• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.1-31
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• 2009

This paper empirically examines factors that potentially influence the success of a Web-based semantic search engine. A research model has been proposed that shows the impact of quality-related factors upon the effectiveness of a semantic search engine, based on DeLone and McLean's(2003) information systems success model. An empirical study has been conducted to test hypotheses formulated around the research model, and statistical methods were applied to analyze gathered data and draw conclusions. Implications for academics and practitioners are offered based on the findings of the study. The proposed model includes three quality dimensions of a Web-based semantic search engine-namely, information quality, system quality and service quality. These three dimensions each have measures designed to collectively assess the respective dimension. The model is intended to examine the relationship between measures of these quality dimensions and measures of two dependent constructs, including individuals' net benefit and user satisfaction. Individuals' net benefit was measured by the extent to which the user's information needs were adequately met, whereas user satisfaction was measured by a combination of the perceived satisfaction with search results and the perceived satisfaction with the overall system. A total of 23 hypotheses have been formulated around the model, and a questionnaire survey has been conducted using a functional semantic search website created by KT and Hakia, so as to collect data to validate the model. Copies of a questionnaire form were handed out in person to 160 research associates and employees working in the area of designing and developing semantic search engines. Those who received the form, 148 respondents returned valid responses. The survey form asked respondents to use the given website to answer questions concerning the system. The results of the empirical study have indicated that, of the three quality dimensions, information quality was found to have the strongest association with the effectiveness of a Web-based semantic search engine. This finding is consistent with the observation in the literature that the aspects of the information quality should serve as a basis for evaluating the search outcomes from a semantic search engine. Measures under the information quality dimension that have a positive effect on informational gratification and user satisfaction were found to be recall and currency. Under the system quality dimension, response time and interactivity, were positively related to informational gratification. On the other hand, only one measure under the service quality dimension, reliability was found to have a positive relationship with user satisfaction. The results were based on the seven hypotheses that have been accepted. One may wonder why 15 out of the 23 hypotheses have been rejected and question the theoretical soundness of the model. However, the correlations between independent variables and dependent variables came out to be fairly high. This suggests that the structural equation model yielded results inconsistent with those of coefficient analysis, because the structural equation model intends to examine the relationship among independent variables as well as the relationship between independent variables and dependent variables. The findings offer some useful implications for owners of a semantic search engine, as far as the design and maintenance of the website is concerned. First, the system should be designed to respond to the user's query as fast as possible. Also it should be designed to support the search process by recommending, revising, and choosing a search query, so as to maximize users' interactions with the system. Second, the system should present search results with maximum recall and currency to effectively meet the users' expectations. Third, it should be capable of providing online services in a reliable and trustworthy manner. Finally, effective increase in user satisfaction requires the improvement of quality factors associated with a semantic search engine, which would in turn help increase the informational gratification for users. The proposed model can serve as a useful framework for measuring the success of a Web-based semantic search engine. Applying the search engine success framework to the measurement of search engine effectiveness has the potential to provide an outline of what areas of a semantic search engine needs improvement, in order to better meet information needs of users. Further research will be needed to make this idea a reality.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.7
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• pp.643-649
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• 1998

Background: For the patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring long-term oxygen therapy, oxygen concentrator machines are already widely available for use in home. In this study, we used mongrel dogs as test subjects to compare the functional efficiency and safety of the oxygen concentrator developed by our own research team with those of the imported FORLIFE(TM) machine made by AIRSEP Corp. Method and method: To test mechanical reliability, the concentrations of oxygen delivered were measured after 4 hours of continuous operation. Sixteen mongrel dogs were divided into two equal groups. Mongrel dogs in group A were given oxygen using the imported oxygen concentrator, and those in group B using the machine developed. 5 l/min of oxygen were given, after which vital signs were analyzed, arterial blood gases measured, and blood chemistry tests carried out. Results: After 4 hours of continuous operation, the imported model performed better, giving 98${\pm}$3% oxygen, compared to our model, which gave 91${\pm}$1%. In the animal experiments, oxygen concentrations were measured at the inlet of face mask 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after continuous administration, and there was no statistically significant difference(repeated measures of analysis of variance p=0.70) between the values of 70.6${\pm}$2.5%, 67.1${\pm}$2.9%, 68.2${\pm}$2.6%, and 64.9${\pm}$3.9% that were measured from group A, and the values of 65.1${\pm}$4.8%, 65.2${\pm}$3.6%, 68.7${\pm}$4.3%, and 66.0${\pm}$5.0% measured from group B. Before oxygen administration, and at 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after oxygen administration, arterial blood partial pressure of oxygen 87.2${\pm}$2.5 mmHg, 347.4${\pm}$29.3 mmHg, 353.4${\pm}$21.2 mmHg, 343.0${\pm}$28.8 mmHg, and 321.6${\pm}$24.4 mmHg, respectively, were read from group A, which were not statistically different (p=0.24) to the values of 102.5${\pm}$9.6 mmHg, 300.3${\pm}$17.1 mmHg, 321.6${\pm}$23.7 mmHg, 303.4${\pm}$27.4 mmHg, and 273.5${\pm}$25.9 mmHg read from group B. Nonetheless, the arterial blood partial pressure of oxygen values appear to be somewhat higher in dogs that were given oxygen using the imported oxygen concentrator. Conclusions: From these results the prototype oxygen concentrator developed appears to function relatively satisfactorily compared to the imported, established model, but may be criticized for the excessive noise generated and poor long-term endurance or consistency, which need improvement.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.175-181
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• 1989

Visual assessment of regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA) by gated blood pol scan (GBPS) serves as an useful parameter in the diagnosis, functional evaluation, and follow up in various clinical settings, but are still subject to some inherent limitations. On important problem may be the interobserver as well as intraobsever variation that may well be present due to the subjective nature of the interpretations. This study was carried out to determine the reliability and reproducibility of visual assessments made in GBPSs, and to observe the degree to which the results would be influenced by observer variation. Fifty two patients with coronary heart disease had resting GBPS and contrast ventriculography within 4 days appall. Contrast ventriculography-showed normal wall motion in 6 patients and the remaining 46 had RWMA in one or more segments. The anterior and left anterolateral views of all 52 GBPSs were analyzed by three independent observers, who selected from 5 scales, their level of confidence that there was RWMA in that segment. Reciever operating characteristic (ROC) curves for each analysis was plotted and the area under the curve $(\theta)$ was used as a parameter representing each observer's performance in his interpretations. The findings of contrast ventriculographies were used as the standard for RWMA. The apical and inferoapical segments showed the best correlation with contrast ventriculography ($\theta=0.90-0.94$, 0.81-0.94, respectively), and the inferior wall showed the poorest correlation $(\theta=0.70-0.74)$. The interpretations of the inferior, septal, apical, and posteroinferior, segments showed no difference between the observers, but there was significantly better performance in assessment by observer A compared to that by B or C for the anterolateral segments ($\theta=0.87$, 0.78, 0.76, respectively. p<0.01 for A vs B, p<0.05 for A vs C), as well as when all segments were considered altogether ($\theta=0.88$, 0.83, 0.82, respectively. both p<0.05). This was also true for the infero-apical segment between A and C ($\theta=0.09$, 0.81, p<0.05). The intraobserver variation, however, did not appear significant, with only the inferior segment for observer B showing any significant difference when observer A and B repeated the analysis 10 days latter. There was no difference in assessing dyskinesia, with all observers showing a high performance ($\theta=0.98$, 0.87, 0.97, respectively). The visual assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction by all three observers correlated well with the calculated value from a semiautomated method (Spearman's r = 0.91, 0.83, 0.83. p<0.01, p<0.05, p < 0.05). The assessment of LV and RV size also correlated well between the three observers (Kendall's w = 0.80, 0.51, p<0.01 for both left and right ventricles). The above findings suggest that RWMA visually assessed by GBPS correlates well with that done by contrast ventriculography. And although the observer's experience or skill may influence the results in certain segments, visual analysis of GBPS may serve as a reliable and reproducible means for evaluating ventricular function.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.151-166
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• 2016

The purpose of this study is to understand the influence of Chinese customer coffee sought benefits on satisfaction with, and attachment and loyalty to Korean coffee shops. Based on a total of 200 samples obtained for empirical research from 10 Mar. to 25 July, 2015, of self-administrated questionaries completed by patrons in Beijing, Shanghai, Haerbin in China, data were analyzed for frequency, exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, multiple regression and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The results of this study are summarized as follows. First, it was found that Chinese customer sought pursuits (functional & experimental benefits, symbolic benefit) had an effect on satisfaction of Korea coffee shop. Second, satisfaction influenced Korean coffee shop attachment and loyalty. Third, Korean wave attitude had a mediating effect between satisfaction, attachment and loyalty. From the results, we can conclude following implications: First, by providing atmosphere of South Korea, menu, barista service, we can predict that Korean coffee brands can prevail in competition through active promotions of their brands. Second, Korean coffee brands can make a strategy that includes providing full service from trained South Korean baristas and hosting talk shows between baristas from South Korea. Third, providing the opportunity to visit South Korea for local cafe tours is a good social event. These results will help control marketing strategies in China. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.39-45
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• 2022

This study aimed to investigate the validation and modify the analytical method to determine quercetin-3-𝑜-gentiobioside and isoquercitrin in Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench for the standardization of ingredients in development of functional health products. The analytical method was validated based on the ICH (International Conference for Harmonization) guidelines to verify the reliability and validity there of on the specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, detection limit and quantification limit. For the HPLC analysis method, the peak retention time of the index component of the standard solution and the peak retention time of the index component of A. esculentus L. Moench powder sample were consistent with the spectra thereof, confirming the specificity. The calibration curves of quercetin-3-𝑜-gentiobioside and isoquercitrin showed a linearity with a near-one correlation coefficient (0.9999 and 0.9999), indicating the high suitability thereof for the analysis. A. esculentus L. Moench powder sample of a known concentration were prepared with low, medium, and high concentrations of standard substances and were calculated for the precision and accuracy. The precision of quercetin-3-𝑜-gentiobioside and isoquercitrin was confirmed for intra-day and daily. As a result, the intra-day precision was found to be 0.50-1.48% and 0.77-2.87%, and the daily precision to be 0.07-3.37% and 0.58-1.37%, implying an excellent precision at level below 5%. As a result of accuracy measurement, the intra-day accuracy of quercetin-3-𝑜-gentiobioside and isoquercitrin was found to be 104.87-109.64% and the daily accuracy thereof was found to be 106.85-109.06%, reflecting high level of accuracy. The detection limits of quercetin-3-𝑜-gentiobioside and isoquercitrin were 0.24 ㎍/mL and 0.16 ㎍/mL, respectively, whereas the quantitation limits were 0.71 ㎍/mL and 0.49 ㎍/mL, confirming that detection was valid at the low concentrations as well. From the analysis, the established analytical method was proven to be excellent with high level of results from the verification on the specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, detection limit and quantitation limit thereof. In addition, as a result of analyzing the content of A. esculentus L. Moench powder samples using a validated analytical method, quercetin-3-𝑜-gentiobioside was analyzed to contain 1.49±0.01 mg/dry weight g, while isoquercitrin contained 1.39±0.01 mg/dry weight g. The study was conducted to verify that the simultaneous analysis on quercetin-3-𝑜-gentiobioside and isoquercitrin, the indicators of A. esculentus L. Moench, is a scientifically reliable and suitable analytical method.