Search Results (2,343)

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting soybean. However, in Portugal, most soybean is imported. This study focused on producing sustainable and innovative misos using legumes traditionally consumed in Portugal—chickpea, lupin, and cowpea—and assessing their fermentation. Each legume was blended with 3% or 12% NaCl and inoculated with a selected microbial consortium comprising Aspergillus oryzae (koji), Debaryomyces hansenii, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Candida versatilis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Tetragenococcus halophilus. Fermentation was carried out at 20 ± 1 °C for 18 months. During this period, microbial viability, pH, total soluble solids, soluble protein, phenolic compounds, reducing sugars, and organic acids were monitored. Soybean misos were also produced and analysed at the beginning and end of fermentation for comparison. Chickpea misos showed the highest accumulation of soluble protein, phenolic compounds, reducing sugars, and organic acids. In contrast, cowpea misos exhibited the lowest levels of these soluble fractions. Lupin misos displayed the most pronounced salt-dependent behaviour. Compared to the alternative legume-based misos, soybean misos did not exhibit distinct final characteristics. These findings highlight the potential of these legumes as alternative substrates for miso production, supporting the development of sustainable, innovative, lower-salt foods with strong cultural and regional relevance. Full article

This paper examines the pervasive yet underrecognized phenomenon of consumer racial profiling (CRP) against Indigenous peoples in Canada. Drawing on sociolegal analysis, public health research, and empirical data, the authors demonstrate how CRP—manifested in routine acts of surveillance, exclusion, and humiliation in retail and service spaces—functions as a contemporary expression of colonialism and systemic racism. The work identifies both individual and collective harms, including racial trauma, internalized inferiority, and civic alienation, while framing CRP as a neglected but critical human rights issue. The authors argue that CRP exacerbates intergenerational trauma and undermines reconciliation efforts, calling for Indigenous-specific remedies such as healing ceremonies, cultural safety training, and systemic data collection reforms. By situating CRP within broader patterns of legal consciousness, systemic discrimination, and access to justice, this report is a much-needed foundational resource for advancing anti-racist practices in commercial settings and fulfilling Canada’s private-sector obligations under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Full article

Polyextremophilic microbial communities of Baikal Rift Zone hot springs have been studied fragmentarily, and these studies have typically focused on either phototrophic microbial mats or on the whole microbial community from one or a few sites. In our work, we conducted the first large-scale screening of microbial communities from seven hot spring groups in the Baikal Rift Zone, using metabarcoding of the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Analysis of alpha and beta diversity, as well as co-occurrence network analysis, revealed that the microbial diversity of the studied springs is highly dependent on temperature values. This approach allowed classifying microbial communities into four distinct groups, characterized by significantly different taxa representing the key functional roles of primary producers, heterotrophic consumers, and terminal destructors of organic matter. Sulfate-reducing bacteria constituted a major metabolic group driving the final stage of organic matter mineralization. Moreover, the presence of alkalithermophilic dissimilatory iron reducers, whose existence was debatable, was proved in the studied samples by cultural methods. The phylotypes that gained an advantage on selective media with synthesized ferrihydrite and hydrogen or acetate added as an electron donor belonged to the genus Parvivirga of the order Anaerosomatales and several unknown representatives of the phylum Bacillota. Full article

With the rapid advancement of social media and AI technologies, influencer marketing has evolved significantly. Virtual influencers have emerged as alternatives to traditional human influencers. Grounded in the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), this study examines how virtual influencers’ source credibility dimensions (expertise, attractiveness, and trustworthiness) affect consumer attitudes and purchase intentions. Using the case of virtual influencer Imma, this study collected 344 valid online survey responses. The empirical results show that, along the central route, perceived product value has a significant and positive effect on purchase intention. Along the peripheral route, the trustworthiness, attractiveness, and expertise of the virtual influencer all exert significant positive effects on purchase intention. However, product involvement moderates these effects differently: for high-involvement consumers, the effects of trustworthiness and attractiveness on purchase intention are significantly strengthened, while the moderating effects on expertise and perceived value remain non-significant. This study contributes to the emerging literature on virtual influencer marketing by demonstrating how source credibility dimensions and perceived value interact with product involvement to shape consumer responses. Additionally, virtual influencers offer sustainability benefits by minimizing carbon emissions from travel and physical production inherent in traditional influencer campaigns. The findings offer practical implications for marketers: virtual influencers can effectively enhance brand exposure, but their persuasive impact varies by product involvement requiring tailored content strategies for high- versus low-involvement products. Furthermore, future research could extend this work by examining the effects of different product categories and cultural contexts on the effectiveness of virtual influencer marketing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential macronutrients for crop production. However, their losses throughout the agri-food system pose significant environmental and public health risks. India, with its diverse dietary cultures and large agricultural sector, presents a unique context for evaluating nutrient footprints. This study aims to provide the first sub-national assessment of food-related N and P footprints across Indian states and union territories, evaluating how vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets influence these footprints. Methods: This study employed a diet-sensitive bottom-up approach using national dietary consumption statistics from 2011–2012 to estimate food N and P footprints. The analysis incorporated regional dietary profiles and nutrient use efficiencies in crop production, along with food waste data, to quantify the affecting factors. Results: The national average food footprints were estimated at 13.11 kg-N capita⁻¹ year⁻¹ and 1.16 kg-P capita⁻¹ year⁻¹, with sub-national variation ranging from 52% to 144% of the national average for N, and 46% to 166% for P. Regions with prevalent non-vegetarian diets exhibited significantly higher footprints than those with vegetarian diets. Low nutrient use efficiencies (NUE 19%, PUE 31%) and consumer-level food waste (contributing nearly 4%) were also identified as key drivers of elevated footprints. Conclusions: The findings indicate that dietary choices, agricultural nutrient management, and food waste practices collectively contribute to the nutrient-related risks in India. Enhancing nutrient use efficiency, promoting plant-based diets, and improving waste management in culturally and regionally sensitive ways are crucial for reducing N and P losses. These findings provide actionable insights for the development of sustainable nutrition and agro-environmental policies. Full article

This study evaluated the physicochemical properties and sensory acceptance of third-generation, potato-based, extruded snacks enriched with mushroom powder (5% and 10%) across different European regions. The mushroom powder was produced from dried button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), ground and incorporated into the snack formulations, while control samples contained no mushroom powder. The investigation was conducted in Denmark, Poland, and Spain, involving 230 young adult consumers identified as the target demographic for this snack format. Incorporation of mushroom powder increased protein, fiber, ash, polyphenols, and antioxidant capacity while producing a darker color and crisper texture. Consumer acceptance varied across countries and was significantly influenced by individual differences in food involvement, neophobia, sustainability orientation, and dietary habits. Participants with greater health consciousness and sustainability engagement expressed a higher preference for snacks with greater levels of mushroom enrichment. Overall, moderate mushroom addition (5–10%) provides an optimal balance between enhanced nutritional quality, favorable sensory attributes, and broad consumer appeal, underscoring the potential of mushrooms as sustainable functional ingredients in snack product development. Full article

In Algeria, honey plays an important role in nutrition, traditional medicine and sustainable food practices. However, little is known about how consumers perceive and use this product in their daily lives. This study aims to explore how honey consumption patterns among a specific segment of Algerian households, mainly young, educated, and digitally active individuals, relate to traditional practices and contribute to sustainable food systems and cultural heritage. An online survey remained open for four months, and the final number of participants was 770 individuals from 51 wilayas, using convenience sampling through academic and social media networks. As this was an exploratory study, no fixed statistical population was defined. Chi-square tests revealed significant associations between age and honey consumption frequency (χ² = 45.33, p = 0.0010), annual purchase quantity (χ² = 111.49, p < 0.0001), and buying frequency (χ² = 47.26, p < 0.0001), as well as between climatic zone and buying source (χ² = 34.90, p = 0.0097). The findings highlight honey’s multifunctional role, not only as a food product, but also as a traditional remedy and cosmetic ingredient, embedded in cultural routines and health practices. Consumer preferences are shaped by sensory attributes such as taste, type, and appearance, while purchasing decisions are strongly influenced by trust-based relationships, with most respondents favoring direct acquisition from beekeepers or known individuals. These informal sourcing habits reflect sustainable traditions that support local producers and reinforce consumer confidence. However, widespread misconceptions, such as the belief that crystallized honey is adulterated, reveal a need for targeted consumer education. To promote sustainable honey consumption, the study recommends clearer labeling, school-based programs, and public awareness campaigns. Full article

The global population is rapidly aging, positioning seniors as one of the most influential consumer segments in the contemporary tourism market. As culinary tourism increasingly represents a value-laden and culturally embedded form of experience, understanding how senior tourists perceive and react to such experiences has become essential. This study investigates the structural relationships among seniors’ culinary tourism experiences, perceived value, positive emotions, and behavioral intentions, while also examining the moderating effect of gender. A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis based on survey data from senior tourists revealed that the proposed model exhibited a satisfactory fit, with most hypothesized relationships supported. Seniors’ culinary experiences significantly enhanced perceived value, which in turn positively influenced both positive emotions and behavioral intentions. Positive emotions also had a significant effect on behavioral intentions. However, the moderating role of gender was not statistically significant, suggesting minimal gender-based differences in seniors’ cognitive and affective evaluations. Full article

Amid evolving consumer demands, product design increasingly emphasizes the deeper needs for emotional resonance and cultural identity. Taking Liao–Jin dynasty silk as a case study, this study explores a digital regeneration pathway for traditional cultural colors, evolving from “form–color restoration” to “emotional awakening.” The study focuses on transforming the emotional imagery—such as “mighty” and “dignified”—embedded in the colors of Liao–Jin silk into perceptible, customizable color experiences for modern consumers. To achieve this, an emotional color customization system was constructed through the integration of Interactive Genetic Algorithms (IGA) with the PAD emotional model. Within this system, cultural emotional semantics (e.g., “Powerful,” “Victory”) were quantified as target anchor points in PAD space. The matching degree between color schemes and target emotions is calculated based on user feedback, and is utilized as a fitness function to drive evolution. An experiment was conducted with 48 volunteer evaluators using Liao–Jin silk. Results demonstrated that, compared to traditional IGA, this method achieved significant improvements in emotional matching accuracy: average fitness increased by 34.00%, maximum fitness rose by 10.76%, and the spiritual essence of Liao–Jin culture was more effectively translated into color schemes that evoke positive user emotions. This research offers an innovative solution for cultural heritage digitization, advancing from “form–color restoration” to “emotional and spiritual regeneration.” It also provides a viable approach for intelligent emotional design in fields such as apparel design, cultural creativity, and digital cultural heritage preservation. Full article

A freeze-dried natural starter culture (NSC) was developed and assessed for its suitability in producing a semi-cooked, 60-day-ripened cheese resembling the protected designation of origin (PDO) Pecorino Sardo. The culture, derived from raw ewe’s milk from a dairy farm involved in the study, without thermal decontamination to preserve indigenous microbiota, was enriched with two strain-level-characterised, biodiverse mixtures of Streptococcus thermophilus (Str-mix) and Lactobacillus delbrueckii (Lb-mix). This study evaluated the technological robustness and adaptability of NSC enriched with biodiverse Str-mix and Lb-mix across three different artisanal dairy-processing environments with varying milk compositions and equipment levels at plants located in different geographic areas. During cheesemaking, technological, physico-chemical, and compositional parameters were monitored, along with microbial characterisation of milks and 1-day cheeses. After 60 days of ripening, cheeses were characterised from the microbiological, physico-chemical, and compositional perspectives. Furthermore, nutritional labelling was established, and consumer acceptance was determined. Results showed that the starter (NSC + Str-mix + Lb-mix) demonstrated strong and reproducible technological performance in all dairies, regardless of the milk’s chemical and microbial composition variability. Sensory quality was preserved in cheeses ripened for up to 180 days. These preliminary findings seem to support the use of freeze-dried, raw-milk-derived natural cultures in artisanal cheesemaking as a way to preserve microbial diversity and to reconnect with traditional practices that enhance both the tangible and intangible assets of modern society. Full article

The rapid expansion of digital trade presents transformative opportunities for South-South cooperation, particularly between China and West Africa. However, emerging new risks in technological, institutional, and sociocultural domains pose significant challenges to sustainable e-business collaboration. This study proposes a Pythagorean Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (PF-AHP) framework to evaluate and prioritize these risks under conditions of uncertainty and expert judgment ambiguity. By integrating fuzzy logic with AHP, the model effectively captures the vagueness and imprecision inherent in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). Expert assessments from professionals in digital trade, cybersecurity, and risk management were used to conduct pairwise comparisons across three primary risk categories: Technological, Institutional, and Sociocultural Risks. The results indicate that Institutional Risk (weight: 0.3488) holds the highest priority, followed by Sociocultural Risk (weight: 0.3268) and Technological Risk (weight: 0.3244), highlighting the critical influence of cultural alignment, consumer trust, and behavioral norms in cross-border digital collaboration. The PF-AHP approach enhances decision reliability by incorporating membership, non-membership, and indeterminacy degrees, offering a robust tool for risk assessment in complex digital supply chains. This research contributes to the discourse on equitable digital globalization and provides strategic insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to build inclusive, resilient, and mutually beneficial digital trade ecosystems between China and West Africa. Full article

This paper explores the café–gym symbiosis mode in Xi’an and its key influencing factors. Taking 63 sub-districts in the seven main urban districts of Xi’an as an example, based on the Dianping.com data of 753 cafés and 335 gyms and survey data from 492 questionnaires, this paper uses methods such as the symbiotic degree, symbiotic coefficient, and binary logistic regression model. On the basis of evaluating the symbiotic model between cafés and fitness centers, it explores the key factors influencing the symbiotic model of cafés and fitness centers. The results showed that cafés and gyms in Xi’an have a variety of characteristics, including agglomeration, correlation, complementarity, and combination, laying the foundation for a symbiosis between them. Among the subject symbiosis modes in Xi’an, point symbiosis was the main symbiotic organization mode. Simultaneously, the proportion of the point symbiosis mode was higher in the urban–rural transitional area than in other areas (traditional inner-city areas, mature built-up areas, emerging expansion areas). An asymmetric reciprocal symbiosis mode dominated the symbiotic behavior mode of entertainment industry objects in Xi’an. In terms of the total weekly entertainment consumer and the additional entertainment consumer dimensions, in the asymmetric reciprocal symbiosis mode, the proportion of cafés having a large impact on gyms was the highest: 60.00% and 62.86%, respectively. However, from the composite index dimension, in the asymmetric reciprocal symbiosis mode, the proportion of gyms having a large impact on cafés was the highest: 39.13%. From the symbiotic interface, the physical space within urban residential areas, office areas, commercial areas, and other main material spaces was the important basic support force for the symbiotic development of urban culture and the entertainment industry. The influence of the symbiosis mode of the culture and entertainment industry has stability. From the perspective of the symbiotic environment, cultural and creative elements, government policies, and consumer spending on entertainment foster the formation of an asymmetrical mutualistic symbiosis model between cafés and gyms. Conversely, factors such as marketization, globalization, and demographic factors inhibit its development. These findings offer valuable insights for urban planners and businesses, which help optimize the layout of the urban entertainment industry. Full article

Endometriosis (ENDO) and poor ovarian response (POR) represent challenging conditions in assisted reproduction. Both, associated with altered follicular fluid (FF) composition, specifically impact on granulosa cell (GC) function in an incompletely understood way. GCs from male factor (MF, n = 30), ENDO (n = 38), and POR (n = 27) patients were cultured in media supplemented with FF from each group (FF-MF, FF-ENDO, FF-POR). Proliferation, morphology, and secretory activity (cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, IL-6) were assessed. GC proliferation depended primarily on FF origin, being highest with FF-ENDO, intermediate with FF-POR, and lowest with FF-MF. Morphological analysis revealed enrichment of muscle-like and fibroblast-like morphologies under FF-ENDO and FF-POR, suggestive of dysregulated luteinization and extracellular matrix remodeling. Secretory activity reflected a complex interplay between GC origin and FF type: IL-6 was strongly induced by FF-MF and FF-POR but consistently suppressed by FF-ENDO; cortisol and estradiol were generally consumed, while progesterone synthesis was largely confined to MF-GCs, with only variable induction in ENDO-GCs exposed to FF-POR. These findings indicate that pathological FF milieus reprogram GC behavior in distinct ways, with potential consequences for luteal function and oocyte competence. Identifying the molecular mediators of these alterations may guide tailored strategies to improve ART outcomes in ENDO and POR patients. Full article

Background and aim: This study examines the impact of the digital world on the purchasing behaviour of Generation Z, with a specific focus on the Slovak context. While existing literature often analyses global or non-Slovak populations, this work provides a contextually grounded analysis of how digital exposure, online marketing communications and social networks shape the purchasing preferences of Slovak Generation Z consumers. Novelty and contributions: First comprehensive analysis in Slovakia linking digital environment exposure, social media marketing communications, and Generation Z purchase preferences within a clearly defined national context. We integrate context-specific variables (local digital infrastructure, cultural norms, and marketing practices) to identify regionally relevant determinants of online consumer behaviour. We formulate and test hypotheses about the interactions between digital experiences and online marketing channels to produce actionable insights for Slovak marketers and e-commerce platforms. Research problem and uniqueness: Problem: How do specific elements of the digital environment influence the purchasing decisions of Generation Z in Slovakia, and which online channels and content types are most effective for this demographic in the local context? Uniqueness: No prior Slovak study has systematically mapped the interrelations between digital exposure, marketing communication on social networks, and purchasing preferences of Generation Z in a local setting. This work contributes to understanding culturally and economically specific factors shaping digital purchasing behaviour in Slovakia. Methods: Quantitative study based on a questionnaire survey with a representative Slovak sample. Hypotheses are tested using appropriate statistical analyses to explore relationships between digital exposure, social network marketing communications, and Generation Z purchasing preferences. Expected results and practical implications: Identification of the most influential digital channels and content types for Slovak Generation Z consumers. Practical recommendations for local brands and e-commerce platforms to optimise digital campaigns targeting Slovak youth; insights into cultural nuances in consumer behaviour within Slovakia. Full article

Considering sustainable consumption not just as an exercise of individual choice but a shared and collective activity, this study explores the role of conscious and responsible consumption initiatives (CRCIs) driving citizens’ adoption of sustainable lifestyles. This research followed a qualitative approach, combining documentary research and twenty-six in-depth interviews with practitioners in eight grassroots consumer initiatives located in Galicia (Spain). The results show that CRCIs favor members’ consumption of organic, seasonal, fair, and locally produced food. The findings also reveal that engagement in these initiatives nurtures three interconnected types of learning—cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral—which contribute to wider adoption of sustainable practices related to shifts in dietary habits, energy use, mobility, and frugality. CRCIs facilitate gradual transitions toward reduced meat consumption, favoring the intake of plant-based foods, and greater self-efficacy in preparing sustainable meals. These behavioral changes are incremental, motivated by inner reflection, practical experience, and consciousness around alternative economic models. However, the consistent adoption of sustainable eating habits is hindered by cultural and psychological barriers like cultural traditions, entrenched habits, and time constraints. In conclusion, these grassroots initiatives are interesting entry points for engaging citizens in sustainable lifestyles, becoming also gateways to the broader social and solidarity economy movement. Full article