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The Patterns of Medical Utilization on Dermatoses among Rural Inhabitants (농촌지역 주민들의 피부 질환에 대한 치료 행태)

  • Kim, Chang-Yoon;Joo, Ree;SaKong, Joon;Chung, Jong-Hak;Kwak, Tae-Hun
    • Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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    • v.24 no.1
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    • pp.103-113
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    • 1999
  • The authors surveyed the inhabitants of a rural area to assess the patterns of medical utilization on dermatoses. Seven hundred and sixty new outpatients of dermatoses were examined and surveyed with formed questionnaire from March 1997 to February 1999. The results are as follows; 1. Among 760 new outpatients, the number of male patients was 283(37.2%) and that of female patients was 477(67.3%). 2. The most common dermatoses was Tinea pedis(34.9%), and follows senile pruritus, contact dermatitis, housewife eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, numular dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, Tinea corporis, Tinea ungium, acne vulgaris, impetigo, keratolysis exfoliativa, chronic urticaria, Tinea cruris and Molluscum contagiosum in orders. 3. Drug store was the most frequent places where patients initially visited for their skin diseases(39.6%) and followed by non dermatologic clinic, dermatologic clinic and general hospital in orders. 4. One hundred and twenty one(15.9%) patients have been experienced folk treatment. It was founded that the topical vinegar application or soaking was the most common method. Many patients felt no symptom improvement after the folk treatment(48.8%). Seventeen point four percent of patient felt symptom worsened. The results of this study suggest that many of the rural inhabitants are lack of understanding on their dermatoses. So many physician who are in charge of the primary care in rural area have to pay attention to the common dermatoses and educate patients on their medical utilization.

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Evaluation on Reproducibility of Low-Dose Kidney Scan in Dynamic Kidney Scan (동적신장검사에서 저선량을 사용한 신장검사의 재현성 평가)

  • Lee, Jaesang;Lee, Kyuchan;Lee, Seunghwan;Bae, Seongbok;Park, Jongyeop
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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    • v.20 no.1
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    • pp.59-65
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    • 2016
  • Purpose Dynamic kidney scan is a typical imaging technique that visualizes kidney function. Reproducibility of dynamic kidney scans has been evaluated by comparing low-dose kidney scans with low-dose radiopharmaceutical and standard dynamic kidney scan. With this comparative study, if reproducibility is superb, the dynamic kidney scan method with reduced radioactivity to patients is to be utilized and radiation exposure to patient is to be reduced. Materials and Methods For gamma camera, Orbiter, SymbiaE (Siemens, Germany) was used. Among patients who had used 370 Mbq (10 mCi) from January of 2013 to February 2014 and other patients who had used 185 Mbq (5 mCi) from March of 2014 to July of 2015 with identical condition, 21 subjects using DTPA and 20 subjects using $MAG_3$, 41 subjects in total, had been selected as subjects for data. From renogram of the result image, frame of the peak point was selected. Then, region of interest of kidney and background had been selected and Kidney to Background Ratio has been calculated for comparison. Results In tests using DTPA, kidney to background ratio when using 370 Mbq was $5.67{\pm}0.8$ at average while it was $5.62{\pm}0.87$ when using 185 Mbq, which didn't show much difference. Also in the tests using $MAG_3$, kidney to background ratio when using 370 Mbq was $14.95{\pm}2.58$ at average and $14.56{\pm}2.02$ in 185 Mbq, which neither showed much difference. In paired sample t-test, p-value was 0.566 in DTPA and 0.363 in $MAG_3$, which confirmed that there was no difference between the groups. Conclusion In identical patients, when dose was decreased from 370 Mbq to 185 Mbq, reproducibility of dynamic kidney scan was proven to be excellent. Low-dose Dynamic kidney scan can achieve results with fine reproducibility without improvement in performance of gamma camera and is expected to reduce radiation exposure to patient.

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Evaluation of Dose and Position Compensation of Parotid Gland Using CT On-rail System in Head-and-Neck Cancer (두경부 암환자 치료 시 CT On-rail System을 이용한 이하선의 위치 보정 및 선량 평가)

  • Jang, Hyeong-Jun;Im, Chung-Geun;Chun, Geum-Sung;Jeong, Il-Seon;Kim, Hoi-Nam
    • The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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    • v.20 no.2
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    • pp.83-89
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    • 2008
  • Purpose: The checking method of target and normal structure are used by MVCBCT, KVCBCT, CT On-rail System, Ultrasound in H&N cancer patient. In case of MVCT, the utilization of bone structure is valuable to check around tissue. But the utilization of soft tissue is not enough. The point of this paper is dose variation in movable parotid and changeable volume of H&N cancer patient of CT On-rail System. Materials and Methods: The object of H&N cancer patient is 5 in this hospital. The selected patient are scanned ARTISTE CT Vision (CT On-ral System) a triweekly. After CT scanning, tranfered coordinates are obtained by movable of parotid gland comparison with planning image. Checking for the changeable volume of parotid gland. A Obtained CT image are tranfered to the RTP System. So dose variation are checked by following changed volume. Results: The changes of target coordinate by the parotid gland movement are X: -0.4~0.4 cm, Y: -0.4~0.3 cm, Z: -0.3~0.3 cm. the volume of GTV is decreased to about 7.11%/week and then both parotid gland volume are shrinked about 4.81%/week (Lt), 2.91%/week (Rt). At the same time, each parotid gland are diminished in radiation dose as 3.66%/week (Lt), 2.01%/week. Conclusion: Images from CT on the rail System which are able to aquire the better quality images of soft tissue in Target area than MVCBCT. After replanning and dose redistribution by required images, It could gain not only the correction of the patient set-tup errors but exact dose distribution. Accordingly, the delivery of compensated dose, It makes that we could do Adaptive Targeting Radiotherapy and need Real Time Adaptive Targeting Radiotherapy by reduce beam delivary time.

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Study on the Utilization of Sawdust Bedding Barn for Dairy Cows (착유우의 톱밥발효우사 이용연구 제 1 보 : 낙농가의 톱밥발효우사 형태별 이용효과 비교)

  • Kweon, Du-Jung;Kweon, Ung-Gi;Ki, Wang-Seok;Lee, Kee-Jong;Han, Jeong-Dae;Jung, Suk-Chan;Kang, Seung-Won;Kang, Sang-Lyol;Jung, Hyoung-Sup;Chang, Hak-Joo
    • Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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    • v.1 no.1
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    • pp.9-19
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    • 1995
  • This study was carried out to investigate the effect of sawdust bedding barn on manure handing, management labour and physiological aspect of dairy cows, and then to establish the criteria on the optimum utilization method of sawdust bedding barn. 46 tie stall barns and 49 sawdust bedding barns were surveyed to cmopare the milk productivity between two different barns, and also 5 tie stall barns, 15 sawdust bedding barns and 1 rice hull bedding barn were selected to study the utilization situation of sawdust barn in Kyung-Ki province area. The major results obtained were as follows; 1. The roof material of sawdust barn were consisted of 66% vinyl house, 23% PVC light and 11% slate and galvanum coated tin. Most of the floor structure was earth ground with the rate of the approximately 82%. 2. The average occupied area of sawdust bed per cow was 15.2 $m^2$, depth that 30 cm and the utilization period was 12 months. 3. Milk Yield was significantly higher at sawdust barn than at tie stall barn(P<0.01). Bacterial and somatic cell count in raw milk were less at the sawdust barn than in tie stall barn. However, there was not significance difference between two barns. 4. The labour hour needed to cow management in the sawdust barn was approximately 48% of that of tie stall barn. 5. The temperature and moisture content measured in sawdust bed were closely affected by seasonal ambient temperature. The skin and hair of cow were much cleaner at the PVC light roofed sawdust barn than any other roof materials. 6. The additives used for improving of fermentation did not show any effect on temperature and moisture content in sawdust bed. When the ambient temperature was $30.4^{\circ}C$, the surface temperature of measured 1 cm above the sawdust bed was $12.2^{\circ}C$ lower and the temperature of 100 cm above the sawdust bed was $2.4^{\circ}C lower under shading net facility than that of vinyl roofed one.7. The hoof length of miking cow was 7.95 cm in tie stall and 9.19 cm in sawdust barn with high significance (P<0.01). And disease occurence such as mastitis and foot-rot tended to decrease in the sawdust barn. 8. The number of total bacteria and coliform bacteria were less in the sawdust bed compared with earth ground resting area. And a parasite strongyloides papillosus was detected but without any infected cow. 9. The nitrate($NO_3N$) content in non-roofed earth ground resting area and earth ground under the sawdust bed was likely to pollute the ground water. 10. In economic point of view, rice hull bedding barn was the cheapest among different systems. And in the sawdust bedding barn PVC light + slate roofed barn was most desirable, and vinyl roofed one the least.

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Effects of lymphocyte DNA damage levels in Korean plant food groups and Korean diet regarding to glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 polymorphisms (건강한 성인의 glutathione S-transferase M1과 T1 유전자 다형성에 따른 한식에서의 식물성 식품군과 한식의 DNA 손상 감소 효과)

  • Kim, Hyun-A;Lee, Min-Young;Kang, Myung-Hee
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.50 no.1
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    • pp.10-24
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    • 2017
  • Purpose: GST (glutathione S-transferase) M1 and T1 gene polymorphisms are known to affect antioxidant levels. This study was carried out to evaluate genetic susceptibility by measuring the effect of DNA damage reduction in the Korean diet by vegetable food according to GST gene polymorphisms using the ex vivo method with human lymphocytes. Methods: Vegetable foods in the Korean diet based the results of the KNHANES V-2 (2011) were classified into 10 food groups. A total of 84 foods, which constituted more than 1% of the total intake in each food group, were finally designated as a vegetable food in the Korean diet. The Korean diet applied in this study is the standard one-week meals for Koreans (2,000 Kcal/day) suggested by the 2010 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans. Ex vivo DNA damage in human lymphocytes was assessed using comet assay. Results: In the Korean food group, the DNA damage protective effect of GSTM1 and GSTT1 was found to be greater in mutant type and wild-type, respectively. and the DNA damage protective effect according to the combined genotype of GSTM1 and GSTT1 was different depending on the food group. On the other hand, in Korean Diet, the DNA damage protective effect appeared to be larger in GSTM1 wild-type than in mutant type and was found to not be affected by GSTT1 genotype. Conclusion: These results can be used as basic data to demonstrate the superiority of the antioxidant function of Korean dietary patterns and food groups. Furthermore, it may be a starting point to begin research on customized antioxidant nutrition according to individual genes.

A Study on Evaluation Method for Structural Suitability of Constructed Wetlands in Dam Reservoirs as an Ecological Water Purification System (생태적 수질정화시설로서 댐 저수지 인공습지의 구조 적정성 평가방안)

  • Bahn, Gwon-Soo
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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    • v.50 no.2
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    • pp.23-40
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    • 2022
  • Many constructed wetlands have been installed in dam reservoirs nationwide for ecological purification of watershed pollutants, but aging and reduced efficiency are becoming issues. To improve the management of constructed wetlands, an objective evaluation of structural suitability is required. This study evaluated 39 constructed wetlands of 15 dams. First, through fogus group interview(FGI), survey analysis, and analytic hierarchy process(AHP), eight evaluation items in the physical and vegetative aspects were selected and the evaluation criteria applied with weights were prepared. Second, as a result of the structural suitability evaluation, the average score of the overall constructed wetlands was 80.8, with 10 sites rated as 'good grade(91~100)', 22 sites rated as 'normal grade(71~90)' and 7 sites rated as 'poor grade(70 or less)'. The average score of physical structure evaluation was 52.6, with 14 sites rated as 'good', 21 sites as 'normal' and 4 sites as 'poor'. The suitability of location was good level in most constructed wetlands, but the water supply system, depth of water, ratio of length-to-width, and slope of flow channel were evaluated as 'normal' or less in constructed wetlands of 50% or more. Therefore, it was found that overall improvement was necessary for stable flow supply and flow improvement in the constructed wetland. The average score of vegetative structure evaluation was 28.2, and about 84% of them were identified as 'normal' or lower. As a result of analyzing the Spearman's correlation coefficient between the physical structure evaluation score and the vegetation structure evaluation score, there was a significant correlation(r = 0.728, p < 0.001), and it was found that each evaluation factor also influences each other. As a result of the case review of 6 constructed wetlands, the appropriateness of the evaluation results was confirmed, and it was found that the location, flow rate supply, and type of wetland had a great influence on the efficiency and operation of the wetland. Through this study, it will be possible to derive structural weaknesses of constructed wetlands in dam reservoirs as a nature-based solution, to prepare types and practical alternatives for improved management of each constructed wetland in the future, and to contribute to enhancing various environmental functions.

Development and Assessment of a Non-face-to-face Obesity-Management Program During the Pandemic (팬데믹 시기 비대면 비만관리 프로그램의 개발 및 평가)

  • Park, Eun Jin;Hwang, Tae-Yoon;Lee, Jung Jeung;Kim, Keonyeop
    • Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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    • v.47 no.3
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    • pp.166-180
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    • 2022
  • Objective: This study evaluated the effects of a non-face-to-face obesity management program, implemented during the pandemic. Methods: The non-face-to-face obesity management program used the Intervention mapping protocol (IMP). The program was put into effect over the course of eight weeks, from September 14 to November 13, 2020 in 48 overweight and obese adults, who applied to participate through the Daegu Citizen Health Support Center. Results: IMP was first a needs assessment was conducted; second, goal setting for behavior change was established; third, evidence-based selection of arbitration method and performance strategy was performed; fourth, program design and validation; fifth, the program was run; and sixth, the results were evaluated. The average weight after participation in the program was reduced by 1.2kg, average WC decreased by 3cm, and average BMI decreased by 0.8kg/m2 (p<0.05). The results of the health behavior survey showed a positive improvement in lifestyle factors, including average daily intake calories, fruit intake, and time spent in walking exercise before and after participation in the program. A statistically significant difference was seen (p<0.05). The satisfaction level for program process evaluation was high, at 4.57±0.63 point. Conclusion: The non-face-to-face obesity management program was useful for obesity management for adults in communities, as it enables individual counseling by experts and active participation through self-body measurement and recording without restriction by time and place. However, the program had some restrictions on participation that may relate to the age of the subject, such as skill and comfort in using a mobile app.

A Study on the Dietary Behavior and Image and Preference of Japanese Foods of University Students in Daegu and Kyungbuk Area (대구, 경북지역 대학생의 식사행동 및 일본음식에 대한 인상 및 기호도 조사 연구)

  • 한재숙;이연정;최석현;최수근;권상용;최영희
    • Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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    • v.14 no.1
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    • pp.1-10
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    • 2004
  • This study was conducted to investigate the dietary behavior and image and preference of Japanese foods. The Subjects were consisted of 570 university students(243 males and 327 females) in Daegu and Kyungbuk area, Korea. The students responses to the 10 questions about image of Japanese foods were also measured on 5 point Likert scale. Data were presented by using frequency, percentage, chi-square test and T-test. The results of this study were as follows: (1) On the eating habits, 'the whole family has breakfast together with same foods everyday'scored high as 42.3% and 'foods put in a big platter by gathering everyday'as 35.8%. (2) About the eating customs, 53.5% of the subjects responded that the seat was fixed at meal time, 56.4% didn't start to eat before the patriarch started a meal and 30.9% responded that the head of a family had more foods in number and quantity. (3) On the table manners, 13.4% of the subjects were scolded about 'watching TV on eating', 11.5% about 'making left-over foods', 8.0% about 'misuse of spoon and chopsticks'. (4) The preferred ethnic foods by University students was in other of Korean, Chinese, Italian, Japanese and French foods. (5) Among subjects, 93.8% had no experience of visiting Japan and 92.6% wanted to visit Japan. Images on the Japanese foods were 'the price is too expensive' (mean 4.15) and 'the decoration is wonderful'(mean 4.05). But the subjects did not think Japanese foods as 'hot'(mean 2.21) and 'greasy'(mean 2.51). (6) The favorite Japanese food of subjects was Udon(mean 3.98), Sushi(mean 3.85) and Tempura(mean 3.69). So Udon turned out to be the most popular Japanese foods by university students in Daegu and Kyungbuk area, Korea. But they did not prefer Natto(mean 2.68), Ochazuke(mean 2.76), Okonomiyaki(mean 2.87) and Misosiru and did not eat. From the above results, Korean university students preferred Udon to Natto among Japanese traditional foods, and they estimated Japanese foods as 'too expensive'. Therefore, lowering the price and developing the cooking method for Korean taste were needed to increase the intake of Japanese traditional foods by Korean university students and.

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A Study on Improvement for Fishing Gear and Method of Pound Net - I - Net Shapes of the Commerical Net in the Flow - (정치망 어구어법의 개발에 관한 연구-I - 현용어구의 흐름에 대한 형상 변화 -)

  • Yun, Il-Bu;Lee, Ju-Hee;Kwon, Byeong-Guk;Cho, Young-Bok;Yoo, Jae-Bum;Kim, Seong-Hun;Kim, Boo-Young
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Fisheries and Ocean Technology
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    • v.40 no.4
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    • pp.268-281
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    • 2004
  • A study was carried out in order to estimate the deformation of the pound net according to the current by the model test in the circulating water channel. The tension of the frame rope and the variation of net shape were measured to investigate the deforming of the model pound net in the flow. The results are obtained as follows; 1. The experimental equation between tensions (R) of the frame rope and velocity (ν)was found to be R=$19.58v^{1.98}$($r^2$=0.98) in case of the upperward flow with fish court net and R=$26.90v^{1.72}$($r^2$=0.95)at the upperward flow with bag net according to the velocity from 0.0m/s to 0.6m/s, respectively. 2. As the variation of flow speed inside of the model net was gradually decreased according as which is passed through netting panels, in case of the upperward flow with fish court net, the flow speed was about 70% of initial flow speed at 0.1m/s, 60% at 0.2m/s, 50% at 0.3m/s and 40% 0.4~0.6m/s at the measurement point(h) inside of the first bag net, respectively. In case of the upperward flow with bag net, as the flow speed was steeply decreased according as which if passed through the second bag net, it was 30~60% of the initial flow speed and was 20~30% inside of the first bag net and was about 10~20% inside of the inclined passage net. 3. In case of the upperward flow with fish court net, the variation of deformed angle of fish court net was from 0$^{\circ}$ to 70$^{\circ}$and that of inclined passage net was from 0$^{\circ}$ to 63$^{\circ}$and that of the second bag net was from 0$^{\circ}$ to 47$^{\circ}$ . 4. In case of the upperward flow with fish court net, the variation of deformed angle of the second bag net was changed from 0$^{\circ}$ to 70$^{\circ}$and that of the inclined passage net was from 0$^{\circ}$ to 55$^{\circ}$ and that of the fish court net was from 0$^{\circ}$ to 50$^{\circ}$. The depth ratio of the first bag net was changed from 0% to 35% and that of the second bag net was from 0% to 20% and that of the inclined passage net was from 0% to 35%. In the flow speed 0.5m/s, the inclined passage net was raised up to the entry of the bag net and then prevented it more over 90%. 5. To be increased the opening volume of pound net, it needs to attach the added weight outside of the fish court net, inclined passage net and bag net. At the same time, it needs to adjust the tension of the twine for maintenance of the shape.

Relationship Between Usage Needs Satisfaction and Commitment to Apparel Brand Communities: Moderator Effect of Apparel Brand Image (의류 브랜드 커뮤니티의 이용욕구 충족과 커뮤니티 몰입의 관계: 의류 브랜드 이미지의 조절효과)

  • Hong, Hee-Sook;Ryu, Sung-Min;Moon, Chul-Woo
    • Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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    • v.17 no.4
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    • pp.51-89
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    • 2007
  • INTRODUCTION Due to the high broadband internet penetration rate and its group-oriented culture, various types of online communities operate in Korea. This study use 'Uses and Gratification Approach, and argue that members' usage-needs satisfaction with brand community is an important factor for promoting community commitment. Based on previous studies identifying the effect of brand image on consumers' responses to various marketing stimuli, this study hypothesizes that brand image can be a moderate variable affecting the relationship between usage-needs satisfaction with brand community and members' commitment to brand community. This study analyzes the influence of usage-needs satisfaction on brand community commitment and how apparel brand image affects the relationships between usage-needs satisfactions and community commitments. The hypotheses of this study are proposed as follows. H1-3: The usage-needs satisfaction of apparel brand community (interest, transaction, relationship needs) influences emotional (H1), continuous (H2), and normative (H3) commitments to apparel brand communities. H4-6: Apparel brand image has a moderating effect on the relationship between usage-needs satisfaction and emotional (H4), continuous (H5), and normative (H6) commitments to apparel brand communities. METHODS Brand communities founded by non-company affiliates were excluded and emphasis was placed instead on communities created by apparel brand companies. Among casual apparel brands registered in 6 Korean portal sites in August 2003, a total of 9 casual apparel brand online communities were chosen, depending on the level of community activity and apparel brand image. Data from 317 community members were analyzed by exploratory factor analysis, moderated regression analysis, ANOVA, and scheffe test. Among 317 respondents answered an online html-type questionnaire, 80.5% were between 16 to 25 years old. There were a total of 150 respondents from apparel brand communities(n=3) recording higher-than-average brand image scores (Mean > 3.75) and a total of 162 respondents from apparel brand communities(n=6) recording lower-than-average brand image scores(Mean < 3.75). In this study, brand community commitment was measured by a 5-point Likert scale: emotional, continuous and normative commitment. The degree of usage-needs satisfaction (interest, transaction, relationship needs) was measured on a 5-point Likert scale. The level of brand image was measured by a 5-point Likert scale: strength, favorability, and uniqueness of brand associations. RESULTS In the results of exploratory factor analysis, the three usage-needs satisfactions with brand community were classified as interest, transaction, and relationship needs. Brand community commitment was also divided into the multi-dimensional factors: emotional, continuous, and normative commitments. The regression analysis (using a stepwise method) was used to test the influence of 3 independent variables (interest-needs satisfaction, transaction-needs, and relationship-needs satisfactions) on the 3 dependent variables (emotional, continuous and normative commitments). The three types of usage-needs satisfactions are positively associated with the three types of commitments to apparel brand communities. Therefore, hypothesis 1, 2, and 3 were significantly supported. Moderating effects of apparel brand image on the relationship between usage-needs satisfaction and brand community commitments were tested by moderated regression analysis. The statistics result showed that the influence of transaction-needs on emotional commitment was significantly moderated by apparel brand image. In addition, apparel brand image had moderating effects on the relationship between relationship-needs satisfaction and emotional, continuous and normative commitments to apparel brand communities. However, there were not significant moderate effects of apparel brand image on the relationships between interest-needs satisfaction and 3 types of commitments (emotional, continuous and normative commitments) to apparel brand communities. In addition, the influences of transaction-needs satisfaction on 2 types of commitments (continuous and normative commitments) were not significantly moderated by apparel brand image. Therefore, hypothesis 4, 5 and 6 were partially supported. To explain the moderating effects of apparel brand image, four cross-tabulated groups were made by averages of usage-needs satisfaction (interest-needs satisfaction avg. M=3.09, transaction-needs satisfaction avg. M=3.46, relationship-needs satisfaction M=1.62) and the average apparel brand image (M=3.75). The average scores of commitments in each classified group are presented in Tables and Figures. There were significant differences among four groups. As can be seen from the results of scheffe test on the tables, emotional commitment in community group with high brand image was higher than one in community group with low brand image when transaction-needs satisfaction was high. However, when transaction-needs satisfaction was low, there was not any difference between the community group with high brand image and community group with low brand image regarding emotional commitment to apparel brand communities. It means that emotional commitment didn't increase significantly without high satisfaction of transaction-needs, despite the high apparel brand image. In addition, when apparel brand image was low, increase in transaction-needs did not lead to the increase in emotional commitment. Therefore, the significant relationship between transaction-needs satisfaction and emotional commitment was found in only brand communities with high apparel brand image, and the moderating effect of apparel brand image on this relationship between two variables was found in the communities with high satisfaction of transaction-needs only. Statistics results showed that the level of emotional commitment is related to the satisfaction level of transaction-needs, while overall response is related to the level of apparel brand image. We also found that the role of apparel brand image as a moderating factor was limited by the level of transaction-needs satisfaction. In addition, relationship-needs satisfaction brought significant increase in emotional commitment in both community groups (high and low levels of brand image), and the effect of apparel brand image on emotional commitment was significant in both community groups (high and low levels of relationship-needs satisfaction). Especially, the effect of brand image was greater when the level of relationship-needs satisfaction was high. in contrast, increase in emotional commitment responding to increase in relationship-needs satisfaction was greater when apparel brand image is high. The significant influences of relationship-needs satisfaction on community commitments (continuous and normative commitments) were found regardless of apparel brand image(in both community groups with low and high brand image). However, the effects of apparel brand image on continuous and normative commitments were found in only community group with high satisfaction level of relationship-needs. In the case of communities with low satisfaction levels of relationship needs, apparel brand image marginally increases continuous and normative commitments. Therefore, we could not find the moderating effect of apparel brand image on the relationship between relationship-needs satisfaction and continuous and normative commitments in community groups with low satisfaction levels of relationship needs, CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS From the results of this study, we draw several conclusions; First, the increases in usage-needs satisfactions through apparel brand communities result in the increases in commitments to apparel brand communities, wheres the degrees of such relationship depends on the level of apparel brand image. That is, apparel brand image is a moderating factor strengthening the relationship between usage-needs satisfaction and commitment to apparel brand communities. In addition, the effect of apparel brand image differs, depending on the level and types of community usage-needs satisfactions. Therefore, marketers of apparel brand companies must determine the appropriate usage-needs, depending on the type of commitment they wish to increase and the level of their apparel brand image, to promote member's commitments to apparel brand communities. Especially, relationship-needs satisfaction was very important factor for increasing emotional, continuous and normative commitments to communities. However the level of relationship-needs satisfaction was lower than interest-needs and transaction-needs. satisfaction. According to previous study on apparel brand communities, relationship-need satisfaction was strongly related to member's intention of participation in their communities. Therefore, marketers need to develope various strategies in order to increase the relationship- needs as well as interest and transaction needs. In addition, despite continuous commitment was higher than emotional and normative commitments, all types of commitments to apparel brand communities had scores lower than 3.0 that was mid point in 5-point scale. A Korean study reported that the level of members' commitment to apparel brand community influenced customers' identification with a brand and brand purchasing behavior. Therefore, marketers should try to increase members' usage-needs satisfaction and apparel brand image as the necessary conditions for bringing about community commitments. Second, marketers should understand that they should keep in mind that increasing the level of community usage needs (transaction and relationship) is most effective in raising commitment when the level of apparel brand image is high, and that increasing usage needs (transaction needs) satisfaction in communities with low brand image might not be as effective as anticipated. Therefore, apparel companies with desirable brand image such as luxury designer goods firms need to create formal online brand communities (as opposed to informal communities with rudimentary online contents) to satisfy transaction and relationship needs systematically. It will create brand equity through consumers' increased emotional, continuous and normative commitments. Even though apparel brand is very famous, emotional commitment to apparel brand communities cannot be easily increased without transaction-needs satisfaction. Therefore famous fashion brand companies should focus on developing various marketing strategies to increase transaction-needs satisfaction.

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