scholarly journals Consumer Choices in the Pasta Market: The Importance of Fiber in Consumer Decisions

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 2931
Author(s):  
Marta Sajdakowska ◽  
Jerzy Gębski ◽  
Marzena Jeżewska-Zychowicz ◽  
Maria Jeznach ◽  
Małgorzata Kosicka-Gębska

The aim of the current study was two-fold: (1) to identify consumer segments based on pasta selection motives and (2) to examine the differences between the identified segments in terms of perception of pasta and pasta with added fiber and information on the food label. The data were collected using a CAPI (computer-assisted personal interview) survey on a sample of 1013 consumers. The k-means clustering method was used to identify four clusters of consumers, namely, quality-oriented, sensory-oriented, convenience-oriented, and neutral consumers. The quality-oriented group was the group that expressed the most positive opinions about the pasta and about the addition of fiber to pasta. Moreover, they appreciated the information placed on the pasta label the most. Consumers in the sensory-oriented segment were the least likely to agree that the addition of fiber to pasta deteriorated its taste and to agree that it looked worse compared to pasta without fiber. These findings are of significance for those involved in the public nutrition sector as well as for those responsible for preparing well-targeted marketing messages. The conclusions may constitute invaluable insights for those devising educational initiatives and campaigns.

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 132
Author(s):  
Marta Sajdakowska ◽  
Jerzy Gębski ◽  
Marzena Jeżewska-Zychowicz ◽  
Maria Królak

The aim of the current study was two-fold: (1) to identify consumer segments based on bread selection motives and (2) to examine differences between the identified segments in terms of perception of bread and bread with added fiber, and information on the food label. The data were collected using a CAPI (computer-assisted personal interview) survey on a sample of 1013 consumers. The k-means clustering method was used to identify four clusters of consumers, namely, Enthusiastic, Involved, Ultra-Involved, and Neutral. The Enthusiastic was the group that expressed the most positive opinions about the bread and about the addition of fiber to white bread. Moreover, they appreciated the most the information placed on the bread label. On the other hand, the Ultra-Involved and the Involved presented moderate opinions on these issues. In contrast, the consumers from the Neutral segment agreed the least with the opinion that white bread fortified with fiber is healthier and more expensive compared to white bread without added fiber. Consumers belonging to the Enthusiastic segment declared, to a greater extent than others, that cereal products with added fiber facilitate a healthy lifestyle and can reduce the adverse effects of an inadequate diet. The obtained results indicated that relatively positive opinions on the addition of fiber to white bread, including its benefits for health, are an opportunity to further develop the market of cereal products with added fiber. However, the information about bread on the label and its readability should meet the expectations of consumers who differ significantly in terms of their motives for choice. Both now and in the future, this aspect will be a challenge for food entrepreneurs and organizations that are engaged in the education and development of information aimed at consumers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 205316802110328
Author(s):  
Naomi Egel ◽  
R. Lincoln Hines

What are Chinese public attitudes regarding nuclear weapons? Although scholars have studied Chinese elites’ views on nuclear weapons, surprisingly little is known about the views of China’s public. To understand Chinese public views on nuclear weapons, we conduct an online survey ( N = 1066) of Chinese respondents. This is, to our knowledge, the first survey of Chinese public attitudes towards nuclear weapons. We find that although Chinese citizens view the possession of nuclear weapons as important for their country’s security, they strongly oppose the use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances. We also provide respondents an opportunity to describe their views on nuclear weapons in their own words. Using computer-assisted text analysis, we assess patterns in these open-ended responses and compare across age groups. We find that younger respondents emphasize non-material factors such as having a greater voice internationally, whereas older respondents emphasize self-defense. Overall, this analysis sheds light on the public attitudes that may shape China’s evolving approach to nuclear weapons.


2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-76
Author(s):  
Paula Vicente

This study explores the effects of call attempts and time periods on call outcomes and sample composition. A mobile computer-assisted telephone interview survey was conducted to collect data from adult mobile phone users about use and attitudes towards mobile phones; paradata regarding call dispositions, time and day of the week of calls and number of call attempts was also available. The first call contact rate was approximately 27% and varied significantly across time periods; the rate fell to below 20% for the second call. Weekend time periods yielded higher contact rates than weekday time periods. The interview rate on the first call was 12% and decreased steadily in subsequent calls. Mobile phone numbers that yielded call rejection, voicemail or were busy on the first call were very difficult to convert into interview on the second call. The number of call attempts and time period of the calls affect sample composition, namely in relation to respondents' age, educational level and area of residence. Future research and practical implications of the findings for mobile CATI surveys are discussed.


1992 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 528-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Kalsher ◽  
Michael S. Wogalter ◽  
Carolyn M. Gilbert

This descriptive study examined a set of modifier terms (e.g., reduced, enriched) that might be used to indicate amounts of substances in food products. In the context of a mock shopping task, participants were asked to complete a survey that assessed the implied meaning of each of 55 terms, 28 connoting varying degrees of decrease and 27 connoting increase. For each set of modifier terms, participants estimated the amount that each term implied and the likelihood that they would purchase a food product with the term paired with substances that they were advised to consume or avoid. The results showed that the terms used in this study connoted a broad range of quantities. Several alternative terms not currently used or under consideration by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration may be effective in helping consumers make finer distinctions among products and, presumably, wiser purchase decisions. The results also suggest that caution be exercised when selecting modifier terms since some terms are less consistent in their connoted meaning than others. Thus, instead of arbitrarily selecting modifier terms and then initiating expensive, large-scale nutrition training programs to train the public, it is recommended that a limited number of modifier terms based on their extant meaning to a broad segment of the population should be used. Future research on developing an optimal set of modifier terms is discussed.


Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (22) ◽  
pp. 6549
Author(s):  
Roberto Romero-Oraá ◽  
María García ◽  
Javier Oraá-Pérez ◽  
María I. López-Gálvez ◽  
Roberto Hornero

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is characterized by the presence of red lesions (RLs), such as microaneurysms and hemorrhages, and bright lesions, such as exudates (EXs). Early DR diagnosis is paramount to prevent serious sight damage. Computer-assisted diagnostic systems are based on the detection of those lesions through the analysis of fundus images. In this paper, a novel method is proposed for the automatic detection of RLs and EXs. As the main contribution, the fundus image was decomposed into various layers, including the lesion candidates, the reflective features of the retina, and the choroidal vasculature visible in tigroid retinas. We used a proprietary database containing 564 images, randomly divided into a training set and a test set, and the public database DiaretDB1 to verify the robustness of the algorithm. Lesion detection results were computed per pixel and per image. Using the proprietary database, 88.34% per-image accuracy (ACCi), 91.07% per-pixel positive predictive value (PPVp), and 85.25% per-pixel sensitivity (SEp) were reached for the detection of RLs. Using the public database, 90.16% ACCi, 96.26% PPV_p, and 84.79% SEp were obtained. As for the detection of EXs, 95.41% ACCi, 96.01% PPV_p, and 89.42% SE_p were reached with the proprietary database. Using the public database, 91.80% ACCi, 98.59% PPVp, and 91.65% SEp were obtained. The proposed method could be useful to aid in the diagnosis of DR, reducing the workload of specialists and improving the attention to diabetic patients.


1998 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 1603-1624 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Perry ◽  
Tan Boon Hui

New approaches to the management of subcontracting relations are interpreted as indicating a shift from adversarial to cooperative linkages. This shift is thought to encourage greater use of external suppliers and to encourage localisation of buyers and suppliers. These propositions are examined through a case study of linkage development in Singapore, a major centre of multinational manufacturing activity. The case study draws on evidence from a sample of participants in a scheme promoted by Singapore's Economic Development Board known as the Local Industry Upgrading Programme (LIUP), which has aimed to promote linkage development. The paper reports two surveys of participants in LIUP: (1) a postal survey of buyers (mainly made up of foreign multinationals as well as a few Singapore organisations) and subcontractors; and (2) a personal interview survey with representatives of twenty-two buyer organisations. The analysis, partly presented through brief case studies of individual organisations, shows how variable strategies affecting subcontracting linkages are evolving. Increased information flows between firms are found to be well established but a low priority to linkage localisation is discovered. These findings are interpreted in terms of MNC (multinational corporation) strategies to retain flexibility in subcontractor selection and their increased capabilities to manage spatially dispersed supply linkages.


2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sangah Shin ◽  
Eunyoung Park ◽  
Dong Han Sun ◽  
Tae-Kyoung You ◽  
Myung-Joo Lee ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milena Vainieri ◽  
Lucrezia Coletta ◽  
Chiara Seghieri

Abstract Background Since 90 s customer orientation has become one of the main priorities in the public sector. While there are several studies dealing with final user satisfaction in the healthcare context, less attention has been given to inter-organizational relationships. This study aims at investigating the relationship between service quality, relationship quality and overall customer satisfaction in the case of a supplier-user provisioning service in the healthcare sector. Methods The analysis was based on a survey administered via CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interviewing) to all professionals of the Tuscan health system. Moderation and mediation models were carried out to test the relationships between the three constructs, also differentiating among different customer typologies. Results Findings from the moderation model showed how different customers perceive relationship quality as differently influencing their overall satisfaction. This result was confirmed by the mediation models that showed how for one customer typology both relationship quality and service quality were relevant determinants of their satisfaction with supplier performance, even though relational aspects were more significant, compared to service aspects. Whereas, for the second customer typology overall satisfaction was influenced by characteristics concerning relationship quality only, suggesting that service quality dimension was not relevant in determining overall satisfaction. Conclusions In the healthcare provisioning case analyzed, different customers’ typologies have different expectations and weigh differently service related and relationship related aspects. Supplier should use different levers in order to enhance customers’ perceptions about the overall performance.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 807-833
Author(s):  
James M. Dahlhamer ◽  
Adena M. Galinsky ◽  
Sarah S. Joestl

Abstract Privacy, achieved through self-administered modes of interviewing, has long been assumed to be a necessary prerequisite for obtaining unbiased responses to sexual identity questions due to their potentially sensitive nature. This study uses data collected as part of a split-ballot field test embedded in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to examine the association between survey mode (computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) versus audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI)) and sexual minority identity reporting. Bivariate and multivariate quantitative analyses tested for differences in sexual minority identity reporting and non-response by survey mode, as well as for moderation of such differences by sociodemographic characteristics and interviewing environment. No significant main effects of interview mode on sexual minority identity reporting or nonresponse were found. Two significant mode effects emerged in subgroup analyses of sexual minority status out of 35 comparisons, and one significant mode effect emerged in subgroup analyses of item nonresponse. We conclude that asking the NHIS sexual identity question using CAPI does not result in estimates that differ systematically and meaningfully from those produced using ACASI.


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