bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning Immune-Defectives Graph through Group Tests
Authors: Ganesan Abhinav , Jaggi Sidharth , Saligrama Venkatesh 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis paper deals with an abstraction of a unified problem of drug discovery and pathogen identification. Here, the “lead compounds” are abstracted as inhibitors, pathogenic proteins as defectives, and the mixture of “ineffective” chemical compounds and non-pathogenic proteins as normal items. A defective could be immune to the presence of an inhibitor in a test. So, a test containing a defective is positive iff it does not contain its “associated” inhibitor. The goal of this paper is to identify the defectives, inhibitors, and their “associations” with high probability, or in other words, learn the Immune Defectives Graph (IDG). We propose a probabilistic non-adaptive pooling design, a probabilistic two-stage adaptive pooling design and decoding algorithms for learning the IDG. For the two-stage adaptive-pooling design, we show that the sample complexity of the number of tests required to guarantee recovery of the inhibitors, defectives and their associations with high probability, i.e., the upper bound, exceeds the proposed lower bound by a logarithmic multiplicative factor in the number of items. For the non-adaptive pooling design, in the large inhibitor regime, we show that the upper bound exceeds the proposed lower bound by a logarithmic multiplicative factor in the number of inhibitors.
Galactose-Depleted Xyloglucan Is Dysfunctional and Leads to Dwarfism in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kong Yingzhen , Peña Maria J. , Renna Luciana , Avci Utku , Pattathil Sivakumar , Tuomivaara Sami T. , Li Xuemei , Reiter Wolf-Dieter , Brandizzi Federica , Hahn Michael G. , Darvill Alan G. , York William S. , O’Neill Malcolm A. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Xyloglucan is a polysaccharide that has important roles in the formation and function of the walls that surround growing land plant cells. Many of these plants synthesize xyloglucan that contains galactose in two different side chains (L and F), which exist in distinct molecular environments. However, little is known about the contribution of these side chains to xyloglucan function. Here, we show that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants devoid of the F side chain galactosyltransferase MURUS3 (MUR3) form xyloglucan that lacks F side chains and contains much less galactosylated xylose than its wild-type counterpart. The galactose-depleted xyloglucan is dysfunctional, as it leads to mutants that are dwarfed with curled rosette leaves, short petioles, and short inflorescence stems. Moreover, cell wall matrix polysaccharides, including xyloglucan and pectin, are not properly secreted and instead accumulate within intracellular aggregates. Near-normal growth is restored by generating mur3 mutants that produce no detectable amounts of xyloglucan. Thus, cellular processes are affected more by the presence of the dysfunctional xyloglucan than by eliminating xyloglucan altogether. To identify structural features responsible for xyloglucan dysfunction, xyloglucan structure was modified in situ by generating mur3 mutants that lack specific xyloglucan xylosyltransferases (XXTs) or that overexpress the XYLOGLUCAN L-SIDE CHAIN GALACTOSYLTRANSFERASE2 (XLT2) gene. Normal growth was restored in the mur3-3 mutant overexpressing XLT2 and in mur3-3 xxt double mutants when the dysfunctional xyloglucan was modified by doubling the amounts of galactosylated side chains. Our study assigns a role for galactosylation in normal xyloglucan function and demonstrates that altering xyloglucan side chain structure disturbs diverse cellular and physiological processes.
Characterising convinced sustainable food consumers
Authors: von Meyer-Höfer Marie , von der Wense Vera , Spiller Achim 
Published: February 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify the distinguishing socio-demographic and psychographic features of convinced sustainable consumers in contrast to convinced conventional consumers. Furthermore, it contributes to the sparse literature about tea consumption.

Design/methodology/approach
– This study is based on data collected via an online consumer survey. First respondents took part in a choice experiment with tea varying in its price (four levels) and quality (conventional/organic/fair trade/organic and fair trade). Then they had to complete a questionnaire about their attitudes towards food consumption. Respondents, who always chose sustainable tea, at no matter what price, were grouped and those that always chose the conventional tea. A bivariate logistic regression is used to analyse the influencing socio-demographic and attitudinal dimensions that characterise the two groups of convinced consumers.

Findings
– Convinced sustainable consumers are more often female than male and perceive that their personal purchase decision has an impact on overall sustainable development. They show a higher willingness to increase sustainability through their consumption behaviour. They are very much interested in high food quality and are not as much influenced by advertisements and offers in their purchase decision making as convinced conventional consumers.

Originality/value
– The main contribution of this study is to provide practical information for actors in the field of sustainable food marketing about how to target their most relevant segment, the convinced sustainable consumer with special regard to sustainable tea consumption.
Consumer perceptions and motivations in choice of minimally processed vegetables
Authors: Nassivera Federico , Sillani Sandro 
Published: February 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the usefulness of integrating measures of motivations in predicting purchase intentions of fresh cut products. In order to gain this purpose the authors developed a field study that involved about 425 consumers of fresh cut vegetables products.Design/methodology/approach– Questionnaire data were gathered in Italy on a Likert scale. Questions focussed on intentions to purchase fresh cut lamb’s lettuce from environmental sustainable farms, simulating a fresh cut product with an Eco-label. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The SEM technique is used to develop propositions representing a theoretical approach in the context of the process for purchasing fresh cut products. With regard to distinguishing between the motives, the authors referred to the approach that sets out two different types of motive: health and green.Findings– The resulting managerial implications make it possible to assess how much the different types of motive influence the attitude and affect the choices and the behavior of the consumers.Originality/value– This implies important managerial implications for new marketing strategies for minimally processed food products, with the opportunity to take advantage of the potential adoption of an Eco-label.
Raw vegetable salad consumers in full-service restaurants
Authors: Danelon Mariana Schievano , Salay Elisabete 
Published: February 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify the profiles of those frequenting full-service restaurants and eating raw vegetable salads, as well as to analyze the influence of socio-demographic variables and of the tendency for social desirability in consumption frequencies.

Design/methodology/approach
– A non-probabilistic consumer sample (n=630) was interviewed in the city of Campinas, Brazil. Besides the frequency of eating in full-service restaurants and the frequency of eating salads (as a function of the meal type and week day) in this type of restaurant, the survey instrument was also composed by socio-demographic variables and a social desirability scale. To compare data, non-parametric tests were used.

Findings
– Of the interviewees, 52.3 percent were shown to eat in full-service restaurants at least once a week. The frequency of eating salads in full-service restaurant stood out as being significantly higher (p<0.05) for weekday lunches. Individuals who graduated in the areas of health or food showed a significantly higher frequency for the consumption of salads at weekends. Apparently the social desirability did not influence the responses of the consumers with respect to the frequencies studied.

Research limitations/implications
– The sample was of a non-probabilistic type, bringing reservations with respect to generalizations.

Practical implications
– Socio-demographic variables should be considered in elaborating strategies for promoting vegetable salads consumption in restaurants. Health and nutrition education programs can be effective in aiding consumers to choose healthier food in this context.

Originality/value
– Studies about frequency of salad consumption in restaurants are scarce. The influence of social desirability bias on reported frequency was analyzed in this paper.
What’s in it for me? Food packaging and consumer responses, a focus group study
Authors: Fernqvist Fredrik , Olsson Annika , Spendrup Sara 
Published: February 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore consumer views on different aspects of packaging, exemplified by a common product in the fruit and vegetable category and to identify advantages and disadvantages perceived by consumers purchasing packaged or unpackaged products.

Design/methodology/approach
– Three focus group interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis based on theory was performed. The findings were categorised into nine themes.

Findings
– Consumer views on packaging aspects were revealed, covering: packaging material; pack size; protection and preservation; convenience; price; communication and information; ethical perspectives; novelty and innovation; and advantages and disadvantages of packaged and unpackaged products.

Research limitations/implications
– The study adds to present knowledge on the role of packaging in consumers’ food choices. The qualitative analysis identified areas for further research through quantitative methods.

Practical implications
– Challenges in communicating the consumer benefits of packaging and ways to improve the attractiveness of items in the fresh produce category were identified. The results can potentially assist in improving food packaging design practice to the mutual benefit of consumers and suppliers.

Originality/value
– Fruit and vegetables is generally a category with weak branding and low levels of packaging. This study examined the role of packaging in a category with substantial opportunities for differentiation and increasing consumer value. The results can be applied in immediate practice and/or serve as a basis for further research.
Consumers’ perceived barriers to following a plant-based diet
Authors: Pohjolainen Pasi , Vinnari Markus , Jokinen Pekka 
Published: February 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the barriers perceived by consumers to lowering their meat consumption levels and adopting a plant-based diet, which means a diet that includes mainly non-meat foods, yet it can contain both vegetarian and meat meals.Design/methodology/approach– The prevalence of different barriers for following a plant-based diet is addressed, as well as consumer profiles considering socio-demographics, values and meat consumption frequencies. The data were collected in 2010 by a survey questionnaire, sent to 4,000 randomly selected Finns (response rate=47.3,n=1,890).Findings– Different types of barriers are perceived to hinder the adoption of a plant-based diet, including meat enjoyment, eating routines, health conceptions and difficulties in preparing vegetarian foods. These barriers are strongly correlated, indicating that consumers may not make qualitative difference between different barriers. Furthermore, there are distinct socio-demographic, value and especially meat consumption frequency elements that strengthen the barrier perception, these being male gender, young age, rural residence, household type of families with children, low education, absence of a vegetarian family member or friend, valuation of traditions and wealth and high meat consumption frequency.Social implications– High meat consumption is related to many environmental and public health problems. The results call for multifaceted policy implications that should concentrate on different barriers and certain socio-demographic, value and meat eating groups. Importantly, focus should be not only on the group with the strongest barrier perception but also on those particularly willing to make changes in their meat consumption patterns. One practical implication could be to increase the availability of vegetarian foods in public cafeterias or school canteens, as a decrease in meat consumption frequency is strongly correlated with the alleviation of the barrier perception.Originality/value– Information about differences in socio-demographics, values and meat consumption frequencies between consumers provide opportunities for focussing policy actions to aid the adoption of a plant-based diet.
Capturing the consumer value: the case of red lentils
Authors: Ariyawardana Anoma , Govindasamy Ramu , Lisle Allan 
Published: February 2015

Purpose
– Red lentils are one of the widely consumed food items in South Asia and this has created an enormous market opportunity for all players in the chain. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the most valued attributes of red lentils and to assess how consumer preferences vary across store type and by socio-demographic factors. Thereby, it was aimed to identify value chain interventions that are required to meet the consumer demand.

Design/methodology/approach
– Sri Lanka was selected as the study location because of its significance as an importer. Through an intercept survey of 300 consumers in three store types, consumption pattern and preference for four attributes of red lentils, namely, size, colour, visual quality and price were collected. Data were also collected from retail and wholesale stores and from a processor. Conjoint analysis was used to analyse the consumer data.

Findings
– A majority of the respondents consumed red lentils on a daily basis. Consumer preference rankings showed that consumers place a significantly greater level of importance on visual quality than other attributes. Trade-off patterns were different across store types and by socio-demographic factors. Grocery shoppers were willing to trade-off packaging to price while the reverse was true for supermarket shoppers. Retail and wholesale purchases were driven by quality.

Research limitations/implications
– Findings highlight that chain effectiveness could be enhanced by offering bigger sized lentils while assuring quality.

Originality/value
– This research uses a consumer driven assessment in identifying required value chain interventions.
Geographical region as a factor influencing consumers’ perception of functional food – case of Croatia
Authors: Gajdoš Kljusuric Jasenka , Čačić Jasna , Misir Andreja , Čačić Dražen 
Published: February 2015

Purpose
– In recent years, consumers have developed an interest in the type and the quality of food they eat. As consumers’ opinion is very important in identifying development strategy for food industry it seems justified finding out if geographical region had an influence on consumers’ opinion. Furthermore, this is the topic that is still under researched. The purpose of this paper is to investigate consumers’ perception of functional food (FF) relative to geographical region.

Design/methodology/approach
– Questionnaire based survey was conducted on a representative national sample with participants aged 18 and older (n=687). Participants were divided according to their place of residence taking into account difference in dietary habits, which created two geographical sets: Coastal (Adriatic) Croatia and Continental Croatia. Data were analyzed using univariate statistics and multivariate analysis as exploratory factor analysis, cluster analysis and principal component analysis.

Findings
– The results indicate that Croatian consumers are familiar with the term “FF” and that there are significant differences between two geographical sets of respondents (Coastal Croatia and Continental Croatia) in their willingness to pay for FF. Furthermore, research showed that there is a general lack of confidence in the information provided on the product labels especially in the continental region. The results have shown that “taste” and “price quality ratio” are the most important features in choosing the FF and are equally important to the consumers’ in both geographical region.

Practical implications
– Research results indicate a need for development of consumers’ confidence and need to focus mainly on educating consumers in label comprehension. This is particularly true for the Continental Croatia. Targeted advertising should take into account consumers’ preferences, confidence and label comprehension according to their geographical regions.

Originality/value
– The case study represents consumers’ opinion coming from different geographical regions (Coastal Croatia and Continental Croatia) regarding FF. In this research the most important attributes in choosing the FF were extracted.
Analysing consumers’ perceived differences in wild and farmed fish
Authors: Polymeros Konstantinos , Kaimakoudi Eleni , Schinaraki Maria , Batzios Christos 
Published: February 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate consumers’ attitudes and behaviours towards wild and farmed fish, in order to identify possible distinct consumer groups, and to examine potential linkages between characteristics of the consumers’ demographic and socio-economic status and marketing aspects in wild and farmed fish.

Design/methodology/approach
– Using data from an in-person field survey, a TwoStep cluster analysis was employed in order to detect perceived differences among consumers with different profiles.

Findings
– The analysis identified two distinct consumer groups differentiated primarily by income: the low-potential aquaculture consumers and the high-potential aquaculture consumers, representing 67 and 33 per cent of the total sample, respectively. The study provides evidence that there is a lesser preference towards farmed fish. Therefore, more efficient marketing strategies are probably needed in order to promote awareness in aquaculture consumption, and potentially contribute in guiltlessness of the whole sector.

Originality/value
– There is a lack of detailed empirical research regarding consumer perceptions and particularly potential differentiation for wild and farmed fish. This paper advocates the use of consumer profiles as a basis for the development of consumer-focused strategies in order to improve consumer performance in the sector.
Understanding perceived risks in mobile payment acceptance
Authors: Yang Yongqing , Liu Yong , Li Hongxiu , Yu Benhai 
Published: February 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine and quantify how various uncertainties result in different perceived risk dimensions that hinder mobile payment (m-payment) acceptance.Design/methodology/approach– An uncertainty-risk-value framework was proposed based on perceived risk theory, prospect theory, and perceived value theory. Structural equation modeling method was used to test the research model.Findings– Perceived information asymmetry, perceived technology uncertainty, perceived regulatory uncertainty, and perceived service intangibility are confirmed as the main determinants of perceived risk, while perceived performance risk, perceived financial risk, and perceived privacy risk were found to have strong negative effects on perceived value and acceptance intention.Practical implications– The findings may help businesses and policy makers better understand the sources of perceived risk and help support the development of appropriate strategies to mitigate the risk concerns consumers have regarding m-payment.Originality/value– Although the hindering effects of perceived risk regarding m-payment acceptance have been confirmed in previous studies, the sources of perceived risk were rarely investigated. By examining the determinants of perceived risk in m-payment acceptance, this paper offers insights into how consumers perceive risks when adopting new innovations. Additionally, it bridges the gap between the antecedents and consequences of perceived risk.
Building trust in internet banking: a trustworthiness perspective
Authors: Yu Pay Ling , Balaji M S , Khong Kok Wei 
Published: February 2015

Purpose
– Based on the trust theory, the purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the role of trustworthiness and trust in users’ intentions to continue using internet banking. Further, the authors position the trust beliefs of competence, benevolence, integrity, and shared values as key antecedents of trustworthiness and trust.

Design/methodology/approach
– A questionnaire survey was used to collect responses from 227 actual users of internet banking in Malaysian context. A PLS analysis was conducted to explore the relationships between trusting beliefs, trustworthiness, trust, and internet banking use.

Findings
– Empirical findings show that trusting beliefs of consistency, integrity, and shared values determine the trustworthiness and trust in internet banking. Moreover, trust was found to mediate the relationship between trustworthiness and internet banking use.

Practical implications
– The study findings help managers understand the factors that determine Malaysia users trust and trustworthiness perceptions in internet banking. With reports indicated increase in internet banking use in Malaysia, the study findings provide important insights into enhancing users’ trust in internet banking for future transactions.

Originality/value
– Unlike previous studies that have largely focussed on technology factors, this study based on trust theory proposes that trust is important for users to continue using internet banking services. In developing this trust, the authors propose that trustworthiness is of vital importance. Further, the authors propose and show that trusting beliefs of competence, integrity and shared values influence user trustworthiness and trust in internet banking use. Thus, this study extends the understanding of the internet banking use in Malaysian context.