Search Results (122)

Interest in consumer behavior regarding agri-food products is growing, particularly in the context of sustainable and local consumption. This study examines consumer perceptions of certified mountain products in Romania, with a specific focus on cow’s milk. A structured survey was conducted among 576 respondents from the Bucharest–Ilfov metropolitan area, representing the target population of regular food consumers. The data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistical methods in SPSS, including chi-square tests and contingency coefficients, to evaluate consumer awareness, attitudes, and their willingness to pay. The results reveal that although awareness of the “mountain product” label is high (88.9%), its direct influence on purchase decisions remains limited, with price, brand, and origin playing stronger roles. Nevertheless, 95% of respondents expressed willingness to pay a premium price, and over 70% associated mountain certification with health benefits and higher quality. These findings highlight both the potential and current limitations of certification as a market-based tool to support sustainable consumption and the economic resilience of mountain areas. The study contributes empirical evidence from a less explored national context. It offers insights for policymakers, producers, and retailers seeking to strengthen short food supply chains and consumer trust in certified labels. Full article

In this study, inter-brand variations in volatile flavor compound profiles of four lager beers were systematically investigated by integrating sensory evaluation with GC-MS, GC×GC-TOF-MS, and GC-O-MS. A total of 594 volatile compounds were identified, of which 71 with odor activity values (OAV) ≥ 1 were found to contribute directly to aroma expression. Additionally, 59 compounds with taste activity values (TAV) ≥ 1 were identified and may also contribute to taste perception. Furthermore, 53 aroma-active compounds were confirmed through GC-O-MS, providing additional evidence for their sensory contribution. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), correlation analysis, and flavor addition experiments revealed brand-specific differential flavor compounds. Ultimately, twenty key differential flavor compounds, encompassing esters, alcohols, aromatic compounds, acids, lactones, and others, were confirmed to contribute to fruity, floral, burnt, and sweet notes. Phenethyl alcohol, with concentrations varying from 1377.1 mg/L in QD to 3297.5 mg/L in HR, showed a more than 2.4-fold difference across brands and was strongly associated with fruity (r = 0.553) and floral (r = 0.564) aroma. These compounds acted in combination to shape distinct aroma profiles. This study provides a molecular-level basis for understanding lager beer flavor and offers practical guidance for targeted flavor modulation in brewing. Full article

This study investigates hotel employees’ perceptions of AI-driven human resource (HR) management systems within the Accor Group’s properties across three major European cities: Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam. These diverse urban contexts, spanning a broad portfolio of hotel brands from luxury to economy, provide a rich setting for exploring how AI integration affects employee attitudes and work–life balance. A total of 437 employees participated in the survey, offering a robust dataset for structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. Exploratory factor analysis identified two primary factors shaping perceptions: AI Perceptions, which encompasses employee views on AI’s impact on job performance, communication, recognition, and retention, and balanced management, reflecting attitudes toward fairness, personal consideration, productivity, and skill development in AI-managed environments. The results reveal a complex but optimistic view, where employees acknowledge AI’s potential to enhance operational efficiency and career optimism but also express concerns about flexibility loss and the need for human oversight. The findings underscore the importance of transparent communication, contextual sensitivity, and continuous training in implementing AI systems that support both organizational goals and employee well-being. This study contributes valuable insights to hospitality management by highlighting the relational and ethical dimensions of algorithmic HR systems across varied organizational and cultural settings. Full article

This study evaluates media-level filtration behaviour and short-term fuel consumption outcomes for five spin-on lubricating oil filters operated under real driving conditions at high altitude. To improve interpretability, filters are reported using parameter-based identifiers (media descriptors and equivalent circular diameter, ECD) rather than internal codes. Pore-scale morphology was quantified by microscopy and expressed as ECD, and bulk fluid cleanliness was summarised using ISO 4406 codes. Trials were conducted over representative urban and extra-urban routes at altitude; fuel consumption was analysed using ANCOVA. The results indicated clear media-level differences (tighter pore envelopes and cleaner ISO codes, particularly for two OEM units). However, fuel-consumption differences were not statistically significant (ANCOVA, p = 0.29). Accordingly, findings are reported as short-term cleanliness and media characterisation under high-altitude duty rather than durability or efficiency claims. The parameter-based framing clarifies trade-offs across metrics and avoids over-generalisation from brand or part numbers. The work highlights the value of ECD as a comparative pore metric and underscores limitations of microscopy/cleanliness data for inferring engine wear or long-term consumption. Future work will incorporate formal multi-pass testing (ISO 4548-12), direct differential-pressure instrumentation, used-oil viscosity tracking, and wear-metal spectrometry to enable cross-vendor benchmarking and causal interpretation. Findings are presented as short-term cleanliness and media characterisation; no durability claims are made in the absence of direct wear measurements. Full article

This study investigates how the packaging image of agricultural products in livestreaming commerce influences consumers’ repurchase intentions and, on this basis, formulates effective packaging improvement strategies to enhance repurchase intention. Focusing on agricultural product packaging, we conducted an online survey of 392 consumers with livestream shopping experience and employed a combined approach of structural equation modeling (SEM) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) to analyze the effects of packaging image on repurchase intention. Starting from elements of packaging design—such as external appearance, cultural cues, imagery, and materials—we examined color schemes, typography, and illustration styles and further explored how these factors shape repurchase intention by elevating consumers’ perceived value. The findings indicate that the information-conveying functions of packaging—namely the communication of product culture, quality, and distinctive attributes—have a significant impact on repurchase intention. SEM results reveal that perceived value plays a pivotal mediating role between packaging image and repurchase intention. Complementarily, ANN analysis identifies visual appearance as the strongest predictor of repurchase intention among all packaging elements. Building on these insights, the study proposes concrete packaging design strategies, including optimizing visual appearance to highlight brand distinctiveness; distilling design symbols to narrate brand stories; and mining cultural connotations to strengthen cultural expression. This research not only verifies the importance of packaging design in boosting consumers’ repurchase intentions but also offers a practical strategic framework that can be extended to packaging design practices for other agricultural products. It provides new theoretical support and practical guidance for the field, offering a valuable reference for future research and practice. Full article

The article explores how the design of informational and promotional messages from financial institutions influences their reception by young people. The study combined eye tracking, individual in-depth interviews (IDIs), and text mining analysis to examine both visual attention and participants’ conscious reactions. The aim was to identify young users’ preferences, determine factors influencing content perception, and assess the effectiveness of visual and audiovisual communication strategies. The main hypothesis proposed that minimalistic and visually attractive messages, enhanced with dynamic graphics, more effectively shape attitudes and elicit positive emotions. Specific aspects examined included the role of infographics, color schemes, message dynamics, and references to financial institutions in attracting attention and engagement. The results indicate that young people operate primarily in virtual space and express limited interest in traditional media such as television or print. They favor short, clear, and visually structured messages. Excessive textual content and lack of clarity provoked negative reactions and discouraged further engagement. Elements like infographics, colors, and logos were found to be strongly associated with brand recognition and memorability. Full article

This study examines non-standard comparative and superlative adjective forms in Ukrainian and English, emphasizing their evaluative meanings and grammatical deviations. While prescriptive grammar dictates conventional comparison patterns, modern discourse—particularly in advertising, informal communication, and literary texts—exhibits an increasing prevalence of innovative comparative structures. Using a corpus-based approach, this research identifies patterns of positive and negative evaluative meanings, revealing that positive evaluations dominate non-standard comparatives in both languages, particularly in advertising (English: 78.5%, Ukrainian: 80.2%). However, English exhibits a higher tolerance for grammatical flexibility, while Ukrainian maintains a more restricted use, primarily in commercial and expressive discourse. The findings highlight the pragmatic and evaluative functions of such constructions, including hyperbolic emphasis, rhetorical contrast, and branding strategies. These insights contribute to research on comparative grammar, sentiment analysis, and natural language processing, particularly in modeling evaluative structures in computational linguistics. Full article

This research aims to explore the role of architecture in creating an identifiable brand for Amman. It seeks to put forward a vision through which Amman’s city can formulate a clear model for implementing a successful branding strategy. In doing so, this research studies the concepts associated with the ideas of branding, city image and identity, and the extent to which such ideas are to be implemented in Amman. The study adopted an inductive approach using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 35 experts with central roles in stating the city’s key values that best reflect the city’s identity. A thematic analysis was conducted in line with theoretical aspects, including the city’s message, strategies for formulating the brand, and communication via architecture. The image of Amman shows an obvious distinction between its historical character and modern global styles as it suffers from disorder within its architectural landscape. Amman needs to rethink its identity in order to create a new brand that keeps pace with time without losing the originality of the place. This calls for re-evaluating the role of the iconic buildings and their associations with the surroundings, enabling them to become of significant presence, both symbolically and operationally, in expressing the city’s personality and promoting its message. Full article

This study investigates how pandemic-induced emotional disruption has reshaped sustainable consumer behavior in the digital age, with a focus on the continued influence of safety measures in the restaurant industry. As societies transition beyond COVID-19 restrictions, health-related anxieties persist, driving consumers to prioritize hygiene and risk reduction in their decision-making. Drawing on large-scale data from TripAdvisor and OpenTable, we analyze the effects of digitally communicated safety protocols on restaurant booking behavior across major U.S. cities. Our findings reveal that safety communication remains a salient factor in consumer choice, even after the acute phase of the pandemic. This effect is particularly pronounced in lower-tier restaurants, where visible digital safety signals help build trust and compensate for weaker brand equity. Conversely, in upscale establishments, where baseline hygiene standards are presumed, the marginal benefit of safety signaling is reduced. The study also identifies enduring patterns of emotional expression and anxiety in online reviews, indicating the long-term psychological imprint of the pandemic on consumer sentiment. By situating safety communication as both a psychological reassurance mechanism and a strategic digital marketing tool, this research contributes to the emerging discourse on sustainable marketing in post-crisis contexts. The results offer theoretical and managerial insights into how businesses can integrate health assurance into long-term brand strategies, reinforcing trust and resilience in digitally mediated, post-pandemic consumption environments. Full article

Although impulsive and hedonic purchasing behaviors may seem to contradict sustainability principles, there are unexplored opportunities through which social media platforms and influencers can redirect these impulses toward sustainable actions. Young consumers, increasingly concerned about the ecological impact of their choices, can be encouraged to adopt responsible and sustainable buying behaviors when these are promoted attractively, enjoyably, and emotionally satisfyingly through social media. This research investigates how social media communication influences hedonic and impulsive purchasing behavior in the Romanian clothing market. In the context where social media is one of the main sources of information and influence for consumers, the research analyzes several determining factors of the purchase decision. Price reductions and the use of credit cards are highlighted as elements that facilitate spontaneous and hedonic targeted purchases, while the attractiveness of clothing items and the need felt play an important role in terms of the desire to buy. In addition, sources of information (such as reviews) have a major impact on consumers’ perceptions and their purchase intentions. Additionally, the study investigates factors such as overall shopping experience and its influence on consumer loyalty. It is approached from two perspectives: attitudinal loyalty, reflected in the preference for brands promoted on social media, and behavioral loyalty, expressed through repeat purchases. The results show that social media acts as an accelerator for hedonic and impulsive buying behaviors, prompting consumers to react quickly to stimuli such as discount campaigns or personalized recommendations. The conclusions highlight the importance of adopting digital marketing strategies that capitalize on the consumers emotional need while also strengthening brand loyalty. These perspectives can guide companies in the clothing industry to adapt their promotion methods to the specifics of the Romanian market and the consumer behavior. Full article

The food industry faces growing challenges due to evolving consumer demands, requiring digital technologies to enhance sensory analysis. Innovations such as eye tracking, FaceReader, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming consumer behavior research by providing deeper insights into sensory experiences. For instance, FaceReader captures emotional responses to food by analyzing facial expressions, offering valuable data on consumer preferences for taste, texture, and aroma. Together, these technologies provide a comprehensive understanding of the sensory experience, aiding product development and branding. Electronic nose, tongue, and eye technologies also replicate human sensory capabilities, enabling objective and efficient assessment of aroma, taste, and color. The electronic nose (E-nose) detects volatile compounds for aroma evaluation, while the electronic tongue (E-tongue) evaluates taste through electrochemical sensors, ensuring accuracy and consistency in sensory analysis. The electronic eye (E-eye) analyzes food color, supporting quality control processes. These advancements offer rapid, non-invasive, reproducible assessments, benefiting research and industrial applications. By improving the precision and efficiency of sensory analysis, digital tools help enhance product quality and consumer satisfaction in the competitive food industry. This review explores the latest digital methods shaping food sensory research and innovation. Full article

As a tropomyosin-binding component, troponin T (TnT) is essential for the Ca²⁺ regulation of striated muscles’ contraction and locomotion activity, but its impacts on the growth and development of insects have rarely been reported. In this study, TnT was identified and functionally characterized in Tribolium castaneum by RNA interference (RNAi) and transcriptome analysis. The TnT of T. castaneum contained a 1152 bp open reading frame encoding 383 amino acids. It displayed the highest expression in late pupae and was highly expressed in the integument and CNS. Both the larval and early pupal injection of dsTnT led to 100% cumulative mortality before the pupal–adult transition. Late pupal RNAi caused 26.01 ± 4.29% pupal mortality; the survivors successfully became adults, but 49.71 ± 6.51% died in 10 days with a dried and shriveled abdomen, poorly developed reproductive system and no offspring. Additionally, RNA sequencing results indicated that key ecdysteroid and juvenile hormone biosynthesis genes (CYP314A1, aldehyde dehydrogenase family 3 member B1 and farnesol dehydrogenase) were affected, as well as several cuticle protein, nutrition metabolism and immune-related genes, suggesting that TnT may play prominent roles in development, metabolism and reproduction by affecting these pathways. This study could provide a brand-new target gene in the RNAi strategy for pest control. Full article

Rural tourism is closely linked to a local’s tradition, identity, and cultural heritage. When staying in a specific tourist destination, a modern tourist expects a complete experience of the destination. Experience is necessary in rural tourist accommodation where guests can feel the local culture, nature, gastronomy, environment, and heritage. However, what about the interior design of the accommodation facility and the furniture design that will provide a rural and at the same time modern atmosphere? The paper aims to explore the traditional heritage, culture, indigenous elements, and ornamentation of rural artifacts of Istria, a region in Croatia, to propose a conceptual design of functional contemporary furniture for furnishing the living room in tourist accommodation. The furniture collection, with visual and artistic elements, surface treatment, construction, and selected sustainable materials and ornamentation, aims to brand the indigenous rural Istrian heritage, while at the same time combines an innovative contemporary expression. The research is divided into two stages: the first stage was conducted during field research using photography, observation, and interview methods, and the collected data from this stage served as inspiration for designing a furniture collection in the second stage. The second stage uses the cyclical method of the creative process to design new sustainable furniture concept, consisting of a table, stool, chest of drawers, and coffee table, which form a collection in the tourist interior environment. This furniture design model that uses original heritage to brand the rural environment and increase the attractiveness of accommodation in rural areas could be applied to other locations so tourists can fully experience the rural area they visit and achieve experiential, relaxed holidays and amenities, thus supporting the sustainable development of rural tourist destinations. The practical implications of this research have yet to be confirmed. It is desirable to investigate the impact and satisfaction of users in such designed interiors and confirm such a concept. This will require the engagement of architects and designers and hotel accommodation owners, as well as and the support of economic entities, local authorities, and the government, who need to systematically change the ways of branding rural values to achieve a holistic approach to the tourism offer. Full article

Consumer experiences with cultural fashion for special events often involve heightened expectations, with satisfied customers typically demonstrating increased brand engagement and loyalty. Traditional cultural attire, such as the Chinese Qipao, is widely recognized as quintessential for expressing cultural identity and fashion sensibility, particularly for weddings and other significant life events. Understanding these consumer experiences is crucial for cultural fashion brands seeking to expand their customer base by strategically enhancing consumer satisfaction through providing innovative features. This study, which examines customer experiences with hybrid customized high-end Qipaos for weddings using the integrated customer value framework, seeks to identify value dimensions that lead to satisfied customers. LDA and thematic analyses reveal three predominant themes. Specifically, the theme of “style”, reflecting esthetic values, emerged as the most influential factor and drives customer satisfaction, favorable word of mouth, and referrals. The theme of “fit”, representing performance values, was identified as a basic product feature and functions as a dissatisfier that customers take for granted when customizing high-end traditional cultural attire. This study used a dictionary-based analysis to examine consumers’ price, service, and traditional element preferences. This study proposes a five-dimensional value framework for assessing the high-end expressive fashion customization processes and experiences from a customer value perspective. The findings theoretically expand consumer value theory within customized consumption and offer practical recommendations for e-commerce brands and customization enterprises, aiming to enhance customer satisfaction. Full article

The Peranakan Chinese, formed through intermarriage between Chinese immigrants and Southeast Asian indigenous people, represent a unique example of cultural amalgamation. As modern society evolves, the conservation of their culture faces significant challenges, particularly in balancing heritage preservation with contemporary relevance. Addressing how Peranakan cultural products can meet the functional and emotional needs of modern audiences while achieving sustainable cultural development is a question worthy of in-depth exploration. This study uses the “SR” furniture series from Singapore’s “I” brand as a case study to examine how cultural products can integrate Peranakan heritage into modern life while promoting cultural conservation. Guided by affordance theory and thematic analysis, this research identifies four key strategies: (1) Cultural Integration and Expression; (2) Modern Innovation in Furniture Design; (3) Promotion and Sustainability; and (4) Social Engagement and Education. Based on these strategies, this study proposes a framework for cultural conservation in furniture development. This framework offers actionable strategies for designers, businesses, and policymakers to create products that meet both functional and emotional needs while fostering cultural conservation and adaptation in a globalized context. Full article