Exploring the effect of AR filter on perceived brand image: The mediating role of realistic experience

Following its extensive application in study on consumers\u27 retail experience, AR (augmented reality) technology has been increasingly applied in social media, notably the AR filter service, which has been embraced by quite a few brands as a novel marketing tool, taking advantage of its entertaining value and dissemination effect to boost brands\u27 perceived image among consumers. However, there have been fewer studies that examine the effectiveness of brand-developed AR filter services in enhancing consumer perceptions of brand image in the context of social media. To bridge the research gap, the study, based on the S-O-R model, looked into the effect of consumers\u27 cognition of AR-filter features on the realism of their experience and thus their perceived brand image. The study was carried out via a questionnaire survey of users of AR filters developed by brand-developed in social media, with its findings having both academic and practical implications for this field

ZnO homojunction photodiodes based on Sb-doped p-type nanowire array and n-type film for ultraviolet detection

ZnO p-n homojunctions based on Sb-doped p-type nanowire array and n-type film were grown by combining chemical vapor deposition (for nanowires) with molecular-beam epitaxy (for film). Indium tin oxide and Ti/Au were used as contacts to the ZnO nanowires and film, respectively. Characteristics of field-effect transistors using ZnO nanowires as channels indicate p-type conductivity of the nanowires. Electron beam induced current profiling confirmed the existence of ZnO p-n homojunction. Rectifying I-V characteristic showed a turn-on voltage of around 3 V. Very good response to ultraviolet light illumination was observed from photocurrent measurements

Causal Mediation Analysis for Difference-in-Difference Design and Panel Data

Advantages of panel data, i.e., difference in difference (DID) design data, are a large sample size and easy availability. Therefore, panel data are widely used in epidemiology and in all social science fields. The literatures on causal inferences of panel data setting or DID design are growing, but no theory or mediation analysis method has been proposed for such settings. In this study, we propose a methodology for conducting causal mediation analysis in DID design and panel data setting. We provide formal counterfactual definitions for controlled direct effect and natural direct and indirect effect in panel data setting and DID design, including the identification and required assumptions. We also demonstrate that, under the assumptions of linearity and additivity, controlled direct effects can be estimated by contrasting marginal and conditional DID estimators whereas natural indirect effects can be estimated by calculating the product of the exposure-mediator DID estimator and the mediator-outcome DID estimator. A panel regression-based approach is also proposed. The proposed method is then used to investigate mechanisms of the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic on the mental health status of the population. The results revealed that mobility restrictions mediated approximately 45 % of the causal effect of Covid 19 on mental health status

HLA typing in Taiwanese patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

AbstractBackground/purposeThe human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, which plays a vital role in immunity, is the most polymorphic gene complex found in the human genome. This study investigated HLA-related alleles and haplotypes in Taiwanese patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).Materials and methodsHLA class I (HLA-A and HLA-B) antigens and class II (HLA-DRB1) alleles were determined in 105 patients with OSCC and compared with those in 190 healthy controls. The antigens were measured serologically and the alleles by sequencing-based typing.ResultsCompared with the control group, patients with OSCC had higher frequencies of HLA-A24, HLA-B54, HLA-DRB1*0405, and HLA-DRB1*1201, while they had lower frequencies of HLA-B58 and HLA-DRB1*1302. Haplotype frequencies also varied significantly in individuals with OSCC, with certain haplotypes associated with lymph node metastases or a particular tumor stage.ConclusionThese results suggest that HLA genetic factors influence susceptibility to OSCC and perhaps to lymph node metastasis and tumor progression

Strategies for Preventing Drug Recidivism Cycle in Taiwan

Drug abuse is currently a worldwide problem and Taiwan is no exception. Drug abuse is a disease that must be treated on the basis of evidence (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime 2007; World Health Organisation 2004). In order to reduce the damage caused by drug abuse to the nation, society and people, the government not only developed two anti-drug strategies - that of supply eradication and demand reduction - but since May 1994, has mobilised relevant government departments to take assertive action. Some of the actions include law enforcement enhancement, anti-drug enforcement and drug rehabilitation utilisation. In 2005, new anti-drug programs, such as the sterile needle exchange program and substitution therapy program, were also introduced. The cities implementing the Harm Reduction Program (HR Program) showed lower HIV infection rates in comparison to others without the HR Program. The income and employment conditions of drug addicted patients receiving Methadone Maintenance Treatment have been improved. The future drug policies in Taiwan will focus on drug rehabilitation (treatment), anti-drug actions (prevention) and law enforcement (punishment). The educational system, community recovery and aftercare for drug addicts will also be indispensable (WHO/UNODC/UNAIDS 2004)