scholarly journals Consumers’ Trust in Greek Traditional Foods in the Post COVID-19 Era

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 9975
Author(s):  
Dimitris Skalkos ◽  
Ioanna S. Kosma ◽  
Areti Vasiliou ◽  
Raquel P. F. Guine

We are entering a new, unprecedented global economic and social era following the COVID-19 pandemic, in which there will be opportunities and threats for the goods and services provided. Traditional foods (TFs) could have their chances in the new food chain which will be developed, as long as they become the food of choice for the consumers of the future. This paper investigates consumers’ trust in Greek TFs, and northwest Greek TFs, in order to assess their potential consumption in the new economy. Trust was tested using the variables of safety, healthiness, sustainability, authenticity and taste, assessing consumers’ confidence and satisfaction with the TFs, their raw materials, and the technologies used for their production. A self-response questionnaire survey was carried out in May and June 2021 on a sample of 548 participants through the Google platform. In order to analyze the data, basic descriptive statistical tools were used, combined with crosstabs and chi-square tests. The results show that the participants trust the Greek TFs because they “strongly agree” by an average of 20%, and “agree” by an average of 50% that they are safe, healthy, sustainable, authentic and tasty. A similar pattern was recorded for the regional northwest Greek TFs as well. These results indicate that TFs could be the food of choice because they bear consumers’ trust in the coming “new normality”, where trust will be a major factor of choice for the purchase of goods and services.

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-81
Author(s):  
Raquel P. F. Guiné ◽  
Sofia G. Florença ◽  
Ana Cristina Ferrão ◽  
Maša Černelič Bizjak ◽  
Blanka Vombergar ◽  
...  

Abstract The use of edible flowers (EF) in gastronomy is gaining popularity; however, there is still a lack of information about the factors that most contribute to the acceptance of this product. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the habits associated with the usage of EF in gastronomy in three different countries (Portugal, Slovenia, and Brazil) and also to evaluate the major determinants for those habits. In addition, the level of knowledge was also investigated, particularly with regard to the aspects such as perceived risks of toxicity and pesticides. For that, a questionnaire survey of self-response was carried out on a sample of 559 participants, from the above-mentioned countries. To analyse the data, basic descriptive statistical tools were used combined with crosstabs and chi-square tests. Finally, a tree classification was performed using the classification and regression trees algorithm. The results revealed that, regardless of the country, the participants were familiar with the use of EF in gastronomy. The participants had, in general, already consumed EF, and their use was more popular between the Portuguese participants, being the Brazilian those who used them less. Significant differences were found between the countries in the form of consumption of EF and also in the types of EF consumed. There were also significant differences regarding the reasons for eating EF. The classification analysis showed that the country and the level of education were the major determinants for the consuming habits and knowledge about EF. This study highlighted that eating habits are very dependent on the customs and traditions of each country and helped understanding the factors that most affect the participants’ attitudes towards the consumption and knowledge of EF.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 4080
Author(s):  
Dimitris Skalkos ◽  
Ioanna S. Kosma ◽  
Eleni Chasioti ◽  
Adriana Skendi ◽  
Maria Papageorgiou ◽  
...  

Traditional foods (TFs) have a significant impact on the society and the economy of the areas where they are produced. The COVID-19 crisis, with the restrictions on daily living, is expected to cause a long-term influence on peoples’ lives worldwide. This paper investigates the consumers’ attitude and perception of TFs of northwest Greece in order to assess the possible impact of the pandemic toward the consumption of this kind of food. A questionnaire survey of self-response was carried out in fall 2020 on a sample of 510 participants through the Google platform. To analyze the data, basic descriptive statistical tools were used, combined with crosstabs and chi-square tests. The results revealed that the participants know the regional TFs well, continue to choose them due to a number of reasons, which include: the quality to price ratio, being local products with local raw materials, the nutritional properties, the social impact, as well as their positive impact to the regional economy and promotion. They buy them primarily from the supermarkets. They would recommend them to others, and they have increased their consumption during the pandemic, even though they consider their marketing inadequate, and they do not purchase them through the Internet yet. They believe that consumers in other regions of Greece would buy them if they had access to them. The foods of choice are traditional cheese and other dairy products, followed by wines, and aromatic herbs, which are the main regional TFs. These results indicate that the COVID-19 crisis has not interfered in consumers’ attitudes and perceptions regarding TFs; therefore, they have the potential to expand and grow further in the future. In fact, they can play a vital role as major economic drivers in the post-COVID-19 era for the regional and local economies of Europe and elsewhere.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 519-520
Author(s):  
Priyanka Shrestha ◽  
Erica Husser ◽  
Diane Berish ◽  
Long Ngo ◽  
Marie Boltz ◽  
...  

Abstract Delirium is a serious and potentially life-threatening problem, but it remains clinically under-recognized. Various factors contribute to this under-recognition, including limited understanding of delirium, insufficient training and application of delirium assessments, potential stigma for the patient and increased workload for the clinician. As a part of an NIH funded study testing a rapid two-step delirium identification protocol at two hospitals in the U.S. (one urban and one rural), clinicians completed a 12-item survey to assess their knowledge and attitudes about delirium and their confidence in preventing and managing delirium. Survey response options followed a 5-point rating scale (strongly disagree, disagree, undecided, agree, strongly agree). The sample for this analysis included 399 clinicians (MDs=53; RNs=235; CNAs=111). Chi-square was used to test for group differences between clinician types. Less than half of the clinicians reported agreeing with the statement, “delirium is largely preventable” (MDs: 47%; RN: 44%; CNA: 41%, p-value=0.021). MDs and RNs indicated a high level of confidence in recognizing delirium while CNAs endorsed lower levels of confidence (MDs: 87%; RN: 81%; CNA: 65%, p-value=0.001). All types of clinicians reported lower confidence in managing delirium (MDs: 29%; RN: 36%; CNA: 44%, p-value=0.117). 47% of CNAs and 37% of RNs agreed there is a need for additional training in caring for persons with delirium while only 21% of MDs agreed (p = 0.031). Understanding how different types of clinicians think and feel about delirium will inform training and communication initiatives, clinical implementation, and research on best practices for delirium identification and management.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuta Hirose ◽  
Kiyoshi Shikino ◽  
Yoshiyuki Ohira ◽  
Sumihide Matsuoka ◽  
Chihiro Mikami ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Patient awareness surveys on polypharmacy have been reported previously, but no previous study has examined the effects of sending feedback to health professionals on reducing medication use. Our study aimed to conduct a patient survey to examine factors contributing to polypharmacy, feedback the results to health professionals, and analyze the resulting changes in the number of polypharmacy patients and prescribed medications. Methods After conducting a questionnaire survey of patients in Study 1, we provided its results to the healthcare professionals, and then surveyed the number of polypharmacy patients and oral medications using a before-after comparative study design in Study 2. In Study 1, we examined polypharmacy and its contributing factors by performing logistic regression analysis. In Study 2, we performed a t-test and a chi-square test. Results In the questionnaire survey, significant differences were found in the following 3 items: age (odds ratio (OR) = 3.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.01–4.91), number of medical institutions (OR = 2.34; 95%CI = 1.50–3.64), and patients’ difficulty with asking their doctors to deprescribe their medications (OR = 2.21; 95%CI = 1.25–3.90). After the feedback, the number of polypharmacy patients decreased from 175 to 159 individuals and the mean number of prescribed medications per patient decreased from 8.2 to 7.7 (p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions Providing feedback to health professionals on polypharmacy survey results may lead to a decrease in the number of polypharmacy patients. Factors contributing to polypharmacy included age (75 years or older), the number of medical institutions (2 or more institutions), and patients’ difficulty with asking their physicians to deprescribe their medications. Feedback to health professionals reduced the percentage of polypharmacy patients and the number of prescribed medications. Trial registration UMIN. Registered 21 June 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 103-116
Author(s):  
Natalya S. Epifanova ◽  
Vladimir N. Akulinin

The purpose of this article is to study border trade in the regions of Russia and the provinces of China. It is shown that in recent years there have been negative trends in border trade, leading to its reduction. Therefore, Russian regions bordering with China should transform into separate objects of regional policy, while also forming a legislative framework for border interaction in all its main spheres: trade, humanitarian cooperation, science and education, and others. In border cooperation with China, special emphasis should be placed on cooperation in the innovation sphere, as well as on improving the quality of exported goods and services and promoting infrastructure projects. Border trade between the regions of Russia and China is built mainly on trade and export of labour resources from China to Russia, as well as China’s receipt of additional sales channels for the confidently growing sales markets for consumer goods and sources of raw materials and primary products. The interaction of Russian regions with neighbouring provinces on the border with China not only preserves the raw material orientation of these regions, but also hinders the development and strengthening of the manufacturing industry in the structure of their regional economies, since border interaction for Russian regions immobilizes those stages of value-added production observed in the very first stages. In general, for the Chinese provinces there is a similar problem associated with such exports to border regions that have common borders with Russia, which does not contribute to the diversification and structural development of the regional economies of the Chinese provinces. That is why building an effective mechanism for border interaction between Russia and China is a strategically important issue for both countries.


2021 ◽  
pp. 30-51
Author(s):  
L.Y. Dorfman ◽  
◽  
V.A. Gasimova ◽  
A.Y. Kalugin ◽  
◽  
...  

The subjective (mental) space (MS) is specified as a particular area of research. The issue of its operationalization and measurement are put forward. A mathematical prototype of MS has been proposed. In a simplified form, the mathematical space conceives of as Euclidean, metric, and linear. It extends to the MS. The operationalization of its measurements consisted in the construction of the "Where I am" questionnaire (WIQ). Three main properties of the WIQ were as follows. First, physical descriptions of space were in use as metaphors for the MS. Second, 4 scales, namely, “height,” “width,” “length,” and “volume,” specified the WIQ. Third, a procedure like a semantic differential administered the WIQ’s items to participants. Raw data were gathered from a sample consisting 177 students, men and women aged from 17 to 26. Participants expressed the degree of agreement with each item of the WIQ on the seven point grade ranging from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree". Ultimately, the WIQ consisted of 36 items, namely, 9 items per the scale “height,” 9 items per the scale “width,” 7 items per the scale “length,” and 11 items per the scale “volume.” Descriptive statistics included means, standard deviations, chi square to define normality of variables, t test to as-sess differences between men and women. Psychometric reliability of the WIQ was estimated by intercorrelations of items in scales, Cronbach's alpha, omega, split half reliability, re test, as well as the WIQ’s discrimination. Exploratory factor analysis provided an estimation of the WIQ’s construct validity. Internal convergent and discriminant validity of the WIQ was gained by comparisons of items’ correlations with ‘own’ and ‘others’ scales. Contrast groups on creative thinking and intelligence computed external criterion validity of the WIQ by 1 way ANOVA. Obtained data were as follows. Extraction to specify the WIQ on above scales was psychometrically justified. The WIQ showed good measures of reliability. The WIQ yielded a 3 factorized structure as most evident of its construct validity and consistent with expected theoretical suggestions, despite of items of the scales “width” and “volume” entered the same factor. Findings maintained significant internal convergent and discriminant validity of the WIQ. It possessed either external criterion validity Creative fluency, originality, and fluid intelligence produced significant effects on the WIQ’s scales. Thus, the WIQ can be reasonable in scientific and applied studies.


2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
EJITU N. OTA ◽  
Chinyere S. Ecoma

The end of East-West hostilities in 1991 brought to the fore of international relations, some issues that had hitherto either been ignored or trivialised. One of these is the phenomenon commonly referred to as globalisation, which is more or less a euphemism for westernisation. Like colonisation, globalisation is propelled not by any moral considerations or an abstract concept of humanitarianism, but by the more economic exigencies of finding reliable markets for the industrial goods and services of the developed world as well as ready sources of raw materials for the industries of the world’s major economic powers. For developing countries like Nigeria, where political leadership influences not only domestic policies but foreign policy as well, there is a compelling need to embrace the globalisation with cautious optimism. For one thing, globalisation is a powerful force for growth and development. For another, it is a process that presents both challenges and opportunities. Such opportunities, however, must be exploited against the background of a dynamic foreign policy that sees the welfare of Nigerians as its major objective.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (02) ◽  
pp. 143
Author(s):  
Priyanto Priyanto ◽  
Yuli Wibowo ◽  
Jay Jayus

The demand for amplang crackers is now increasing. However, the price of its raw material, mackerel fish, is generally higher compare to other fishes, causing the higher cost of this type crackers production. Effort to explore other fish as an alternative raw material is required to overcome the problems. Catfish is one of the choices to be used as raw material since this fish is more available in a market in a lower price, but the protein properties of this fish is different to mackarel, which will be possible to affect the nature of the crackers obtained. To produce catfish amplang crackers to be similar to common amplang product, it is necessary to find out the right composition of catfish and tapioca flour used. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to characterize physico-chemically and organoleptically, the catfish amplang crackers made under different ratio of fish flesh and starch. The experiment was designed using completely randomized design. Physico-chemical data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA, while the organoleptic test data were examined using chi-square method. The effectiveness test was carried out to find the proper ratio of raw materials composition used. The results showed that the higher the ratio of the fish flesh and the starch composition, the lower the texture value of the crackers as an indication of the decrease of its crispness. Although the lightness of the crackers was lowered by the addition of more starch to the dough, its linear expansion and hygroscopicity were not affected. The results of organoleptic test showed that the panelist was prefer to a higher crispness of crackers. The most preferable cracker was the one with 1:2.25 ratio of catfish flesh and starch, showing the characteristic of 1.80% moisture, 2.08% ash, 5.75% protein, 23.55% fat, and 66,93% carbohydrate. Keywords: cracker, catfish, tapioca starch


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 276-296
Author(s):  
Anwesha Chattopadhyay ◽  
Priyanka Khanzode

Last 5 years have seen lots of changes in the consumption pattern of individuals with concerns rising constantly on the quality of climate conditions, individuals have become aware about change in climate, increasing pollution, deteriorating air quality, excessive use of chemicals in the farms, increase of carbon particles in environment and impact on population. Consumers now-a-days are very particular about the products they are consuming, Thus the concept of organic food product come into picture. This concept is gaining impetus in society especially after increase in health problems in individuals. It refers to using such food product which are eco-friendly and safe. The paper is a humble attempt to understand the level of awareness about organic food products in Bengaluru. This paper also aims at understanding the consumption pattern of individuals in Bengaluru. Statistical tools like ANOVA, Regression analysis, Chi-square tests and different charts are used to analyse the data obtained from a primary survey conducted in Bengaluru. On the basis of analysis done in the paper, it is concluded that the consumption has increased lately although more awareness should be created to make the consumption more popular among consumers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 151-157
Author(s):  
Raima Asif ◽  
Naila Azam ◽  
Fatima Ali Raza ◽  
Mehwish Riaz ◽  
Shaista Zulfiqar ◽  
...  

Background: The objective is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding first aid towards home related injuries among mothers of children less than 5 years of age at tertiary care hospital of Islamabad. Methods: A questionnaire based cross sectional study was conducted in Fauji Foundation Hospital Islamabad. 400 participants were selected using convenience sampling the mother of children under 5 years of age were included and mother of children with any major co morbidity, congenital abnormalities and who didn’t give consent were excluded from the study. A pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection after obtaining permission from Institutional Ethical Committee. Statistical analysis was carried using SPSS version 20. Frequencies and percentages were computed, descriptive statistical analysis was done. Chi- Square was applied for association between socio demographic variables and knowledge of mothers regarding first aid. Results: About 44% of the mothers and 63% children fall in age group of 31 and 2-5 years respectively. Half of the mothers (48%) are below intermediate level of education. About 34% of the respondents stated bleeding as most urgent and important injury requiring first aid. Regarding attitudes, 50% of the mothers strongly agree towards necessity of first aid and lack of awareness about dealing with domestic injuries. Sixty-five (65%) of the mothers had given first aid to their child. About 33%, 75%, 44% and 39% of the mothers have faced a child with difficulty in breathing; bleeding, burning and insect/sibling bite respectively. Age of mother (p=0.041), education of mother (p=0.001) and total no of children (p=0.001) were significantly associated with knowledge of first aid. Conclusion: Although home accidents are a common problem, mother’s knowledge regarding home accidents was deficient although majority of the respondents have positive attitude.


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