• Analyses & Alternatives
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.117-140
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• 2024

Major countries are actively pursuing policies to promote entrepreneurship to foster economic growth and employment. Meanwhile, although South Korea's entrepreneurial ecosystem has shown robust quantitative growth since the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still criticized for its shortcomings compared to other major countries. Based on this, this study aims to derive a comprehensive innovation entrepreneurship index for each country to foster an innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem and sustainable growth in South Korea. Specifically, this study first analyzed the entrepreneurial ecosystem of various countries. Second, we utilizing data from sources such as the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, Global Innovation Index, and World Bank, the study calculates a comprehensive innovation entrepreneurship index for each country. Finally, this study analyzes the type of South Korea's innovation entrepreneurship index and suggests the future direction of through cluster analysis.

• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.57-72
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• 2024

Currently, Korea is on the verge of entering into an ultra-aged society and the associated market size is growing. In this regard, customer-centered design that understands the consumer needs of the new silver generation, which is emerging as a new consumer group, and reflects them in products is the key to the success of the high-value-added fashion industry. Therefore, this study reviewed the changes in physical, biological, social, and psychological characteristics of the new silver generation, through a review of related books and previous studies, and secured the direction for clothing product development for the new silver generation. The literature review was supplemented by group interviews to accurately identify the needs of silver consumers. In addition, the study conducted case analysis through web searches of fashion magazines, newspaper articles, brand web sites, and trend information sites to investigate the market trends of one-mile wear products that have emerged due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the characteristics of one-mile wear brands, and products for new silver women, including size specification analysis and sewing techniques that minimize skin irritation while reflecting the consumer's characteristics. Based on the results of this study, a competitive design and product development were proposed from an economic and industrial perspective that can enhance the product value and maximize the marketing effect by developing consumer-oriented one-mile comfort wear products with aesthetic, practical, functional, and economic values that satisfy the characteristics and needs of new silver women.

• Journal of Information Technology Services
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.1-16
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• 2024

As the COVID-19 pandemic confirmed the culture of non-face-to-face consumption. In retail commerce, the 'live commerce' market, where sales are made by communicating with customers in the form of live streaming broadcasts, has grown rapidly. Although previous studies have consistently confirmed the phenomenon of "influencers" in society and culture, there is a lack of research on the "sales expertise" of live commerce broadcasters such as Wang Hong in China. In China, "Wang Hong" is short for "Wang Luo Hong Ren", a combination of "Wang Luo", which means the Internet, and "Hong Ren", which means star, and refers to a person who is popular through social platforms and is gaining popularity from many fans. Therefore, this study focuses on Wang Hong's developing "selling expertise" and examines it from the perspective of a shopping curator. In particular, we applied Harold Jarche(2011)'s "Seek-Sense-Share" model to influencers to verify their influence on trust and purchase intention in live commerce. Furthermore, we analyzed the differences between Korea and China.A survey was conducted among live commerce users in Korea and China, and a total of 228 questionnaires were used in the final analysis. Basic statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS and hypotheses were tested using PLS 3.0. The results of the hypothesis testing showed that influencers' curatorial competence "Seek-Sense-Share" had a significant effect on trust, and trust had a positive effect on purchase intention. In addition, there is a significant difference between Korean and Chinese consumers in this relationship.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.644-653
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• 2024

Considering the emergence of various infectious diseases, including the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), people's attention has shifted towards immune health. Consequently, immune-enhancing functional foods have been increasingly consumed. Hence, developing new immune-enhancing functional food products is needed. Pinus densiflora pollen can be collected from the male red pine tree, which is commonly found in Korea. P. densiflora pollen extract (PDE), obtained by water extraction, contained polyphenols (216.29 ± 0.22 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoids (35.14 ± 0.04 mg CE/100 g). PDE significantly increased the production of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) but, did not exhibit cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells. Western blot results indicated that PDE induced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. PDE also significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of cytokines and the phosphorylation of IKKα/β and p65, as well as the activation and degradation of IκBα. Additionally, western blot analysis of cytosolic and nuclear fractions and immunofluorescence assay confirmed that the translocation of p65 to the nucleus after PDE treatment. These results confirmed that PDE increases the production of cytokines, NO, and ROS by activating NF-κB. Therefore, PDE is a promising nutraceutical candidate for immune-enhancing functional foods.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.335-341
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• 2024

Background/Aims: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected the worldwide practice of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Here we designed a modified N95 respirator with a channel for endoscope insertion and evaluated its efficacy in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Methods: Thirty patients scheduled for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were randomized into the modified N95 (n=15) or control (n=15) group. The mask was placed on the patient after anesthesia administration and particles were counted every minute before (baseline) and during the procedure by a TSI AeroTrak particle counter (9306-04; TSI Inc.) and categorized by size (0.3, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, and 10 ㎛). Differences in particle counts between time points were recorded. Results: During the procedure, the modified N95 group displayed significantly smaller overall particle sizes than the control group (median [interquartile range], 231 [54-385] vs. 579 [213-1,379]×10³/m³; p=0.056). However, the intervention group had a significant decrease in 0.3-㎛ particles (68 [-25 to 185] vs. 242 [72-588] ×10³/m³; p=0.045). No adverse events occurred in either group. The device did not cause any inconvenience to the endoscopists or patients. Conclusions: This modified N95 respirator reduced the number of particles, especially 0.3-㎛ particles, generated during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

• Journal of Information Technology Applications and Management
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.115-126
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• 2023

In various fields such as art, design, music, film, sports, games, and fashion, NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are creating new economic value through trading platforms dedicated to NFT art and content. In this article, I analyze the current state of blockchain technology and NFT art content in the context of an expanding market for blockchain-based NFT art content in the metaverse. I also propose several tasks based on the economic and industrial logic of technological innovation. The first task proposed is to integrate cultural arts on blockchain, metaverse, and NFT platforms through digital innovation, instead of separating or distinguishing between creative production and consumption. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a clear separation between creators and consumers. However, with the rise of Web 3.0 platforms, any user can now create and own their own content. Therefore, it is important to promote a collaborative and integrated approach to cultural arts production and consumption in the blockchain and metaverse ecosystem. The second task proposed is to align the legal framework with blockchain-based technological innovation. The enactment and revision of relevant laws should focus on promoting the development of the NFT trading platform ecosystem, rather than merely regulating it for user protection. As blockchain-based technology continues to evolve, it is important that legal systems adapt to support and promote innovation in the space. This shift in focus can help create a more conducive environment for the growth of blockchain-based NFT platforms. The third task proposed is to integrate education on digital arts, including metaverse and NFT art contents, into the current curriculum. This education should focus on convergence and consilience, rather than merely mixing together humanities, technology, and arts. By integrating digital arts education into the curriculum, students can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the potential of blockchain-based technologies and NFT art. This article examines the digital technological innovation such as blockchain, metaverse, and NFT from an economic and industrial point of view. As a limitation of this research, the critical mind such as philosophical thinking or social criticism on technological innovation is left as a future task.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.588-593
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• 2022

In the highly contagious coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) are associated with high-risk of transmission. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a procedure with the potential to cause dissemination of bodily fluids. At present, there is no consensus that endoscopy is defined as an AGP. This review discusses the current evidence on this topic with additional management. Prevailing publications on coronavirus related to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and aerosolization from the PubMed and Scopus databases were searched and reviewed. Comparative quantitative analyses showed a significant elevation of particle numbers, implying that aerosols were generated by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The associated source events have also been reported. To reduce the dispersion, certain protective measures have been developed. Endoscopic unit protocols are recommended for the concerned personnel. Therefore, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy should be classified as an AGP. Proper practices should be adopted by healthcare workers and patients.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.257-270
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• 2024

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to analyze the changes in the business environment, business conditions, and detailed indicators related to management of Korea's port industry companies as global supply chains have been reorganized since the shock of COVID-19 in 2020 and uncertainties in the global economy have expanded. Design/methodology/approach - This study use the business survey index of the port industry to analyze. It is a weighted BSI with the weight of workers applied. Findings - Since 2020 the BSI in the port industry including business conditions, sales unit price, profitability, and financial conditions fluctuated, but it has been generally above normal level(100). During the analysis period, the BSI for export sales was found to be better than that of domestic sales. Employment BSI was generally stable, and in the case of facility BSI, the port industry was shown to be very active in facility investment. Research implications or Originality - First, it is necessary to make manpower training systems to cultivate experts in the port industry to cope with uncertainties caused by the rapidly changing global economy and the global supply chain environment. Second, it is necessary to support for investment in technology and facilities for automation and smartization. Finally, it is necessary to establish a continuous monitoring system for the business conditions.

• Journal of Auto-vehicle Safety Association
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.42-48
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• 2024

With a sustained increase in the number of reported registrations for two-wheeled vehicles and the simultaneous growth of the domestic two-wheeled vehicle market, fueled by the activation of contactless industries and a rising population engaging in recreational two-wheeled vehicles during the COVID-19 era, concerns regarding safety incidents and environmental issues have come to the forefront. While the regular inspection methods and environmental standards for four-wheeled vehicles are becoming more stringent for safety and environmental management, the same cannot be said for two-wheeled vehicles. As the market for two-wheeled vehicles continues to expand, there is a pressing need for improvements in the management and inspection of these vehicles. In this study, we analyze cases of non-compliance from the results of periodic inspections over the past five years, specifically focusing on illegal customizations, exhaust emissions testing, and exhaust noise results. Through this analysis, we elucidate the necessity for enhancing the inspection system for two-wheeled vehicles, drawing parallels with the inspection systems applied to conventional automobiles. The findings of this research contribute to advocating for improvements in the inspection regime for two-wheeled vehicles, addressing the growing concerns related to safety and environmental impact.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.97-108
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• 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the online agricultural and food products market has experienced substantial expansion. This study aims to examine the factors influencing consumers' online purchasing behavior, their satisfaction levels regarding price and quality, the frequency of online transactions, and their future purchasing intentions concerning key short-term non-timber forest products. The analysis is based on survey responses obtained from 1,000 consumers across the nation. Results reveal that while online purchasing of non-timber forest products may not be as active compared to other sectors, various consumer behavior characteristics such as online purchase experience, socio-economic variables, online purchase dependency, and information utilization significantly influence purchasing decisions. These findings shed light on the understanding of consumer behavior through online platforms, particularly in non-timber forest products where analytical attempts have been relatively scarce compared to other agricultural products. The insights derived from this analysis could serve as fundamental data for understanding online consumption patterns, especially in sectors where research on consumer behavior remains limited. To expand the consumption of short-shelf-life perishable goods, which relatively have lower online consumption compared to other fresh agricultural products, it is necessary to conduct analyses that identify the socioeconomic characteristics and corresponding needs of consumers. Additionally, analyses should be conducted to explore the potential for developing and utilizing processed foods for online consumption. These analyses should be carried out in conjunction with an understanding the socio-economic characteristics identified in this study.