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This study explores whether media coverage of Chinese food safety guide consumer behaviour and determines its impact.

Using data from the China Family Panel Studies, this study implements unsupervised machine learning methods to quantitatively identify themes in news media coverage of food safety across various provinces and regions. Based on these findings, this study examines the impact of coverage of food safety on consumer behaviour related to FAFH.

We find that media coverage of food safety in the restaurant sector significantly decreases household expenditure on FAFH relative to total expenditure. While negative coverage substantially decreases expenditure on FAFH, non-negative coverage significantly increases it. Reports of food safety incidents outside consumers’ province are negatively correlated with expenditure on FAFH, whereas reports within province significantly increases such spending. Further, the negative impact of media coverage on FAFH spending is less pronounced among higher-income families, households headed by individuals with high educational levels and those with low sensitivity to newspaper information. A robust government information infrastructure also mitigates this negative impact.

The findings have important policy reference value for promoting the healthy development of catering and other life services by improving news reporting and the regulatory system.

This article employs machine learning methods to identify news reports related to food safety in the catering industry quantitatively and incorporates them into the study of household consumption in China. Consequently, this not only fills a gap in the existing literature but also provides a new perspective for interdisciplinary research in economics, sociology and computer science.

This paper aims to investigate the mechanisms through which social media news consumption across different platforms leads to opinion polarization in society. To this end, the authors draw from cultivation theory to examine whether social media news consumption imparts a mainstreaming or resonance effect. Media consumption imparts a mainstreaming effect if frequent users, regardless of their social identity, develop homogenous attitudes about issues, whereas resonance is at play if there is a differing cultivation effect on various social groups depending on their relatability of life experiences.

The authors conduct the study in the developing context of India, using a population survey dataset from 2019. Regression-based mediation and moderation analyses were carried out to test the hypotheses.

The findings reveal that resonance is the most prominent mechanism through which social media news consumption cultivates opinion polarization, contrary to the mainstreaming effect imparted by television. Further, WhatsApp use was found to strengthen the polarizing effect of overall social media news consumption, while YouTube use weakened the cultivation of polarization.

The paper unearths how social media news consumption influences the opinion polarization of various social groups differently. The authors also find the differential effect of specific platform use. These findings have the potential to inform policymakers and developers about how to mitigate the detrimental effects of platform-based political persuasion.

This study offers significant contributions. First, the authors explain social media-induced polarization using the novel theoretical lens of cultivation. Second, the authors find that social media and television news consumption differ in their polarizing effects. Third, the authors find that while WhatsApp use amplifies the polarizing effect of social media news consumption, YouTube use weakens it.

This study explores the intricate relationship between social media communication, consumer attitude and purchase intention within the context of lifestyle category products. With the rapid proliferation of social media platforms, businesses have turned to these platforms to connect with consumers and influence their purchasing decisions. This study aims to provide an in-depth analysis of how social media communication strategies impact consumer attitudes and, in turn, influence purchase intentions.

The study employs partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data collected from a sample of consumers.

The results of this study present that lack of visibility (LV), low-efficiency levels (LEL) and unpredictable elements (UE) are ranked as the top three major risk hurdles whereas real-time information on a package’s location (LV1), putting a GPS tracking system to track last-mile journey (OT3) and users wants on time location of their package (LV2) are ranked as top three most significant criteria affecting the practices of modern last-mile logistics in e-commerce businesses.

The results of this study contribute to our understanding of how social media influences consumer behavior in the lifestyle product sector, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms that drive consumer purchasing decisions.

By constructing and testing experimentally a research model that reveals a thorough analysis of pertinent literature and identifies multiple important elements influencing consumer behavior in the lifestyle category, this paper adds to the body of knowledge on marketing. Practical ramifications for lifestyle firms are examined, along with suggestions for improving their social media tactics, in light of the findings.

The present work highlights the outstanding properties of Cannabis sativa that can be harnessed for various utilitarian functions and its climate friendly properties.

In this paper, the authors reviewed current research on all possible utilities from household work to manufacturing of various products that are environmentally sustainable. The authors have presented some of their research on this materials and also exploration of hemp as an archaeological material based on the findings from wall paintings of Ellora caves.

There are references of hemp use in mixing with earthen/lime plaster of western Indian monuments. Around 1,500 years of Ellora’s earthen plaster, despite harsh climatic conditions, survived due to the presence of hemp in the plaster that adds durability, fibrosity and its capacity to ward off insects and control humidity. Furthermore, the outstanding quality of Cannabis as carbon sequestrant was harnessed by Indians of ancient times in Ellora mural paintings.

This work discusses some relevant literature on the potential use of hempcrete aligned with Agenda 2030 of sustainable development goals.

There are several research going on in producing sustainable materials using hemp that have the least environmental impact and can provide eco-friendly solutions.

The authors impress upon the readers about multifarious utility of the hemp and advices for exploration of this material to address many environmental issues.

This paper presents both review of the existing papers and some components coming directly from their laboratory investigations.

The purpose of this research is to examine the dynamics of news coverage within Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) nations, aiming to uncover patterns and critical factors influencing political and economic development policies. By providing a comprehensive overview of macro-level and sector-level economic trends reported by member country newspapers, the study seeks to understand problem-driven analysis schemes and proposed solutions to challenges. Additionally, it aims to evaluate the economic implications of political decisions as portrayed in news coverage, scrutinize the promotion of meaningful dialog and assess the role of news in encouraging coherence among stakeholders for effective pursuit of economic development goals within the BRICS nations.

This qualitative research involves conducting a content analysis on 11 newspapers, each published by a BRICS member country, including established and recent members. The current study analyzes the national interests, economic implications of media frames, leaders’ statements and geopolitical contexts in light of the coverage of the newspapers under study and the BRICS' inclusion of new members from a political economy perspective.

All eleven newspapers emphasize the significance of the BRICS Summit and its role in shaping economic and geopolitical dynamics. They consistently highlight the cooperative and multilateral nature of BRICS, focusing on collaboration among member nations. All newspapers emphasize the importance of the BRICS Summit as a key event in global geopolitics. For instance, they discuss the 2023 BRICS Summit in South Africa as a focal point for member countries to discuss various global issues. Each newspaper discusses BRICS' role in advocating for equitable global governance and challenging Western dominance in international affairs. Economic aspects, such as trade, financial cooperation and economic growth within BRICS, are mentioned in the coverage of all eleven newspapers, underlining the economic dimension of the group. All eleven newspapers explore the expansion of BRICS and its implications, including differing member opinions and the introduction of new member countries. However, The Buenos Aires Times (Argentina) provides an in-depth focus on Argentina’s admission to BRICS and its significance, reflecting its unique perspective as a potential member. All newspapers recognize the media’s role in shaping awareness and discourse related to BRICS, but The Buenos Aires Times specifically focuses on Argentina’s perspective and how it informs its readers about global developments. Also, unlike other newspapers, The Buenos Aires Times mentions domestic political factors, including presidential elections in Argentina and opposition to Argentina’s BRICS membership, which impact the country’s stance. The newspapers' coverage of BRICS reflects their national interests, priorities and perspectives. While geopolitical and economic aspects are prominent, the depth of analysis, the emphasis on specific economic trends and the extent of problem-driven analysis vary. These diverse viewpoints provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of BRICS and its global impact. When comparing the 11 newspapers' coverage of BRICS-related topics, it’s evident that each publication brings its unique perspective and priorities to the forefront.

While this research provides valuable insights into news patterns and their influence on political and economic development in BRICS nations, certain limitations should be acknowledged. The study’s scope primarily relies on newspaper coverage, potentially omitting perspectives from other media sources.

The practical implications of this research are profound. Policymakers can leverage insights to craft informed strategies, and businesses and investors can gain a nuanced understanding of economic trends and media practitioners refine their coverage. The findings promote cross-cultural understanding within BRICS nations, encouraging cooperation. Global stakeholders can navigate the political-economic landscape more adeptly. Ultimately, the research provides actionable knowledge, facilitating effective decision-making, enhancing collaboration and contributing to the sustainable development and stability of the BRICS countries and the broader international community.

This research carries significant social implications by encouraging a deeper comprehension of the interplay between news media, politics and economics in BRICS nations. It promotes informed civic discourse, enabling citizens to critically engage with socio-political issues. By uncovering the media’s influence, the study contributes to media literacy, empowering the public to make informed decisions. Additionally, the research enhances cross-cultural understanding, potentially mitigating biases and stereotypes. Ultimately, it strengthens the social fabric by encouraging a more informed and engaged citizenry, capable of contributing positively to the political and economic development of their respective nations within the BRICS framework.

This research contributes originality and value by offering a nuanced exploration of news patterns in BRICS nations, going beyond surface-level analysis. By focusing on macro- and sector-level economic trends, the study provides a unique perspective on the interplay between media narratives and economic development. The examination of problem-driven analysis and proposed solutions adds depth, offering insights into policy implications. Evaluating the economic implications of political decisions through news coverage enhances understanding. Furthermore, the research’s emphasis on promoting meaningful dialog and assessing the role of news in stakeholder coherence contributes distinctive insights, enhancing the broader understanding of the interconnections between media, politics and economic development in the BRICS context.

This study aims to examine the construction of feminine beauty by onnagata kabuki actors in Japan’s history, with a focus on their narratives in modern advertorials about beauty products. The objective is to identify emerging themes in their narratives and to analyze the symbolism and rhetoric used to persuade the audience to enhance traditional feminine “beauty” by using the specific brand in the wake of Japan’s modernization and Westernization.

The study primarily employs semiotic analysis of advertorials in the newspaper and in the kabuki theatre’s program. They are supplemented with images from premodern prints. Visual content is described and analyzed as well.

The narration of the onnagata in the advertorial is the process of “truth-telling,” where the primary concern of the storyteller is persuasion about truth, such as belief in the new method of makeup with the advertised brand, and falsehood, such as belief in the old method of skincare. Four themes and binary oppositions of values emerged from the data: (1) Identity: selves vs others; (2) Material objects, cosmetics: scientific vs primitive; (3) Practice: competent vs incompetent, and (4) Transformations: intentional vs incidental.

The research shows that Japan’s onnagata transvestism tradition and its influences on women’s beauty practice have existed since the premodern period, preceding contemporary cross-gender beauty practices observed in social media.

Social media has made people better informed but also easier to manipulate. By using literature review and observing social media, the authors found a problem about echo chamber effect. The purpose of this paper is to know how the echo chamber affects the people who consume political news and the role of media diversity in it.

To conduct this study, the authors used a structured questionnaire on the Qualtrics platform to collect data from 183 participants. The authors collected data using a simple random technique. This study is based on the cross-sectional survey; the data collection period is from October to November 2023. The authors used the SPSS software to analyze the relationships between the variables and test the hypothesis.

This study found that, echo chamber is not affected by media diversity. Because of increased political interest, people will be less influenced by echo chambers. In addition, demographic factors affect political interest. People use search engines and social media sites instead of political websites when it comes to the consumption of political news online. People like to communicate with individuals who hold conflicting political views.

Researchers have not yet been able to gain a clear understanding of whether users are in an echo chamber or not and how they are interacting in that environment. Research on this topic is still going on from different perspectives. This study helped to clarify whether or not more media consumption will affect echo chambers. The possibility of being trapped in an echo chamber exists whether we use a single medium or a variety of media. The novelty of this study lies in the use of the echo chamber scale to investigate a thorough understanding of this word through the use of many factors.

The study seeks to explore why despite growing concern for the environment, consumers’ intention to purchase organic foods remains relatively low. In addition, the study also seeks to investigate the role of perceived marketplace influence (PMI) and moral norms in organic food consumption.

Data collected from 330 young consumers chosen with non-probability sampling were analysed using structural equation modelling in Amos 22.0.

The results of the parallel mediation analysis confirmed that environmental concern influences purchase intention indirectly through attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and perceived marketplace influence. In addition, moral norms were found to moderate the effect of perceived behavioural control on purchase intention. Moreover, the results also indicated that the impact of environmental concern on consumers’ attitude toward organic foods was also moderated by moral norms. Further, the results of moderated mediation showed that the indirect effect of environmental concern on purchase intention (through attitude and perceived behavioural control) was moderated by moral norms.

The study contributes to the existing literature by investigating the inconsistency between environmental concern and purchase intention. In addition, the study also investigate role of perceived marketplace influence and moral norms in stimulating organic food consumption intentions.

The emergence of perceived marketplace influence as an important determinant of organic food consumption shows that every individual needs to realise the importance of their environment friendly actions to promote organic food consumption. In addition, the study also highlights the pivotal role of moral norms in the promotion of organic food consumption. Thus, markets, policy-makers, family, friends, society all should promote and inculcate the spirit of contributing in the cause of safeguarding the environment to the young children specially by promoting consumption of organic foods.

The study examines the role of perceived marketplace influence as predictor of purchase intention towards organic foods which is rarely explored specially in the domain of organic food consumption. In addition, the results also produced some novel insights into the moderating role of moral norms.

The purpose of this study is to theorize and measure a consumption criterion of housing affordability and then to compare its predictions with those of a normative criterion over time. The new consumption criterion of housing affordability is quantified with predicted compensatory expenditures that a resident would pay to upgrade to their most preferred home. Its predictions are compared with those of the most popular normative criterion that predicts unaffordability if a resident spends more than a proportion such as 30% of their income on housing.

This study uses census and experimental data for owner-occupiers in two mid-sized Canadian cities between 1987 or 2001 and 2020 or 2021. These data are mapped and statistically analysed for comparing the predictions of the two criteria.

The study’s primary finding is that both criteria predict improved affordability of owned homes over time. Secondarily, however, the consumption criterion predicts worse unaffordability for the minority experiencing this. It furthermore clarifies their budgets for housing as more constraining than their social utilities that they may have already revised toward affordable home attributes. Indisputable unaffordability after the end of the study period may have nullified the originally recommended sacrifices for residents upgrading to their most preferred owned home.

The study is original because it demonstrates that a new consumption criterion of housing affordability subsumes the popular normative criterion if plausible assumptions are made about a homeowner’s choices. It then proceeds to speculate how this new criterion might refine the normative criterion with predicted compensatory expenditures for a resident’s affordable preferred homes.

Applying three psychological theories, this study aims to attempt to investigate the role of consumer psychology, specifically the factors of trust in vaccination, threat severity, fear, anxiety, risk and hygiene, and safety, on intention to resume hotel consumption. The authors also tested the mediation effect of anxiety among psychological constructs: perceived threat, fear and risk with the intention to resume hotel consumption.

Using purposive sampling, data were collected from 470 respondents from four cities in Malaysia and analysed by applying analysis of moment structures (AMOS) structural equation model technique. The respondents for this study were frequent travellers meaning the leisure tourists who at least travel twice a year or travel when getting the occasion to explore new things. In this study, an online survey was employed to ensure easy accessibility and to enhance the number of replies.

The results of this study confirmed that perceived severity, risk and fear influence travellers' anxiety. This study further confirms that trust in vaccination and hygiene & safety provided by the hotelier reduces anxiety levels. Anxiety is found one of the most important predictors of intention to resume hotel consumption, which further mediates the relationship between other psychological variables: perceived severity, risk, fear and intention to resume hotel consumption. Anxiety mediates the relationship between perceived severity, fear and intention to resume hotel consumption and partially mediates the association between risk and intention to resume hotel consumption.

This study examined three psychological theories and extended them by including the trust in vaccination and the hygiene and safety constructs. Anxiety was investigated as a mediator.