scholarly journals Increasing Profit Margins by Substituting Species in Floral Arrangements

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Xuan (Jade) Wu ◽  
Melinda J. Knuth ◽  
Charles R. Hall ◽  
Marco A. Palma

Flower species is one of the key determinants of the aesthetic and economic value of floral products. This research study sought to evaluate whether consumer perceptions of the aesthetic appeal and monetary valuations of floral arrangements change by substituting high-cost species with low-cost species of similar appearance. In addition, the researchers explored consumer preferences for flower symmetry, which provides information to assist floral designers in choosing and using species to increase profit margins and improve the economic efficiency of the floral industry. Two experiments were administered through an online survey. For the first experiment, no difference was shown in both willingness to pay and attractiveness ratings for flowers in the high-dollar value vs. low-dollar value comparison groups. For the second experiment, roses (Rosa hybrida) were rated the highest on attractiveness, followed by dahlia (Dahlia hybrida), ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus), and anthurium (Anthurium sp.). Radial flowers were considered most appealing, followed by asymmetrical flowers, and last, bilaterally symmetrical flowers. The results of this study lend insight into how the general floral consumer does not differentiate between flower species that are similar in design features such as color, size, or symmetry. This information can be used by floral business operators to sell their bouquets at a higher margin by strategically using lower-cost flower inputs.

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 3432
Author(s):  
McKenzie Thomas ◽  
Kimberly L. Jensen ◽  
Dayton M. Lambert ◽  
Burton C. English ◽  
Christopher D. Clark ◽  
...  

Biochar is a co-product of advanced biofuels production from feedstocks including food, agricultural, wood wastes, or dedicated energy crops. Markets for soil amendments using biochar are emerging, but little is known about consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for these products or the depth of the products’ market potential for this product. This research provides WTP estimates for potting mix amended with 25% biochar, conditioned on consumer demographics and attitudes about product information labeling. Data were collected with an online survey of 577 Tennessee home gardeners. WTP was elicited through a referendum contingent valuation. Consumer WTP for an 8.81 L bag of 25% biochar potting mix is $8.52; a premium of $3.53 over conventional potting mix. Demographics and attitudes toward biofuels and the environment influence WTP. Biochar amounts demanded are projected for the study area’s potential market. Optimal prices, profits, and market shares are estimated across different marginal costs of producing biochar potting mix.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Esther van der Meer ◽  
Hans Dullemont

Summary Promoting human-carnivore coexistence is a main component of carnivore conservation. Coexistence programmes are usually informed by attitudinal studies that evaluate intended behaviour towards carnivores. This questionnaire survey assesses attitudes of governmental and non-governmental conservation stakeholders in Zimbabwe towards living with carnivores, large carnivore species and the conservation of wildlife, and determines whether being part of coexistence programmes (CAMPFIRE, TFCAs) positively affects attitudes. Stakeholder attitudes were most positive when employment was directly related to wildlife and stakeholders had knowledge about and exposure to carnivores. Stakeholders who depend on livestock and/or had little knowledge about and less exposure to carnivores were most negative, this included governmental stakeholders responsible for natural resource management. Positive attitudes were largely based on the aesthetic and economic value of carnivores, while negative attitudes were based on the fear of livestock loss and perceived danger to humans. Subsistence farmers were the most negative stakeholders, as such, the focus on this group to promote coexistence seems justified. However, although some stakeholders were more positive in CAMPFIRE areas or TFCAs, CAMPFIRE and TFCAs failed to improve attitudes of subsistence farmers, which highlights a need to evaluate and adapt these programmes.


2013 ◽  
Vol 320 ◽  
pp. 768-773
Author(s):  
Tien Kuei Yu

A technical computer animation for dynamic film, animated short film production to Taiwan by customers to move to the development of the continent, a shrinking market worries. Visible the Taiwan in animation foundry (low-cost, high-quality, high-efficiency) industry, no longer is an advantage. The other hand, the industry has also been realized to cartoons of the United States and Japan and therefore positive efforts (toward the direction of home-made animation Fanmei Jun, 2004). Secondly, the computer animation at this stage of the development of animation industry in Taiwan is the weakest that is, the ability of the financial, legal, and international marketing. Due to the creation of the marketing practices of the finished product is difficult to both creators oriented (Hongfeng Yi, 2004). The research basis the Tsou-Hsiang Ju (2008) using conjoint analysis, analysis of four different preference cluster analysis, five kinds of film properties and their rights, grey relational analysis of dynamic video library field to be named; understand the Hall field the eyes of the average consumer selection situation, it is recommended to design products to meet consumer preferences, and to continue to innovate and reform, driven by the digital content industry to flourish in the international market and to keep pace with foreign manufacturers.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
JOERGEN OERSTROEM MOELLER

Over the last 25 years, Asia’s economic rise has been extraordinary. Its share of global gross domestic product (GDP) has risen from 5.8% to 22.9%. 1 The first phase of high economic growth — up to 1995 — saw Asia enter the global supply chain primarily with labor-intensive/low-cost manufacturing. Domestic consumption was a fairly low share of GDP; Asia was manufacturing mainly for consumption in the US and Europe. As such, it was primarily a rule-taker. In the second phase — from 1995 to 2020 — it gradually turned into an economic force joining the US and Europe in shaping the global economy, exercising significant influence upon the value chain, the cycles of the global economy, transport and logistics, the global capital markets and consumption patterns (consumer preferences and tastes). While not yet among the leading rule-makers, it had become difficult for policymakers (public and private) to make decisions without Asia’s consent. To form an opinion of today’s emerging third phase — post 2020 — the intriguing question is whether the Asian countries have adopted what may be termed Anglo-American economic thinking (basically, the primacy of the market). Or whether behind the curtain, the Asian economy works in its own way diverging from the American and British economic schools. Since demographics and sheer economic scale mean that Asia will dominate the global economy in the years to come, the nature of the Asian economy will be of crucial importance for the future global economy. The conclusion of this paper is that “Asia” in many respects differs — and fundamentally so — from market economy principles. How this prospect should be interpreted is also evolving, as circumstances change. Certainly, the repercussions of COVID-19 have not been the same in the US, Europe, East Asia and South Asia — and this may suggest that socio-political structures have a stronger impact on economic outcomes than economic theory teaches, thus calling into question the global validity of market economy principles.


Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice Sandt ◽  
Sarah E Brown ◽  
Colleen Lechtenberg ◽  
Cherie Boxberger

Background and Purpose: Kansas is a rural state lacking geographically distributed Primary Stroke Centers. Of the 128 hospitals in the state, 88 are designated as Critical Access (< 25 beds). The IV r-tPA treatment rate in the state of Kansas is less than 2%. The pre-transport death rate for patients experiencing stroke is 55.4% .The Kansas Initiative for Stroke Survival (KISS) is a non-government task force with the goal of improving stroke survival among Kansans. The task force encourages hospitals to meet the criteria as Emergent Stroke Ready and based on this status engage with their individual communities, emphasizing the need to seek immediate assistance by EMS and arrive at the closest Emergent Stroke Ready hospital. Methods: The Kansas State Stroke Task force determined requirements for a facility to be considered Emergent Stroke Ready. This information was distributed to all acute care hospitals, asking them to attest to their current Emergent Stroke Ready status. Responding facilities were provided access to a 24 x 7 Stroke Support Line - providing access to stroke specialists for the purpose of guiding evaluation and treatment decisions for r-tPA administration or need to transfer to a higher level of care. Also provided is a community education kit. Data is reported through a monthly online survey or GWTG database. Results: In the first phase of the KISS project - forty-two hospitals attested as Emergent Stroke Ready Hospital or were certified Primary Stroke Centers representing an increase from 7% to 33% of hospitals in the state. The post-KISS implementation IV r-tPA treatment rate for the reporting Emergent Stroke Ready Hospitals was 48% compared with a pre-KISS treatment rate of 6%. The post-KISS implementation transfer rate was 26.7% compared with a pre-KISS transfer rate of 18%. Conclusions: The KISS program resulted in a significant increase in the number of Emergent Stroke Ready facilities, stroke patients reporting to their local hospitals, stroke specialist consultations and use of IV r-tPA. A low-cost, statewide program that provides standardized protocols and direct phone consultation can improve access to stroke specialists and approved stroke treatment while offering a cost effective, feasible alternative to telestroke.


2006 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Abreu-Ellis ◽  
Jason Brent Ellis

This paper provides an overview of adaptive technologies currently being used in Ontario Universities. Results of this study may help disability service providers in Ontario in understanding the current challenges of training students with disabilities in using adaptive technologies as well as improving service delivery methods. Participants were recruited through a listserv and asked to answer an online survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and anecdotal narratives. Results indicated that students with learning disabilities are not familiar with adaptive technologies that would best suit their academic needs and that training in adaptive technology occurred on an individual basis or in small group settings as opposed to large groups. Participants indicated that they use low-cost equivalents and adaptive technologies housed in open laboratories in order to serve students with financial needs. Challenges faced by Assistive technologists included: consistency in assistive technology use by the students they serve, effective training while semester coursework is in progress, and fitting individuals with very unique needs to the available technology. A series of best practices and accomplishments were identified by the participants.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 390-398
Author(s):  
Philippe Solano Toledo Silva ◽  
Alessandro Reinaldo Zabotto ◽  
Patrick Luan Ferreira dos Santos ◽  
Matheus Vinícius Leal do Nascimento ◽  
Armando Reis Tavares ◽  
...  

Abstract The sewage sludge is a low-cost material and sustainable alternative to substitute chemical fertilizers on ornamental lawns and gardens. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the effects of the application of sewage sludge on the regrowth and ornamental traits of DiscoveryTM bermudagrass. The experiment was carried out during the fall/winter of 2019. The turf was removed and left the soil exposed for a new grass regrowth. The treatments applied were 0, 357, 714, 1,071 and 1,428 g m-2 sewage sludge spread evenly on the lawn in a single dose. The evaluations were carried out after 120 days and the soil solution (EC and NO3 -), Normalized difference vegetation index, root length, root + rhizome + stolon + leaves volume and digital image analysis were evaluated. The results showed that the increase of sewage sludge positively influenced the turfgrass development, both in the aesthetic aspect and on bermudagrass regrowth. The soil solution can show that the sludge increased the electrical conductivity and NO3- ions; however, it did not hinder the development of the lawn, even having positive correlations between these variables and the biometric evaluations of the plant. It is concluded that the dose of 1,428 g m-2 presented the best results for the evaluated characteristics, being the recommended one for use in the fertilization of bermudagrass DiscoveryTM.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (05) ◽  
pp. A02
Author(s):  
Lisa Smith ◽  
Kimberly Arcand ◽  
Randall Smith ◽  
Jay Bookbinder ◽  
Jeffrey Smith

This study explored how different presentations of an object in deep space affect understanding, engagement, and aesthetic appreciation. A total of n = 2,502 respondents to an online survey were randomly assigned to one of 11 versions of Cassiopeia A, comprising 6 images and 5 videos ranging from 3s to approximately 1min. Participants responded to intial items regarding what the image looked like, the aesthetic appeal of the image, perceptions of understanding, and how much the participant wanted to learn more. After the image was identified, participants indicated the extent to which the label increased understanding and how well the image represented the object. A final item asked for questions about the image for an atronomer. Results suggest that alternative types of images can and should be used, provided they are accompanied by explanations. Qualitative data indicated that explanations should include information about colors used, size, scale, and location of the object. The results are discussed in terms of science communication to the public in the face of increasing use of technology.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriano Profeta ◽  
Marie Baune

High levels of meat consumption are increasingly being criticised for ethical, environmental, andsocial reasons. Plant-based meat substitutes have been identified as healthy sources of proteinin comparison to meat. This alternative o?ers several social, environmental and health benefitsand may play a role in reducing meat consumption. However, there has been a lack of researchon how specific meat substitute attributes can influence consumers to replace or partially replacemeat in their diets.Research demonstrates that in many countries consumers are highly attached to meat.They considerit as an essential and integral element of their daily diet. For these consumers which arenot interested in vegan or vegetarian alternatives to meat, so-called meathybrids could be a lowthresholdoption for a more sustainable food consumption behaviour. In meathybrids only afraction of the meat product (e.g. 20% to 50%) is replaced with plant-based proteins.In this paper, the results of an online survey with 500 German consumers are presented with focuson preferences and attitudes relating to meathyrids. The results show that more than fifty percentof consumers substitute meat at least occasionally. Thus, about half of the respondents reveal aneligible consumption behaviour in respect to sustainability and healthiness to a certain degree.Concerning the determinants of choosing either meathybrid or meat it becomes evident that thehighest e?ect is exerted by the health perception. The healthier meathybrids are perceived, thehigher is the choice probability. Thus, this egoistic motive seems to outperform altruistic motiveslike animal welfare or environmental concerns when it comes to choice for this new productcategory


Beverages ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 64
Author(s):  
Styrmir Gislason ◽  
Simon Bruhn ◽  
Alexander M. Christensen ◽  
Mikkel T. Christensen ◽  
Mette G. Hansen ◽  
...  

Research on the influence of packaging on consumer perception of beer and other alcoholic beverages suggest an important role in capturing consumers’ attention and generating expectations on perceived product quality, and in particular that color, bottle shape, and label design are key aspects. There is, however, a paucity of research looking at interactions between different aspects of packaging design. This is a topical issue given an increasingly saturated market where especially craft breweries strive for differentiation and brand recognition. Situated within this context, the present research used a conjoint analytic approach to investigate the effect of packaging design on consumer perceived quality and liking for beers. Beer images were designed to systematically vary in four design factors—label color, label shape, label complexity, and bottle shape—and evaluated in an online survey with a representative sample of Danish beer drinkers. Two of the design factors—label color and bottle type—significantly affected consumers’ product evaluations, whereas the other two factors did not. Post-hoc analyses of the main effects indicated that the combination of a “Bomber” bottle shape and a warm color scheme in the label as the optimal combination of design factors to maximize consumer preferences. Preference for the Bomber bottle was linked to a perceived premiumness associated with a preference for curvatures (as opposed to angularity), whereas the preference for warm colors was tentatively explained as due to crossmodal correspondences generating favorable sensory expectations for this color scheme.


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