Luxurious or economical ? ::an identification of tourists’ preferred hotel attributes using best–worst scaling (BWS)

This article explores consumer tendencies to opt for luxury or economy hotels by identifying their most and least important selection attributes. The researchers investigate how sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics influence traveler assessments of hotel attributes. In explaining consumer hotel selection preferences, the researchers used an unconditional method—best–worst scaling (BWS). Based on an analysis of responses from 397 luxury hotel customers and 351 economy hotel customers in the United States, it was found that the two groups perceive hotel attributes differently. Differentials were also identified on the basis of gender, income, and frequency of purchase. While acknowledging that the task is complex, there is an urgent need to identify the factors influencing hotel selection, because hoteliers need to attract new markets and also balance this by retaining existing patrons. The findings extend existing literature by applying BWS to the identification of hotel selection attributes

Evolving biocatalysis to meet bioeconomy challenges and opportunities

4siThe unique selectivity of enzymes, along with their remarkable catalytic activity, constitute powerful tools for transforming renewable feedstock and also for adding value to an array of building blocks and monomers produced by the emerging bio-based chemistry sector. Although some relevant biotransformations run at the ton scale demonstrate the success of biocatalysis in industry, there is still a huge untapped potential of catalytic activities available for targeted valorization of new raw materials, such as waste streams and CO2. For decades, the needs of the pharmaceutical and fine chemistry sectors have driven scientific research in the field of biocatalysis. Nowadays, such consolidated advances have the potential to translate into effective innovation for the benefit of bio-based chemistry. However, the new scenario of bioeconomy requires a stringent integration between scientific advances and economics, and environmental as well as technological constraints. Computational methods and tools for effective big-data analysis are expected to boost the use of enzymes for the transformation of a new array of renewable feedstock and, ultimately, to enlarge the scope of biocatalysis.partially_openopenPellis, Alessandro; Cantone, Sara; Ebert, Cynthia; Gardossi, LuciaPellis, Alessandro; Cantone, Sara; Ebert, Cynthia; Gardossi, Luci

Cr3+ modified LiMn2O4 spinel intercalation cathodes through oxalic acid assisted sol–gel method for lithium rechargeable batteries

To improve the cycle performance of eco-friendly and cost-effective spinel LiMn2O4 as the cathode of 4 V class Li secondary batteries, the spinel phase LiCrxMn2 � xO4 (x = 0.01–0.20) was synthesized by soft chemistry method using oxalic acid as chelating agent. The present technique results in better homogeneity, good surface morphology, shorter heat treatment time, sub-micron sized particles, good agglomeration and better crystallinity. Electrochemical studies were monitored in the potential range of 3–4.5 V. The present paper reveals that chromium substituted manganese spinel improves the structural stability of the parent material