Development of a Conceptual Model to Explore Consumers\u27 Motivations To Collaboratively Consume Fashion

The phenomenon of collaborative consumption (CC) or sharing economy , where people coordinate acquisition and distribution of a resource for a fee or other compensation has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. The popularity of CC practice has also been observed in the fashion retail industry through two distinct forms: online fashion rental services and peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms that allow for selling and exchanging of goods. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to develop a conceptual framework for studying various motivations of consumers who collaboratively consume fashion. Drawing on extant literature, a conceptual framework incorporating utilitarian and hedonic motives, sustainability motive, and the moderating role of perceived risk on the attitude toward CC is proposed

Why Buy New When One Can Share? Uncovering Dimensions of Collaborative Consumption of Consumer Goods

The notion of collaborative consumption (CC) or sharing economy ”where consumers share access to ownership of properties such as cars, clothes, and accommodations ”has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. While many have researched consumers\u27 motivations for engaging in CC of intangible goods such as space or ride sharing, little research on CC motivations has been pursued in the context of tangible goods like apparel. To address this gap, the objective of this study was to identify the underlying dimensions behind consumers\u27 motivations toward CC of consumer goods. Multiple methods were used including in-depth interviews and two quantitative surveys. As a result, the study identified five dimensions that characterize consumer motivations for CC of consumer goods: concern-for-sustainability, social-interaction, variety-seeking, fun, and cost-saving

Molybdenum Disulphide (MoS₂)-Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) Hybrid Ink for Printed Thin-Film Transistor Applications

Organic Thin-Film Transistors (OTFTs) based on Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)-Molybdenum Disulphide (MoS₂) composite films as an active layer were prepared via inkjet printing. There have been many attempts to incorporate inorganic materials into organic semiconductors, however, the inkjet-printed MoS₂-P3HT hybrid ink for Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) applications is shown here for the first time. The P3HT-MoS₂ hybrid TFTs exhibited higher carrier mobility than the baseline TFT with pure P3HT. We assume this is attributed to the molecular ordering of P3HT improved with the existence of MoS₂ nanoparticles in the film and also the high hole carrier mobility of MoS₂ could act as a conducting bridge. In this research, the first step was to improve overall TFT performance by optimizing the OTFT process conditions. Various factors were examined including surface treatment, solution preparation, and post-processing to change the crystallization of polymer film through different process conditions. It was shown that the Self-Assembled Monolayer (SAM) treatment could give preferred molecular orientation to the film; the selection of organic solvents is important because their boiling point affects film formation; the film thickness and post-processing conditions also affect the mobility as well as the off-current. Meanwhile, the MoS₂-P3HT hybrid ink was formulated with simple steps. This ink was prepared for inkjet printing. The jetting and printing parameters are precisely controlled to enable the printing of a hybrid channel array on top of pre-patterned electrodes. Especially, the ink should be compatible with selected nozzles, otherwise, the nozzle can be blocked or the misprint may cause device failure. The TFTs with a MoS₂-P3HT hybrid channel were successfully fabricated via inkjet printing. With the incorporation of MoS₂ nanoparticles, the hybrid TFTs exhibit mobility as high as 2.35×10⁻² cm²/V-s which is more than two times higher than the P3HT-only TFTs while maintaining the on/off ratios and threshold voltages

The role of prototypical brand image on shaping country image and product quality evaluation: A cross-cultural examination

This study paid attention to the role of a corporate brand that most represents the country, referred to as prototypical brand, in shaping country image. Since the role of the prototypical brand (e.g., Samsung) in creating positive image will be critical in newly industrialized countries (NIEs), this study examines the context of Korea. Built on prototype, schema, and cue theories, this study proposes a research model that examines the impact of prototypical brand image on shaping the overall country image (i.e., macro country image) and product-specific country image (i.e., micro country image), which influences consumers\u27 evaluation of product quality of Korean cosmetics and empirically tests the model with the U.S. and Chinese consumers. This study tests the model in two cultures to see if the proposed model is robust across two cultures: high collectivism and individualism cultures

How can Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) Successfully Evolve? Lessons learned from Apparel and Textile SMEs in Biella, Italy

Despite SMEs significant contribution to a nation\u27s economy in terms of the number of firm establishment and employment, only 50% of SMEs in the U.S. survive five years. Compared to SMEs in other countries, many Italian firms started as small family businesses in a district and have evolved into a global firm such as Ermenegildo Zegna. To understand how SMEs can evolve successfully, it is critical to learn from successful Italian apparel/textile firms that started as SMEs. Built on the life cycle model of new SMEs, the purpose of this study is to explore the evolution patterns of successful apparel and textile firms in Biella, Italy and analyze the characteristics of successful firms. Analyses of thirteen interviewed firms revealed that branding (3rd stage) and internationalization activities (4th stage) emerged very early. The findings collectively suggest that to successfully evolve, SMEs need to focus on branding, globalization, innovation and sustainable initiatives

Transforming Dress

In this paper, we produce a fashion show in which a dress is transformed over time, with a storyline of a robot that experiences some emotional changes after falling in love, sheds a symbolic teardrop and at the end becomes a lovely woman. This transformability, which cannot be done in a real fashion show, could open the potential for a new kind of creativity in the fashion industry

Digital production of traditional costumes

The purpose of this study is to find out the possibility of reproducing traditional costumes using the digital technology. For this, we selected a women’s robe and a men’s suit in the rococo era of the 18th century. For the reconstruction, we analyzed the costume focusing on the figurative features of the silhouette, and then applied the 3D technology to reconstruct them

Mediating Role of Micro Country Image on Purchase Intention by Product Category and by Country

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of micro country image on the relationship between macro country image and Saudi consumers’ purchase intention of two product categories (symbolic vs. functional). Saudi consumers were chosen in this study given the country’s significant growth potential in the Middle East. Four countries (US, Italy, Korea and Malaysia) were chosen to examine the country effect

Role of NFAT5 in the Immune System and Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Diseases

The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT5), also known as a tonicity-responsive enhancer-binding protein, was originally identified as a key transcription factor involved in maintaining cellular homeostasis against hypertonic and hyperosmotic environments. Although NFAT5 has been expressed and studied in various types of hyperosmolar tissues, evidence has emerged that NFAT5 plays a role in the development and activation of immune cells, especially T cells and macrophages. The immune-regulatory function of NFAT5 is achieved by inducing different target genes and different signaling pathways in both tonicity-dependent and -independent manners. Particularly in response to hyperosmotic stress, NFAT5 induces the generation of pathogenic TH17 cells and pro-inflammatory macrophages, contributing to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Meanwhile, with tonicity-independent stimuli, including activation of the Toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines, NFAT5 also can be activated and promotes immune cell survival, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. Moreover, under isotonic conditions, NFAT5 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. This review describes the current knowledge of NFAT5, focusing on its immune-regulatory functions, and it highlights the importance of NFAT5 as a novel therapeutic target for chronic inflammatory diseases