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The Effect of Hotel Employee's Service Orientation on Service Performance, Job Satisfaction, and Organizational Commitment (호텔기업 종업원의 서비스지향성이 서비스 성과, 직무만족과 조직몰입에 미치는 영향)

  • Park, Dae-Hwan
    • Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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    • v.17 no.4
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    • pp.1-22
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    • 2007
  • Customer satisfaction is important in an increasingly competitive and global marketplace. This implies that customer service is a critical factor for many organizations. In service encounter context, customer satisfaction is affected by employees' attitudes and behaviors. Accordingly, service firms have been focusing on selecting high quality of service employees, which resulted the ability to identify and select quality service- or customer- oriented employees to become critical for an organization's success. It was suggested that customer service orientation links to performance and subsequent organizational revenue. Moreover, it was found that service encounter failures were among the major reasons for customers' service switch. Therefore, the selection of customer service oriented employees is a key factor in establishing customer service - a potential source of sustained competitive advantage. However, the measurement of employee service orientation is more confusing than that of definitive answers. The difficulty of measuring service orientation is attributed to the use of broad versus narrow measures of personality. Advocates for the broad perspective prefer using basic personality constructs, such as the Big Five personality traits. On the contrary, the latter prefer a construct-oriented approach of personality research that provides a better measure of job performance because it requires the specification of the relationship of the personality traits with multiple dimensions of job performance. The customer service orientation was defined as "a set of basic individual predispositions and an inclination to provide service, to be courteous and to be helpful in dealing with customers and associates." Similarly, it is a fact that the Big five personality traits are predictors of customer orientation, and employee's self- and supervisor performance. They propose that basic personality traits may be too far removed from focal service behaviors to be able to predict specific service behaviors (customer orientation) and service worker performance. Also, customer orientation is defined as "an employee's tendency or predisposition to meet customer needs in an on-the-job context." This means that people who have job-relevant personality traits such as concern, empathy, and conscientiousness will be more adept at customer service than people who do not possess these traits. However, little attention has been given to the exploration of the service orientation of customer-contact employees who play a key role in creating satisfactory service encounters in the hospitality industry except for Kim, McCahon, & Miller (2003)'s study, especially in family restaurants context. Thus, the purposes of this study are to examine and validate the customer service orientation of customer-contact employees using the instrument developed by Donavan (1999) in Korean family restaurants, because the scale was developed to measure the personality traits related job behaviors. And this study explores the relationships between customer service orientation, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and self service performance using structural equation modeling (SEM). And this study explores the relationships between customer service orientation, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and self service performance using structural equation modeling (SEM). For these purposes the author developed several hypotheses as follows: H1: Employee's service orientation is associated with service performance. H2: Employee's service orientation is positively associated with job satisfaction. H3: Employee's service orientation is positively associated with organizational commitment. H4: Service performance is positively associated with job satisfaction. H5: Service performance is positively associated with organizational commitment. H6: Job satisfaction is negatively associated with organizational commitment. The data were collected from 278 employees in 5 deluxe hotels located in Pusan, Korea. The researcher contacted the manager of the restaurants, and managers consented to administer surveys to their employees. The survey was executed during one month period in the October of 2007. The data were analyzed with structural equation modeling with LISREL 8.7 W. The result of the overall model analysis appeared as follows: $X^2$=122.638 (p = 0.00), df=59, GFI=.936, AGFI=.901, NFI=.948, CFI=.971, RMSEA=.0625. Since the result of the overall model analysis demonstrated a good fit, we could further analyze our data. The findings can be summarized as follows: First, the greater the employee service orientation, the greater the service performance. Second, the greater the employee service orientation, the greater the job satisfaction. Third, the greater the employee service orientation, the greater the organizational commitment. Fourth, the greater the service performance, the greater the job satisfaction. Fifth, the greater the service performance, the greater the organizational commitment. Finally, the greater the job satisfaction, the greater the organizational commitment. Seventh, the greater the customer satisfaction, the greater the customer loyalty.

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Influence of El Niño on the Production of Spring Kimchi Cabbage in South Korea (국내 노지 봄배추 생산량에 대한 엘니뇨 영향)

  • Shim, Kyo-Moon;Kim, Yongseok;Jung, Myung-Pyo;Kim, Ji-Won;Kang, Kee-Kyung
    • Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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    • v.20 no.4
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    • pp.330-336
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    • 2018
  • El $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$ would cause extreme weather conditions, which would result in a negative impact on crop production. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of El $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$ on spring kimchi cabbabe production for the period from 1981- 2016 in South Korea. In this study, years with less than 1.0 Oceanic $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$ index were classified into non El $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$ years. The other years were classified as El $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$ years. The national average production of spring kimchi cabbage in El $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$ years ($3,800kg\;10a^{-1}$) tended to be less than that in non El $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$ years ($4,016kg\;10a^{-1}$). However, there was no significant differences (p = 0.078) in the production between these groups of years. The averaged production of spring kimchi cabbage of El $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$ end years ($3,707{\pm}331kg\;10a^{-1}$) was less than those of El $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$ start years and non El $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$ years by 186 and $309kg\;10a^{-1}$, respectively. Still, such difference was not significant statistically (p=0.127), either. In contrast, there were provinces where the production of spring kimchi cabbage had significant differences by El $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$ occurrence. For example, El $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$ end years had significantly less spring kimchi cabbage production than El $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$ start years and non El $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$ years in Gangwon (p=0.038) and Gyeongbuk (p=0.053) provinces. It appeared that differences in cabbage production resulted from short sunshine duration, which merits further analysis on the impact of extreme weather condtions during El $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$ years on crop production.

Perceived Weight and Health Behavior Characteristics -Normal and Overweight Middle-aged women- (도시일부 중년여성의 체중상태와 건강행위 선택 비교 연구)

  • 조현숙
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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    • v.26 no.2
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    • pp.387-398
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    • 1996
  • The objective of this study was to clarify whether there are any differences between normal and over-weight middle-aged(40∼59yrs)women in their perceived weight, health status, health conception and health behavior choices. The sample consisted of 39 normal weight and 55 over-weight (11% above on the Body Index Scale) women who live in Juan, Inchon. The Participants were randomly selected in each weight group considering socio-demographic factors. The findings from this study are summarized below. 1) Among the 55 overweight middle-aged women, 16 were above 20% on the Body Index Scale and 14 were above 30%. Twenty-five(45.5%) of the overweight group and 12(30.8%) of the normal weight group had one disease, and there were 12(21.8%) in the overweight group and 8(20.5%) in the normal weight group where one of the family members had a disease, but these differences were not statistically significant. The average monthly family income for the overweight group was ₩l,880,000 compared to ₩2,140, 000 for the normal weight group, but this difference was also not significant. The age range for the whole group was between 40 and 59(mean=46.8 for total, 48.6 for overweight and 45.7 for normal weight group). Again no significant difference found. Occupations were housemaker 53(56.4%), private business(13.8%), salarywoman(9.6%), and teacher (2.1%). Thirty housemaker(54.5%) from the overweight group and 23(59%) from the normal group did not constitute a statistically significant different. For the educational status, 34(61.8%) of the overweight women and 33(84.6%)of the normal weight group finished high school or more educational courses, but there was no significant statistical difference. Eleven(20.0%) of the overweight women and 5(12. 8%) of the normal weight group were single, but again no significant statistical difference was found. 2) A test for difference in health characteristics between two weight groups indicated that two groups do not show statistical differences in their perceived health status, health conception or health behavior choice. That is, the overweight group, also perceive their health status as good as the normal group, and regard ‘Health’ as a state that enables them to carry out social roles and functions rather than as the traditional concept of health as no disease or no symptoms. Moreover. the overweight group selected their health behaviors not for the prevention of diseases or maintenance of health but for promotion of health. To determine if no statistical difference might be related to the overweight group's failure of perceive themselves as overweight, the perceived and objective overweight status were compared by the chi-square analysis, and no difference was found(X/sup²=49.37, df=1, p=.000). However, 7(17.9%) of the normal group perceived themselves as being overweighted and 7(12.7%) of the overweight group thought they were of normal weight. Even though the overweight group employed in this study perceived themselves as being overweight, they regarded themselves as healthy as those in the normal weight group. It was shown that there was no statistical difference between two groups in health conception, and that they chose health behaviors to promote health status. 3) Perceived health conception was shown to be significantly related to health behavior choice (r= .28, p=.006 for whole group : r=.33, p=.014 for overweight group : and r=.12. p=.463 for normal group) .There was an indication that the more complicated the perceived health conception was, the more the trend of health behavior choice to promote health. This was especially true for the overweight group. But, the perceived health status did not related to health behavior choice statistically(r=.13, p=.202), and it was thought that reasons for selecting health behaviors were not related to their health status. That is, the overweight group perceive themselves as healthy as the normal weight group or thought that overweight itself does not incur any risk on their health. Data from two groups were combined and analyzed with multiple regression methodology, because the relationship pattern of the two groups was similar. The analysis showed that health behavior has a significant relationship with age and the perceived health conception(r/sup²=.1517, p=.05, F=8.133). It means they come to health behavior along with their health conception and their age rather than their weights, perceived weight, health status or other social characteristics. This study was intended to understand how overweight middle-aged women perceive ‘weight’ and ‘health’, and how they meet their health related needs in comparison with normal weight middle-aged women. Other factors related to the health behavior in overweight middle-aged woman need to be determined through further descriptive studies outlined in the following recommendations. a) Reseach with the study area expanded. b) Reseach with grouping more detailed : much more overweight and underweight group c) Reseach on restricted relationship between overweight and age or profession. d) Reseach on what overweight middle-aged women do to reduce their weight and what factors motivate them to do it

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The Effect of Benevolence and Communication on Commitment and Switching Intentions : The Automobile Parts Buyer's Perspective (자동차 부품 제조업체와 공급업체 간의 선의와 의사소통이 몰입과 교체의도에 미치는 영향: 구매자의 관점을 중심으로)

  • Kim, Hong-Keun;Lee, Phil-Soo;Kim, Min-Seong;Lee, Yong-Ki
    • Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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    • v.9 no.6
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    • pp.129-144
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    • 2014
  • This study is to examine the effect of mutualistic benevolence, altruistic benevolence, and communication on affective commitment, calculative commitment, and switching intentions and investigate how two commitment dimensions play mediating roles between two benevolence constructs and communication, and switching intentions. For these purposes the author developed a structural model which consists of several constructs. In this model, benevolence factor that consists of mutualistic benevolence and altruistic benevolence, and communication were proposed to affect two commitment constructs and result in, increase switching intentions. Thus, two commitment constructs(e.g., affective and calculative commitment) were proposed as core mediating variables between mutualistic benevolence, altruistic benevolence, and communication, and switching intentions. The data were collected from 210 automobile parts buyers and were analyzed using frequency, reliability, and confirmatory factor analysis and SEM (structural equation model) with SPSS/WIN 20.0 and AMOS 20.0. The data were analyzed with structural equation modeling with AMOS 20.0 and SPSS Win/PC 20.0. The result of the overall model analysis appeared as follows: ${\chi}2=224.885$, d.f=123(${\chi}2/df=1.828$), p=0.000, GFI=.898, AGFI=.859, IFI=.967, NFI=.930, TLI=.958, RMSEA=.063, CFI=.966. Since the result of the overall model analysis demonstrated a good fit, we could further analyze our data. The findings can be summarized as follows: According to structural equation modeling analysis, firstly, mutualistic benevolence has direct effects on calculate commitment and affective commitment. Secondly, altruistic benevolence has a positively direct effect on calculate commitment. Thirdly, communication has a statistically direct effect on affective commitment. Fourthly, calculative commitment has direct effects on affective commitment and switching intentions. Lastly, affective commitment has a direct effect on switching intentions.

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A study for the recovery molybdenum from the dissolved liquid of Mo. with a clean technology (몰리브덴 용해액에서 금속의 몰리브덴회수에 대한 청정기술에 관한 연구)

  • Hong Jong-Soon
    • Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
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    • v.20 no.1 s.55
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    • pp.76-83
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    • 2005
  • The process of reusing the treated water generated during this process and that of recovery of molybdenum from the excessive water were studied. The results were as follows. Molybdenum recollection 1. Reusing processing water generated after dissolving process on FL/20 type, the following were the remaining Mo.'s weights after the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th dissolutions respectively. 1) The result of measuring the quantity of Mo. in processing water(the 1st solving water) generated after the 1st dissolving Mo. process was $369g/\ell$ 2) The result of measuring the quantity of Mo. in processing water(the 2nd solving water) generated after the 1st dissolving Mo. process reusing the 1st solving water was $627.3g/\ell$ 3) The result of measuring the quantity of Mo. in processing water(the 3rd solving water) generated after the dissolving Mo. process reusing the 2nd solving water was $808.11g/\ell$ 4) The result of measuring the quantity of Mo. in processing water(the 4th solving water) generated after the dissolving Mo. process reusing the 3rd solving water was $934.68g/\ell$ 5) The result of measuring the quantity of Mo. in processing water(the 5th solving water) generated after the dissolving Mo. process reusing the 4th solving water was $1023.27g/\ell$ 6) The result of measuring the quantity of Mo. in processing water(the 6th solving water) generated after the dissolving Mo. process reusing the 5th solving water was $1085.29g/\ell$ 2. The followings were the results of recollectings Mo. in processing water respectively generated after dissolving Mo. to produce complete goods df FL/20 type filament. 1) the percentage of recollecting Mo. in the 1st solving water was $93.0\%$ 2) the percentage of recollecting Mo. in the 2nd solving water was $94.5\%$ 3) the percentage of recollecting Mo. in the 3rd solving water was $95.5\%$ 4) the percentage of recollecting Mo. in the 4th solving water was $96.0\%$ 5) the percentage of recollecting Mo. in the 5th solving water was $96.2\%$ 6) the percentage of recollecting Mo. in the 6th solving water was $96.4\%$ 3. The followings were the results of analyzing, with ICP, holding quantities of Mo. in the 6 processing waters to produce FL/20 type filament after passing a 3 staged solid-liquid separator through, dehydrating and drying for more than 3 hours in a dryer to recollect solving Mo. in them 1) the Mo. holding percentage in the 1st solving water was $76.6\%$ 2) the Mo. holding percentage in the 2nd solving water was $76.6\%$ 3) the Mo. holding percentage in the 3rd solving water was $76.6\%$ 4) the Mo. holding percentage in the 4th solving water was $76.6\%$ 5) the Mo. holding percentage in the 5th solving water was $76.6\%$ 6) the Mo. holding percentage in the 6th solving water was $76.6\%$ It was noted that with the number of times the recollecting Mo. percentage become higher, and in spite of much recollecting, without any large effect on the goods the solving water could be reused as the processing water. Because the collected Mo. holding percentages were more than $76\%$, it is considered they are very good one than Chinese Mo. ores with $50\%$ degrees of purity, worthy of recollecting Mo.

Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Economic Traits in Yorkshire (요크셔종에 대한 경제형질의 유전모수 추정)

  • Song, K.L.;Kim, B.W.;Kim, S.D.;Choi, C.S.;Kim, M.J.;Lee, J.G.
    • Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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    • v.44 no.5
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    • pp.499-506
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    • 2002
  • This study was conducted to estimate the heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations among average daily gain, age at 90kg and backfat thickness in Yorkshire pigs. The data were obtained from 2,111 heads of Yorkshire tested at National Livestock Research Institute from May, 1994 to April, 2000. Genetic parameters were estimated with a multiple trait animal model by using DF-REML (Deri- vative-Free REstricted Maximum Likelihood). The results obtained are summarized as follows ; The means of traits studied were 0.871${\pm}$0.124 kg for average daily gain, 145.397${\pm}$11.718 days for age at 90kg and 1.476${\pm}$0.241 cm for backfat thickness. The estimated heritabilities were 0.55 for average daily gain, 0.56 for age at 90kg and 0.55 for backfat thickness. The genetic correlation of average daily gain with age at 90kg and backfat thickness were -0.82, 0.10, respectively. The genetic correlation of age at 90kg with backfat thickness was -0.25. The phenotypic correlations of average daily gain(ADG) with age at 90kg and backfat thickness and age at 90kg with backfat thickness were -0.77, 0.02 and -0.05 respectively. Though phenotypic correlation of ADG and age at 90kg was low, breeding project should be carefully considered by high genetic correlation. High heritabilities on all economic traits were obtained. Therefore, it is considered that suitable selection and management is needed successful improvement.

Polymorphisms in Glutamate Receptor, Ionotropic, N-methyl-D-aspartate 2B(GRIN2B) Genes of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Korean Population : Family-based Association Study (한국인 자폐스펙트럼장애에서 Glutamate Receptor, Ionotropic, N-methyl-D-Aspartate 2B(GRIN2B) 유전자 다형성-가족기반연구)

  • Yoo, Hee Jeong;Cho, In Hee;Park, Mira;Yoo, Hanik K.;Kim, Jin Hee;Kim, Soon Ae
    • Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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    • v.13 no.4
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    • pp.289-298
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    • 2006
  • Objectives : Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental spectrum disorder with a strong genetic component. Previous neurochemical and genetic studies suggested the possible involvement of glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA) receptor in autism. The aim of study was to investigate the association between the NMDA2B receptor gene(GRIN2B) and autism spectrum disorders(ASD) in the Korean population. Methods : The patients with ASD were diagnosed with Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule based on DSM-IV diagnostic classification. The present study was conducted with the detection of four single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) in GRIK2 and family-based association analysis of the single nucleotide polymorphisms in Korean ASD trios using transmission disequilibrium test (TDT). Results : One hundred twenty six patients with ASD and their biological parents were analyzed. 86.5% were male and 85.1% were diagnosed as autistic disorder. The mean age was $71.9{\pm}31.6$ months(range : 26-185 months). We found that rs1805247 showed significantly preferential transmission(TDT ${\chi}^2$=12.8, p<0.001) in ASD. Conclusion : One SNP in GRIN2B gene was significantly associated with ASD in the Korean population. This result suggests the possible involvement of glutamate NMDA receptor gene in the development of ASD.

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Comparison of Daytime Sleepiness between Normal Subjects and Patients with Sleep Disorders and Analysis of Its Clinical Implications (정상인과 수면장애 환자군 간의 주간졸림증 비교 및 임상적 의미 분석)

  • Lee, Jin-Sung;Kim, Seog-Ju;Choi, Jong-Bae;Jeong, Do-Un
    • Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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    • v.9 no.2
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    • pp.106-114
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    • 2002
  • Objectives: Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom and is associated with sleep behavior, sleep deprivation, and night shift, etc. It is also one of the most important symptoms of sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). According to our survey on Korean literature, a few studies have dealt with daytime sleepiness, and we have not been able to locate any study comparing normal subjects with polysomnography-proven sleep disorder patients regarding daytime sleepiness. We aimed at comparing daytime sleepiness among normal healthy daytime workers, medical students being expected to have daytime sleepiness due to chronic sleep deprivation, and patients having sleep disorders diagnosed with polysomnography. We also studied the association between subjective daytime sleepiness and objective polysomnographic findings in patients with sleep disorders. Methods: One hundred three hospital workers, 137 medical students, and patients with sleep disorders were studied. Sleep disorders included OSA, periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS), insomnia, and narcolepsy. The degree of subjective sleepiness in each group was measured by the Korean version of Epworth sleepiness scale and compared. The relationship between polysomnographic findings reflecting severity of sleep disorder in each patient group and subjective sleepiness was analyzed. As for patients with narcolepsy, the relationship between the mean sleep latency and subjective sleepiness was studied. Results: There was a significant difference of ESS score (F=68.190, dF=5.752, p<0.001) among daytime workers, medical students, and sleep disorder patients. In OSA patient group, the degree of the sleepiness had no significant correlation either with mean O2 satuaration (p=0.062) or with RDI (p=0.807). In PLMS patient group, there was no correlation between periodic limb movement index (PLMI) and subjective sleepiness (p=0.761). In narcolepsy patient group, the subjective sleepiness had no correlation with mean sleep latency measured with MSLT (p=0.055). Conclusion: We found a significant difference of subjective sleepiness among daytime workers, medical students, and patients with sleep disorders. However, no consistent correlation was found between severity of subjective sleepiness and objective polysomnographic findings reflecting severity of each sleep disorder. This research confirms that the evaluation of subjective sleepiness is important clinically, but it cannot substitute the objective measures such as nocturnal polysomnography and MSLT.

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Investigation of Physicochemical Properties According to Different Parts and Maturity of Momordica charantia L. (여주열매의 성숙단계 및 부위에 따른 이화학적 특성)

  • Lee, Jang-Won;Lee, Ho-Sun;Na, Young-Wang;Kang, Man-Jung;Jeon, Young-Ah;Sung, Jung-Sook;Ma, Kyung-Ho;Lee, Sok-Young
    • Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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    • v.28 no.4
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    • pp.382-390
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    • 2015
  • Momordica charantia L. is a valuable food and medicinal plant of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) that is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Physicochemical properties of M. charantia based on cultivars, parts and growing stage were investigated. Crude protein contents of leaf were 27.5%, 26.9%, and 23.6% in native leaf (NL), cv. Erabu leaf (EL), and cv. Dragon leaf (DL), respectively. In particular, the crude protein content was the highest in leaves. The crude fat content was in the order of developmental stage 1 of cv. Erabu fruit (EF1) and developmental stage 1 of native fruit (NF1) with values of 4.0%, and 3.9%, respectively. There was also high amount of crude fiber in stem of all three cultivars. The crude ash content was in the order of cv. Erabu leaf, cv. Dragon leaf, and developmental stage 3 of native fruit (NF3) with values of 23.2%, 17.4%, and 13.6%, respectively. The major minerals found in M. charantia were K, Ca, and Mg. The potassium contents of developmental stage 3 of native fruit (NF3), developmental stage 3 of cv. Dragon fruit (DF3), cv. Dragon stem (DS), and developmental stage 2 of native fruit (NF2) were 498.37, 339.21, 314.30, and 307.34 ㎎ /100g, respectively, while the calcium contents were decreased of EL, DL, and NL with values of 513.45, 371.69, and 209.43 ㎎/100g, respectively. The calcium content was higher in leaves and stems than fruits. On the otherhand, the highest magnesium content was measured in EL (69.92 ㎎/100g). The highest contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll were found in NL (442.9 ㎎/100g dw), EL (759.6 ㎎/100g dw), and EL (1164.9 ㎎/100g dw), respectively. The vitamin C contents from developmental stage 2 of cv. Erabu fruit (EF2), NF3, developmental stage 3 of cv. Erabu on fruit (EF3), and NF2 were found with values of 2849.9, 2330.5, 1985.1, and 1844.5 ㎎/㎏, respectively, and found to be higher in Korean cultivar and Erabu fruit than in Dragon. The charantin contents of leaf were higher than the fruit found to be 547.71, 506.04 and 395.62 ㎍/g dw in DL, EL and EF2, respectively. According to the results, mineral contents, total chlorophyll and charantin contents of M. charantia were higher in the leaves (EL and DL) than the fruits. And, vitamin C content was the highest in the fruit (EF2 and EF3). Therefore, much more research needs to be undertaken to use of the leaves as well as fruits. The data showed that M. charantia can be considered a good source of nutrient for application in food system.

Implementation of Man-made Tongue Immobilization Devices in Treating Head and Neck Cancer Patients (두 경부 암 환자의 방사선치료 시 자체 제작한 고정 기구 유용성의 고찰)

  • Baek, Jong-Geal;Kim, Joo-Ho;Lee, Sang-Kyu;Lee, Won-Joo;Yoon, Jong-Won;Cho, Jeong-Hee
    • The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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    • v.20 no.1
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    • pp.1-9
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    • 2008
  • Purpose: For head and neck cancer patients treated with radiation therapy, proper immobilization of intra-oral structures is crucial in reproducing treatment positions and optimizing dose distribution. We produced a man-made tongue immobilization device for each patient subjected to this study. Reproducibility of treatment positions and dose distributions at air-and-tissue interface were compared using man-made tongue immobilization devices and conventional tongue-bites. Materials and Methods: Dental alginate and putty were used in producing man-made tongue immobilization devices. In order to evaluate reproducibility of treatment positions, all patients were CT-simulated, and linac-gram was repeated 5 times with each patient in the treatment position. An acrylic phantom was devised in order to evaluate safety of man-made tongue immobilization devices. Air, water, alginate and putty were placed in the phantom and dose distributions at air-and-tissue interface were calculated using Pinnacle (version 7.6c, Phillips, USA) and measured with EBT film. Two different field sizes (3$\times$3 cm and 5$\times$5 cm) were used for comparison. Results: Evaluation of linac grams showed reproducibility of a treatment position was 4 times more accurate with man-made tongue immobilization devices compared with conventional tongue bites. Patients felt more comfortable using customized tongue immobilization devices during radiation treatment. Air-and-tissue interface dose distributions calculated using Pinnacle were 7.78% and 0.56% for 3$\times$3 cm field and 5$\times$5 cm field respectively. Dose distributions measured with EBT (international specialty products, USA) film were 36.5% and 11.8% for 3$\times$3 cm field and 5$\times$5 cm field respectively. Values from EBT film were higher. Conclusion: Using man-made tongue immobilization devices made of dental alginate and putty in treatment of head and neck cancer patients showed higher reproducibility of treatment position compared with using conventional mouth pieces. Man-made immobilization devices can help optimizing air-and-tissue interface dose distributions and compensating limited accuracy of radiotherapy planning systems in calculating air-tissue interface dose distributions.

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