombia: el caso de Discos Ondina

Through the analysis of the institutional culture of a local record company, the article explores the role of medium-size record companies in the consolidation of market categories around musical genres and styles in mid-20th century Colombia. Starting from the questioning of the pertinence of using the concept of independent label in the Latin American context, specific aspects of Ondina Fonográfica's business are explored, such as technological independence, commercial strategies, the search for local artists, the opening of markets and the establishment of niches, and the organization of the catalog and the target audiences. The exercise highlights important differences with the majors/indies model extensively used to study the record industries in the Anglo-American context, such as unimportant role of talent scouts and a conservative tendency towards the creation of new market niches in small record labels. At the end, new routes are proposed to explore more complex systems than the classic binary model, using less deterministic concepts to study the richness of sound exchanges fostered by the recording industries in Latin America throughout the 20th century.

Pricing in Russian Universities: How Do Competing Universities Infl uence Tuition Fees?

The paper analyzes the pricing strategies of Russian state universities in the context of the competitors’ influence over the tuition-paying education market. The aim of the study is to find out how competition in local higher education markets affects the pricing strategies of Russian state universities. The empirical basis of the study is formed by the data of the Monitoring of Enrollment Quality at Russian Universities implemented by National Research University Higher School of Economics. With the help of pattern analysis methods (order-fixed and order-invariant pattern clustering), homogeneous groups of universities are identified taking into account indicators, which characterize the scale and quality of admission to bachelor and specialist programs. On the example of technical programs, the authors demonstrate the regression model for predicting the 2011–2019 education prices in universities of corresponding homogeneous groups. The results show that each homogeneous group of universities has one or several market leaders who serve as benchmarks for other universities in that group when setting tuition fees. At the same time, university pricing strategies involve orienting towards market leaders in their demand segments and specialty groups. The identified features confirm that competition among universities for students and funding leads to the appearance of market leaders in certain market niches. In some groups of universities, there are clear market leaders at the local and regional levels who have a significant lead over competitors due to the peculiarities of state policy and high heterogeneity of the Russian educational landscape.

Problems and prospects for organic agriculture in Russia

ABSTRACT Russian policymakers have ambitions to become a major exporter of organic foods, capturing as much as 10% of the world’s organic market. Russia’s war with Ukraine and subsequent Western sanctions render this goal unrealistic for the foreseeable future. Aside from the war, this article examines factors that affect the growth of Russia’s organic food sector. We argue that although Russia’s organic food sector has come far in a short period of time, it is unlikely to dislodge the primacy of industrial agriculture, which remains the cornerstone of agricultural production in Russia and in other developed states. The organic food market in Russia is likely to remain a niche market, which means that Russia will remain wedded to industrial agriculture and the food it produces.

Consumers’ Preferences for Egg Attributes with Tendency Purchase Organic Eggs and Willingness to Pay for the Preferences within Central Region and Southern Region of Malaysia

Purpose: Egg is one of the few foods consists of complete high quality protein source and as a main protein source in Malaysia. Organic eggs industry is an underdeveloped niche market in Malaysia but exponential grow industry in develop countries. The objectives of the study are examined consumers’ preferences toward egg attributes and tendency of consumers choose organic eggs with willingness to pay for the attributes within Central Region and Southern Region of Malaysia. Theoretical framework: Based on previous study, Lancaster’s theory argue that consumers derive utility not from good directly but from the attributes of the good that satisfy consumer need and wants (Lancaster, 1971). TRA explained the relationship between attitudes and subjective norm that influenced human intention and behavior and this theory is used to predict human reaction towards a subject based on the attitudes and behavioral intentions (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975). TPB is differ from TRA where it has additional of perceived behavioral control, where together with the attitudes and subjective norm, shaped both intention and behaviors (Ajzen, 1991). Design/Methodology/Approach: The target population of this study will focus on consumer adults with the age more than 18 years old and purchase eggs within 3 months. The location of respondents will be within Central Region and Southern Region of Malaysia. The consumers 18 years old above with purchase eggs within 3 months, will be include in the sampling frame from the target population. Any adults not consume eggs within 3 months will exclude in the study. A simple random sampling technique stemmed from probability sampling technique was used to select the respondents (Ajina, 2019), where questionnaires were sent out to all the end-users in the list of sampling frame and all responses will be recorded accordingly. The obtained surveys had gone through a vetting process after the actual data collection. Incomplete questionnaires having a response rate of more than 15% will be deleted from the data set because they compromise the results' reliability and validity. The respondents not purchase any eggs within 3 months will exclude in the conjoint analysis. Findings: Total 156 respondents and 149 respondents were purchasing egg within 3 months selected as sample for conjoint analysis. The results of conjoint analysis indicated price is the most important attribute for consumer preferences follow by size, production type, color and packaging. The best combination of egg attribute with highest total utilities value is RM 0.4/egg, size A, brown color, 10 eggs per pack and organic production type with total utility value 7.477 and WTP RM0.51/egg. The result indicates tendency of consumer toward organic egg and higher than other production type. This is the first study in Malaysia showed positive preference of consumers toward organic eggs with positive WTP RM 0.11/egg for attribute organic egg alone. Research, practical & social implications: The finding of relative importance attributes for this study is different from the study by (Hanis, Nasir, Jinap, Alias, & Karim, 2013) where size is the most important attribute follow by size of packaging, color and functional of egg without consider production type and price. This study allows producers have clear picture and direction to produce eggs with low price, bigger brown eggs, organic or conventional with nutrient enrichment and low size of packaging to fulfil consumers’ need and want. Originality/Value: This study is the first finding showed positive tendency of consumers in Malaysia toward organic eggs and more important than other type of production system. In term of Willing to Pay (WTP), consumer WTP for some of the attribute like size A, size B, organic, conventional with nutrient enrichment and brown eggs. The finding gives a clear picture to industry player to strategy planning the products according to consumers’ preferences and fulfil their need and want.

TAVAC: choledochoscopy disposable scopes, and the single-stage vs. two-stage approach to choledocholithiasis.

Previous studies have been published evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of clearing the common bile duct of stones using a single-stage approach (LCBDE + LC) versus a two-stage approach (ERCP followed by LC). These studies have demonstrated that a single-stage approach offers similar outcomes and morbidities as a two-stage approach, with the added benefit of a lower cost and shorter length of stays. However,it is significant we understand why LCBDE is not commonly performed currently and also the lapse in surgical trainee exposure and competence in LCBDE. This paper aims to address the lapse in surgical trainee exposure to LCBDE,evaluate the scopes currently available to perform LCBDE, and review current data evaluating the risks and benefits of single-stage versus two-stage approaches to. We utilized PubMed to analyze all publications related to the various disposable scopes utilized to perform choledochoscopy. We also discuss the need for disposable scopes and how this new market niche is transforming the choledochoscopy space. We analyzed the data related to single-stage and two-stage approach to choledocholithiasis. We noted an overall shorter length of stay and also decreased costs in favor of a single-stage approach. A single-stage LCBDE is the most cost-effective treatment option for choledocholithiasis in patients with choledocholithiasis undergoing a cholecystectomy. In addition, single-stage approach is associated with shorter length of stay.Knowledge of the available choledochoscopes and tools available to surgeons to perform choledochoscopy is significant.The evidence does support the use of disposable choledochoscope from a cost and cross-contamination perspective.Additionally, efforts should be made to incorporate LCBDE into the teaching paradigm of surgical training programs.

ANTECEDENTS OF ORGANIC FOOD PURCHASE INTENTION: DOES IT MODERATE BY THE RECEPTIVITY TO GREEN COMMUNICATION?

Given the global environmental degradation due to conventional food consumption and demand, sustainable food consumption (organic food) counters the deterioration by increasing consumers’ sustainable food consumption. As organic food development in Malaysia remains in its infancy as a niche market, research on green marketing with localised applications remains scarce and does not significantly catalyse organic food demand. The study investigates the consumers’ attitudes, perceived social pressure, autonomy, and receptivity to green communication toward organic food purchase intention. The study applied a causal analysis where a quantitative method was employed. Purposive sampling was employed in the study, where primary data was used for analysis through an online survey. The survey employed five Likert scale measurements where data were collected in Malaysia, and 268 valid responses were obtained. The data were analysed using SPSS and AMOS software. The finding revealed a significant influence of personal attitude, perceived autonomy, and receptivity to green communication on organic food purchase intention. Perceived social pressure did not indicate a statistically significant relationship towards organic food purchase intention. Receptivity to green communication was found to be statistically insignificant as a moderator. Stakeholders and organic food producers may benefit from the study’s detailed analysis of the market’s current state to better predict its growth and ensure the industry’s long-term viability.

International immigration and entrepreneurship in rural areas of the Spanish Pyrenees

The academic literature on international immigration into rural areas has clearly identified two main international migration flows: retirement migration and low-skilled migration in farming. Yet, the emphasis on these two types of international immigrants has overlooked other types of incomers, such as professionals, lifestyle movers, immigrant entrepreneurs and self-employed workers who may potentially have positive impacts on local rural economies and societies. Filling a gap in the literature, this paper concentrates on immigrant entrepreneurship in the Spanish Pyrenees. In doing so, it explores connections between local economies, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle immigration. It also analyses the potential of immigrant entrepreneurs to contribute to local economic growth with the different types of capital they possess (e.g. human capital, social capital). Methodology, it is based on a fieldwork carried out in the Spanish Pyrenees between February and May 2022. Specifically, it has been carried out 31 in-depth interviews with foreign-born immigrants in two areas of the Spanish Pyrenees (Girona and Huesca). The non-representative sample is equally distributed among immigrant entrepreneurs, self-employed workers, and employees, and it was also balanced by sex and covered different ages, covering, thus, a broad spectrum of immigrants’ labour incorporations. Our results add new evidence to previous discussions on immigrant entrepreneurship and lifestyle immigration, from the viewpoint of rural mountain areas. Interviewed immigrant entrepreneurs occasionally play a key role in the creation and introduction of innovative products in very specific market niches in farming and tourism in the Pyrenees. In this way, immigrants stimulate local economies, and help to strengthen values on sustainability, community and sense of place. Yet the companies they create are often limited in both size and capital, and these circumstances generally produce only a slight impact on local economic development and job creation in the Pyrenees

(Un)intended lock-in: Chile’s organic agriculture law and the possibility of transformation towards more sustainable food systems

AbstractFood systems transformations require coherent policies and improved understandings of the drivers and institutional dynamics that shape (un)sustainable food systems outcomes. In this paper, we introduce the Chilean National Organic Agriculture Law as a case of a policy process seeking to institutionalize a recognized pathway towards more sustainable food systems. Drawing from institutional theory we make visible multiple, and at times competing, logics (i.e., values, assumptions and practices) of different actors implicated in organic agriculture in Chile. More specifically, our findings identify five main institutional transformative logics underpinning the interests and actions of organic actors. However, we find that the Law was not motivated by these logics and did not advance them. Rather, the Law was designed to support a market niche targeted to elite consumers and to reinforce agricultural exports. As a result, the Law constrains rather than enables the practice of organic agriculture and access to organic food by consumers, especially at the domestic level. We note that attention to institutional logics in the analysis of food systems, and specifically food system transformation, is relevant to more comprehensive assessments of the transformational potential of food systems policies. We conclude that there is a need to further consider and make visible the way in which different drivers (i.e., laws) are constituted through and by diverse, and often competing, institutional logics.

Changes in Mobile Telephony in Congo-Brazzaville

The development of telecommunications has made it possible to reveal market niches, once considered unprofitable. This is the case of mobile telephony, which is now experiencing undeniable success in the world and Congo-Brazzaville, in particular. There is also a shift from mobile telephony services (voice, sms and mobile Internet) to mobile financial services (mobile money). This change could shift the status of mobile operators to that of financial operators, thus becoming true competitors of traditional banks.

Unveiled Ferroelectricity in Well‐Known Non‐Ferroelectric Materials and Their Semiconductor Applications

AbstractFerroelectric materials are considered ideal for emerging memory devices owing to their characteristic remanent polarization, which can be switched by applying a sufficient electric field. However, even several decades after the initial conceptualization of ferroelectric memory, its applications are limited to a niche market. The slow advancement of ferroelectric memories can be attributed to several extant issues, such as the absence of ferroelectric materials with complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility and scalability. Since the 2010s, ferroelectric memories have attracted increasing interest because of newly discovered ferroelectricity in well‐established CMOS‐compatible materials, which are previously known to be non‐ferroelectric, such as fluorite‐structured (Hf,Zr)O2 and wurtzite‐structured (Al,Sc)N. With advancing material fabrication technologies, for example, accurate chemical doping and atomic‐level thickness control, a metastable polar phase, and switchable polarization with a reasonable electric field can be induced in (Hf,Zr)O2 and (Al,Sc)N. Nonetheless, various issues still exist that urgently require solutions to facilitate the use of the ferroelectric (Hf,Zr)O2 and (Al,Sc)N in emerging memory devices. Thus, ferroelectric (Hf,Zr)O2 and (Al,Sc)N are comprehensively reviewed herein, including their fundamental science and practical applications.