Science TalksPub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-10-30DOI: 10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100403
Alicia Tran , Julia Low , Lisa Duizer
{"title":"Exploring fundamentals of immersive environment setups on food sensory perception in space contexts","authors":"Alicia Tran , Julia Low , Lisa Duizer","doi":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100403","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100403","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Research suggests that space travel alters sensory perception, however, it is not yet clear what individual factors affect this perception. Taylor et al. (2020) emphasised the importance of tailoring strategies to enhance palatability and intake based on individual differences. This study aims to evaluate how an immersive space-like environment, created using screens, influences food odour perception and emotional responses. Specifically, it explores the setup of immersive screen studies to assess sensory perception and affective responses over time, considering factors such as lighting conditions in dark versus bright rooms. 29 participants were involved in a crossover design experiment in which they watched a 20-min video of a rocket launch, accompanied by environmental sounds at 70 dB, following NASA's International Space Station noise constraints. The participants were randomly assigned to evaluate the video in either a dark or bright room. The rocket launch video was chosen for its emotional impact, as it can induce awe and self-transcendent experiences, like the “Overview Effect” experienced by astronauts. Participants assessed the intensity of three food odours (vanilla, citrus, and almond) at four time points: just after takeoff, and at 5, 10, and 15 min. Measurements included liking (9-point hedonic scale), intensity (Labeled Magnitude Scale), and emotional responses (using 39 terms from the EsSense Profile). Results showed that for vanilla and almond, odour liking remained consistent over time, regardless of lighting conditions. However, for citrus, liking increased over time in the dark room. An inverse relationship between positive and negative emotions throughout the immersion period was observed, highlighting the importance of time in evoking emotional responses. Emotions during testing with the immersive screens were generally positive, such as feelings of ‘calm’, suggesting that the methodology may not be entirely suitable for simulating the more cluttered and isolated environment of a space shuttle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101148,"journal":{"name":"Science Talks","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100403"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142659024","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science TalksPub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-11-06DOI: 10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100402
Siti Nor Amalina Ahmad Tajuddin , Khairul Azam Bahari , Nur Nadia Abd Mubin , Kamaruzzaman Abdul Manan , Akmar Hayati Ahmad Ghazali , Nurul Fadly Habidin , Nur Raidah Radzi
{"title":"Navigating cyber threats: Exploring digital marketing and cyber security adoption among SME entrepreneurs","authors":"Siti Nor Amalina Ahmad Tajuddin , Khairul Azam Bahari , Nur Nadia Abd Mubin , Kamaruzzaman Abdul Manan , Akmar Hayati Ahmad Ghazali , Nurul Fadly Habidin , Nur Raidah Radzi","doi":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100402","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100402","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study was driven by the persistently low cybersecurity adoption rates among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many of which still fail to implement adequate security measures despite the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. The objectives were to evaluate SME entrepreneurs' knowledge, usefulness, and ease of use of cyber security; and discover SME entrepreneurs' exposure to cybersecurity threat incidents while engaging in digital marketing in Malaysia. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) framework, we analyzed data from 500 organizations, randomly distributed among SME entrepreneurs. The findings reveal significant differences in cybersecurity knowledge, reflecting their greater exposure to cyber threats and the consequent need for robust security measures. The usefulness and ease of use of cybersecurity measures were particularly high among mid-aged organizations, aligning with their need to adapt to modern technologies. In digital marketing, organizations operating for 5–10 and 16–20 years reported the highest knowledge levels, while those over 21 years scored the lowest, indicating a gap in updating marketing strategies. These findings highlight the critical need for proposing a new cyber threat protection model for marketing communications for SMEs to remain competitive in the digital age and enhance their resilience against evolving cyber threats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101148,"journal":{"name":"Science Talks","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100402"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142659026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science TalksPub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-10-05DOI: 10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100399
Gazi Md Nurul Islam , Mohd Fadzli Abdul Khir , Ataul Karim Patwary
{"title":"Environmental pollution and value of ecotourism resources in the “no-take” marine protected areas: A case of Perhentian marine park, Malaysia","authors":"Gazi Md Nurul Islam , Mohd Fadzli Abdul Khir , Ataul Karim Patwary","doi":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100399","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100399","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The government of Malaysia has established several marine protected areas (MPAs) in offshore islands since the 1980s to protect overexploited fisheries resources and coral reefs habitat. However, coral reefs and fisheries in MPA suffer from natural and anthropogenic disturbances mainly caused by increased tourism activities and pollution from land-based activities. This paper examines the level of tourism activities causing pollution to the coral reef habitats in the Perhentian MPA. This study used paired comparison methods to elicit the perception of local stakeholders on activities harmful to marine habitats. The data for this study was obtained from face-to-face interviews with local people to solicit their perceptions on the environmental damage to marine ecosystems using a structured questionnaire. The results showed that improper sewage discharge by the small resorts, direct disposal of sewage from village into sea, and littering on the beach are the most damaging activities that threaten the sustainability of the resources in Perhentian MPA. The study concludes that management of marine resources is not the sole responsibility of the government authority, need to involve local community for the conservation activities to develop sustainable tourism in the MPAs in Malaysia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101148,"journal":{"name":"Science Talks","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100399"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142531380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Machine learning algorithms to forecast wet-period rainfall using climate indices in Northern Territory of Australia","authors":"Rashid Farooq , Monzur Alam Imteaz , Donghui Shangguan , Kamila Hlavčová","doi":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100397","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100397","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate rainfall prediction is crucial for understanding and managing a region's social and agricultural environment. As a key indicator of climate change, natural disasters, and local geography, rainfall data empowers us to make informed decisions for various beneficial purposes. Machine learning offers powerful tools for improving rainfall prediction accuracy and estimation capabilities. This study examines how multiple climate indices simultaneously influence wet-period rainfall patterns at two Northern Territory (NT) stations, Hermannsburg and Undoolya. We selected two machine learning models, Random Forest (RF) for its robustness and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) for its ability to capture temporal patterns, to investigate these relationships. For this purpose, a variety of input sets, including lagged Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO), were proposed and utilized to calibrate and validate, RF and LSTM Models. Our analysis revealed that large-scale climate factors like IOD, Nino 3.4, and MJO significantly influence wet-period rainfall predictions of the NT. Furthermore, the LSTM model outperformed the RF model to predict the wet-period rainfall at the selected stations. For instance, the LSTM achieved higher R<sup>2</sup> i.e., 0.86 and lower values for both RMSE (ranging from 0.63 to 0.72) and MAE (ranging from 0.43 to 0.64) during the testing phase, indicating a closer fit between predicted and actual wet-period rainfall values.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101148,"journal":{"name":"Science Talks","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100397"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142416681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science TalksPub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-10-11DOI: 10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100401
Wei-Hsin Chen
{"title":"Trends in hydrogen application for low-carbon iron and steel industry","authors":"Wei-Hsin Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100401","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100401","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Massive anthropogenic CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, deteriorating atmospheric greenhouse effect and causing global warming and climate change, due to the remarkable consumption of fossil fuels have become the most significant obstacle to environmental sustainability [1]. Hydrogen has no carbon, so it is promising fuel and material used in the industry to lessen carbon emissions [2]. Ironmaking and steelmaking account for around 7 % of global anthropogenic CO<sub>2</sub> emissions [3]. Traditional ironmaking and steelmaking processes are carbon-intensive [4, 5]; therefore, how to decrease carbon emissions during ironmaking and steelmaking to approach net zero is an urgent issue. Carbon replacement by hydrogen in ironmaking and steelmaking processes offers a clean and sustainable way to reduce CO₂ emissions. For example, hydrogen can replace CO to reduce iron ore [6]. The produced direct reduced iron (DRI) can then be melted in an electric arc furnace (EAF) to produce steel [7]. In blast furnaces, hydrogen-rich gases, including hydrogen, ammonia, natural gas, coke oven gas, and recycling top gas, can be injected for ironmaking [8,9]. In summary, hydrogen-based ironmaking and steelmaking hold great promise for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future in the iron and steel industry [10–12]. This talk introduces the state-of-the-art processes using hydrogen for ironmaking and steelmaking.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101148,"journal":{"name":"Science Talks","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100401"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142531379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science TalksPub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-11-09DOI: 10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100405
Masatoshi Funabashi
{"title":"Synecoculture experiments: Human augmentation of ecosystems and Planetary Hhealth","authors":"Masatoshi Funabashi","doi":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100405","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100405","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Transformative change in primary food production is urgently needed in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss. Synecoculture (synecological farming) is designed on a variety of environmental responses within ecological optimum in high-density mixed polyculture, where various edible species were intentionally introduced.</div><div>In this talk, I overview essential experimental results and activities of Synecoculture in relation to Planetary Health. The scientific methods underlying this research include the following:</div><div><strong>Field Experiments:</strong> Conducted in Japan and Sub-Saharan Africa, these experiments tested Synecoculture's diverse, mixed-species agroecosystems without conventional inputs (e.g., tillage, fertilizers, and agrochemicals), assessing biodiversity, overall productivity, and soil health.</div><div><strong>Big Data and AI:</strong> Developed an open-source biological interaction database, used AI and drone image analysis for automated field assessment, and 3D ecosystem modeling to manage and understand ecological complexity.</div><div><strong>Ecological Data Analysis:</strong> Monitored seasonal community dynamics of Synecoculture plots and used CSR triangle theory to analyze plant adaptive strategies. These analyses demonstrated adaptive diversification and its link to ecosystem productivity.</div><div><strong>Theoretical Modeling:</strong> Established the Integrated Model of Physiological and Ecological Optima (IMPEO) to analyze the comprehensive productivity of densely mixed polyculture in marginal environments.</div><div><strong>Health Impact Studies:</strong> Evaluated Synecoculture's health benefits through metabolome analysis of tea products, as well as biomarker analysis and clinical assessments for elderly patients, showing anti-inflammatory effects and improved physical and cognitive health outcomes through rehabilitation activities in biodiverse environments.</div><div><strong>Socio-Economic Assessment:</strong> Measured economic impacts in sub-Saharan Africa and established collaborative efforts towards scaled-up implementation in the Global South with local governments and NGOs, highlighting Synecoculture's contribution to sustainable food systems and land restoration. In the urban area of Japan, participatory studies were performed on green infrastructure to enhance biodiversity and mitigate environmental risks. Educational programs based on the “Syneco Portal” engaged students in hands-on learning about the self-organization of ecosystems. Additionally, we developed a model linking biodiversity to healthcare costs, offering services that enhance biodiversity and utilize ecosystem benefits supported by medical data and AI.</div><div>The overall results showed that the self-organized primary production of ecosystems performs better compared with conventional monoculture methods in 1) promoting diversity and total quantity of products along with a rapid increase of in-field biodivers","PeriodicalId":101148,"journal":{"name":"Science Talks","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100405"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142659032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science TalksPub Date : 2024-09-01Epub Date: 2024-07-17DOI: 10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100385
Henry D. Mooney
{"title":"Tenure and social impacts of offshore extractives in periphery states","authors":"Henry D. Mooney","doi":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100385","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100385","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This inductive research sheds light on the nature of the political ecology of offshore extractives, as well as the symptomatic expenses borne by small-scale ocean users and the integrity of marine ecosystems alike. A literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies and theories on the social construction of the ocean, world systems theory, social performance requirements in offshore extractives, and broad economic drivers of inequality. Thematic analysis was then employed to examine the qualitative data collected from the literature review. Phenomena identified from primary, secondary, and grey sources are integrated into a supportive theoretical work regarding oceanic spatial allocation from the world's core states. It was found that the asymmetrical nature of marine tenure in offshore extractives in part contributes to leaving the world's 60 million artisanal ocean users and the most biologically productive portions of periphery and semi-periphery state waters subject to appropriation often in favor of core states.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":101148,"journal":{"name":"Science Talks","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100385"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772569324000938/pdfft?md5=b23e9d4fbed9915f5a045dac8915a8eb&pid=1-s2.0-S2772569324000938-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141841002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science TalksPub Date : 2024-09-01Epub Date: 2024-06-24DOI: 10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100379
Adeline Karolkowski , Christine Belloir , Christophe Martin , Géraldine Lucchi , Emmanuelle Meudec , Nicolas Sommerer , Emilie Bouzidi , Loïc Levavasseur , Loïc Briand , Christian Salles
{"title":"Combining sensory profiling and metabolomic approach to better understand the origins of bitter perception in faba bean (Vicia faba L. minor) fractions","authors":"Adeline Karolkowski , Christine Belloir , Christophe Martin , Géraldine Lucchi , Emmanuelle Meudec , Nicolas Sommerer , Emilie Bouzidi , Loïc Levavasseur , Loïc Briand , Christian Salles","doi":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100379","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100379","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Faba beans are promising alternatives to animal proteins due to environmental, food functional and nutritional benefits. However, they are characterised by off-flavours, notably off-notes and bitterness. Research on pulses and pulse-based products has largely focused on the involvement of volatile compounds in off-notes whereas the molecules responsible for pulse bitterness have not been studied as much. To better understand the role of non-volatile compounds in faba bean bitterness, different cultivars and air-classified fractions (flour, starch and protein) were investigated for their taste properties. Firstly, 21 trained panellists evaluated the bitter intensity of gels containing faba bean fractions. Bitter differences were highlighted according to the type of fractions and cultivars. Secondly, an untargeted metabolomics approach based on UHPLC-DAD-HRMS (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-high-resolution mass spectrometry) analysis was carried out for profiling the non-volatile content of the fractions. Thirdly, the sensory data was correlated with the metabolomic data resulting in the tentative identification of 42 phytochemical compounds (mainly alkaloids). Fourthly, the bitterness of highlighted compounds was studied using an <em>in vitro</em> cellular-based assay. Linking sensory attributes with the chemical content of pulse-based products allows to target compounds responsible for bitterness to propose strategies improving their flavour and the consumer acceptability.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":101148,"journal":{"name":"Science Talks","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100379"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772569324000872/pdfft?md5=1face97cf72e1ab08fcad1f8d3e4ec15&pid=1-s2.0-S2772569324000872-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141593170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science TalksPub Date : 2024-09-01Epub Date: 2024-06-15DOI: 10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100377
Shela Akbar Ali Hirani
{"title":"Effects of COVID-19 on breastfeeding practices of immigrant mothers in Canada: A qualitative study","authors":"Shela Akbar Ali Hirani","doi":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100377","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100377","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the health and well-being of the population at large, especially immigrant women with young children. It is essential to explore the breastfeeding experiences of immigrant women who are vulnerable and often lack adequate breastfeeding support in a new country. This study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 on the breastfeeding practices of immigrant mothers in Saskatchewan, Canada.</p><p>This critical ethnographic study was undertaken during the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. After seeking approval from the ethics review board, <strong>i</strong>n-depth interviews were undertaken with 30 immigrant mothers with a young child aged 1 day to 24 months. Participants were recruited from different cities in Saskatchewan, Canada. Data from in-depth interviews were triangulated with information gathered through field observations and a review of media reports. Data were analyzed manually by the researcher and patient partners on this project. Multiple steps were followed to analyze data inductively and iteratively. Data analysis involved isolation of codes, comparison and validation of codes, identification of categories specifying both positive and negative effects of COVID-19, and derivation of the broad themes reflecting the effects of COVID-19 on breastfeeding practices of immigrant mothers. Interpretations drawn from the data were verified with the study participants.</p><p>The findings suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic has both positive and negative effects on the breastfeeding practices of immigrant women who are mothering. Key themes derived from the findings include quality time with an infant, lack of support and isolation, limited healthcare access and lactation counselling, mother-baby separation, healthcare restrictions and financial instability.</p><p>During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to promote, protect and support breastfeeding of immigrant women facing add-on challenges due to limited social support, isolation, and financial instability in a new country. This study provides unique insight that can make a difference moving forward by highlighting the adjustments that need to be made in healthcare practices for immigrant women to have a more positive breastfeeding experience in a future pandemic.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":101148,"journal":{"name":"Science Talks","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100377"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772569324000859/pdfft?md5=2d6f74b067fd24233dd7b6b3c759cd26&pid=1-s2.0-S2772569324000859-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141414679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science TalksPub Date : 2024-09-01Epub Date: 2024-05-24DOI: 10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100368
Jane Jun-Xin Ong, Julien Delarue
{"title":"The missing link in consumer liking: How category labels prime expectations and influence product perception","authors":"Jane Jun-Xin Ong, Julien Delarue","doi":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100368","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sctalk.2024.100368","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The fast pace of emerging product categories highlights the importance of ensuring that category labels meet consumer expectations, but the effect of category labels on consumer perception is not well understood. To examine the impact of category expectations on liking, 384 consumers were assigned one of four conditions where they were told they were drinking either milk (broad condition), plant-based milk (intermediate condition), almond milk (specific condition), or given no information (control group). All groups were given six almond milks and asked to rate their liking on a 9-point hedonic scale. Consumers in the broad, intermediate, and specific conditions were also asked to rate category fit on a 9-point Likert scale. Category label significantly impacted overall liking, with the specific condition having significantly higher liking than the control, followed by the intermediate and then the broad condition. External preference mapping showed that the sensory drivers of liking were constant across the four conditions, but the sensory drivers of category fit changed depending on the condition. Our results suggest that increased specificity in category labels can increase product liking, underscoring the importance of sensory evaluation for understanding the link between category labels and consumer perception.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":101148,"journal":{"name":"Science Talks","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100368"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772569324000768/pdfft?md5=6c0690f110f4aeb82b32c692b661732c&pid=1-s2.0-S2772569324000768-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141144724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}