Search results

This research investigates the antecedents of positive and negative electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) propensity, as well as the impact of eWOM propensity on the intention to repurchase the product.

Two types of eWOM predictors were considered: product related variables and personal factors. The data were collected through an online survey conducted on a sample of 335 Romanian subjects, and the analysis method was Structural Equation Modelling.

Our findings show that personal factors – social media usage behaviour, marketing mavenism and need to evaluate – are the most important antecedents of the intention to write product reviews and comments online, either positive or negative. From the product related factors, only brand trust influences the propensity to provide eWOM. Furthermore, both positive and negative eWOM intentions are associated with the repurchase intention.

The major theoretical contribution of this study consists of revealing that personal traits are stronger eWOM propensity predictors than product related variables. In light of our results, most people will likely not share their positive or negative opinions about products and brands, no matter how good or bad their experience was, no matter how satisfied or dissatisfied they are. The high eWOM intention levels are associated with the presence of some inner characteristics that push customers to voice their feelings and thoughts in the social networks.

One limitation of research that assesses the effectiveness of physical activity interventions for people with dementia is that most do not describe the intervention in sufficient detail to ascertain a theoretical basis or mechanism of action that determines the effective components. This paper aims to identify studies which evaluate the mechanisms of action of physical activity interventions for people with dementia, to further inform effective intervention development.

Papers were screened for evidence of evaluation of specific forms of physical activity, using pre-defined inclusion criteria. Analysis was conducted to ascertain if mechanisms of action were corroborated by data within and between studies.

The authors identified 26 studies with a measured mechanism of action; these related to the effects of physical activity on either neurological structure or endocrinal markers, including hormones. Physical activity had potential to reduce hippocampal atrophy, increase neural recruitment, activate the noradrenergic system and improve anti-inflammatory responses. While individual studies were hampered by small sample sizes, the body of evidence indicated that physical activity may have potential to delay cognitive decline.

Mechanisms of action in relation to dementia and physical activity are likely to be multifaceted, and physical activity may be protective against progression in the early stages of cognitive decline. Physical activity may be of greatest benefit if incorporated into on-going lifestyle, rather than engaged in for short periods, and combined with social interaction.

This paper is unique in its focus on the mechanisms of action of physical activity interventions for people with dementia.

Due to ginger holds a special and indispensable place in Chinese cuisine, understanding consumers’ preferences for organic ginger is of significance, especially given the growing interest in organic food products and sustainable agriculture. This study thus examines Chinese consumers’ preference for fresh ginger and the sources of their preferences heterogeneity for organic ginger consumption.

The study is using choice experiment (CE) method and mixed logit (MXL) modeling with 1,312 valid samples. The participants are regular consumers who are 18 years old or above and had bought fresh ginger within the past 12 months.

The results show that consumers prefer organic product certification labeling ginger to conventional ginger, preferred to purchase ginger at wet markets to at supermarkets or online, and preferred either ginger with regional public brand or private brand to unbranded ginger. Results also indicate that age, education level, income, purchasing experience of organic and branded ginger, and cognition of ginger health benefits are the sources of heterogeneity in consumer preferences for organic ginger.

This study contributes to ginger growers, marketers and policy makers. This study tracks how consumers' preferences change under different attribute combinations, capture the complex preference structure of consumers, and help reveal the motivations behind consumers' preferences for organic ginger. These findings will be crucial for developing marketing strategies, promoting organic products, and meeting consumer needs.