• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.29-52
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• 2012

Consumers differ in the way they make a purchase. An audio mania would willingly make a bold, yet serious, decision to buy a top-of-the-line home theater system, while he is not interested in replacing his two-decade-old shabby car. On the contrary, an automobile enthusiast wouldn't mind spending forty thousand dollars to buy a new Jaguar convertible, yet cares little about his junky component system. It is product involvement that helps us explain such differences among individuals in the purchase style. Product involvement refers to the extent to which a product is perceived to be important to a consumer (Zaichkowsky, 2001). Product involvement is an important factor that strongly influences consumer's purchase decision-making process, and thus has been of prime interest to consumer behavior researchers. Furthermore, researchers found that involvement is closely related to perceived risk (Dholakia, 2001). While abundant research exists addressing how product involvement relates to overall perceived risk, little attention has been paid to the relationship between involvement and different types of perceived risk in an electronic commerce setting. Given that perceived risk can be a substantial barrier to the online purchase (Jarvenpaa, 2000), research addressing such an issue will offer useful implications on what specific types of perceived risk an online firm should focus on mitigating if it is to increase sales to a fullest potential. Meanwhile, past research has focused on such consumer responses as information search and dissemination as a consequence of involvement, neglecting other behavioral responses like online merchant selection. For one example, will a consumer seriously considering the purchase of a pricey Guzzi bag perceive a great degree of risk associated with online buying and therefore choose to buy it from a digital storefront rather than from an online marketplace to mitigate risk? Will a consumer require greater trust on the part of the online merchant when the perceived risk of online buying is rather high? We intend to find answers to these research questions through an empirical study. This paper explores the impact of enduring product involvement and perceived risks on required trust level, and further on online merchant choice. For the purpose of the research, five types or components of perceived risk are taken into consideration, including financial, performance, delivery, psychological, and social risks. A research model has been built around the constructs under consideration, and 12 hypotheses have been developed based on the research model to examine the relationships between enduring involvement and five components of perceived risk, between five components of perceived risk and required trust level, between enduring involvement and required trust level, and finally between required trust level and preference toward an e-tailer. To attain our research objectives, we conducted an empirical analysis consisting of two phases of data collection: a pilot test and main survey. The pilot test was conducted using 25 college students to ensure that the questionnaire items are clear and straightforward. Then the main survey was conducted using 295 college students at a major university for nine days between December 13, 2010 and December 21, 2010. The measures employed to test the model included eight constructs: (1) enduring involvement, (2) financial risk, (3) performance risk, (4) delivery risk, (5) psychological risk, (6) social risk, (7) required trust level, (8) preference toward an e-tailer. The statistical package, SPSS 17.0, was used to test the internal consistency among the items within the individual measures. Based on the Cronbach's ${\alpha}$ coefficients of the individual measure, the reliability of all the variables is supported. Meanwhile, the Amos 18.0 package was employed to perform a confirmatory factor analysis designed to assess the unidimensionality of the measures. The goodness of fit for the measurement model was satisfied. Unidimensionality was tested using convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity. The statistical evidences proved that the three types of validity were all satisfied. Now the structured equation modeling technique was used to analyze the individual paths along the relationships among the research constructs. The results indicated that enduring involvement has significant positive relationships with all the five components of perceived risk, while only performance risk is significantly related to trust level required by consumers for purchase. It can be inferred from the findings that product performance problems are mostly likely to occur when a merchant behaves in an opportunistic manner. Positive relationships were also found between involvement and required trust level and between required trust level and online merchant choice. Enduring involvement is concerned with the pleasure a consumer derives from a product class and/or with the desire for knowledge for the product class, and thus is likely to motivate the consumer to look for ways of mitigating perceived risk by requiring a higher level of trust on the part of the online merchant. Likewise, a consumer requiring a high level of trust on the merchant will choose a digital storefront rather than an e-marketplace, since a digital storefront is believed to be trustworthier than an e-marketplace, as it fulfills orders by itself rather than acting as an intermediary. The findings of the present research provide both academic and practical implications. The first academic implication is that enduring product involvement is a strong motivator of consumer responses, especially the selection of a merchant, in the context of electronic shopping. Secondly, academicians are advised to pay attention to the finding that an individual component or type of perceived risk can be used as an important research construct, since it would allow one to pinpoint the specific types of risk that are influenced by antecedents or that influence consequents. Meanwhile, our research provides implications useful for online merchants (both online storefronts and e-marketplaces). Merchants may develop strategies to attract consumers by managing perceived performance risk involved in purchase decisions, since it was found to have significant positive relationship with the level of trust required by a consumer on the part of the merchant. One way to manage performance risk would be to thoroughly examine the product before shipping to ensure that it has no deficiencies or flaws. Secondly, digital storefronts are advised to focus on symbolic goods (e.g., cars, cell phones, fashion outfits, and handbags) in which consumers are relatively more involved than others, whereas e- marketplaces should put their emphasis on non-symbolic goods (e.g., drinks, books, MP3 players, and bike accessories).

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.1-16
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• 2022

Although start-up is a key national strategy to increase national competitiveness and create employment, the survival rate of start-ups has not improved significantly. This is an important reason for the inability to provide timely and appropriate support to startups, which are in the early stages of start-up, due to the unique limitations of existing start-up support institutions and investors. The relatively recent accelerator is attracting attention as a subject of solving the above problems through professional incubation and investment. However, there are only a few empirical studies on investment determinants that affect the survival and success of accelerators, and there is a lack of theoretical evidence. Accordingly, in previous studies, 12 investment determinants were derived from a static, strategic, and dynamic perspective as accelerator investment determinants based on a business model innovation framework. This study subdivided the accelerator investment determinants derived through previous studies into 21 and analyzed the importance and priority of each factor using AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) analysis technique for domestic accelerator investment experts. As a result of the analysis, the top factors of importance of accelerator investment determinants were in the order of 'human resources', 'customer and market', 'intellectual resources', and 'entrepreneur's ability to realize opportunities'. It can be seen that the accelerator considers the core competencies of startups to implement solutions as the most important factor when making startup investment decisions. It was also confirmed that accelerators are strategic to create a clear value proposition and differentiated market position based on the core competitiveness of startups, and that the core value delivery method prefers a market-oriented business model and recognizes entrepreneurs's innovation capability is an important factor to realize a business model with limited resources in a rapidly changing market. This study is of academic significance in that it analyzes the importance and priority of accelerator investment determinants through demonstration as a follow-up study on accelerator investment determinants derived based on business model innovation theory that reflects the nature, goals, and major activities of accelerator investment. In addition, it is of practical value as it contributes to revitalizing the domestic startup investment ecosystem by providing accelerators with theoretical grounds for investment decisions and specific information on detailed investment determinants.

• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.187-198
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• 2008

There are usually plenty of material inventories in a construction site. More inventories can meet unexpected demands, and also they may have an economical advantage by avoiding a probable escalation of raw material costs. On the other hand, these inventories also cause negative aspects to increase costs for storing redundant inventory as well as decreasing construction productivity. Therefore, a proper method of deciding an optimal level of material inventories while considering dynamic variations of resources under uncertainty is very crucial for the economical efficiency of construction projects. This research presents a stochastic modelling method for construction operations, particularly targeting a work process involving on-site fabrication of raw materials like iron-rebar process (delivery, cut and assembly, and placement). To develop the model, we apply the concept of factory physics to depict the overall components of a system. Then, an optimal inventory management model is devised to support purchase decisions where users can make timely actions on how much to order and when to buy raw materials. Also, optimal time lag, which minimizes the storage time for pre-assembled materials, is obtained. To verify this method, a real case is applied to elicit an optimal amount of inventory and time lag. It is found that average values as well as variability of inventory level decreased significantly so as to minimize economic costs related to inventory management under uncertain project condition.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 2010

The main purpose of this study was to identify the service quality of some dental clinics located in Gwangju and find an association between service quality and patient's intention to re-visit the same dental clinic. The search objects were 197 patients from five dental clinics, and data collected by self-administered questionnaire which was composed general characteristics, characteristics relating to visit of clinics, quality of service, patients satisfaction and intentions to re-visit. The used statistical analysis to find the association between quality of service and intention to re-visit was multiple regression analysis. This study looked at relations between quality of dental service, service satisfaction and intentions to visit again, and found that quality of service including six service areas had a statistically significant positive correlations with satisfaction and intentions of re-visit. When this study conducted a multiple regression analysis to identify variables that influence intentions of re-visit, it found that patients revisited the dental clinic only when quality of service was included. In conclusion, quality of service evaluated by patients influenced on their intention of re-visit and especially. Therefore, this study concludes that improvement in satisfaction and intentions of re-visit relies on Accessibility, that is, providing of medical information, consultant telephone, how delivery the dental medical system is. Service quality of dental institutes measured by SERVQUAL model and intention to re-visit.

• The Journal of Fisheries Business Administration
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.25-52
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• 2010

The purpose of this paper is to suggest major strategies and necessary new projects for the medium- and long-term development of the Korean Fisheries Outlook Project. To suggest the Korean Fisheries Outlook Center with the above purpose, this paper employs Analytic Hierarchy Process analysis based on surveys obtained by special groups related with the KFOP. The survey is broadly composed of two goals; the medium- and long-term development directions and setting up of new furtherance projects. Each goal has upper and lower strategies respectively. The first goal, the medium- and long-term development directions, has four factors as upper strategies. The upper strategies are composed of accuracy, efficiency, timeliness, and political effectiveness of the fisheries outlook information. In addition, each upper strategy has three lower strategies respectively. For example, accuracy of the fisheries outlook information includes strength of data collection function, strength of satellite photography function, and strength of data analysis function. The second goal, setting up of new furtherance projects, has three factors as upper strategies. The upper strategies consist of accuracy promotion of outlook information using high-technique, field expansion of outlook species, and strength of analyzing function on oversea fisheries information. Each upper strategy has three lower strategies respectively. For instant, accuracy promotion of outlook information using high-technique has strength of information analysis function covered from production to consumption, strength of satellite information function, and structure of forecasting model on demand and supply by outlook species. The above upper and lower strategies were analytically drawn out through insightful interviews with special groups such as officials of the government, presidents of the producer and distributor groups, and researchers of the Korea Maritime Institute and other research institutes. As a result of AHP analysis, first, priorities of upper strategies with the medium- and long-term development directions are analyzed as accuracy, timeliness, political effectiveness, and efficiency in order. Also, priorities of all lower strategies reflecting priorities of upper strategies are examined as includes strength of data collection function on the fisheries outlook information, delivery of rapid information on outlook products for all people interested, strength of data analysis function on fisheries outlook information, strength of consumption outlook function on fish products, and strength of early warning system for domestic fish products in order. Second, priorities of upper strategies with the setting up of new furtherance projects are analyzed as accuracy promotion of outlook information using high-technique, field expansion of outlook species, and strength of analysis function on oversea fisheries information in order. In addition, priorities of all lower strategies reflecting priorities of upper strategies are examined as building up of forecasting model on demand and supply by outlook species, strength of information analysis function covering all steps from production to consumption, expansion of consumption outlook for consumers, strength of movement analysis function of oversea farming industry, and outlook expansion of farming species.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.511-522
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• 2007

Introduction : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility of the acellular dermal matrix (ADM) as a barrier membrane for bone regeneration, and to evaluate the osteogenic effect of ADM as a carrier system for rhBMP-2 in the rat calvarial defect model. Materials and Methods: An 8-mm, calvarial, critical-size osteotomy defect was created in each of 60 male Spraque-Dawley rats(weight $250{\sim}300g$). Three groups of 20 animals, each received either rhBMP-2(0.025mg/ml) in an ADM carrier, ADM only, or negative surgical control. And each group was divided into 2- and 8-weeks healing intervals. The groups were evaluated by histologic and histomorphometric parameters(10 animals/group/healing intervals). Data were expressed as $means{\pm}standard$ deviations($m{\pm}SD$). Comparisons between experimental and control groups were made using two-way ANOVA and post hoc t-test. Comparisons between 2 weeks and 8 weeks were made using paired t-test. The level of statistical difference was defined as P< 0.05. Results : The ADM group and rhBMP-2/ADM group results in enhanced local bone formation in the rat calvarial defect at both 2 and 8 weeks. The amount of defect closure and new bone formation were significantly greater in the rhBMP-2/ADM group relative to ADM group(P<0.05). At 8 weeks, the majority of ADM in the defect was contracted, and integrated with surrounding host tissues. In addition, host cell infiltration and neovascularization of the ADM in the absence of an inflammatory response were observed, and the newly formed bone around ADM showed a continuous remodeling and consolidation. Conclusion : The results of the present study indicated that ADM may be used as a barrier membrane for bone regeneration and that may be employed as a delivery system for BMPs.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.27-45
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• 2008

This research focused on a total of 378 patients with external injuries under the age of 14 who visited the emergency center at a university hospital in Korea, during the months of January, April, August and November between January and December of 2007. In addition, the survey was conducted only on even number days and ranged across the whole year to reflect the impact of seasonal characteristics on the collected data. The research focused on determining the characteristics and inflicting cause of these patients with external injuries, analyzed the total time spent in the emergency room and obtained the following results. 1. When classifying the patients into different genders, the proportion of males (67.5%) was higher than that of females (32.5%). According to the different age groups, the highest ratio, at 61.1 %, was patients under the age of six. 2. Looking at the total number of minutes spent in the emergency room, the longest amount of time occurred during April with 162.7 minutes, followed by 121.9 minutes in January and 92.4 minutes in November. August had the shortest period of time spent in the emergency room, a significant statistical difference from the other periods of the year (p<0.001). 3. Regarding the amount of time required for each examination, patients required to provide a urine test spent an average of 204.7 minutes while those who did not spent 113.5 minutes on average. This is a 5% statistical difference among the two groups (p>0.05). 4. Looking at the five most commonly diagnosed problems in the emergency room, the total number of people with these top five commonly diagnosed illnesses comprised 55.6%, or 210 patients out of 378. 5. Utilizing the Decision Tree Model to estimate the total number of minutes required per visit, the first classifications were made using a chemical examination factor. People subject to chemical classification spent an average of 177.7 minutes, which was longer than the overall average of 115.2 minutes, and those exempt from chemical examination spent an average of 103.8 minutes, which was shorter than the average Conclusion; Effort to curtail the total time spent in emergency rooms is vital in guaranteeing efficient management of hospitals and providing medical services. The delay experienced by many comprehensive professional medical centers must be resolved through the establishment of effective delivery of medical services, increased supply of patient rooms and other policy oriented implementations. However, for now, this problem must be resolved by increasing the level of patient satisfaction and guaranteeing effective operation of patient rooms, which will significantly contribute to the general management and success of hospitals and institutions.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.225-233
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• 2003

The goal of a radiation treatment plan is to deliver a homogeneous dose to a target with minimal irradiation of the adjacent normal tissues. Dose uniformity is especially important for stereotactic radiosurgery using a linear accelerator. The dose uniformity and high dose delivery of a single spherical dose distribution exceed 70％. This also results with a similar stereotactic radiosurgical plan using a Gamma Knife. The dose distribution produced in a stereotactic radiosurgical plan using a Gamma Knife and Linear accelerator is spherical, and the application of the sphere packing arrangement in a real radiosurgical plan requires much time and skill. In this study, we found a characteristic of dose distribution with transformation of beam parameters that must be considered in a radiosurgical plan for effective radiosurgery. First, we assumed a cylinder type tumor model and a cube type tumor model. Secondly, the results of the tumor models were compared and analyzed with dose profiles and DVH_(Dose Volume Histogram) representative dose distribution. We found the optimal composition of beam parameters_(i.e. collimator size, number of isocenter, gap of isocenters etc.), which allowed the tumor models to be involved in the isodose curve at a high level. In conclusion, the characteristics found in this study are helpful for improving the effectiveness and speed of a radiosurgical plan for stereotactic radiosurgery.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.133-145
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• 1999

The purposesof the study are to analyze the community nursing center in U.S.A and to develop the model of nursing care system based on nurse-midwifery clinic in community for women's health in Korea. 1. In America nursing center is defined as nurse-anchored system of primary care delivery or neighborhood health center. Nursing centers are identified the following four types: (1) community outreach centers, which are similar to traditional public health clinics: (2) institutional-based centers following the mission of a large institution, such as a hospital or university: (3) wellness/health promotion centers, which offer screening, education, counseling, triage, and health maintenance services: and (4) independent practice. Nursing centers are a concept of services provided by nurses in practice arrangements in a community. Nursing centers offer a variety of services, ranging from primary care provided by advanced practice nurses with medical acute management and nursing care to the more traditional education, health promotion, screening wellness and coordination services. Some services, such as the care provided by advanced practice nurses are reimbursed under various insurance plan in some instances and states, where as others, such as preventive and educational services, are not. Thus, lack of reimbursement has threatened the survival of some centers. Licensing of nursing centers varies by state and program and accreditation of nursing centers is also limited. 52% of centers are affiliated with another facility and 48% are freestanding centers. The number of registered nurse at the nursing centers ranges from just one to 115, with a mean of eight RNs peragency and a median of three. Nursing centers avail ability varies: 14% are open 24 hours, 27% have variable short hours, 23% are open 6-7 days per week, and 36% are open Monday- Friday. As the result of my visiting three health centers in Seattle and San Francisco, the women's primary care nurse practitioners focus on a systematic and comprehensive assessment of the health status of women and diagnosis and management of common physical and psychosocial health concerns of women in ambulatory settings. Therapeutic nursing strategies are directed toward self-care, risk reoduction, health surveillance, stress reduction, healthy nutrition, social support, healthy coping, psychological well-being, and pharmacological therapy. They function as primary care providers for the well ness and illness care of women from adolescence through the older adult years and pregnant families. 2. In Korea a nurse-midwife practices independently for pregnant women's health including childbearing family at her own clinic in community. Her services are reimbursed under national health insurance but they are not paid on a fee-for-service schedule covering items. Analyzing the nursing centers in America, I suggest that nurse-midwifery clinics offer primary care for women and home care for chronic ill patients. The health law and health insurance policy should be reovised in order to expand nurse-midwife's and home care nurse's roles at nurse-midwifery clinic.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.231-257
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• 2014

In general, furniture industry, with its high foreign dependency, has serious logistics issues that are commonly raised in such countries as Korea, China and Japan. This leads to my different possibilities & ways of rationalizing the logistics systems that utilize port hinterlands. Thus the purpose of the present paper is to create new logistics systems which will work effectively across the three countries. In this research study, we came up with 2 logistics models in which the port hinterland of Busan serves as the distribution center for furniture industry, and the models were suggested as the cooperative logistics business systems for the North-east asian region. In the proposed models, 'Busan furniture logistics center' has the dual functions of 'the cross-docking center from China to Japan' and 'the assembly & delivery center for furniture imported by Japan'. To have this logistics business center materialized, we propose that policy-level supports from the relevant port authorities be provided in the following three aspects: overseas investment promotion focused on the furniture industry of Japan, protection & enhancement of competitiveness for the port of Busan, and uilization plans for the new port hinterland of the city.