Electronic word of mouth (eWOM) research – a comparative bibliometric analysis and future research insight

PurposeIn recent times, the growing use of electronic word of mouth (eWOM) has attracted consumers, organizations and marketers alike. The objective of this study is to summarize and compare the current mass of eWOM research published in leading hospitality and tourism journals with research published in the other fields of both business and management.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses multiple bibliometric analysis methods, including citation, co-citation, keyword and co-word analysis. It compares various assessments of eWOM research published in 399 selected business publications and 398 selected hospitality/tourism publications (ABDC A and above and ABS 3 and above) between 2003 and 2021.FindingsThe co-citation analysis identified three thematic areas under each of the domains, i.e. in the hospitality/tourism field, the three themes included eWOM and behavior; eWOM and social media; and eWOM as a marketing tool. Similarly, under the business field (encompasses remaining business and management subdisciplines), the three themes are eWOM and sales, eWOM quality and attributes; and eWOM, information and consumer. Additionally, the word and co-word analysis mapped the comparative evolution of research in these two fields. The study advocates more research focusing on less researched platforms using diverse data, recommender systems adoption and application of eWOM in the business to business (B2B) context.Research limitations/implicationsThis study summarizes the overall theoretical and conceptual structure of eWOM research in both business and hospitality/tourism fields; based upon which, several recommendations for future research are proposed.Originality/valueBy comparing the developments in the specialized hospitality/tourism sector with broader management literature using multiple, complementary techniques, this study brings out important insights for hospitality/tourism researchers.

Burial-induced deterioration in leather: a FTIR-ATR, DSC, TG/DTG, MHT and SEM study

In this study we used an analytical approach based on complementary techniques that targets all structural levels of collagen in leather to investigate how vegetable-tanned leather deteriorates during soil burial tests. For the first time, a group of deterioration markers specific to molecular, fibrillar and fibrous structure of collagen in leather was associated with the deterioration of buried leather. The application of the second order derivative of FTIR-ATR spectra analysis allowed us to detect loosening of collagen–tannin matrix, de-tanning and gelatin formation based on the behaviour of collagen and tannin spectral components (intensity variation and shifts). Collagen denaturation observed by DSC analysis and its thermo-oxidative behaviour measured by TG/DTG analysis, as well as the altered morphology of collagen (namely melt-like fibres and distorted fibrillar ultrastructure) imaged by SEM confirmed the FTIR-ATR analyis results. These analytical outcomes enabled us to understand the effect of leather hardening/cementing through soil mineral penetration into its fibrous structure and thus correctly interprete the higher-than-expected shrinkage temperatures and intervals determinatd by MHT method. Thus, MHT method proved to be suitable for a quick evaluation method that can direcly support the first conservation decision after excavation. The combination of FTIR-ATR, DSC, TG/DTG and SEM can be particularly useful to provide insights on the deterioration mechanism of archaeological leather and support best decision on its long-term preservation.

Efficiency of the Method of Student Thematic Online Debates in the Development of Professional Competences in Future Specialists

The transition to distance learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic has led teachers to adapt effective teaching methods to distance education. Theoretical analysis of scientific works allowed determining that student debates have significant potential for the development of critical thinking, communication skills. The aim of the study was to test the effectiveness of the method of student thematic online debates in the development of professional competencies in future specialists. In the experimental study, several complementary techniques were used to determine the level of future specialists’ professional competence. The reliability of the obtained conclusions on the basis of the used methods was ensured by comparing the data obtained by each method, as well as the representativeness of the sample size and statistical significance of the experimental data. It is determined that the following competencies can be developed in students through the method of student thematic online debates: readiness to work in a team, ability to generalize, analyse and adequately perceive information, ability to communicate according to language norms, reasoned and clearly build oral and written speech. The study allowed determining that there are certain methodological features of using the method of student thematic online debates in the distance educational process. The method of debate is an effective approach to the organization of online learning, which allows obtaining not only theoretical knowledge, but also gives the possibility of applying them in professional activities in the future. Proof of the effectiveness of the proposed model of using debate within distance learning is confirmed by the unequivocally positive dynamics in the experimental group to improve the Value-orientation criterion, Cognitive criterion Communicative-activity criterion (in particular, at a high level of 13.79%, 7.38%, 11.56% respectively). The novelty of the presented scientific intelligence in the experimental study of the potential of online debates for students of agricultural universities, but with the potential to adapt the presented model of organization of the pedagogical environment for students of other specialties. The research materials can be used by teachers in the development of distance online courses, heads of distance learning coordination departments in higher educational institutions. The prospect of further research is studying the effectiveness of thematic online debates to increase the level of internal learning motivation in future specialists.

An analysis of the variability in <i>δ</i>¹³C in macroalgae from the Gulf of California: indicative of carbon concentration mechanisms and isotope discrimination during carbon assimilation

The isotopic composition of carbon in macroalgae (δ13C) is highly variable, and its prediction is complex concerning terrestrial plants. The determinants of δ13C macroalgal variations were analyzed in a large stock of specimens that vary in taxa and morphology and were collected in shallow marine habitats in the Gulf of California (GC) with distinctive environmental conditions. A large δ13C variability (−34.6 ‰ to −2.2 ‰) was observed. Life-forms (taxonomy 57 %, morphology and structural organization 34 %) explain the variability related to carbon use physiology. Environmental conditions influenced the δ13C macroalgal values but did not change the physiology, which is most likely inherently species-specific. Values of δ13C were used as indicators of the presence or absence of carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) and as integrative values of the isotope discrimination during carbon assimilation in the life cycle macroalgae. Based on δ13C signals, macroalgae were classified in three strategies relative to the capacity of CCM: (1) HCO3- uptake (δ13C > −10 ‰), (2) using a mix of CO2 and HCO3- uptake (-10<δ13C > −30 ‰), and (3) CO2 diffusive entry (δ13C < −30 ‰). Most species showed a δ13C that indicates a CCM using a mix of CO2 and HCO3- uptake. HCO3- uptake is also widespread among GC macroalgae, with many Ochrophyta species. Few species belonging to Rhodophyta relied on CO2 diffusive entry exclusively, while calcifying macroalgae species using HCO3- included only Amphiroa and Jania. The isotopic signature evidenced the activity of CCM, but it was inconclusive about the preferential uptake of HCO3- and CO2 in photosynthesis and the CCM type expressed in macroalgae. In the study of carbon use strategies, diverse, species-specific, and complementary techniques to the isotopic tools are required.

Genetic Modification and Application in Cassava, Sweetpotato and Yams

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) and yams (Dioscorea spp.) are important root and tuber crops grown for food, feed and various industrial applications. However, their genetic gain potentials are limited by breeding and genetic bottlenecks for improvement of many desired traits. This book chapter covers the applications and potential benefits of genetic modification in breeding selected outcrossing root and tuber crops. It assesses how improvement of selected root and tuber crops through genetic modification overcomes both the high heterozygosity and serious trait separation that occurs in conventional breeding, and contributes to timely achievement of improved target traits. It also assesses the ways genetic modification improves genetic gain in the root and tuber breeding programs, conclusions and perspectives. Conscious use of complementary techniques such as genetic modification in the root and tuber breeding programs can increase the selection gain by reducing the long breeding cycle and cost, as well as reliable exploitation of the heritable variation in the desired direction.

Review—Multiscale Characterization of Li-Ion Batteries through the Combined Use of Atomic Force Microscopy and X-ray Microscopy and Considerations for a Correlative Analysis of the Reviewed Data

The present review analyses the recent literature on the combined use of X-ray microscopy (XRM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) for multiscale characterization of Li+ (or Li) batteries (LiBs) with the aim of developing guidelines for correlative analysis. The usefulness of XRM resides in the capability of affording non invasively in situ images of the inner parts of a LiB (an encapsulated device) with spatial resolution of dozens of nm during operation. XRM is non destructive and affords the early diagnosis of LiBs degradation causes when these manifest themselves as microdeformations. Multiscale characterization of LiBs also requires AFM for visualizing the morphological/physical alterations of LiB components (anodes, cathodes, electrolyte) at the sub-nanometer level. Different to XRM, AFM necessitates of a modification of LiB working configuration since AFM uses a contacting probe whereas XRM exploits radiation-matter interactions and does not require LiB dissection. A description of the working principles of the two techniques is provided to evidence which technical aspects have to be considered for achieving a meaningful correlative analysis of LiBs. In delineating new perspectives for the analysis of LiBs we will consider additional complementary techniques. Among various AFM-based techniques particular emphasis is given to electrochemical AFM (EC-AFM).

Thermal Stability and Crystallization Behavior of Contaminated Recycled Polypropylene for Food Contact

Polypropylene is one of the most widely used polymers, especially in the food packaging industry, which causes negative environmental effects. Recycling is a good option to partially solve this environmental problem. Thus, the polymer was contaminated with a cocktail to simulate the conditions of disposal and recycling following FDA guidelines. The influence of contaminants on recycled PP was analyzed by quiescent and nonquiescent crystallization. It was found that the contaminants alter the crystallization flow since longer induction times were observed for all contaminated samples. Also, the thermal behavior was performed considering that the thermogravimetric (TGA) results indicated an increase in the stability with the presence of contaminants. Therefore, a deep investigation using the induced oxidation time (OIT) and induced oxidation temperature (OITD) was performed. The contaminants play an important role in the crystallization process, as well as, in the degradation of the samples. Furthermore, the use of TGA and DSC as complementary techniques is fundamental to analyze this influence.

A Combinatorial Approach to Reliable Quantitative Analysis of Small Nano-Sized Precipitates: A Case Study with α′ Precipitates in Fe–20 at% Cr Alloy

The quantitative characterization of small nano-sized precipitates poses genuine challenges and is often deficient in accuracy due to the inherent limitations inevitably associated with the individual experimental techniques. A convenient solution is to utilize multiple complementary techniques. The present work demonstrates an effective way to reliably quantify nano-sized precipitates using a combination of complementary techniques of atom probe tomography (APT), small angle neutron scattering (SANS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As a case study, the size (radius, r), number density (NP), volume fraction (ϕ), and chemical composition of Cr-rich α′ precipitates are determined in Fe–20 at% Cr alloy, thermally aged at 773 K for 1,000 h. This combinatorial approach utilizes the strength of each technique in such a way that the overall accuracy of quantitative precipitation analysis improves significantly. For example, the superior spatial resolution makes TEM the appropriate technique to estimate the size and size distribution of the precipitates, while APT provides the chemical composition. Similarly, SANS analysis incorporates both the size and the compositional information thus derived independently and provides statiscally averaged quantitative analysis overcoming the field-of-view limitations of both TEM and APT. This combinatorial approach improves the accuracy of quantification and provides the true representation of the microstructure.