• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.429-434
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• 2004

In this paper, we designed a reconfigurable slot antenna using sequentially voltage-applied RF MEMS switches. In order to obtain pull-in voltage and maximum stress of the MEMS switches, the switch structures in accordance with airgap height was analyzed by ANSYS simulation A actuation voltage of MEMS switches can be determined by switch geometry and airgap height between a movable plate and a bottom plate. The designed lengths of MEMS switches were 240 $\mu\textrm{m}$, 320 $\mu\textrm{m}$, 400 $\mu\textrm{m}$, respectively and the airgap was 6$\mu\textrm{m}$. The total size of the designed slot antenna was 10 mm x 10 mm and the slot length and width were 500 $\mu\textrm{m}$ and 200 $\mu\textrm{m}$, respectively. The length and size of the CPW feedline were 5 mm and 30-80-30 $\mu\textrm{m}$, respectively. and then the size of the CPW in the slot was 50-300-150 $\mu\textrm{m}$. The tuning of the resonant frequency of the proposed device is realized by varying the electrical length of the antenna, which is controlled by applying the DC bias voltages to the RF MEMS switches. The designed slot antenna has been simulated, fabricated and measured.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.35 no.12
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• pp.1301-1307
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• 2011

Electrosurgical knee wand (EKW) is a high-frequency thermocautery instrument and is often used for coagulation, ablation, excision, and extirpation of knee ligaments and tissues. In order to maximize the success rate, ease, and safety of knee surgery using EKW and radiofrequency ablation, it is necessary to ensure that the EKW selectively approaches the lesion with utmost accuracy and safety. The key feature of this instrument is its excellent maneuverability. Hence, the authors constructed a tensile spring model based on a shape memory alloy (SMA), which exhibits the shape memory effect. This model can be used in knee surgery as it is considered the most biocompatible femorotibial surgical actuator. The changes in external temperature with current and the thermoelectric characteristics of the SMA were investigated. The relationship between the restoring force and the typical stroke (TS) in response to the conditions in the SMA tensile spring design were evaluated. In conclusion, as the diameter of the SMA tensile spring decreased, the maximum temperature increased. The strain in the actuator caused a stable and proportional increase in the force and induced current for up to 15s, but this increase became very unstable after 30s. Moreover, the relationship between the current and the TS was more stable than that between the current and the restoring force.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.12 no.10
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• pp.4403-4410
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate on the safety knowledge level, and to identify the factors that affect the safety knowledge according to general characteristics of scuba divers. This research design was a descriptive study. Data of 179 scuba divers were collected from October 17, 2010 to June 17, 2011. Data were analyzed by SPSS PASW statistics 18.0 program. The mean score of safety knowledge related to diving was 2.07(${\pm}0.54$)(score range was 1~4). The highest score was safety knowledge to cope with the cold($2.42{\pm}0.64$점). The lowest score was safety knowledge for hyperexpansion of lungs. In the results of multivariate regression analysis after variable selection, Adjusted $R^2$ value was 0.567. The model fit was 56.7%. The factors that affect the safety knowledge were age(${\leqq}29$ years), equipment(all purchase, some lease), motivation(job), participation period(${\leqq}11$ months) and frequency(once a month)(p<.05, p<.001). It is necessary to develop and conduct the educational program for scuba divers safety at country level.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.45-52
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• 2016

Purpose - This study was conducted to present a study on the perception and satisfaction with the brand agricultural products targeted at consumers who use a lot of local products. According to the data of 2011, the total number of the brand agricultural products of Korea is 5,291 with various kinds. Research design, data and methodology - The survey shows that the brand agricultural products are being used by some specific people. However, it can be a useful idea which can help the consumption of brand agricultural products to be expanded if we understand how consumers' recognitions are different between various groups. For an empirical Analysis, the response data of 110 adult patients residing in the metropolitan area were used and conducted with a factor analysis, frequency analysis in order to ensure the validity and conducted a regression analysis and correlation analysis using SPSS statistical program. Results - According to the analysis, it showed consumers with an interest in brand agricultural products are 40-50 age housewives and the middle class of about 5 million won in monthly income more than 3 million won with a college education. As for consumers' purchasing status, all the subjects said that they had experienced buying brand agricultural products and the level of satisfaction for them was very high. Relatively, consumers' satisfaction level with high income and education is high. And recognition of the brand agricultural products was found mainly goes through word of mouth. The age and income are very important factors in customers' repurchase for brand agricultural products. The result of the analysis for the influences on brand agricultural products of customer satisfaction suggests even if the recognitions for safety, quality, and value are vital factors, the recognition of quality doesn't influence on brand agricultural products statistically and significantly. It was analysed if there were any differences between recognitions by group to brand agricultural products, that is to say recognition of safety, quality and value and the result can be summarized as follows. There are all statistical significant differences depending on their age, educational background and income. In the case of 30 or 40 aged, as they got the education level of college and graduate school and earned relatively high income, most customers have positive recognition on the brand agricultural products. This implies the group which can buy and consume the brand agricultural more easily has much more positive recognition. Conclusion - The results of this study shows consumers' brand awareness and satisfaction with brand agricultural products are affected by their age and income level. The purpose of this study is to find the information that can help brand agricultural products markets to be expanded by understanding the factors which encourage consumers to behave repurchase as well as customers' various levels of recognition to the brand agricultural products. The survey says that brand agricultural products are being used by some specific people.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.53-63
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• 2016

Purpose - This study examines the effects of the influence strategies on sales representative and headquarter trust, and investigates how sales representative trust plays a mediating role in the relationship between influence strategies and headquarter trust. For these purposes, a structural model which consists of several constructs was developed. In this model, influence strategies that consist of relational influence strategies (information exchange, recommend, promise) and mandatory influence strategies (legal plea, request, threat) were proposed to affect the sales representative trust and in turn, increase the headquarter trust. Thus, this study proposed that sale representative trust plays a core mediating role in the relationship between relational and mandatory influence strategies and headquarter trust in B2B food materials distribution context. Research design, data, and methodology - For these purposes, the authors collected the data from 208 B2B specialized complex agents. We used the 2,200 B2B specialized complex agents which trade with CJ, Ottogi, and Daesang firms and supply food materials to restaurant, school cafeteria, supermarket and traditional market as a sample frame. Once we identified 330 B2B specialized complex agent owners, CEOs, and/or Directors who had agreed to participate in this study, we dropped off a questionnaire at each B2B specialized complex agent and explained the purpose of this study. The survey was conducted from October 1, 2015 to December 15, 2015. A total of 230 questionnaires were collected. Of these collected questionnaires, 28 questionnaires excluded since they had not been fully completed. The data were analyzed using frequency test, reliability test, measurement model analysis, and structural equation modeling with SPSS and SmartPLS 2. Results - First, information exchange, recommendation, and promise of relational influence strategies had positive effects on sales representative trust. The threat of mandatory influence strategies had a negative effect on sales representative trust, but legal plea and request did not have a significant effect on sales representative trust. Second, information exchange and recommendation of relational influence strategies had positive effects on headquarter trust, but promise did not. Also, legal plea, request, and threat of mandatory influence strategies did not have a significant effect on headquarter trust. Third, this findings show that sales representative trust plays a partial mediator between information exchange and headquarter trust, and threat and headquarter trust, and a full mediator between promise and headquarter trust, and recommendation and headquarter trust. Conclusions - The aim of this study was to examine the effects how diverse dimensions of relational and mandatory influence strategies relate to sales representative trust and headquarter trust. To do so, we integrated the influence strategies and the trust transfer theory to hypothesize that various influence strategies increase sales representative and headquarter trust. The findings of this study suggest that headquarter firms should establish and enforce proper influence strategies guidelines to make clear what proper actions sales representatives should implement in relationship with B2B specialized complex agents. Also, relational and mandatory influence strategies must be regarded as a long-term and ongoing strategy that eventually build a long-term orientation with B2B specialized complex agents and guarantee a company's sustainable growth and success.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.91-96
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• 2015

Purpose - This study reviews the delivery of child welfare service quality and examines how the dimensions of the variables of customer satisfaction impact the results from a service distribution perspective. This study differs from existing research since it proposes that a recognized level of child welfare service quality is necessary to achieve customer satisfaction from the perspective of service distribution. Research design, data, and methodology - This study explores child welfare service quality factors that affect customer satisfaction. The study examines and analyzes demographic variables, service quality dimensions, and the causal relationships between child welfare service quality and customer satisfaction. Data from 300 child welfare cases were collected from organizations in Korea in the areas of Busan and Gyeongsangnamdo. The methods of analysis are as follow. First, using descriptive analysis frequency, the percentages were evaluated to assess the demographic variables. Second, Cronbach's α was used to test reliability and to evaluate the internal consistency of the measuring of items. Third, multiple regression analysis was conducted to find out how much the independent variable can affect customer satisfaction. Results - Five factors of child welfare service quality were identified in three categories: process quality (assurance, empathy), results quality (reliability, caring), and physical environment quality (tangibles). There were significant differences among the effects of the child welfare service quality factors on customer satisfaction. A multiple regression analysis was done with process quality (assurance, empathy), results quality (reliability, caring) and physical environment quality (tangibles) to test the hypothesis: assurance (t=2.434, p<0.05), empathy (t=3.677, p<0.001), reliability (t=3.271, p<0.05), caring (t=4.380, p<0.000), and tangibles (t=3.654, p<0.01) had a positive influence on child welfare service quality from a service distribution perspective. Therefore, hypotheses 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were supported. In addition, multiple regression analysis on the effects of the variables showed that caring (β=0.273), empathy (β=0.246), tangibles (β=0.265), reliability (β=0.152), and assurance (β=0.131) all had a positive and strong influence on child welfare service quality from a service distribution perspective. Therefore, all child welfare service quality categories (process, results and physical environment quality) were positively statistically significant. Conclusion - In this study, the main findings can be summarized as follows. First, the quality of service of child welfare consists of three dimensions of quality: process quality, results quality, and physical environment quality. The results of the multiple regression analysis also showed that caring and reliability were confirmed as more meaningful variables by the increasing loading factors. Second, the family members involved in child welfare proposed caring as the most important variable among the dimensions of service quality. Third, the results of the hypothesis testing using regression showed that all child welfare service quality factors had a positive impact on customer satisfaction. The results of the study could provide useful information to help increase the effectiveness of delivery strategies for child welfare service quality from a service distribution perspective.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.11 no.10
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• pp.47-53
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• 2013

Purpose - Six months have passed since the amendment of the SSM regulation law; however, as yet, there is no confirmed research or report on the effects of this amendment, which are indefinite. Further, there have been no attempts to study the effects of the SSM regulation law from the consumers' viewpoint, which is important because consumers are the main agents that are greatly influenced by the amendment law. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the consumers' attitude toward the SSM regulation law as well as the effects of the SSM regulation law on the changes in purchase behavior. Research design, data, and methodology - This study was initiated from four research problems that are linked to consumer reaction to the SSM regulation law. Research problem 1: What is the consumers' reaction (perception, attitude, and perceived fairness) to the SSM regulation law? Research problem 2: How do the consumers' reactions to the SSM regulation law differ by consumers' characteristics? Research problem 3: Could the SSM regulation law change a consumer's purchase behavior? Research problem 4: Is it necessary to amend the SSM regulation law? This study collected the data through the interview and survey of housewives for the purpose of solving the research problems. The interview was conducted as a pilot study for the field survey. We interviewed three housewives, who were: an employed housewife, a full-time homemaker, and a manager of a housewife club, respectively. We then conducted a field survey of 232 housewives who were housewife club members or elementary school parents in Chunghcheong-do. Results - We verified the reliability and validity of the data, and analyzed it to solve the research problems. The main findings of this study were as follows. First, consumers still have a positive attitude toward large discount chains and SSM, which has been the case since the law was introduced. Second, perceived risk of consumers associated with traditional markets and small neighborhood shops was low. Third, consumers think that amendments of the SSM regulation law are important, and they positively assess the satisfaction, necessity, and propriety of the law. Fourth, although the SSM regulation law caused inconvenience to consumers, this law did not have any influence on the usage frequency and the use-behavior of large discount chains. Finally, consumers reacted very negatively to the toughening up of the SSM regulation law. Conclusions - In short, consumers still have a positive attitude toward the SSM regulation law. However, this act did not have any influence on the use-behavior of large discount chains (General Super Market). Thus, policy making authorities require active communication and promotions to enhance the effect of the SSM regulation law. This study was of the nature of exploratory research, which did not focus on hypothesis testing, but on finding solutions to the research problems. Therefore, this study is no more than a simple data analysis. Future studies should attempt to investigate the actual effects of the SSM regulation law, on the basis of sufficient literature review and real sales data.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.11 no.10
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• pp.107-116
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• 2013

Purpose - Eggs are nutritionally complete and one of the most popular natural foods. Moreover, the poultry industry is one of the important food industries. However, early industrialization of the poultry industry on its own did not lead to further development compared to other livestock industries. In this study, we investigate what factors influence consumers' behavior and how consumers' understanding of retail business affects their propensity to consume. This study is different from other studies as it analyzes how the brand names of manufacturers and distribution companies affect the purchasing characteristics or actual purchase behavior of consumers in order to suggest how these manufacturers and distribution companies can increase their competitiveness. Research design, data, methodology - This study conducted a survey of 250 randomly selected egg purchasers in discount stores from January to April 2013. Consumers' purchase tendencies were calculated through frequency analysis. This result was then utilized using cluster analysis to draw a conclusion about which purchase tendency influenced consumers buying three different brands of eggs or whether this tendency really affected consumers. As a result, the outcomes of Hypotheses 2 and 3 were not clear so we drew a conclusion with our analysis of Hypothesis 1. Results - While the outcomes of Hypotheses 2 and 3 did not clearly indicate whether purchasing tendencies affected consumers when buying eggs, our analysis of Hypothesis 1 indicated that consumers were affected by the quality of the eggs rather than exterior factors such as the brand name. Thus, we concluded that it is important to promote the excellence of the quality of the eggs. Usually firms buy eggs from farms and repackage them in order to sell them. In this sense, if consumers were aware of this egg production process, and eggs were fairly distributed to retailers, large retail PB businesses would also be able to enhance their competitiveness. Conclusions - The brand, packaging, retail outlet, and other external features influenced the purchase of eggs to a certain degree, while shelf life, grade of the eggs, cleanliness, and other intrinsic characteristics had more influence. In particular, shelf life was the most important factor influencing purchase. Consumers were influenced not only by intrinsic characteristics of the eggs but also by large-scale producers' brands. Consumers relied upon the brand despite reduced competition because they found it difficult to identify shelf life and/or cleanliness. Small businesses and/or large-scale retailers can remain competitive by maintaining the freshness and cleanliness of the eggs. Further studies need to investigate areas in which consumers' cognition of the product is poor and/or the purchase inclination with regard to less developed industries such as eggs. In this study, the greatest problem was that consumers did not consume in accordance with the current situation as consumers have preferred fresh and clean eggs for a long time compared to purchase decisions based on external brands and/or packaging.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.10 no.7
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• pp.5-11
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• 2012

The core objective of this research article is to investigate different challenges and opportunities in management as well as start-ups of small businesses in India. The prudence behind this research is to examine various problems in front of the small businesses and to offer vital support and cooperation to overcome those with the support of concerned institutions through consultancy and training programs. The researchers have an intention to make available the research results to the governmental agencies, concerned small business institutions and also to the educational institutions which are continually design plans, programs, policies and strategies to upgrade the managerial and technical dexterities of the small business Indian operators. After thorough revision of relevant literature on small businesses and its management, the researchers used a well structured questionnaire and in-depth personal interviews with 586small business operators selected from manufacturing, trading (retailing and wholesaling), finance, servicing/repair businesses which are located in the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh in India. The researchers have used convenience sampling and collected data was analyzed with the support of Microsoft Excel and frequency distribution. Noticeably, majority of the small businessmen in India are facing myriad number of challenges both in management and at the time of establishment of their business operations. In particular, 72.47 percent of small businesses operators' have substantiated their strong opinion towards the challenges they are facing particularly finance, marketing and other problems while managing their businesses. The researchers also attempted to get the opinions on problems of the various categories of small businesses while starting their operations. A staggering 68percent of respondents identified the problems related to preparation of business plan, location selection, marketing and other problems like lack of proper credit facilities, skilled manpower, and other infra related problems while setting up of their businesses. On an average, 64.62 and 63.51 percent of small businesses are facing various kinds of problems both at the time of day-to-day management as well as start-up of their businesses respectively. The present research confined with the opinions of only four categories of small business operators particularly from the manufacturing, finance, trading (retailing and wholesaling), and servicing/repair which are continuing their business operations from the nine coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh in India. The present study emphatically provides concrete information required to the business community for identifying an assortment of challenges faced by different small business operators in managing and at the time of their inception. This research paper is first of its kind from this part of the world by offering extensive and credible information required for prospective entrepreneurs in facing the dynamic challenges in managing their business. Furthermore, this research presents invaluable inputs to the stakeholders like all types of governments, policy makers, practitioners, researchers, and educators' about the various impediments faced by the small business community in India.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.467-475
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• 2002

Hyperthermia using transrectal thermal probes has been used for a noninvasive treatment of prostate diseases. However it is known that heating the rectal wall at excessively high temperature can lead to destruction of the rectal mucous membrane. and it is difficult to maintain an optimum temperature over the entire prostate. Thus, a more accurate understanding of the heat transfer mechanism between prostate and hyperthermia system is needed Numerical analysis was performed to investigate how the cold/warm stimulations on the prostate surface affect the temperature distribution in the prostate model. The general purpose software "FLUENT" was used for obtaining a finite volume solution to the unsteady conduction equation and to calculate the time-varying temperature in the prostate. Effects of the warm/cold stimulations and the stimulation frequency on the temperature distribution were simulated. and we visualized how hyperthermia affected the inside of the prostate. It was found that the effect of hyperthermia by using a typical heating method is limited due to the low thermal conductivity of the prostate. Consecutive repetitions of warm and cold stimulations were considered to provide the thermal irritations inside a prostate. The effects of temperature difference and duration of warm/cold stimulations were investigated, and basic data for the optimum period and effective patterns of stimulations were obtained. A simplified bioheat equation was also solved to describe effects of the blood flow on the blood-tissue heat transfer. The effect of blood flow was not dominant compared to that of warm/cold stimulations. These results might be used as data for design of prostate treating probe, prostatic therapy and thermal stimulation effects on the prostate.