Consumer Culture in The Great Gatsby

F.Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby successfully portrays the“Jazz Age”.In the early 20th century,the United States transitioned from a production-based society to a consumer-based society,leading to an era of unparalleled prosperity.However,in the context of consumer culture,individuals often transition from being masters of their possessions to becoming enslaved by them.As a result,their behaviours and values become increasingly associated with extravagance and consumption.This paper uses Baudrillard’s theory of consumer society and textual analysis to explore the impact of consumer culture on human beings through the symbolization of men and objectification of women in The Great Gatsby.The meanings embedded in the novel are revealed from a different perspective.

Consumers’ Perception and Knowledge of Food Additives in Senegal: A Pilot Study

Food safety has become a major concern for consumers, as well as a priority for regulatory authorities. Faced with the growing industrial and domestic use of food additives, many questions are being asked and concerns are being felt by consumers around the world. Consumer perception defines the acceptability or rejection of food products, and has an impact on consumption patterns and behavior. To assess the level of knowledge and perception of food additives, a pilot study was carried out on a sample of 200 people in Dakar and Saint-Louis. A questionnaire was used to assess the acceptance or rejection, use and impact of food additives by consumers in Senegal. The results revealed several aspects. On the whole, the people surveyed expressed great mistrust and even rejection of these substances added to food products. This consumer perception is shared throughout the world, as indicated in numerous surveys. It also emerges from this study that, although most consumers are aware of the existence of these additives and their uses in the home, they feel that the use of these substances in industrial production is too excessive. What’s more, consumers associate food additives with numerous pathologies such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, stroke and even sexual impotence. For some of these indexed pathologies, scientific studies have reached the same conclusions, although controversy still persists. On the other hand, for some of the other adverse effects mentioned, no cause-and-effect relationship has been scientifically demonstrated. In these latter cases, it seems that negative communication, misinformation and misconceptions have a major influence on consumer perception of food additives.

Study on the Influence of Food Packaging on the Psychology of Different Groups of Consumers

With the vigorous development of consumer culture in today’s society,various types of food packaging also appear in front of consumers in different forms.There are very big differences in food packaging in terms of shape,color,style and other aspects of information transmission,which have the most direct impact on the audience’s food consumption needs.Driven by the consumption-oriented society,food packaging has shown very obvious comprehensive characteristics,is significantly interdisciplinary,and has close connections with other disciplines.This article will analyze and sort out the impact of food packaging on consumer psychology from different perspectives.

The Prediction for the Consumer Price Index of Residents in Perspective of Time Series Method in Case of Chongqing

The consumer price index (CPI) measures the relative number of changes in the price level of consumer goods and services over time, reflecting the trend and degree of changes in the price level of goods and services purchased by residents. This article uses the ARMA model to analyze the fluctuation trend of the CPI (taking Chongqing as an example) and make short-term predictions. To test the predictive performance of the model, the observation values from January to December 2023 were retained as the reference object for evaluating the predictive accuracy of the model. Finally, through trial predictions of the data from May to August 2023, it was found that the constructed model had good fitting performance.

Trust beyond Technology Algorithms: A Theoretical Exploration of Consumer Trust and Behavior in Technological Consumption and AI Projects

In an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI), establishing customer confidence is crucial for the integration and acceptance of AI technologies. This interdisciplinary study examines factors influencing customer trust in AI systems through a mixed-methods approach, blending quantitative analysis with qualitative insights to create a comprehensive conceptual framework. Quantitatively, the study analyzes responses from 1248 participants using structural equation modeling (SEM), exploring interactions between technological factors like perceived usefulness and transparency, psychological factors including perceived risk and domain expertise, and organizational factors such as leadership support and ethical accountability. The results confirm the model, showing significant impacts of these factors on consumer trust and AI adoption attitudes. Qualitatively, the study includes 35 semi-structured interviews and five case studies, providing deeper insight into the dynamics shaping trust. Key themes identified include the necessity of explainability, domain competence, corporate culture, and stakeholder engagement in fostering trust. The qualitative findings complement the quantitative data, highlighting the complex interplay between technology capabilities, human perceptions, and organizational practices in establishing trust in AI. By integrating these findings, the study proposes a novel conceptual model that elucidates how various elements collectively influence consumer trust in AI. This model not only advances theoretical understanding but also offers practical implications for businesses and policymakers. The research contributes to the discourse on trust creation and decision-making in technology, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary efforts to address societal challenges associated with technological advancements. It lays the groundwork for future research, including longitudinal, cross-cultural, and industry-specific studies, to further explore consumer trust in AI.

A Study on the Factors Influencing Consumer Purchase Decision Under the Live-Streaming Sales Model

In recent years,with the rapid development and popularization of Internet information technology,many new media platforms have risen rapidly,and major e-commerce companies have begun to explore the mode of livestreaming.Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,due to the lockdown,live-streaming has become an important means of economic development in many places.Owing to its remarkable characteristics of timeliness,entertainment,and interactivity,it has become the latest and trendiest sales mode of e-commerce channels,reflecting huge economic potential and commercial value.This article analyzes two models and their characteristics of live-streaming sales from a practical perspective.Based on this,it outlines consumer purchasing decisions and the factors that affect consumer purchasing decisions under the live-streaming sales model.Finally,it discusses targeted suggestions for using the live-streaming sales model to expand the consumer market,hoping to promote the healthy and steady development of the live-streaming sales industry.

Consumer Psychology in the Digital Age:How Online Environments Shape Purchasing Habits

The advent of the digital age has profoundly changed consumers’mindsets and habits.The rapid development of e-commerce and the widespread use of mobile applications have created enormous demand for individual recommendation systems based on mass data.This system not only increases the convenience of purchases and conversions but also alters the purchasing behavior of consumers,leading them to make choices subconsciously.Potential risks associated with large-scale data sharing and usage have heightened consumer concerns regarding privacy,thereby weakening the foundational trust in platforms and deterring them from shopping.Additionally,the rapid growth of e-commerce in the digital age,coupled with changing market circumstances,has intensified psychological pressure on consumers,making their decision-making processes more complex and difficult.Furthermore,the program will explore issues related to improving customer experience,developing individual marketing strategies,and designing customer loyalty plans.It will also address questions of privacy in a digital environment,the dilemmas of excessive or disruptive consumption behavior,and the complexity and diversity of consumer behavior in the face of digital change.The objective of this study is to develop a fear study that will enable a better understanding of the impact of online shopping on consumer behavior and provide a strategic guide for retailers to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.

Research on the Influence of Anchor Attributes on Consumers’Online Behaviors in Social E-Commerce Platforms:The Moderating Effect of Platform Contextual Factors

As e-commerce continues to mature,the advantages of live streaming within the industry have become increasingly apparent,offering significant growth opportunities.Social e-commerce platforms,which are user-centered,integrate social networks with e-commerce by leveraging social interactions to drive product sales and enhance the overall consumer shopping experience.This type of e-commerce fosters engagement and promotes products by merging online communities with shopping behavior,creating a more interactive and dynamic marketplace.It not only retains the traditional e-commerce trading and marketing functions but also adds a social dimension,making live stream anchors crucial figures connecting consumers with products.These anchors can attract consumers with their appearance and charm,and use their expertise on live streaming platforms to guide consumers by recommending live content.They can also interact with their audiences and potentially influence them to purchase the recommended goods.It is evident that the attributes of anchors in live streaming rooms significantly impact consumers’online behavior.Therefore,researching how platform contextual factors regulate consumers’online behavior is of great practical significance.This study employs multilevel regression analysis to support its hypotheses using data.The findings indicate that contextual factors of the platform significantly influence online behavior,enhancing the positive relationship between user attachment and online activities.

Status and development trend of the welding consumables industry in China

We analyzed the status and development of the welding consumables industry in China during the 12th Five-Year Plan （2011 -2015） period, and identified the major problems in the industry. We predicted the development trends that are expected for the ／3th Five-Year Plan （2016 -2020） period. We suggest some specific countermeasures and practices, which the Chinese welding industry should accelerate the transformation-upgrading and coordinated development of the industry and its firms , should work on improving their overall quality to improve the brand,s influence, enlarge their input into research and technology upgrading,and develop a low-carbon green production mode that could be put in place to promote the development of the Chinese welding consumables industry.

The review on Chinese welding consumables in the last decade

In this paper the situation of Chinese welding consumables production output, exported amount, quality and varieties in the last decade was reviewed. Meanwhile, the imported production facilities for covered electrodes, CO2 welding wires and flux cored wires were introduced. Also, the currently existing problems in welding consumables profession were discussed, and development trend in the future was predicted.

Secondary Warehouse Management System of Medical Low Value Consumables under SPD Mode and its Working Method

Objective:To study the secondary warehouse management system and operation mode of medical low value consumables under SPD mode.Methods:From August 2018 to August 2019,the management mode of the secondary warehouse management system of medical low value consumables was selected.According to the management method,it can be divided into the observation group and the control group.The relevant data of the observation group was based on SPD mode,and the data of the control group was based on the traditional mode.According to the improvement of the two groups of data management effect,data integration and analysis are carried out to judge the effectiveness of the SPD mode of medical low value consumables secondary warehouse management system and its working mode.Results:During the analysis of the two groups of data,the relevant data were analyzed.The data validity of the observation group was higher(94.0%),and the differences of the limitations and problems in the management process had more advantages,while the relevant data corresponding to the two groups of data had significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion:According to the current research results,Based on the collection,storage and central management of data electronic medical record information,the secondary warehouse management system of medical low value consumables under SPD mode is connected with clinical information system and management information system,which realizes the unification,resource integration and efficient operation of different business systems in the hospital,so as to help improve the quality and efficiency of medical care,prevent and reduce medical errors,Control and reduce medical expenses.

Production of bio-energy from low-value biomass by bioconversion

Since 1993, China has become a net importer of energy from a net exporter. The total energy con- sumption has been greater than the total supply, and the external dependence of the energy demand increases rapidly. China＇ s crude oil import volume and imports amount reached 253.78 million tons and 196.664 billion US dollars in 2011, with a growth rate of 6 % and 45.3 %, respectively, year-on-year. The significant increase in demand for oil and the caused structural contradictions are increasingly becoming the greatest challenge for China＇ s energy security. The energy crisis has not only touched everyone＇ s nerves, but also sparked a strong desire to find alternative energy.

Consumers’experiences and preferences for plant-based meat food:Evidence from a choice experiment in four cities of China

This paper examined consumers’experiences in and preferences for plant-based meat(PBM)food and their respective correlates,based on data from an online survey of 579 consumers in four major cities in China in early 2021.We first described consumers’experiences in consuming and purchasing PBM food and their correlates,and then analyzed consumer preferences using hypothetical choice experiment.The experiment offered consumers various options to purchase burgers made from PBM or animal-based meat(ABM),combined with different countries of origin(COO),taste labels,and prices.Our data showed that respondents hold overall positive attitudes toward PBM food;85 and 82%of respondents reported experience in eating and purchasing PBM food,respectively.More than half of them ate PBM food because they wanted to try new food(58%),or were interested in healthy food(56%).Income,religion,and dietary restrictions were significantly correlated with consumers’experiences in PBM food consumption.Results from the Random Parameter Logit Model based on the hypothetical choice experiment data showed that 79%of respondents chose PBM burgers and were willing to pay an average of 88 CNY for a PBM burger.We also found that 99.8 and 83%of respondents are willing to buy burgers made in China and those with a taste label,with a willingness to pay(WTP)of 208 and 120 CNY,respectively.The heterogeneity test revealed that females and those with at least a bachelor’s degree,higher income,religious beliefs,and dietary restrictions are more likely to buy PBM burgers than their counterparts.

Study on the Phenomenon of Geomagnetic Low-value Displacement before Moderately Strong Earthquakes in Gansu

This paper analyzes the distribution characteristics of geomagnetic low-value displacement in Gansu and its adjacent areas from 1995 to 2003 on the basis of the data of the daily amplitude minimum value time of the geomagnetic vertical component. It is shown that in addition to the changing rules of geomagnetic low-value displacement itself, there is a better correlation between geomagnetic low-value displacement and the occurrence of moderately strong earthquakes. There appeared to be geomagnetic low-value displacement before the moderately strong earthquakes in Gansu in the 9 years from 1995 to 2003. This result indicates that geomagnetic low-value displacement is of instructive significance for earthquake prediction to some extents.

Survey on Chinese welding consumables

In China, the main products of welding consumables consist of covered electrode, welding wire, flux, brazing filler and flux and so on. This paper introduces the status of the main welding consumables. It points out that along with the technical progress and the development of new materials, welding consumables will have a great growth in the next ten year.

Consumer Perceptions of Noni Juice Health Benefits during a 90-Day In-Home Use Test

Noni juice, made from the fruit of Morinda citrifolia, is a health-promoting food from the Pacific Islands with an extensive history of traditional use. Human clinical trials have revealed that noni juice has antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Previously, regular noni juice consumers in Europe and traditional healers in Fiji were surveyed to identify potential noni juice health benefits. But to better understand the perception of its health benefits among those with no previous experience with noni juice, an in-home study was conducted in the United States. Three hundred and nineteen adults with untreated chronic health conditions were provided with a 90-day supply of a blinded (unlabeled) commercial noni juice product (Tahitian Noni® Juice), instructed to consume 4 fluid ounces (1/2 cup) each day, and responded to a questionnaire given on days 30, 60 and 90 to evaluate product appeal and perceived effectiveness. A total of 299 people (94%) felt that their health improved in some way after drinking TNJ for 90 days. More than 80% of the subjects reported feeling better or healthier in general. Most participants also concurred with more than two dozen additional positive health perception statements, especially on days 60 and 90. More than 70% of consumers also indicated that noni juice helped them feel better than other wellness supplements they had tried in the past, including other so-called “super fruit” products. These findings seem to corroborate the results of clinical trials and previous consumer surveys regarding the potential for noni juice to provide discernable health benefits when used consistently over time. Such findings may help guide additional placebo-controlled clinical trials in which specific effects may be evaluated more rigorously.

The Application of Quality Control Circles to Reduce the Cost of Non-priced Consumables in Department of Oncology

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness of using quality control circle(QCC)techniques to reduce the cost of non-priced consumables in medical oncology.Methods:Analytic statistics were compiled on the performance appraisal form.Aiming at the key points of improvement with respect to the excess cost of non-valuable consumables,the reasons were analyzed,and corresponding measures were formulated to compare the cost before and after the improvement.Results:After the QCC activity,the cost of non-priced consumables decreased from RMB 6.57/bed day to RMB 3.96/bed day.Conclusion:QCC has effectively reduced the cost of non-priced consumables in the oncology department,and it is worthy of promotion.

China's Consumer Market Sees Robust Growth

January 27 was the last day before the2023 Spring Festival,which was the first long holiday since China entered a phase of pandemic control and prevention.China’s consumer market witnessed booming growth during the holiday.Promote regional economic growth According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism,308 million domestic trips were made during the Spring Festival holiday in 2023.

International Consumer Brands Stay Optimistic About the Chinese Market

From April 11 to 152023,the third China International Consumer Products Expo(hereafter referred to as the Hainan Expo)was held in Haikou,Hainan Province,and attracted more than 3,000 brands from over 60 countries and regions around the world,covering wine,high-end food,health products and many other new products and quality goods.

Adverse selection,loan access and default behavior in the Chilean consumer debt market

Why do households use different types of loans?Which factors cause borrowers to default?Using a comprehensive survey dataset from Chile,I estimate a partial information model of consumer debt access,lender choice,loan amount and default.The model consists of a first-stage multinomial logit that explains the choice across the five loan types,plus the options of no access to debt due to credit constraints and a no wish for consumer debt.In the second and third stages,the model assumes a log-linear regression of the debt amount and a logit regression of the default behavior,accounting for the loan type selection probability.Identification is obtained using factors measured at different time periods for the default and the loan type choices.I find that households choose different lenders based on income,education and labor risks.Higher income and education decrease the probability of credit constraints,while increasing bank lending and debt amounts.Unemployment risk and household size increase the chances of all the loan types;however,unemployment decreases the debt amount.Age and wage volatility reduce the probability of all loans.Default decreases with income,education and age,whereas it increases with indebtedness,unemployment,household size,health shocks,and paying previous loans.Counterfactual exercises demonstrate that pension reform,higher requirements for borrowers’capacities,and financial literacy programs could substantially reduce default risk.Financial literacy could greatly reduce arrears,households with credit constraints,the number of debtors and the aggregate debt amounts,especially for non-bank lending.Highlights Chilean borrowers present heterogeneous adverse selection across lender types.No Debt Access decreases with income,age,education,but it increases with risk.Default is associated with income,unemployment,indebtedness and demographics.Paying past loans and health needs are associated with indebtedness and default.Financial literacy programs may be a powerful policy to improve the debt market.