• Journal of East Asia Management
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.29-49
• /
• 2020

In an intensively competitive global market, small-and medium-sized firms are puzzled about how to develop sustainable competitive advantages against global rivalries, thus leading satisfactory economic performance. However, despite the roles and contributions of such small-and medium-sized firms in the local community and national economies in Japan, little guidance has been offered to the practical issues related to their strategic behaviors toward global management. To fill this notable knowledge gap, this study aims to investigate the conditions in which how Japanese small-and medium-sized could dominates global market, which is one of key challenges in the literature of small business and entrepreneurship. To obtain better insights to this research area, this study undertakes an in-depth interview survey with I.S.T (Industrial Summit Technology) Corporation that shows off the highest global market share (40 per cent) with seamless polyimide tube product widely used in office automation equipment (e.g., copiers and printers). This method of survey is designed to deeply understand historical considerations about how I.S.T Corporation could dominate in the global market of such seamless polyimide tube product. Based on findings drawn from an interview, this study identifies five major factors enabling I.S.T Corporation to be a competitive global hidden company: vision sharing through founder's entrepreneurship, core competence, strategic network, risk management, and employee engagement. Specifically, to become a global hidden champion, sharing the vision motivating employees to partake in shaping company's future will be the first step on the road to global success through founder's entrepreneurship. However, in order to achieve such a vision, the importance of company's core competence cannot be overemphasized, which differentiates your customer solution with those of competitors. As such, a group of experts will be naturally formed and demonstrates your expertise in the global market, thereby building sustainable competitiveness. On the other hand, to maintain sustainable competitiveness, it is necessary to make up for the weaknesses small-and medium-sized firms suffer from competitive resources while strengthening their own strengths through strategic networks with external organizations. Here, every company has to understand the critical role of risk management, which is essential in this process of being global company so as not to lose your own strengths. Last but not least, do not forget the significant effects of employee engagement in firm performance. To enhance employees' engagement, a company has to create an ideal organization culture which fits into company's history and personality. In doing so, such organization culture can allow the vision and strategy to be implemented into detailed business tactics while facilitating employees to challenge the status quo by experimenting with creative ideas.

• Transactions of the Korean hydrogen and new energy society
• /
• v.9 no.4
• /
• pp.169-176
• /
• 1998

An experimental study on effect of vapor-cooled heat stations in a 5.5 liter cryogenic vessel has been performed. The cryogenic vessel is made of stainless steel of thickness of 1mm and insulated by the combined insulation of vacuum, MLI(multi-layer insulation) and vapor-cooled radiation shield. Vapor-cooled heat stations are also constructed based on the 1-dimensional thermal analysis to reduce the heat inleak through a filling tube. Thermal analysis indicates that the vapor-cooled heat stations can substantially enhance the performance of vessel for cryogenic fluids with high $C_p/h_{fg}$ where $C_p$ the specific heat and $h_{fg}$ the heat of vaporization, such as $LH_2$ and LHe. The experimental results for $LN_2$ shows that the total heat inleak into inner vessel consists of 14% radiation and 86% conduction through the filling tube. Therefore, it is expected that the conduction heat in leak of the vessel for high $C_p/h_{fg}$ cryogenic fluids can be significantly reduced. powders. The amount of copper coating was 20wt%. In order to examine corrosion behavior of the electrodes, the corrosion current and the current density, in 6M KOH aqueous solution after removal of oxygen in the solution, were measured by potentiodynamic and cyclic voltamo methods. The results showed that Co in the alloy increased corrosion resistance of the electrode whereas Ni decreased the stability of the electrode during the charge-discharge cycles. The electrode used Si sealant as a binder showed a lower corrosion current density than the electrode used PTFE and the electrode used Cu-coated alloy powders showed the best corrosion resistance.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.36 no.2
• /
• pp.135-145
• /
• 2012

Previously, we reported that Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis and gastric cancer are closely associated with increased levels of hydrogen sulfide ($H_2S$) and that Korean red ginseng significantly reduced the severity of H. pylori-associated gastric diseases by attenuating $H_2S$ generation. Because the incubation of endothelial cells with $H_2S$ has been known to enhance their angiogenic activities, we hypothesized that the amelioration of $H_2S$-induced gastric inflammation or angiogenesis in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) might explain the preventive effect of Korean red ginseng on H. pylori-associated carcinogenesis. The expression of inflammatory mediators, angiogenic growth factors, and angiogenic activities in the absence or presence of Korean red ginseng extracts (KRGE) were evaluated in HUVECs stimulated with the $H_2S$ generator sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS). KRGE efficiently decreased the expression of cystathionine ${\beta}$-synthase and cystathionine ${\gamma}$-lyase, enzymes that are essential for $H_2S$ synthesis. Concomitantly, a significant decrease in the expression of inflammatory mediators, including cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, and several angiogenic factors, including interleukin (IL)-8, hypoxia inducible factor-1a, vascular endothelial growth factor, IL-6, and matrix metalloproteinases, was observed; all of these factors are normally induced after NaHS. An in vitro angiogenesis assay demonstrated that NaHS significantly increased tube formation in endothelial cells, whereas KRGE pretreatment significantly attenuated tube formation. NaHS activated p38 and Akt, increasing the expression of angiogenic factors and the proliferation of HUVECs, whereas KRGE effectively abrogated this $H_2S$-activated angiogenesis and the increase in inflammatory mediators in vascular endothelial cells. In conclusion, KRGE was able to mitigate $H_2S$-induced angiogenesis, implying that antagonistic action against $H_2S$-induced angiogenesis may be the mechanism underlying the gastric cancer preventive effects of KRGE in H. pylori infection.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.39
• /
• pp.8.1-8.8
• /
• 2017

Background: For an effective bone graft for reconstruction of the maxillofacial region, an adequate vascular network will be required to supply blood, osteoprogenitor cells, and growth factors. We previously reported that the secretomes of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-CM) contain numerous growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, transforming growth factor $(TGF)-{\beta}1$, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which can affect the cellular characteristics and behavior of regenerating bone cells. We hypothesized that angiogenesis is an important step for bone regeneration, and VEGF is one of the crucial factors in MSC-CM that would enhance its osteogenic potential. In the present study, we focused on VEGF in MSC-CM and evaluated the angiogenic and osteogenic potentials of MSC-CM for bone regeneration. Methods: Cytokines in MSC-CM were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured with MSC-CM or MSC-CM with anti-VEGF antibody (MSC-CM + anti-VEGF) for neutralization, and tube formation was evaluated. For the evaluation of bone and blood vessel formation with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and for the histological and immunohistochemical analyses, a rat calvarial bone defect model was used. Results: The concentrations of IGF-1, VEGF, and $TGF-{\beta}1$ in MSC-CM were $1515.6{\pm}211.8pg/mL$, $465.8{\pm}108.8pg/mL$, and $339.8{\pm}14.4pg/mL$, respectively. Tube formation of HUVECs, bone formation, and blood vessel formation were increased in the MSC-CM group but decreased in the MSC-CM + anti-VEGF group. Histological findings suggested that new bone formation in the entire defect was observed in the MSC-CM group although it was decreased in the MSC-CM + anti-VEGF group. Immunohistochemistry indicated that angiogenesis and migration of endogenous stem cells were much more abundant in the MSC-CM group than in the MSC-CM + anti-VEGF group. Conclusions: VEGF is considered a crucial factor in MSC-CM, and MSC-CM is proposed to be an adequate therapeutic agent for bone regeneration with angiogenesis.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.13-17
• /
• 2005

In domestic nondestructive testing(NDT) field, there have recently been radiation exposure accidents due to a disregard for confirmation of the position of radioisotope during the test. In order to prevent these kinds of accidents, a scintillating film has been developed. The scintillating film that can convert gamma-ray to visible light has a function of the position detection of radioisotope in a opaque guide tube of an NDT apparatus. The aim of this study is to enhance the visibility performance of the scintillating film and find out the best configuration of the scintillating film. In order to find appropriate materials for the scintillating film, various inorganic scintillating materials were evaluated in this work. An absolute luminance of the scintillating films was measured by luminance meter for evaluation of visibility performance. Ir-192 gamma projector was used for NDT apparatus. The experiment shows that the scintillating film with reflective layer was the more effective performance for visibility. The higher mixing ratio of scintillating material to binding material, the higher luminance was measured. $Gd_2O_2S(Tb)$ inorganic powder as the scintillating materials had the best performance for visibility of the scintillating film. The developed scintillating film helps to ensure safer environment to the operators.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.165-173
• /
• 1997

The present study investigates heat/mass transfer for flow through perforated plates for application to combustor wall and turbine blade film cooling. The experiments are conducted for hole length to diameter ratios of 0.68 to 1.5, for hole pitch-to-diameter ratios of 1.5 and 3.0, for gap distance between two parallel perforated plates of 1 to 3 hole diameters, and for Reynolds numbers of 60 to 13, 700. Local heat/mass transfer coefficients near and inside the cooling holes are obtained using a naphthalene sublimation technique. Detailed knowledge of the local transfer coefficients is essential to analyze thermal stress in turbine components. The results indicate that the heat/mass transfer coefficients inside the hole surface vary significantly due to flow separation and reattachment. The transfer coefficient near the reattachment point is about four and half times that for a fully developed circular tube flow. The heat/mass transfer coefficient on the leeward surface has the same order as that on the windward surface because of a strong recirculation flow between neighboring jets from the array of holes. For flow through two perforated plate layers, the transfer coefficients on the target surface (windward surface of the second wall) affected by the gap spacing are approximately three to four times higher than that with a single layer.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.63 no.3
• /
• pp.358-365
• /
• 2020

To describe how to perform urological evaluation in children with tethered cord syndrome (TCS). Although a common manifestation of TCS is the development of neurogenic bladder in developing children, neurosurgeons often face difficulty in detecting urological problems in patients with TCS. From a urological perspective, diagnosis of TCS in developing children is further complicated due to the differentiation between neurogenic bladder dysfunctions and transient bladder dysfunctions owing to developmental problems. Due to the paucity of evidence regarding evaluation prior to and after untethering, I have shown the purpose and tools for evaluation in my own practice. This may be tailored to the types of neurogenic bladder, developmental status, and risks for deterioration. While the urodynamic study (UDS) is the gold standard test for understanding bladder function, it is not a panacea in revealing the nature of bladder dysfunction. In addition, clinicians should consider the influence of developmental processes on bladder function. Before untethering, UDS should reveal synergic urethral movement, which indicates an intact sacral reflex and lack of TCS. Postoperatively, the measurement of post-void residual urine volume is a key factor for the evaluation of spontaneous voiders. In case of elevation, fecal impaction, which is common in spinal dysraphism, should be addressed. In patients with clean intermittent catheterization, the frequency-volume chart should be monitored to assess the storage function of the bladder. Toilet training is an important sign of maturation, and its achievement should be monitored. Signs of bladder deterioration should be acknowledged, and follow-up schedule should be tailored to prevent upper urinary tract damage and also to determine an adequate timing for intervention. Neurosurgeons should be aware of urological problems related to TCS as well as urologists. Cooperation and regular discussion between the two disciplines could enhance the quality of patient care. Accumulation of experience will improve follow-up strategies.

• Progress in Superconductivity
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.62-67
• /
• 2007

The effects of the heat-treatment temperature on the carbon (C) substitution amount, full width at half maximum (FWHM) value, critical temperature ($T_c$), critical current density ($J_c$) have been investigated for 10 wt % malic acid ($C_4H_6O_5$)-doped $MgB_2/Fe$ wires. All the samples were fabricated by the in-situ powder-in-tube (PIT) method and heat-treated within a temperature range of $650^{\circ}C$ to $1000^{\circ}C$. As the heat-treatment temperature increased, it seemed that the lattice distortion was increased by a more active C substitution into the boron sites from the malic acid addition. These increased electron scattering defects seemed to enhance the $J_c-H$ properties in spite of an improvement in the crystallinity, such as a decrease of the FWHM value and an increase of the $T_c$. Compared to the un-doped wire heat-treated at $650^{\circ}C$ for 30 min, the $J_c$ was enhanced by the C doping in a high-field regime. The wire heat-treated at $900^{\circ}C$ resulted in a higher magnetic $J_c$ of approximately $10^4\;A/cm^2$ at 5 K and 8 T.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
• /
• v.24 no.6
• /
• pp.743-751
• /
• 2012

This paper investigates an experimental behavior of circular columns and beam-columns made of HSB600 high strength steel as a fundamental study to enhance the applicability of HSB steel. The applicability of the current Standard such as KBC and Eurocode 3 is also evaluated. A total of six specimens are fabricated and tested. The main parameters are slenderness ratio(KLe/r = 12, 14, 40, 65), diameter-to-thickness ratio(D/t = 25, 40), and eccentricity ratio(e/D = 0, 0.5). It is drawn from the experiment that both the KBC and Eurocode 3 can be used to predict the strength of circular columns and beam-columns made of HSB600 high strength steel.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.335-343
• /
• 2008

In order to improve the workability in erecting Precast Concrete (PC) members and enhance the seismic resistance capacity of the joints in PC moment frames, a new PC column and its construction process are introduced in this paper. This column is manufactured by centrifugal force in keeping the hollow tube inside; the hollow is little bit wide and the grout can be poured from top to bottom after erection at site so that more compact grouting is possible in horizontal joint. The repeated cyclic loading test for four full scaled specimens was conducted to evaluate the seismic resistance capacity of the joint designed by the proposed system. For the continuity of main reinforcements in column, two connecting methods are used in designing specimens; one is to use mechanical connector and other is lab splice. From the cyclic lateral loading test, it was found that the seismic capacity of the developed PC column joint is comparable to that of monolithic joint.