Grouped-seq for integrated phenotypic and transcriptomic screening of patient-derived tumor organoids.

Patient-derived tumor organoids (PDOs) have emerged as a reliable in vitro model for drug discovery. However, RNA sequencing-based analysis of PDOs treated with drugs has not been realized in a high-throughput format due to the limited quantity of organoids. Here, we translated a newly developed pooled RNA-seq methodology onto a superhydrophobic microwell array chip to realize an assay of genome-wide RNA output unified with phenotypic data (Grouped-seq). Over 10-fold reduction of sample and reagent consumption together with a new ligation-based barcode synthesis method lowers the cost to ∼$2 per RNA-seq sample. Patient-derived colorectal cancer (CRC) organoids with a number of 10 organoids per microwell were treated with four anti-CRC drugs across eight doses and analyzed by the Grouped-seq. Using a phenotype-assisted pathway enrichment analysis (PAPEA) method, the mechanism of actions of the drugs were correctly derived, illustrating the great potential of Grouped-seq for pharmacological screening with tumor organoids.

Divergence and convergence: a cross-generational study on local food consumption.

In the context of the expanding local food market, grasping the evolutionary trajectory of consumer purchasing behavior is crucial for understanding market dynamics. This study adopts a cross-generational perspective to delve into and elucidate the similarities and differences in local food consumption behaviors between Gen Z and Gen Y. Through the analysis of online survey data from 251 individuals of Gen Z and 319 of Gen Y and utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior as a theoretical framework, and the study identifies eight key variables. The findings reveal that while Gen Z and Gen Y exhibit a range of common characteristics in their choice of local food,including attention to word of mouth, health consciousness, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and attitude.there is a significant divergence in their motivating factors for purchasing. Specifically, convenience is the primary driver for Gen Z when selecting local food; conversely, price is the decisive factor in the decision-making process of Gen Y. By unveiling these significant differences and similarities, the research offers significant understanding beneficial to the food sector, particularly in formulating market strategies targeted at different generations.

Are non-competitors greener? The effect of consumer awareness differences on green food consumption.

Introduction: Green consumption plays a crucial role in mitigating environmental degradation. Governments and corporations are actively fostering the growth of green consumption. The escalating environmental issues have awakened consumers' environmental and competitive awareness, which significantly aids in increasing the probability of green food consumption. Methods: This study, based on the Self-Consistency Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior, constructs a model to analyze the effects of consumer competitive and environmental awareness on green food purchase intentions. Data from 700 consumer surveys were examined through structural equation modeling. Results: Findings indicate that while consumer competitive awareness negatively impacts green self-efficacy and perceived control, environmental awareness has a positive effect. Green self-efficacy and perceived control both positively influence green food purchase intentions. Notably, competitive awareness has a more substantial negative impact on perceived control compared to green self-efficacy. In contrast, the positive influence of environmental awareness on green self-efficacy is stronger than on perceived control. Moreover, the effect of green self-efficacy on green food purchase intention is more pronounced than that of perceived control. Discussion: Strategies like enhancing media publicity, educational initiatives, and improving purchase convenience can increase consumer purchase intentions. This study offers valuable insights for governments and businesses in understanding consumer psychology in green food consumption, aiding in marketing strategies for green food products.

Attribute-Driven or Green-Driven: The Impact of Subjective and Objective Knowledge on Sustainable Tea Consumption.

The market for green agricultural products has tremendous growth potential as the pressure on resources and the environment increases and the safety of agricultural products is garnering attention. The demand for green food (tea) is also rising as tea is among the top three beverages consumed worldwide. The study attempts to propose a model of the relationship between green food (tea) customers' product knowledge, perceived product quality, trust, purchase intention, and purchase behaviour. In addition, we will provide an analysis of the role played by age, education, income, gender, etc. The study included 700 questionnaires on green food (tea) consumers that were collected through the Credemo questionnaire platform, and data analysis was carried out using the SmartPLS software to assess the model of product knowledge on green food (tea) consumption behaviour. The findings demonstrate that, concerning differences in age, education, income, and gender; product knowledge-including attribute knowledge and green knowledge-has a positive impact on perceived product quality and trust; perceived product quality has a positive impact on trust; perceived product quality and trust have a positive impact on purchase intention; and purchase intention has a positive impact on purchase behavior.

How different advertising appeals (green vs. non-green) impact consumers' willingness to pay a premium for green agricultural products.

Green food has exceptional impacts in addressing food safety and environmental challenges. However, consumers' perception of green food is not substantial, which results in a decline in consumption intention. Since advertising appeals can play a bridging role in resolving information asymmetry. This study is based on self-construal theory, chooses green agricultural products images and text as experimental stimuli, and analyzes the interaction and influence mechanism between advertising appeals and consumers' willingness to pay a premium for green agricultural products through three sets of experimental studies. The findings demonstrate that self-construal and green agricultural product advertising appeals interact to influence consumers' willingness to pay a premium for green agricultural products. Green perceived value is more strongly influenced by matching dependent self-construal and green advertising appeals than non-green advertising appeals. Green perceived value plays a full mediating role in this interactive effect. Green agricultural products companies should adopt different advertising strategies according to the various categories of consumers to enhance consumers' green perceived value and increase the willingness to pay a premium.