Rachel H. McQueen, James J. Harynuk, Wendy V. Wismer, Monika Keelan, Yin Xu and A. Paulina de la Mata
Fibre content can influence the intensity of odour that develops within clothing fabrics. However, little is known about how effective laundering is at removing malodours in…
Abstract
Purpose
Fibre content can influence the intensity of odour that develops within clothing fabrics. However, little is known about how effective laundering is at removing malodours in clothing which differ by fibre type. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether a selected cotton fabric differed in odour intensity following multiple wear and wash cycles compared to a polyester fabric.
Design/methodology/approach
Eight (male and female) participants wore bisymmetrical cotton/polyester t-shirts during 20 exercise sessions over a ten-week trial period. Odour was evaluated via a sensory panel, bacterial populations were counted and selected odorous volatile organic compounds were measured with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry detection. Analysis occurred both before and after the final (20th) wash cycle.
Findings
Findings showed that laundering was effective in reducing overall odour intensity (p0.001) and bacterial populations (p0.001) in both cotton and polyester fabrics. Odour was most intense on polyester fabrics following wear, not just before, but also after washing (p0.001); although, no differences in bacterial counts were found between fibre types (p>0.05). Chemical analysis found C4-C8 chained carboxylic acids on both types of unwashed fabrics, although they were more prevalent on polyester.
Originality/value
The findings suggest that the build-up of odour in polyester fabrics may be cumulative as important odorants such as the carboxylic acids were not as effectively removed from polyester compared to cotton.
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Daniela Juliana Guaqueta-Garcia, John Wolodko and Wendy Wismer
Research on 3DFP has focused on technical developments and consumer acceptance, but the practical implications of adopting this technology from industry perspectives across food…
Abstract
Purpose
Research on 3DFP has focused on technical developments and consumer acceptance, but the practical implications of adopting this technology from industry perspectives across food sectors are underexplored. This study aimed to uncover factors influencing 3DFP adoption and the prospects of this technology by interviewing food businesses using 3DFP in different food sectors around the globe.
Design/methodology/approach
The Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) model, a process-oriented adoption approach, was utilized to understand the technological, adopter and social factors influencing 3DFP adoption in food businesses.
Findings
Decisions to adopt 3DFP hinged on technology compatibility with business needs, adopters’ innovation and technology interests and perceived public interest. Early adoption cases revealed 3DFP benefits over conventional technologies in improved product design, customization, food versatility, convenience and sustainability. Interconnected barriers to adoption included high investment costs, limited technology capacity, negative consumer perception and a low adoption rate by large companies. Proposed barrier solutions by businesses encompassed improving technology scalability and leveraging food and technology familiarity alongside alternative technology labelling to increase visibility and interest by large companies and consumers.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study assessing the determinants of early adopting 3DFP, covering perspectives from different food sectors and using the DOI model. The study’s insights are valuable for food industry stakeholders: policymakers, industry leaders, food businesses and researchers. It can guide subsequent adopters’ decision-making and inform future research on technical, social and business aspects to enhance adoption in the promissory food sectors for 3DFP such as protein alternatives.
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Mu Weisong, Li Chengcheng, Tian Dong and Feng Jianying
The purpose of this paper is to analyze and identify Chinese consumers’ behavior and preference characters toward table grapes, especially to explore the variance of consumption…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze and identify Chinese consumers’ behavior and preference characters toward table grapes, especially to explore the variance of consumption preference in recent five years.
Design/methodology/approach
Two representative China-wide questionnaire surveys were conducted by face-to-face and online questionnaire survey, respectively, in 2009 and 2014. Comparative study was adopted to dig the changes of consumers’ preferences and habits. ANOVA was adopted to explore the statistically difference among consumers’ behavior and preferences.
Findings
The results indicate that Chinese consumers are rational-motivation-driven grape consumers, they prefer to sweet taste, seedless and medium priced grapes. Safety and quality characters (clean appearance, freshness and taste) were ranked as the most important grape attributes. As a whole, it was found that consumers are more quality-focussed and safety-conscious five years later, so some variances was showed in their purchase habits and preferences, such as the choice of purchase place, attitude to special grapes and willingness to pay to safe and genetically modified grapes.
Originality/value
This research not only indicates some stable preferences of Chinese consumers toward table grape, but also finds out some significant changes in consumers’ behavior before and after five years based on a comparative study in 2009 and 2014.