• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.57-81
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• 2008

Knowledge is an essential strategic weapon for sustaining competitive advantage and is the key determinant for organizational growth. When knowledge is shared and disseminated throughout the organization, it increases an organization's value by providing the ability to respond to new and unusual situations. The growing importance of knowledge as a critical resource has forced executives to pay attention to their organizational knowledge. Organizations are increasingly undertaking knowledge management initiatives and making significant investments. Knowledge sourcing is considered as the first important step in effective knowledge management. Most firms continue to make an effort to realize the benefits of knowledge management by using various knowledge sources effectively. Appropriate knowledge sourcing strategies enable organizations to create, acquire, and access knowledge in a timely manner by reducing search and transfer costs, which result in better firm performance. In response, the knowledge management literature has devoted substantial attention to the analysis of knowledge sourcing strategies. Many studies have categorized knowledge sourcing strategies into intemal- and external-oriented. Internal-oriented sourcing strategy attempts to increase firm performance by integrating knowledge within the boundary of the firm. On the contrary, external-oriented strategy attempts to bring knowledge in from outside sources via either acquisition or imitation, and then to transfer that knowledge across to the organization. However, the extant literature on knowledge sourcing strategies focuses primarily on large organizations. Although many studies have clearly highlighted major differences between large and small firms and the need to adopt different strategies for different firm sizes, scant attention has been given to analyzing how knowledge sourcing strategies affect firm performance in small firms and what are the differences between small and large firms in the patterns of knowledge sourcing strategies adoption. This study attempts to advance the current literature by examining the impact of knowledge sourcing strategies on small firm performance from a holistic perspective. By drawing on knowledge based theory from organization science and complementarity theory from the economics literature, this paper is motivated by the following questions: (1) what are the adoption patterns of different knowledge sourcing strategies in small firms (i,e., what sourcing strategies should be adopted and which sourcing strategies work well together in small firms)?; and (2) what are the performance implications of these adoption patterns? In order to answer the questions, this study developed three hypotheses. First hypothesis based on knowledge based theory is that internal-oriented knowledge sourcing is positively associated with small firm performance. Second hypothesis developed on the basis of knowledge based theory is that external-oriented knowledge sourcing is positively associated with small firm performance. The third one based on complementarity theory is that pursuing both internal- and external-oriented knowledge sourcing simultaneously is negatively or less positively associated with small firm performance. As a sampling frame, 700 firms were identified from the Annual Corporation Report in Korea. Survey questionnaires were mailed to owners or executives who were most erudite about the firm s knowledge sourcing strategies and performance. A total of 188 companies replied, yielding a response rate of 26.8%. Due to incomplete data, 12 responses were eliminated, leaving 176 responses for the final analysis. Since all independent variables were measured using continuous variables, supermodularity function was used to test the hypotheses based on the cross partial derivative of payoff function. The results indicated no significant impact of internal-oriented sourcing strategies while positive impact of external-oriented sourcing strategy on small firm performance. This intriguing result could be explained on the basis of various resource and capital constraints of small firms. Small firms typically have restricted financial and human resources. They do not have enough assets to always develop knowledge internally. Another possible explanation is competency traps or core rigidities. Building up a knowledge base based on internal knowledge creates core competences, but at the same time, excessive internal focused knowledge exploration leads to behaviors blind to other knowledge. Interestingly, this study found that Internal- and external-oriented knowledge sourcing strategies had a substitutive relationship, which was inconsistent with previous studies that suggested complementary relationship between them. This result might be explained using organizational identification theory. Internal organizational members may perceive external knowledge as a threat, and tend to ignore knowledge from external sources because they prefer to maintain their own knowledge, legitimacy, and homogeneous attitudes. Therefore, integrating knowledge from internal and external sources might not be effective, resulting in failure of improvements of firm performance. Another possible explanation is small firms resource and capital constraints and lack of management expertise and absorptive capacity. Although the integration of different knowledge sources is critical, high levels of knowledge sourcing in many areas are quite expensive and so are often unrealistic for small enterprises. This study provides several implications for research as well as practice. First this study extends the existing knowledge by examining the substitutability (and complementarity) of knowledge sourcing strategies. Most prior studies have tended to investigate the independent effects of these strategies on performance without considering their combined impacts. Furthermore, this study tests complementarity based on the productivity approach that has been considered as a definitive test method for complementarity. Second, this study sheds new light on knowledge management research by identifying the relationship between knowledge sourcing strategies and small firm performance. Most current literature has insisted complementary relationship between knowledge sourcing strategies on the basis of data from large firms. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, this study identifies substitutive relationship between knowledge sourcing strategies using data from small firms. Third, implications for practice highlight that managers of small firms should focus on knowledge sourcing from external-oriented strategies. Moreover, adoption of both sourcing strategies simultaneousiy impedes small firm performance.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.319-332
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• 2011

The objectives of this study are to analyze the satellite visibility at the randomly established ground sites, to determine the five optimal ground sites to perform the optical surveillance and tracking of domestic satellites, and to verify the acquisition of the optical observation time sufficient to maintain the precise ephemeris at optimal ground sites that have been already determined. In order to accomplish these objectives, we analyzed the visibility for sun-synchronous orbit satellites, low earth orbit satellites, middle earth orbit satellites and domestic satellites as well as the continuous visibility along with the fictitious satellite ground track, and calculate the effective visibility. For the analysis, we carried out a series of repetitive process using the satellite tool kit simulation software developed by Analytical Graphics Incorporated. The lighting states of the penumbra and direct sun were set as the key constraints of the optical observation. The minimum of the observation satellite elevation angle was set to be 20 degree, whereas the maximum of the sun elevation angle was set to be -10 degree which is within the range of the nautical twilight. To select the candidates for the optimal optical observation, the entire globe was divided into 84 sectors in a constant interval, the visibility characteristics of the individual sectors were analyzed, and 17 ground sites were arbitrarily selected and analyzed further. Finally, five optimal ground sites (Khurel Togoot Observatory, Assy-Turgen Observatory, Tubitak National Observatory, Bisdee Tier Optical Astronomy Observatory, and South Africa Astronomical Observatory) were determined. The total observation period was decided as one year. To examine the seasonal variation, the simulation was performed for the period of three days or less with respect to spring, summer, fall and winter. In conclusion, we decided the optimal ground sites to perform the optical surveillance and tracking of domestic satellites and verified that optical observation time sufficient to maintain the precise ephemeris could be acquired at the determined observatories.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.165-177
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• 2015

Objectives: Based on individual and environmental characteristics of low-income children, we developed a nutrition education program for school-aged children from low-income families according to effective use in social welfare centers. Methods: We conducted in-depth group interviews to assess program needs in 28 participants, 10 low-income school-aged children and 9 of their care givers, 9 social workers and 9 care-givers. Theoretical backgrounds of our program were heath belief model and social cognitive theory considering motivation, action and environment characteristics. Results: Based on the findings of this qualitative study, we developed major program themes and contents. Five selected key themes were 'balanced diet', 'processed food', 'food hygiene and safety', 'Korean healthy traditional diet', and 'family cooking' to induce changes in dietary behaviors. Main findings of in-depth group interviews included 'child's active participation', 'simple and easy to understand messages', and 'environmental constraints' such as a lack of child care at home, limited budget of social welfare centers, and less qualified educators for nutrition and health. Each lesson was constructed as a 1-hour program particularly emphasizing activity-based programs, including cooking and teamwork exercises. Program contents in each session consisted of activities that could induce outcome and value expectations, self-efficacy, perceived benefits, and barriers and cues to actions regarding diet behavior. Conclusions: We developed a nutrition education programthat is rarely available for low-income children in Korea, considering theoretical bases. Further studies are needed to validate our program.

• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.40 no.5 s.110
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• pp.514-532
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• 2005

The purpose of this study is to critically examine conventional spatial measures of individual accessibility, which are based on the notion of spatial proximity, the single reference location, and the unlinked travel model. Using space-time accessibility measures with the travel-activity diary data set of Portland Metro, US, three expectations from spatial measures on spatial patterns of individual accessibility were empirically examined: (1) does individual accessibility decrease with an increase of distance from the CBD?; (2) does the spatial pattern of accessibility resemble that of urban opportunity density pattern?; and (3) are spatial patterns of individual accessibility of different socio- demographic population groups basically similar as people in the same area share the same geographic characteristics regardless of gender, race, age, and so on? First of all, the results showed that spatial variations in individual accessibility were not directly determined by spatial proximity and opportunity density as suggested by previous accessibility measures. The spatial pattern of individual accessibility was dramatically different from that of urban opportunity density High peaks of accessibility level were found far away from the CBD and regional centers. This finding might be associated with the importance of multi-reference locations and linked travels in shaping accessibility in reality. Furthermore, this study found that spatial patterns of accessibility clearly differ between men and women. These findings suggest that access requires more than proximity, and that the interaction between person-specific space-time constraints and the consequential availability of urban opportunities in space-time renders different accessibility experiences to people even in the same region, which would be one of the key ingredients missing from conventional spatial measures of accessibility.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Geographic Information Studies
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.1-17
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• 2001

This research is primarily intended to develop a decision-making support system about the natural environment in the country by integrating various formats of spatial data into a comprehensive GIS database. The first part of the research is to design GIS database as a means of combining thematic cartographic data with field survey records. Ecosystem records acquired by a field sampling have been reproduced as digital thematic maps. The database also included various natural environment related data (map for forestry, soil, national park etc.) collected from many other agencies. The second part of the research is devoted to the design of efficient man-machine interfaces. A key concern in the GUI (graphic user interface) design process was to address the need to handle and to manage large databases by non-GIS experts. The system has been checked experimentally, enabled the users to quarry the data required simply and execute spatial analysis accommodating versatile alternatives in decision-making process. Detailed visual maps can be generated over large areas quickly and easily. The system will serve to increase the scientific and objective decision-making by overcoming serious constraints suffered from the past non-GIS-based approach. It is anticipated that this research output could be used as a valuable reference in building a nationwide natural environment GIS-DB (database) in the central and local governments.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Telematics and Electronics C
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• v.36C no.5
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• pp.27-37
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• 1999

A CMOS ReadOut Integrated Circuit (ROlC) for InfraRed Focal Plane Array (IRFPA) detector is presented, which is a key component in uncooled thermal imaging systems. The ROIC reads out signals from $64\times64$ Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) infrared detector array, then outputs pixel signals sequentially after amplifying and noise filtering. Various design requirements and constraints have been considered including impedance matching, low noise, low power dissipation and small detector pitch. For impedance matching between detector and pre~amplifier, a new circuit based on MOS diode structure is devised, which can be easily implemented using standard CMOS process. Also, tunable low pass filter with single~pole is used to suppress high frequency noise. In additions, a clamping circuit is adopted to enhance the signal~to-noise ratio of the readout output signals. The $64\times64$ IRFPA ROIC is designed using $0.65-\mu\textrm{m}$ 2P3M (double poly, tripple metal) N~Well CMOS process. The core part of the chip contains 62,000 devices including transistors, capacitors and resistors on an area of about $6.3-mm\times6.7-mm$.

• The Journal of the Institute of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.47-58
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• 2018

The heterogeneous cellular network (HCN) is most significant as a key technology for future fifth generation (5G) wireless networks. The heterogeneous network considered consists of randomly macrocell base stations (MBSs) overlaid with femtocell base stations (BSs). The stochastic geometry has been shown to be a very powerful tool to model, analyze, and design networks with random topologies such as wireless ad hoc, sensor networks, and multi- tier cellular networks. The HCNs can be energy-efficiently designed by deploying various BSs belonging to different networks, which has drawn significant attention to one of the technologies for future 5G wireless networks. In this paper, we propose switching off/on systems enabling the BSs in the cellular networks to efficiently consume the power by introducing active/sleep modes, which is able to reduce the interference and power consumption in the MBSs and FBSs on an individual basis as well as improve the energy efficiency of the cellular networks. We formulate the minimization of the power onsumption for the MBSs and FBSs as well as an optimization problem to maximize the energy efficiency subject to throughput outage constraints, which can be solved the Karush Kuhn Tucker (KKT) conditions according to the femto tier BS density. We also formulate and compare the coverage probability and the energy efficiency in HCNs scenarios with and without coordinated multi-point (CoMP) to avoid coverage holes.

• The Journal of Information Systems
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.133-154
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• 2015

Purpose This study re-analyzes Jung 2012's data using the time interval based analysis to examine if the process of idea generation is in good currency throughout the ideation sessions. In this way, the relationship between extraversion-introversion personality trait and ideation performance in the context of computer-mediated idea generation can be better understood. Design/methodology/approach A $2{\times}4$ factorial design was used, crossing personality differences (extraversion and introversion) with the degree of stimuli (0, 20, 40, and 80 high-quality ideas). Participants were randomly assigned to one of eight treatment conditions. The group simulator is used to measure individual level performance. The number of unique ideas generated by individuals and the exact time stamp when each idea was submitted were analyzed to compare performances. Findings The results show that introverts' performances significantly drops after about the middle stage of the ideation session, whereas extraverts do not seem to feel time constraints throughout the ideation session, resulting in superior divergent thinking, which is a major key to understand creative productivity in the problem-solving process. Since extraverts tend to yield a larger pool of ideas, another interpretation is that group composition with extraverts compared with introverts may create a logically larger group, which is important to improve the performance of idea generation group.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.1-9
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• 2018

The development of new technology and process in industrial Plant which builds integrated structures, facilities and systems. Has become a key element for strengthening its competitiveness. Although domestic industrial Plant has demonstrated excellence in technology with a persistent increase in order quantity and orders received, the technology gap between countries has narrowed due to global construction trend. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new technology that could help overcome constraints and limitations of the current one to follow the trend in the age of unlimited competition. This study has focused on assembly technology of Pipe-rack joint connection in an effort to strengthen technological competitiveness in industrial Plant. Through an analysis of earlier studies on Pipe-rack and a coMParative analysis of strengths and weaknesses of current assembly technology of it, a new design plan has been made to improve it efficiently. In doing this, standards for design factors of both structural and performance features have been drawn, and value of stress, strain, moment and rotation has been calculated using finite element analysis. As a result, installation technology of modular type Pipe-rack, which has not been developed in Korea and is differentiated from the current one, has been developed. It is considered that the technology reduces work time and saves cost due to simplified joint connection of steel structure, unlike the current one. Moreover, since it is installed without a welding process in the field, industrial accidents would be reduced, which is likely to have economic competitiveness and satisfy.

• Journal of Korea Society of Industrial Information Systems
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.85-97
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• 2011

Wireless sensor networks have emerged as one of the key enabling technologies for ubiquitous computing since wireless intelligent sensor nodes connected by short range communication media serve as a smart intermediary between physical objects and people in ubiquitous computing environment. We recognize the wireless sensor network as a massively distributed and deeply embedded system. Such systems require concurrent and asynchronous event handling as a distributed system and resource-consciousness as an embedded system. Since the operating environment and architecture of wireless sensor networks, with the seemingly conflicting requirements, poses unique design challenges and constraints to developers, we propose a very new operating system for sensor nodes based on finite state machine. In this paper, we clarify the design goals reflected from the characteristics of sensor networks, and then present the heart of the design and implementation of a compact and efficient state-driven operating system, SenOS. We describe how SenOS can operate in an extremely resource constrained sensor node while providing the required reactivity and dynamic reconfigurability with low update cost. We also compare our experimental results after executing some benchmark programs on SenOS with those on TinyOS.