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3146 research outputs found
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Uncovering the effects of non-hedonic social media use on knowledge workers’ depression through the conservation of resources theory
Leveraging the conservation of resources theory, this study investigates the influence of non-hedonic social media (SM) uses, namely broad socialization, deep communication, information retrieval, and information sharing, on forming knowledge-working professionals’ depression through SM overload and strain. The analysis of a two-wave data collection with 440 participants suggests that broad socialization and information sharing have both positive and negative effects indirectly on depression. In contrast, deep communication and information retrieval are beneficial in reducing depression. Our study contributes to the existing literature by exploring the distinct effects of the four non-hedonic social media use on depression
The influence of technology-led event sustainability consumption values (TESCVs) on event attendees’ perceptions of green event image, sustainable event loyalty, and behavioral outcomes
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of technology-led event sustainability consumption values (TESCVs) on attendees’ perceptions of green event image, sustainable event loyalty, and subsequent behavioral outcomes. Results of the responses of 444 event participants indicated that technologyled co-creation value, technology-led green value, emotional and epistemic value, and social value positively impacted green event image. Further, the positive effect of sustainable event loyalty significantly predicted behavioral outcomes including word-of-mouth promotion, willingness to pay more, and revisit intention. The study also showed that while collectivism orientation had a minimal influence on these relations, environmental identity did not exhibit any moderation impact. These findings provide valuable insights and feasible strategies for event stakeholders aiming to enhance attendee engagement and long-term commitment
Theme Story - Breaking the Dichotomy of Gender / How Non-Binary Concepts Influence Contemporary Fashion, Art, and Interior Design
In recent years, the binary opposition of gender has begun to disintegrate, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards the acceptance of diverse identities. We are living in a time that champions the recognition of multiple identities and advocates for the freedom of self-expression. The rise of gender-neutral design is not merely a change in design trends; it represents a significant social phenomenon. It serves as a reminder that rigid stereotypes should confine no individual\u27s existence. Whether it is the clothing we wear, the furniture we choose for our homes, or the art we create, all these elements explore a central question: can we find our identity in a world that transcends conventional boundaries? This design philosophy invites individuals to break free from traditional gender frameworks and labels, allowing for a more flexible expression of self
Design of Chinese Medicinal “Curcumin” Ointment and Study its Anti-oxidant or Anti-bacterial Properties Compared with a Commercial Product
Background: Many cosmetic products possess anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. However, they are chemically synthesized products. This research project focuses on “organic” and “natural” for skin care products. “Organic” is derived from living matter, such as the Chinese medicinal plant, “Curcuma longa L.” “Natural” exists in or is derived from nature, and is not made or caused by humankind, as these have some advantages. Purpose: The research aimed to design and develop a Chinese medicinal ointment using “natural curcumin extract powder (NCP)” with 98% purity of a bioactive ingredient, “curcumin,” as well as evaluate its anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. The NCP ointments have active ingredients with different percentages, including 1%, 3%, and 5%, compared to Thailand’s commercial “extract curcuma” (TP) product. Materials and Methods: These Chinese medicinal NCP ointments were conducted with four qualitative and quantitative tests, such as physical (creams or ointments selection and pH), chemical experiments for structural determination and isolation of an active ingredient (phytochem constituents, ultraviolet–visible [UV–vis] and high-performance liquid chromatography- diode array detector [HPLC-DAD] or high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry [HPLC-MS]), anti-oxidant properties (DPPH assay), and biological anti-bacterial properties (agar assay) against Staphylococcus aureus. Results: NCP ointments were made by mixing “curcumin” and “emulsifying ointment BP.” The pH values of 1%, 3%, and 5% NCP ointments were 5.83 ± 0.02, 5.67 ± 0.04, and 5.43 ± 0.04, which were more acidic and similar to TP ointment. These showed positive results on the lead tetra acetic acid test and the Horizon test, indicating the presence of alkaloids, phenolic, and terpenoids, respectively, but TP ointment showed a negative result on the Horizon test. The NCP ointments were confirmed by the UV–vis with a broad peak absorption at 425 nm, and identified by the HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS through the calculations to ensure the concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5% NCP ointments. In contrast, TP ointment cannot be confirmed to contain the active ingredient, “curcumin.” NCP ointments possessed DPPH scavenging with 19.07% ± 0.0012%, 28.42% ± 0.012%, and 49.01% ± 0.0055%, respectively. The DPPH scavenging of 5% NCP ointment was twice that of TP ointment. 1%, 3%, and 5% NCP, TP ointments with anti-bacterial properties were 165.67 ± 4.04, 141.33 ± 5.51, 88.00 ± 9.85, and 4.00 ± 1.00. These inhibited the growth of S. aureus, and the anti-bacterial properties were much lower than those of the TP ointment. Conclusion: 1%, 3%, and 5% NCP ointments have been successfully developed and confirmed by the analysis of UV–vis, HPLC-DAD, and HPLC-MS. The NCP ointments have anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. However, because the components differ, NCP ointments have higher anti-oxidants but lower anti-bacterial properties than TP ointments. TP ointment is alcohol-based, whereas NCP ointments are “organic-based” and “natural-based,” which possess the equivalent skin care functions concerning the targets of this research project
Transformation of technology into educational technology from the late nineteenth to early twenty-first century
As education is a global concern, utilising educational technology to facilitate teaching and learning activities has been widely practised almost everywhere at every minute for decades. Revisiting the historical development of a particular technology is noteworthy to education practitioners, historians and various interested parties. Concerning the evolution of educational technology, most of the existing literature has focused on a rather brief period and often comes with fragmented, incomprehensive or oversimplified descriptions. In addition, some of the major literature was written several decades ago and further updates are desirable. In view of these considerations, this paper aims to contribute a comprehensive and updated examination of the transformation of technologies into educational technology from the late nineteenth to the early twenty-first century. In particular, this paper scrutinises five technologies in their contexts of historiographical transformation: audio technology, such as phonography and radio; visual technology, such as silent films; audio and visual technology, which includes sound film and television; computing technology, which covers personal computers and the Internet; and asynchronous learning technology, which embraces course management systems and video conferencing packages, and synchronous learning technology. Briefly, this paper looks into when, why and how the technologies were transformed into educational technology with pedagogical implications. This paper is useful for education practitioners by stimulating them to devise more educational technology to cater for various educational needs. Besides, by illustrating how technology shapes education, this paper also helps historians and other practitioners by enriching their understanding of the connection between technology and different aspects of people’s livelihoods
Theme Story - Inclusive Design / The Aesthetics of Gender Neutrality
In today\u27s rapidly changing society, gender labels are being re-examined and deconstructed. From personal attire to corporate spaces, the role of design extends beyond mere functionality to become a conduit for ideas. Gender is not only a cultural symbol or a marker of social identity; it is a fluid spectrum. As traditional gender boundaries blur, designers are beginning to question what true freedom is. How can design enable everyone to express their authentic selves without restraint? Inclusive design responds to these questions, transcending gender frameworks to make products, spaces, and experiences more flexible and open. This approach not only meets market demands but also signifies a profound transformation within the design world, resonating with values of equality and diversity