The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors driving parasocial relationships and their effect on brand equity. A conceptual model including the following variables is proposed: opinion leader attributes, parasocial relationship, brand equity and the moderating effect of endorser-brand congruency. The proposed research model is analyzed using a survey of 301 Chinese consumers. Structural equation modelling is employed to examine the hypothesized relationships among all variables. The findings show that the opinion leader attributes of expertise and exploration positively affect the parasocial relationship between consumers and the endorser, and the parasocial relationship and brand equity are positively associated. Furthermore, endorser-brand congruency acts as a moderator on the relationship between opinion leader attributes and the parasocial relationship. The implications, limitations, and discussions are provided.

Orthorhombic DyMnO3 films are fabricated epitaxially on Nb-1.0 wt%-doped SrTiO3 single crystal substrates using pulsed laser deposition technique. The structure of the deposited DyMnO3 films is studied by X-ray diffraction, and the epitaxial relationship between the film and the substrate is determined. The electrical transport properties reveal the diodelike rectifying behaviors in the all-perovskite oxide junctions over a wide temperature range (100 ~ 340 K). The forward current is exponentially related to the forward bias voltage, and the extracted ideality factors show distinct transport mechanisms in high and low positive regions. The leakage current increases with increasing reverse bias voltage, and the breakdown voltage decreases with decrease temperature, a consequence of tunneling effects because the leakage current at low temperature is larger than that at high temperature. The determined built-in potentials are 0.37 V in the low bias region, and 0.11 V in the high bias region, respectively. The results show the importance of temperature and applied bias in determining the electrical transport characteristics of all-perovskite oxide heterostructures.

중국 소비자들의 소비영향력이 커지고 있음에도 불구하고 라이프스타일과 명품소비에 관한 연구는 매우 부족 한 실정이다. 본 논문은 중국의 소비 주체인 여성 소비자 중에서 특히 명품소비의 새로운 계층으로 등장한 20대 젊은 여성 소비자 321명에 대해 설문조사를 실시하였으며 그들의 라이프스타일을 분석하고 명품소비행동을 연구하였다. 연구 결과에 따르면 20대 중국 여성 소비자들의 라이프스타일(의생활, 식생활, 주생활, 소비생활, 여가생활, 가치관)을 분류한 결과 전통적 보수형, 계획적 성공추구형, 비계획적 소비추구형 3가지 라이프스타일로 분류되었다. 전통적 보수형은 소득수준이 낮고 모든 요인들에 있어서 보수적이고 소극적 태도를 보였며, 계획적 성공추구형은 여성의 사회진출 증가로 인해 사회적 성공을 추구하면서 계획적으로 생활하는 집단이며, 비계획적 소비추구형은 쇼핑을 즐기며 지출을 많이 하는 특성을 보여주었다. 구입한 명품 브랜드의 종류, 연간 명품 구매 수량, 연간 명품 구매 금액 및 명품 구매 이유는 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 있었으나 명품 품목, 명품 구매 장소와 정보원은 유의한 차이가 없었다. 최근 중고명품 시장이 크게 증가하고 있어 새 명품과 중고 명품에 대한 태도와 행동을 비 교한 결과 새 명품의 구매의도와 추천의도가 중고 명품에 비해 더 높은 것으로 나타났다. 본 논문은 중국 소비자들에 대한 체계적 연구의 틀과 방법 및 유용한 자료를 제공함으로써 중국 소비자 행동 연구와 라이프스타일 연구, 명품 소비 연구의 학문적 발전에 기여할 수 있는 것으로 기대된다. 또한 명품 브랜 드들이 20대 중국 여성들을 위한 마케팅 전략을 수립하는 데 있어 실무적인 시사점도 제공할 수 있는 것으로 기대된다.

Orthorhombic dysprosium manganite DyMnO3 with single phase is synthesized using solid-state reaction technique and the crystal structure and dielectric properties as functions of temperature and frequency are investigated. Thermally activated dielectric relaxations are shown in the temperature dependence of the complex permittivity, and the respective peaks are found to be shifted to higher temperatures as the measuring frequency increases. In Arrhenius plots, activation energies of 0.32 and 0.24 eV for the high- and low-temperature relaxations are observed, respectively. Analysis of the relationship between the real and imaginary parts of the permittivity and the frequencies allows us to explain the dielectric behavior of DyMnO3 ceramics by the universal dielectric response model. A separation of the intrinsic grain and grain boundary properties is achieved using an equivalent circuit model. The dielectric responses of this circuit are discerned by impedance spectroscopy study. The determined grain and grain boundary effects in the orthorhombic DyMnO3 ceramics are responsible for the observed high- and low-temperature relaxations in the dielectric properties.

Nanoporous carbon/MnO2 (C–MnO2) composites with foam-like structure based on modified nitrile butadiene rubber were achieved by thermal treatment, followed by alkaline solution etching and dipping method. The XRD, nitrogen adsorption and desorption, and SEM and TEM were used to characterize the microstructure of the obtained C–SiO2, C and C–MnO2. Finally, all the obtained samples have been used in three-electrode system to study the electrochemical properties including cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge and AC impedance for supercapacitor. The study found that the specific capacity of C–MnO2 electrode material for supercapacitor could reach as high as 109 F/g under the current density of 0.5 A/g, which is much higher than those of the other two. These superior electrochemical properties are attributed to the synergistic effect MnO2 particles with the C matrix which functions as a conductive support.

Because of their attractive and colorful flowers, many species from the genus Aster serve as garden plants. Chrysanthemum owes its popularity to its ornamental and medicinal herb value. It can be used as a cut flower, potted plant, vegetable, and herbal tea. Plant breeders have attempted to identify the available species and produce new cultivars to improve the quality of chrysanthemum for commercial purposes. The use of cytogenetic studies has paved the way for identifying compatibility, ancestry, and other useful information for this undertaking. Thus, an investigation was conducted into the chromosome numbers of 23 wild Asteraceae species in Republic of Korea to determine their genetic characteristics and variations. The somatic chromosome spread has been used for chromosome counting. The results revealed that Asteraceae species have a chromosome range from 18 (diploid) to 54 (hexaploid). These findings provide primary and important information on the chromosome numbers in chrysanthemum plants that can be used to select the right variety for cultivation.

Chrysanthemum is a valuable ornamental plant worldwide, and several of its species are used as herbal tea, medicinal plants, and dietary supplements, among others. Commercial cultivars have been developed through interspecific hybridization and artificial selection to improve the characteristics, production quality, and environmental adaptation for enhancing ornamental value. To better understand the recent research in cytogenetic studies of chrysanthemum, we examined studies concerning polyploidy, karyotyping, banding, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique, and inter/intraspecific hybridization. Ploidy level is important in genomic characteristics and has a significant value to horticulturists and plant breeders. Studies have reported that flow cytometry analysis and single-dose molecular markers can be used to determine the chrysanthemum ploidy level. As for karyotyping, a better understanding of karyomorphological relationships and evolution of chrysanthemum and its closely related genera has already been gained. Moreover, karyotype parameters in chrysanthemum studies play a critical role in cultivar identification, classification, and genetic analysis. The FISH technique in chrysanthemum research provides more information on chromosome identification, sequences distribution, and evolution for expediting the development and improvement of plant species. The genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) technique can also be used to test hybridization in chrysanthemum breeding. Hence, this review of molecular cytogenetic studies of chrysanthemum will help us to have a better understanding and knowledge of the taxa breeding and the development and improvement of new cultivars.

The UN member states have been consulting on the establishment of high seas MPAs under the BBNJ Agreement since December 2017.This issue brings about the potential conflicts between the jurisdiction of the high seas MPAs and the traditional freedom of the high seas. Although it is generally accepted that the freedom of the high seas can be reasonably restricted, it is acknowledged that there are great controversies among States on the specific forms, approaches and applicable scopes of the restrictions of the high seas freedoms by the high seas MPAs. At present, there are four recognized high seas MPAs in the world. The practice of these four MPAs contributes positively to the interpretation of the reasonable restrictions on the freedom of the high seas. Accordingly, this paper concludes that the international community should gradually carry forward future restrictions on the freedom of the high seas with some suggestions.

This research combines the liquid carbon precursor infiltration process for carbon/carbon composites with the fabrication procedure for organic, carbon-matrix friction materials in automotive. In the densification process, different liquid carbon precursors and numbers of densification cycle are adopted to investigate the influence on physical and mechanical properties, microstructure and tribological behavior. Experimental results indicate that the infiltration of liquid carbon precursors could improve the physical, mechanical properties and tribological performances of organic friction materials. The open porosity decreases with the number of densification cycle. Both bulk density and hardness increase with the number of densification cycle. The resin-based specimens show higher hardness and lower open porosity than those of the pitch-based specimens after each densification cycle. The tribological measurement of specimens with different carbon precursors shows that the pitch-based specimen shows lower and more stable friction coefficients and exhibits lower weight losses in comparison with other carbon precursors. Morphological observations show that a large area of smooth lubricative film was easily presented on the worn surfaces of the pitch-based specimens, whereas it was seldom observed on the worn surfaces of the preform specimen and resin-based specimens.

Due to the rapid development of electricity, electronics, information communication, and biotechnology in recent years, studies are actively being conducted on nanopowders as it is required not only for high strengthening but also for high-function powder with electric, magnetic, and optical properties. Nonetheless, studies on nickel nanopowders are rare. In this study of the synthesis of nickel nanoparticles from LiNiO2 (LNO), which is a cathode active material, we have synthesized the nanosized nickel powder by the liquid reduction process of NiSO4 obtained through the leaching and purification of LNO. Moreover, we have studied the reduction reaction rate according to the temperature change of liquid phase reduction and the change of particle size as a function of NaOH addition amount using hydrazine monohydrate (N2H4·H2O) and NaOH.

Background: Although previous researches have developed interventions for neck problems, headache, and temporomandibular disorder in patients with forward head posture (FHP), changes in masticatory muscle tone or stiffness as FHP worsening have not been investigated. Objective: To examine changes in masticatory muscle tone and stiffness through craniovertebral angle (CVA). Design: Cross sectional study Methods: The subjects were 21 healthy males with normal head posture. Three CVA were established for posture measurement in which the bilateral anterior temporal and masseter muscles were measured during the subjects maintained a series of postures. Results: The Right masseter muscle significantly increased in stiffness with advancing FHP (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the muscle tone or stiffness of any other masticatory muscles, and no significant differences were found in bilateral masticatory muscle tone or stiffness in each measurement posture. Conclusions: This study suggests that the increased stiffness of the right masseter muscle as the FHP worsened requires consideration in physical therapy assessment and intervention.

Background : Although plank exercises is reported to the changes in muscle activity of the deep muscles and superficial muscles among the core muscles. However, no study has examined the effects of forearm plank exercise on tone and stiffness in the superficial back line muscle. Objective: To compare the effects of sling forearm plank exercises and mat forearm plank exercises on the superficial back line muscle tone and stiffness. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial (single blind) Methods: The subjects were randomized to sling forearm plank exercise group (N = 8) or mat forearm plank exercise group (N = 8). The measurements were taken for each research group following exercises: the muscle tone and stiffness of upper lumbar muscles, lower lumbar muscles, long head of biceps femoris, and medial part of gastrocnemius among the superficial back line muscles. Results: Sling forearm plank exercise group Indicated statistically significant increases in stiffness of medial part of gastrocnemius (p<.05). However, mat forearm plank exercise group reported no statistically significant in muscle tone and stiffness of all measured muscles. No significant differences in measured variables were found between the groups. Conclusions: These results suggest that the forearm plank exercise performed with an unstable surface in the defined sling can increase the stiffness of calf muscle, but it is unlikely to achieve increases in muscle tone and stiffness of the overall superficial back line muscles.

오늘 날 4 차 산업혁명으로 명명되는 기술적 융합과 디지털 신기술의 태동으로 인간의 노동을 대체할 수 있는 인공지능의 등장은 인간의 가치가 창의적인 사고에 있음을 다시금 깨닫게 하고 있다. 이와 같은 환경의 병화에서 많은 조직과 기업들은 창의적인 사고, 지식 공유 등을 통하여 고유한 가치를 개발하고 발전시키기 위해 노력하고 있다. 조직 내 창의성은 단순히 창의적인 개인으로 인하여 만들어 질 수 있는 것이 아니라, 구성원이 창의적일 수 있는 조직문화가 중요하다. 많은 연구에서는 리더의 역할이 조직문화 조성에 중요한 기반으로 보고 있다. 본 연구에서는 변혁적 리더십과 거래적 리더십의 개념 및 구성요소에 대한 명확한 설명을 토대로 팔로어의 창의성과 리더십의 관계를 검증하고자 한다. 기존에 연구된 리더십과 창의성의 관계에 팔로어의 정체성을 매개변수로, 지각된 조직지원인식을 조절변수로 하여 보다 포괄적인 관계를 알 수 있을 것으로 생각한다. 연구를 위해 중국 북경과 상하이의 기업을 대상으로 설문을 실시하여 242 부의 설문지를 통계에 사용하였다. 가설검증 결과 변혁적 리더십과 거래적 리더십은 오두 팔로어의 창의성에 긍정적인 영향이 있는 것으로 나타났다. 또한 팔로어의 정체성이 리더십과 팔로어의 창의성의 관계를 매개하고 있으며, 리더십과 팔로어의 관계적 정체성은 지각된 조직지원인식에 의해 조절되고 있었다. 이와 같은 연구결과를 바탕으로 연구의 시사점, 한계점 및 향후의 연구 방향이 제시되었다.

E-WOM is described as all informal communications directed at consumers through Internet-based technology related to the usage or characteristics of particular goods and services, or their sellers (Litvin, Goldsmith and Pan, 2008). In contrast with conventional WOM, e-WOM has unique characteristics. For instance, it often occurs in strangers or fellow consumers, and can be and can be anonymous (Goldsmith & Horowitz 2006; Sen & Lerman 2007). In this regard, people feel free to express opinions without identity disclosure (Goldsmith & Horowitz 2006). INTRODUCTION In a word dominated by social media, the diffusion of e-WOM is undoubtedly speeding up. Plus the international trade prevailing, people can experience products from all over the world at home, and they typically collect both positive and negative e-WOM for domestic and foreign brands with the aim of comprehensively evaluating the brands and their products. It is worth mentioning that in reality consumers often adheres to consumer ethnocentrism (CE) to counter the significant effects of imports on domestic economies and defend against foreign products in local markets. So far, there has been relatively little research on the effect of e-WOM on CE. In our study, we employ social media to discover the impacts of e-WOM on CE with respect to domestic and foreign smart phone brands from the Chinese e-WOM receiver’s perspective. Simultaneously, we test consumer pride and prejudice toward mature industries in the home country. Drawing on survey data from 302 consumers, our study reveals several significant findings. First, positive e-WOM regarding local brands may enhance CE, whereas positive e-WOM regarding foreign brands may reduce CE. Second, Negative e-WOM may break the advantage of CE for domestic brand, which result in the dominance of foreign brand. Third, positive e-WOM may enhance brand equity for both domestic and foreign brands. By contrast, negative e-WOM has no significant influence on Chinese consumers’ attitude toward brand equity. Finally, CE has positive influence on brand equity for domestic brand but not effect on foreign brand. To our best of knowledge, our paper is the first to study the effect of e-WOM on CE, which enriches the relevant theory with regard to CE.