• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.1-31
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• 2009

This paper empirically examines factors that potentially influence the success of a Web-based semantic search engine. A research model has been proposed that shows the impact of quality-related factors upon the effectiveness of a semantic search engine, based on DeLone and McLean's(2003) information systems success model. An empirical study has been conducted to test hypotheses formulated around the research model, and statistical methods were applied to analyze gathered data and draw conclusions. Implications for academics and practitioners are offered based on the findings of the study. The proposed model includes three quality dimensions of a Web-based semantic search engine-namely, information quality, system quality and service quality. These three dimensions each have measures designed to collectively assess the respective dimension. The model is intended to examine the relationship between measures of these quality dimensions and measures of two dependent constructs, including individuals' net benefit and user satisfaction. Individuals' net benefit was measured by the extent to which the user's information needs were adequately met, whereas user satisfaction was measured by a combination of the perceived satisfaction with search results and the perceived satisfaction with the overall system. A total of 23 hypotheses have been formulated around the model, and a questionnaire survey has been conducted using a functional semantic search website created by KT and Hakia, so as to collect data to validate the model. Copies of a questionnaire form were handed out in person to 160 research associates and employees working in the area of designing and developing semantic search engines. Those who received the form, 148 respondents returned valid responses. The survey form asked respondents to use the given website to answer questions concerning the system. The results of the empirical study have indicated that, of the three quality dimensions, information quality was found to have the strongest association with the effectiveness of a Web-based semantic search engine. This finding is consistent with the observation in the literature that the aspects of the information quality should serve as a basis for evaluating the search outcomes from a semantic search engine. Measures under the information quality dimension that have a positive effect on informational gratification and user satisfaction were found to be recall and currency. Under the system quality dimension, response time and interactivity, were positively related to informational gratification. On the other hand, only one measure under the service quality dimension, reliability was found to have a positive relationship with user satisfaction. The results were based on the seven hypotheses that have been accepted. One may wonder why 15 out of the 23 hypotheses have been rejected and question the theoretical soundness of the model. However, the correlations between independent variables and dependent variables came out to be fairly high. This suggests that the structural equation model yielded results inconsistent with those of coefficient analysis, because the structural equation model intends to examine the relationship among independent variables as well as the relationship between independent variables and dependent variables. The findings offer some useful implications for owners of a semantic search engine, as far as the design and maintenance of the website is concerned. First, the system should be designed to respond to the user's query as fast as possible. Also it should be designed to support the search process by recommending, revising, and choosing a search query, so as to maximize users' interactions with the system. Second, the system should present search results with maximum recall and currency to effectively meet the users' expectations. Third, it should be capable of providing online services in a reliable and trustworthy manner. Finally, effective increase in user satisfaction requires the improvement of quality factors associated with a semantic search engine, which would in turn help increase the informational gratification for users. The proposed model can serve as a useful framework for measuring the success of a Web-based semantic search engine. Applying the search engine success framework to the measurement of search engine effectiveness has the potential to provide an outline of what areas of a semantic search engine needs improvement, in order to better meet information needs of users. Further research will be needed to make this idea a reality.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.224-236
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• 1998

A study was conducted to investigate the blood lead and zinc protoporphyrin(ZPP) concentrations of the underground parking lot workers who exposed to vehicular exhaust aerosols which contained lead. The blood samples were collected from 25 study subjects of underground parking lot and from 33 controls in Taegu, from July to October, 1997. And also the related factors to the blood lead and ZPP concentrations were investigated. Blood lead concentration and ZPP concentration were measured by flameless furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (1L.551) and hemetofluorometer, respectively. The mean blood lead concentrations of study subjects and controls were $23.10{\pm}20.77{\mu}g/dl$ and $12.99{\pm}12.71{\mu}g/dl$, respectively(p<0.05), and the mean blood ZPP concentrations of study subjects and controls were $40.72{\pm}9.46{\mu}g/dl$ and $38.21{\pm}10.97{\mu}g/dl$, respectively. No significant correlations were observed between the blood lead concentration of the study subjects and their job duration and between blood ZPP concentration of the study subjects and their job duration. There were no statistically significant differences in the blood lead concentration and the blood ZPP concentration of smokers and nonsmokers. In multiple regression analysis on blood lead concentration of the study subjects and controls, occupation was a only significant dependent variable. In case of bood ZPP concentration, age was a only significant dependent variable in the study subjects and controls.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.35-42
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• 2014

In this study we analysed frequency and importance of tasks, and education needs of 114 people working in dental clinics to be a reference of dental hygiene curriculum development. The results are as follow: The order of performance frequency is management support, preventive dental treatment, dental treatment assistance and oral health education, and the order of importance level of tasks and education needs is management support, dental treatment assistance, preventive dental treatment and oral health education. There is no statistically significant difference of performance frequency by general characteristics. The tasks considered most important level depending on general characteristics are oral health education in age of 40s (p<0.05), dental treatment assistance in dental hygienists (p<0.05), management support in women (p<0.05), dental hygienists (p<0.05), and more experienced workers (p<0.05). The most need for Educations depending on general characteristics are oral health education in women (p<0.05), dental treatment assistance in women (p<0.001) and dental hygienists (p<0.001), and management support in Seoul region (p<0.05). The importance of tasks and education needs have correlations. The results showed management support and dental treatment assistance are considered important in dental clinics and most needed job competency for dental hygienists.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.724-729
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• 2016

Environmental factors that affect the singing of cicadas have not been studied extensively, especially those affecting the cicadas' singing during the nighttime. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the effects of tropical night and light pollution on the cicadas' singing in a downtown area. The study sites were an apartment complex in Seocho-gu, Seoul, and the Chiaksan National Park in Wonju-si. The study subjects were Hyalessa fuscata and Cryptotympana atrata, which are the dominant species in Korea during summer. Cicada songs were recorded 24 hours a day, every day. The recording period was between July and August, lasting 25 days at the Seoul site and 14 days at the Chiaksan National Park. Temperature, precipitation, humidity, and amount of sunshine were selected as the environmental factors that potentially affect the cicadas' singing. Statistical analyses included correlations of meteorological factors with the cicadas' singing per hour, per 24 hours, and at nighttime (21:00~04:00). The results showed that: 1) H. fuscata began singing during the dawn hours, and the singing increased in intensity early in the morning. C. atrata's singing reached its peak in the morning and afternoon, ceased during sunset hours, thereby exhibiting a difference in the singing pattern of the two species. 2) The frequency of singing by H. fuscata decreased when C. atrata began to sing intensively in numbers, thereby exhibiting interspecific influence. 3) The results of the correlation analysis between meteorological factors and the singing of H. fuscata and C. atrata showed that both species tended to sing more when the temperature was higher and sang less on rainy days. 4) When limited to nighttime only, C. atrata showed a tendency of singing when the nighttime temperature was high ($24-30^{\circ}C$, average $27^{\circ}C$), whereas H. fuscata did not show a correlation with meteorological factors. However, since H. fuscata sang during the night in areas with artificial lighting, it was concluded that its singing was due to light pollution.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.578-592
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• 2015

To investigate characteristics and seasonal variations of carbonaceous species for $PM_{2.5}$ in Seoul metropolitan area, Korea, we measured organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) from January 2014 to December 2014 using a semi-continuous OC/EC Analyzer (Model-4, Sunset Lab.). Mean concentrations of OC and EC were estimated $4.1{\pm}2.7{\mu}g/m^3$ and $1.6{\pm}1.0{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively. The annual averaged OC/EC ratio was $2.9{\pm}2.7$. Concentrations of OC and EC comprised 13% and 5% of $PM_{2.5}$ and the mass fraction of both was the highest in fall. OC and EC showed similar trend in seasonal variations. Concentrations of those showed a clear seasonal variation with the highest in winter and the lowest in summer. The correlations between the two were the best during the winter ($r^2=0.88$). As results of carbonaceous species analysis, the dominant factor in view of fine particle ($PM_{2.5}$) is primary emission source such as mobile, fossil fuel combustion during commute time(08:00~10:00 or 17:00~21:00) and winter season. Continuous monitoring of atmospheric carbonaceous species is essential to provide the science-based data to policy-maker establishing the air quality improvement policy.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.381-391
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• 2009

Purposes : The purpose of this study was to analyze factors that could affect health of radiological technologists, which is useful for health care and development of programs for health promotion. Methods : Subjects were 234 of radiological technologists who work in general hospitals. Some questionnaires were made about perceptions of health condition and promotional behavior of health for this study. The questionnaires of health perception were 20 items that consist of the present condition of health, health concern and sensitivity. The reliability was sufficient(Cronbach's $\alpha=0.79$). The other questionnaires about health promotion behavior were 47 items that consist of self-realization, health responsibility, exercise, nutrition, personal relationships, and stress management. The results turned out to bewas sufficient (Cronbach's $\alpha=0.93$). Every data was treated statistically, comparison of average(t-test, ANOVA), correlation, and multiple regression. Results : Related factors to health promotion behavior were age, marriage, salary, class of one's position, career, employment, and religion, in general features. In health life habit, related factors were smoke and exercise. Results of health promotion behavior was 2.90 of mean score, 0.37 of standard deviation. Correlations between factors of health perception and health promotion behavior was positive(p<0.01). Health promotion behavior were affected by sensitivity, presents condition of health, exercise, smoke, career. Sensitivity was the most affectable variable, which means that promotional behavior score became higher and higher as the score of sensitivity and present condition were increased. In addition, persons who exercise regularly, had been smoked, and has higher career showed higher score of promotional behavior. Conclusion : Radiological technologists have to keep their health, trying not to infected by a disease. Most of all, no smoking and regular exercise are the most important thing to all of members.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.482-489
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• 2010

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether hand-measured carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was a reliable and simple tool that could be used to evaluate the severity of stable coronary artery disease (CAD) with normal high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP). Material and Method: We examined left carotid IMTs in 688 patients with stable CAD and excluded 121 patients with abnormally elevated hs-CRP ($\geq$0.5 mg/dL). We sought to determine the association between risk factors and the severity of stable CAD and carotid IMT in 567 patients who were divided into lower and higher groups based on the median value. Patients underwent a coronary artery angiogram and had at least significant stenosis (>50% of the original luminal diameter involving one or more major coronary artery). Result: Of the 567 patients, 300 (52.9%) were in the lower IMT group and 267 (47.1%) were in the higher IMT group; the median value was 0.76 mm. By multivariable logistic regression analysis, the following groups were different: older age (~49 vs. 70~ years, respectively; OR=6.552), high FBS (~99 vs. 120~ mg/dL; OR=1.713) and severity of CAD (1 vessel vs. 2 vessel disease; OR=1.711, 1 vessel vs. 3 vessel disease; OR=1.714). Conclusion: We conclude that there are correlations between increased carotid IMT and severity of CAD in stable angina patients with normal CRP levels.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.232-243
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to examine factors influencing the meaning of life for middle-aged women. The subjects for the study were 190 middle-aged women who live in Busan. Data were collected from May 25 to June 20, 1999. The instruments for this study were as follows : the meaning of life scale developed by Jung D. R(1978) ; the self-esteem scale developed by Ro, E. Y, Kwon, J. H.(1997) ; the volunteer activity scale developed by Park G. J.(1999), the marital satisfaction scale developed by Choi G. Y.(1999) ; and the health status scale developed by Kim S. Y. (1991). SPSS PC+ was utilized for data analysis. Data were analysed according to frequency and percentage, mean and standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, Sheffe' s test and Pearson' s correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression. The reliability of the tools was tested by Cronbach's $\alpha$ : and it showed reliability scores of 0.88(for the meaning of life tool), 0.81(for the self-esteem tool), 0.94(for the marital satisfaction tool) and 0.78(for the health status tool). The results were as follows: 1) The scores showed that middle-aged women had a moderate level of meaning of life, with a mean of 30.31 and standard deviation of 6.24 (with values ranging from 12.00 to 48.00). The scores showed that middle-aged women had a moderate levels of self-esteem, with a mean of 28.92 and standard deviation of 4.67 (with values ranging from 10.00 to 40.00). The scores showed that middle-aged women had a very low level of volunteer activity, with a mean of 0.87 and standard deviation of 0.93(with values ranging from 0.00 to 1.00). The scores showed that middle-aged women had a moderate level of satisfaction in their marriages, with a mean of 31.99 and standard deviation of 7.84(with values ranging from 12.00 to 48.00). The scores showed that middle-aged women had a moderate level of health status, with a mean of 6.63 and standard deviation of 1.57(with values ranging from 3.00 to 9.00). 2) There was a statistically significant difference of the meaning of life of middle-aged women according to their religion(F=8.930, p=.000), christian ($31.94{\pm}5.96$) had more meaning th life than buddhists ($28.40{\pm}6.23$). 3) There was a statistically significant correlations between the subject' s self-esteem and the her meaning of life(r=0.477, p=0.000), the subject' s level of volunteer activity and meaning of life(r=.428, p=.000), her level of marital satisfaction and meaning of life(r=.417, p=.000), and her level of health status and meaning of life(r=.261, p=.000) among these middle-aged women. 4) Self- esteem was the highest factor influencing the level of meaning of life in middle-aged women. 40.0% of the total variance of levels of meaning of life by was dependent on self-esteem, volunteer activity, marital satisfaction and health status. In conclusion, the higher the self-esteem and levels of volunteer activity, marital satisfaction, and health status of middle-aged women, the higher the meaning of life for them. Therefore, it is necessary to elevate levels of the self-esteem and volunteer activity, marital satisfaction and health status in order to help middle-aged women have more meaning of life.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.184-195
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• 2000

It has been believed that cancer is an omnious factor threatening the future and life itself. Patients having the disease experience anxiety, fear, feeling of weakness, depression and feelings of uncertainty and hopelessness. Most cancer patients, however, have expectations of possible recovery and a better future, very different from the patients who feel hopeless. Therefore. hope allows people to respond effectively to the fatal disease they have and prevents them from detoriorating physically and spiritually, positively influencing their survival, response to treatment and sense of security. Studies previously performed showed that hope is positively correlated with social and family supports, self-esteem, spiritual well-being, responsive action, health promotion behavior and quality of life. Thus, the study attempted to provide basic information on nursing cancer patients by investigating their levels of hope and determining predictive factors which influence hope. For the study 200 cancer patients in two university hospitals located in Pusan were sampled as subjects. Data were collected for twenty nine days from Feburary 1, 1999 to March 1. Instrumets for the study included 10 items from the self-esteem scale by Rosenberg (1965), 39 hope measurements by Kim and Lee(1965), 16 of the social support scale by Tae(1986) and 16 of the general characteristics scale, all of which totaled 81 items. The data were analyzed using the SPSS program. General characteristics of the investigated based on numbers and percentage. Hope, self-esteem and social support were analyzed using means, minimum, maximum and standard deviation. Relations among the foregoing three factors were analyzed using Pearson' correlation coefficient. Levels of hope in cancer patients were determined using t-test, ANOVA and Scheffe test. Predictive factors influencing hope were investigated using multiple stepwise regression analysis. Results of the study are summarized as follows: 1. An average level of hope was $185.55{\pm}23.39$ points(96 min. and 234 max.) 2. Levels of hope showed a significant difference among them according to sex (t=-3.69, P=.000), age(F=4.714, P=.000), job(F=3.247, P=.008), monthly income (F=6.113, P=.003), treatment charge (F=3.796, P=.011), supportive resources (F=10.554, P=.000), diagnosis(F=2.287, P=.029), perceived health status(F=22.184, P=.000), level of pain(F=3.334, P=.021), religion (F=4.911, P=.001) and religion's effect in life (F=11.706, P=.000), 3. For the subjects, self-esteem and social support were $38.32{\pm}7.21$(13 min, and 50 max.) and $52.97{\pm}8.49$points(28 min, 80 max.). Concerning social support, average levels of family support and medical support were found $35.95{\pm}6.05$(18 min, and 40 max) and $27.02{\pm}4.99$ points(20 min and 40 max). The hope the cancer patients showed significant correlations with self-esteem (r=.588, P=.000), family support(r=.224, p=.001) and medical support(r=.221, P=.002). 4. The five variables related to hope (self-esteem, religion's effect in life, perceived health status, social support and age) accounted for 54.2 percent of the hope level; especially, self-esteem was the highest at 34.6%. As shown in the above results, predictive factors which most influence hope in cancer patients were self-esteem and religion's effect of life. Therefore, nursing interventions to increase self-esteem should be developed. Regarding religion's effects, studies on spiritual aspects should be carried out in a way that contributes to promotion of hope.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.10 no.E
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• pp.311-324
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• 1994

The quantitative knowledge of N $O_{\gamma}$ (＝N $O_{x}$ ＋HN $O_3$＋/PAN＋N $O_3$ ＋$N_2$ $O_{5}$ ＋HN $O_2$＋N $O_3$$^{-10}$ ＋organic nitrates＋......)distribution is essential in tropospheric chemistry, especially, especially that related to understanding the processes leading to ozone production. Ambient concentrations of NO, N $O_2$, HN $O_3$ and PAN as well as total N $O_{\gamma}$ were measured during June and early July 1992 at a rural site(Candor, NC), in the central Piedmont region of NC. The measurements of N $O_{\gamma}$ species were made in an effort to provide a comprehensive understanding of nitrogen chemistry and to investigate the total nitrogen budget at the site. N $O_{\gamma}$, N $O_2$, and NO showed diurnal variations with maxima in the morning. The maximum N $O_{\gamma}$ concentration reached was 14.5 ppbv, and the maximum concentrations of NO and N $O_2$ were 5.4 and 7.8 PPbv, respectively. The mean N $O_{\gamma}$ concentration as found to be 2.88$\pm$1.58 ppbv(n=743). The mean concentrations of NO and N $O_2$, were found to be 0.15 $\pm$ 0.29 ppbv(n＝785) and 1.31 $\pm$ 0.99 ppbv(n＝769). Products of photochemical oxidants, (N <$O_{\gamma}$-N $O_{x}$ ), such as HN $O_3$ and PAN, as well as ozone showed diurnal variation with maxima in the afternoon and minima at night The fractions of individual reactive nitrogen species to total N $O_{\gamma}$ were investigated and contrasted to the results from remote marine site and rural continental sites. N $O_{x}$ was the major species to total N $O_{\gamma}$(45%). NO concentrations appeared to be nearly constant whether the Prevailing winds were from continental areas or from oceanic areas. Linear regression of $O_3$ with (N $O_{\gamma}$- N $O_{x}$ )/N $O_{\gamma}$ (i.e. percent N $O_{x}$ converted to the photochemical products of N $O_{\gamma}$) yielded ( $O_3$) ＝25.8 〔 N $O_{\gamma}$-N $O_{x}$ 〕/(N $O_{\gamma}$) ＋27, ( $r^{2}$＝0.58). The regression intercept is interpreted as the ozone back ground (intercept=27ppbv) and the slope suggests that 8.6 molecules of ozone are formed per molecule of N $O_{x}$ oxidized products (when the average N $O_{\gamma}$ concentration, about 3 ppbv at the site, is used). The N $O_{x}$ N $O_{\gamma}$ ratio was used as an indicator of the chemical age of airmasses and the ratio showed strong positive correlations with HN $O_3$( $r^{2}$=0.58), PAN ( $r^{2}$=0.46) and $O_3$( $r^{2}$=0.62). Larger N $O_{\gamma}$ and N $O_{x}$ N $O_{\gamma}$ ratio were found when winds came from continental sides. It may suggest that synoptic meteorological conditions and transport of N $O_{x}$ are important in the distribution of N $O_{\gamma}$ and its relationship with photochemical oxidants at the site.