• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.64 no.4
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• pp.318-323
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• 2008

It is difficult to distinguish a lung cancer from a pulmonary tuberculoma or other benign nodule. It is even more difficult to identify the type of lesion if the mass shows no change in size or demonstrates slow growth. Only a pathological confirmation can possibly reveal the nature of the lesion. A 61-year-old-woman was referred for a solitary pulmonary nodule. The nodule showed no change in size for the first two years and continued to grow slowly. Pathological and immunological analyses were conducted for confirmation of the nodule. The nodule was identified as a well-differentiated primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma. An LULobectomy was performed, and the post surgical stage of the nodule was IIIA (T2N2M0). Even though there are few risk factors, there is still the possibility of a malignancy in cases of non-growing or slow growing solitary pulmonary nodules. Therefore, pathological confirmation is encouraged to obtain a firm diagnosis.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.111-117
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• 2017

The mushroom species Cordyceps militaris has been studied and cultivated as a medicinal mushroom due to its multiple valuable biological and pharmaceutical activities. For breeding new strains of C. militaris, multiplex PCR assays were performed using primers specific for its mating type genes, MAT1-1 and MAT1-2. Mating types and mating status were confirmed, as evidenced by DNA bands at 233-bp and 191-bp for MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 respectively. The novel 'Dowonhongcho 2ho' was developed through mating; they were found to possess high-quality fruiting bodies when grown in artificial media. The stromata of the new strain were club-shaped, with a bright orange-red color, and measured 7.1 cm in length. They had an average cordycepin content of 0.33%. Compared to 'Dowonhongcho,' the new strain had a 7% higher yield, as well as firm fruiting bodies. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth was $20{\sim}25^{\circ}C$, and the optimum temperature for stroma development was $18{\sim}22^{\circ}C$. The fruiting bodies developed after 49.1 days from inoculation. The use of mating type molecular markers improved the breeding efficiency of the new strain 'Dowonhongcho 2ho.' Thus, they may be valuable for artificial cultivation and industrial-scale production of C. militaris with excellent characteristics.

• The Journal of Information Systems
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.171-191
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• 2018

Purpose Corporate technology leakage is not only monetary loss, but also has a negative impact on the corporate image and further deteriorates sustainable growth. In particular, since SMEs are highly dependent on core technologies compared to large corporations, loss of technology leakage threatens corporate survival. Therefore, it is important for SMEs to "prevent and protect technology leakage". With the recent development of data analysis technology and the opening of public data, it has become possible to discover and proactively detect companies with a high probability of technology leakage based on actual company data. In this study, we try to construct profiles of enterprises with and without technology leakage experience through profiling analysis using data mining techniques. Furthermore, based on this, we propose a classification model that distinguishes companies that are likely to leak technology. Design/methodology/approach This study tries to develop the empirical model for prevention and protection of technology leakage through profiling method which analyzes each SME from the viewpoint of individual. Based on the previous research, we tried to classify many characteristics of SMEs into six categories and to identify the factors influencing the technology leakage of SMEs from the enterprise point of view. Specifically, we divided the 29 SME characteristics into the following six categories: 'firm characteristics', 'organizational characteristics', 'technical characteristics', 'relational characteristics', 'financial characteristics', and 'enterprise core competencies'. Each characteristic was extracted from the questionnaire data of 'Survey of Small and Medium Enterprises Technology' carried out annually by the Government of the Republic of Korea. Since the number of SMEs with experience of technology leakage in questionnaire data was significantly smaller than the other, we made a 1: 1 correspondence with each sample through mixed sampling. We conducted profiling of companies with and without technology leakage experience using decision-tree technique for research data, and derived meaningful variables that can distinguish the two. Then, empirical model for prevention and protection of technology leakage was developed through discriminant analysis and logistic regression analysis. Findings Profiling analysis shows that technology novelty, enterprise technology group, number of intellectual property registrations, product life cycle, technology development infrastructure level(absence of dedicated organization), enterprise core competency(design) and enterprise core competency(process design) help us find SME's technology leakage. We developed the two empirical model for prevention and protection of technology leakage in SMEs using discriminant analysis and logistic regression analysis, and each hit ratio is 65%(discriminant analysis) and 67%(logistic regression analysis).

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.29-39
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• 1989

Ossifying fibroma is a relatively slow growing tumor, and likely to have presented for some years before its clinical diognosis. The usually well circumscribed nature of ossifying fibroma in jaws lends itself to relative ease of excision and hence the favorable therapeutic results. On occasion, however, particulary in juvenile patient, if maxilla the tumor assumes an aggressive behavior. In that case, because the tumor grows invasively, resection with a margin of healthy tissue is indicated. The case presented is 34 - year old female. The patient had noticed a gradual swelling of the right side of the face approximately 2 months in duration correlation with a intermittent pain on the right maxillary molar area. Palpation disclosed firm swelling on the right anterior and lateral walls of the maxillary sinus extended to the maxillary tuberosity area. The radiographic examination revealed soft tissue mass with multiple dense round calcifications with destruction of anterior and posterolateral wall of the right maxillary sinus and right alveolar process, and hard palate. The mass totally obliterated maxillary sinus and extended to the pterygopalatine fossa. The histologic diagnosis from the biopsied specimen revealed ossifying fibroma. The tumor mass was resected by subtotal maxillectomy procedure due to a recent rapid infiltrative growth. In 5 months of postoperative follow - up period, the patient has favorable prognosis.

• The Korean Journal of Financial Management
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.1-29
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• 2009

As foreign investors' share holdings in Korean firms have dramatically increased since 1998 following the financial deregulation on the limit of foreign stock investment, the concern over the negative impacts the foreign investors would bring on the firms' financial policy has been growing too. Foreign investors were perceived to require the firms of excessive payments of cash dividends sometimes with threat of hostile takeover trials detering the firm from investing its cash flow in the physical facilities and RandD eroding their potential growth capabilities. We examine the impact of foreign investment on the firms' dividend policy using 234 listed firms' panel data over the sample periods of 1998 to 2005 employing various panel regression methodology. Foreign shareholders are found not to be related or even negatively related to the payout ratio(dividend/net income), but positively and statistically significantly related to the ratio of cash dividends to book of asset, negatively to the dividend yields. Considering the payout ratio is the most appropriate measure for the dividend payment, we can not support the arguments that the foreign investors' holdings have induced the excessive dividend level in Korean firms.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.75-80
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• 2016

Purpose - A growing demand for sustainability reporting has placed pressure on firms with non-financial information that affects firm valuation, growth, and development. In particular, a number of researchers have investigated various topics in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), non-financial information. Prior studies suggest that CSR may affect corporate outcomes like corporate reporting, financial performance, and disclosures. However, the results from prior studies are not clear whether CSR affects corporate outcomes. This is partially due to the measurement issues with CSR. In this study, we examine whether CSR affects the quality of corporate reporting, one of the popular measures in corporate outcomes. We find an evidence that CSR positively affects the quality of corporate reporting. Research design, data, and methodology - In this study, we collected a unique dataset of CSR from MSCI. Total 169 firms listed in the Korean Stock Exchange from 2011 to 2014 were collected and analysed with the detailed CSR reports. Using a correlation test, we found a weak association between CSR and the quality of corporate reporting. However, the regression tests provided a strong relationship between CSR and the quality of corporate reporting after controlling for other variables that may affect the quality of corporate reporting. Additionally, we calculated the t-statistics based on heteroskedaticity-consistent standard errors (White, 1980). Results - Before we run the regression test, we sort the measures of the two dependent variables into each rating of CSR (from AAA to CCC). The results indicate that the quality of corporate reporting measured by discretionary accruals and performance-matched discretionary accruals monotonically decrease as the CSR ratings increase. This supports our hypothesis. In the regression tests, the coefficient on MJDA (PMDA) is -0.183 (-0.173) and significant at the 5% level. We can interpret the results as CSR affecting the quality of corporate reporting in positive ways. Other coefficients on control variables are consistent with prior studies. For example, the coefficients on both LOSS and LEV are positive and significant at conventional level, meaning that firms with financial difficulty may harm their quality of corporate reporting. Conclusion - We found an evidence that CSR is positively associated with the quality of corporate reporting. This study contributes to the literature in various ways. First, this study extends the line of CSR research by providing additional evidence in the setting of ethical behaviors by managements. This is consistent with the hypothesis and supports the results of prior studies. Second, to the best of my knowledge, this is the first study using the MSCI CSR ratings. In contrast with prior studies using different measures of CSR, the MSCI CSR ratings allow us to provide in-depth analysis. Third, the additional measure of dependent variable (PMDA) allows us to improve the robustness of our results. Overall, the results provided this study to extend the findings in prior studies by providing incremental evidence.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.12 no.12
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• pp.83-92
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• 2014

Purpose - A business ecosystem refers to mutually dependent systems interconnected by a loose foundation of various ecosystem members such as customers, suppliers, partners, and other stakeholders. The ecosystem-based strategy attempts to achieve competitive advantage for firms by enriching a business ecosystem or building a sustainable business ecosystem through the collaboration and co-evolution of its members. A sustainable business ecosystem is a source of competitiveness for firms anda manageable resource for gaining a competitive advantage. Customers represent the core membership of the business ecosystem and play a pivotal role in building a sustainable business ecosystem. This study examines the effects of customer participation on economic and social value in the business ecosystem and suggests a course of action for building a sustainable business ecosystem. Research design, data, and methodology - Two business cases of South Korea are selected from two different business types: business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-customer (B2C) firms. Business ecosystems for B2B and B2C firms reflect contrasting characteristics. Data was collected from in-depth interviews with four representatives of four firms. Results - The study suggested seven propositions for the relationships between customer participation and a sustainable business ecosystem through multiple case studies based on in-depth interviews. The results reveal the following four strategic actions for building sustainable business ecosystems based on the suggested propositions: alignment, systemization, socialization, and co-evolution. Alignment refers to achieving a harmonic balance or virtuous circle among the firm's mission, investment, and value creation. Systemization refers to building and implementing management and infrastructure systems rooted in the corporate culture. Socialization of customers in the business ecosystem reinforces the harmony or virtuous cycle. Finally, co-evolution is associated with the relationship between firms and customers as buyer firms in a restricted business ecosystem. Conclusions - This study considers multiple cases for the execution of a sustainable business ecosystem in collaboration with customers and suggests seven propositions and four strategic actions. The results are based on qualitative data from interviews with business associates from two firms in an open business ecosystem and two firms in a restricted business ecosystem, both in South Korea. Our research results regarding two contrasting business ecosystems shed light on business issues and policy making in Asian business environments, which are in the transition stages from a traditional conglomerate-driven to an inclusive growth-driven economy. The business ecosystem itself should be considered a manageable resource for firms' competitive positions in the market. A customer is a member of the business ecosystem and should thus be viewed not only as a purchasing entity and an object of relationship management but also as a co-creator of value. Therefore, firms should collaborate with customers to build sustainable business ecosystems. For this, firms must create social value, which cannot be created by customers alone, within the business ecosystem. Then, customers participate in a business ecosystem and build it to be favorable to them. Implications for academics and practitioners were suggested.

• Journal of Technology Innovation
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.169-197
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• 2013

Despite many theoretical and empirical studies, general causality between IPRs system, firm technological innovation and financial performance is not clear. This study notices that the core factor to create financial performance is different by each industry. The study analyzed the effect of IPRs system on innovation and economic growth targeting 3 industries; pharmaceutical industry to which the basic track of creating performance is applied (strengthening IPRs${\rightarrow}$increasing R&D input/output${\rightarrow}$increasing sales); semiconductor industry where the relationship between stronger IPRs and R&D input/output is weak; and shipbuilding industry which has weak correlation between R&D and sales. It used panel data for 15 years since TRIPs when the patent institution in Korea reached up to the level of advanced countries, and applied the dynamic regression model which estimates the fixed effect model with difference-GMM. As a result, stronger IPRs increased R&D input/output, and financial performance in pharmaceutical industry, but has no influence on semiconductor and shipbuilding industries. That is, it is necessary to customize the construction of system and policy for strengthening IPRs by each industry, and unitary strengthening or weakening may have no significant impact on financial performance improvement in specific sectors.

• Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.503-521
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• 2017

Demands in a sustainable coffee certification program have increased steadily in the global coffee market. Along with this trend, recently the introduction of sustainable coffee certification programs in Vietnam has increased significantly. However, Vietnam's the coffee certification programs led by a single state-owned company, which is called Vinacafe, shows some differentiations from other sustainable coffee programs certified in other countries. The structure of exclusive decision-making in Vinacafe has been interfered with economic impacts in accordance with the introduction of sustainable coffee certification programs in Vietnam. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify changes in and limits of the value chain of the coffee industry with the introduction of Vietnam's sustainable coffee certification program by investigating the case of Vinacafe. To this end, the research has attempted 1) to concern with the role of Vinacafe in the process of growth in the coffee industry in central highland of Vietnam, 2) to analyze changes stemmed from the introduction of Vinacafe's sustainable coffee certification programs, and 3) to examine the limits to the introduction of sustainable coffee certification programs in Vietnam. As a result, it found out that Vinacafe subsidiaries shifted the losses resulted in the payment of additional environmental costs to produce sustainable certification coffee onto coffee farmers depended on Vinacafe subsidiaries, because the price of premium emerged from supports for certificated coffee production has not been guaranteed by Vinacafe mother firm.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.705-711
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• 2013

Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), known as a non-protein amino acid and major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, has several functional properties such as neurotransmission, induction of hypotension, tranquilizer, and diuretic effects. The purpose of this study was to isolate and identify lactic acid bacteria, producing high GABA in fermented soy curd. Thirty-two strains of tofu-forming lactic acid bacteria were isolated from kimchi which a traditional Korean food fermented with many kind of microorganism. Among 32 strains, four strains (strain No. 10, 104, 214, 249) formed firm soycurd. In order to select lactic acid bacteria having high GABA producing potential, the isolated strains were cultured in the soymilk and fermented for 48 hr at $37^{\circ}C$. A strain No. 383, which showed highest GABA contents in fermented soycurd, was identified as L. sakei by 16S rDNA sequencing and API analysis, and named as L. sakei 383. L. sakei 383 showed optimal growth up to 24 hr at $35^{\circ}C$ in MRS broth. The optimal time and temperature for GABA production were 18 hr and $35^{\circ}C$ in soymilk. In the optimal condition time and temperature, GABA content of fermented soycurd by L. sakei 383 was 8.65 mg/100 g.