Impacts of Social Media Connection Demands: A Study of Irish College Students

This study investigates the cumulative impacts of connection demands across media channels. A survey with 202 Irish college students showed that the magnitude of connection demands across social media channels increases both negative affect and positive affect. A connection overload path model indicated that difficulties controlling connection habits were related to negative impacts on important life activities, stress, and affect. While negative affect was influenced by connection demands only through an indirect mechanism, there were both indirect and direct links between connection demands and positive affect

Deformation and interlaminar crack propagation sensing in carbon fiber composites using electrical resistance measurement

In this study, we propose analytical and experimental methods to predict and detect deformation and interlaminar crack propagation in carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) based on electrical resistance measurement. The electromechanical behavior of CFRP was investigated from the elastic region to crack propagation. The CFRPs were subjected to tensile, three-point bending, and Mode I dual cantilever beam loads, and the signature electromechanical response was correlated to subsequent deformations and crack propagation. The self-sensing investigation was extended to different fiber combinations and electrode placement schemes to obtain customized sensitivity. The experimental results were verified through finite element analysis. In parallel, equivalent electrical circuit modelling was conducted to obtain the ???resistor components??? that exist in a CFRP and predict the electromechanical behavior under various mechanical loads

Pharmaceutical advertising in Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, and the US: current conditions and future directions

The pharmaceutical industry has become one of the major industries worldwide as a result of increased efforts to reduce mortality and morbidity, the technological development of medical facilities and treatment, and the aging of the population. But because this product category is so closely associated with public health, pharmaceutical advertising has been strictly regulated by government agencies and monitored by the medical community, public health officials, and researchers. The complex issues involving multiple stakeholders raise the need for more open discussions among practitioners and researchers worldwide. In particular, the current global recession may intensify this pressure because of the economic benefits direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA), which refers to advertising for prescription (Rx) medicines, provides. Taking account of these developments, this paper attempts to address the important and timely issue in global settings by providing an overview of regulations, studies, and practices in pharmaceutical advertising in the important Asian Pacific countries-Australia, Hong Kong in China, Japan, and South Korea-in addition to the US, one of the two countries where DTCA is allowed. Specifically, the following four issues are addressed in each of the five countries: (a) The current state ofpharmaceutical advertising for domestic and global products in each panelist’s country; (b) social, cultural, and regulatory issues that are relevant to pharmaceutical products and their ads; (c) empirical research on consumer perceptions and responses to pharmaceutical advertisements; and (d) future directions for research and practice. In so doing, this paper is expected to stimulate further discussions among policy makers, researchers, and practitioners, with regards to pharmaceutical advertising, health communication and policy, and relevant strategic communications in global health care settings