• Korea Trade Review
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.161-179
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• 2020

The importance of entering the international market for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been continuously emphasized. As a way to overcome these factors, prior studies have increased interest in dynamic capability. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of entrepreneurial orientation, learning orientation, and dynamic capability on their international performance of SMEs. Drawing on an extensive review of the literature on dynamic capability view and internationalization, hypotheses are developed and tested using a sample of 214 SMEs in South Korea. Structural equation modeling was applied. As a result of analysis, first, dynamic capability has a significant effect on international performance. Second, entrepreneurial orientation has significant influence on dynamic capability. Third, learning orientation has significant influence on dynamic capability. Lastly, slack resource was found to moderate the relationship between dynamic capability and international performance. The results indicate that their entrepreneurial orientation and learning orientation ware driver of their dynamic capability. and that their dynamic capability was significant driver of their international performance. In the final conclusion, implications and limitations of research and suggestions for future research are discussed.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.407-412
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• 2023

Objectives: Work stress is associated with non-communicable diseases, increased healthcare costs, and decreased work productivity among employees in the information technology sector. There is a need for regular work-stress screening among employees using valid and reliable tools. The Tool to Assess and Classify Work Stress (TAWS-16) was developed to overcome limitations in existing stress assessment tools in India. This study aimed to test the reliability of TAWS-16 in a sample of managerial-supervisory employees. Methods: This observational reliability study included data from 62 employees. Test-retest and inter-method reliability were investigated using a TAWS-16 web application and interview by telephone, respectively. Kappa values and intra-class correlation coefficients were calculated. Internal consistency was assessed through Cronbach's alpha. Results: For both test-retest and inter-method reliability, the agreement for both work-related factors and symptoms suggestive of work stress exceeded 80%, and all kappa values were 0.40 or higher. Cronbach's alpha for test-retest and inter-method reliability was 0.983 and 0.941, respectively. Conclusions: TAWS-16 demonstrated acceptable reliability. It measured stressors, coping abilities, and psychosomatic symptoms associated with work stress. We recommend using TAWS-16 to holistically identify work stress among employees during periodical health check-ups in India.

• IEMEK Journal of Embedded Systems and Applications
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.107-114
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• 2024

Mobile ad hoc networks represent self-configuring networks of mobile devices that communicate without relying on a fixed infrastructure. However, traditional routing protocols in such networks encounter challenges in selecting efficient and reliable routes due to dynamic nature of these networks caused by unpredictable mobility of nodes. This often results in a failure to meet the low-delay and low-energy consumption requirements crucial for such networks. In order to overcome such challenges, our paper introduces a novel multi-objective and adaptive routing scheme based on the Q-learning reinforcement learning algorithm. The proposed routing scheme dynamically adjusts itself based on measured network states, such as traffic congestion and mobility. The proposed approach utilizes Q-learning to select routes in a decentralized manner, considering factors like energy consumption, load balancing, and the selection of stable links. We present a formulation of the multi-objective optimization problem and discuss adaptive adjustments of the Q-learning parameters to handle the dynamic nature of the network. To speed up the learning process, our scheme incorporates informative shaped rewards, providing additional guidance to the learning agents for better solutions. Implemented on the widely-used AODV routing protocol, our proposed approaches demonstrate better performance in terms of energy efficiency and improved message delivery delay, even in highly dynamic network environments, when compared to the traditional AODV. These findings show the potential of leveraging reinforcement learning for efficient routing in ad hoc networks, making the way for future advancements in the field of mobile ad hoc networking.

• BMB Reports
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• v.57 no.6
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• pp.273-280
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• 2024

Cancer cells metastasize to distant organs by altering their characteristics within the tumor microenvironment (TME) to effectively overcome challenges during the multistep tumorigenesis. Plasticity endows cancer cell with the capacity to shift between different morphological states to invade, disseminate, and seed metastasis. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a theory derived from tissue biopsy, which explains the acquisition of EMT transcription factors (TFs) that convey mesenchymal features during cancer migration and invasion. On the other hand, adherent-to-suspension transition (AST) is an emerging theory derived from liquid biopsy, which describes the acquisition of hematopoietic features by AST-TFs that reprograms anchorage dependency during the dissemination of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). The induction and plasticity of EMT and AST dynamically reprogram cell-cell interaction and cell-matrix interaction during cancer dissemination and colonization. Here, we review the mechanisms governing cellular plasticity of AST and EMT during the metastatic cascade and discuss therapeutic challenges posed by these two morphological adaptations to provide insights for establishing new therapeutic interventions.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.716-725
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• 2023

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered anatomy is technically challenging. For example, scope insertion, selective cannulation, and intended procedures, such as stone extraction or stent placement, can be difficult. Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE)-assisted ERCP has been used to effectively and safely address these technical issues in clinical practice. However, the small working channel limits its therapeutic potential. To address this shortcoming, a short-type SBE (short SBE) with a working length of 152 cm and a channel of 3.2 mm diameter has recently been introduced. Short SBE facilitates the use of larger accessories to complete certain procedures, such as stone extraction or self-expandable metallic stent placement. Despite the development in the SBE endoscope, various steps have to be overcome to successfully perform such procedure. To improve success, the challenging factors of each procedure must be identified. At the same time, endoscopists need to be mindful of adverse events, such as perforation, which can arise due to adhesions specific to the surgically altered anatomy. This review discussed technical tips regarding SBE-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy to increase success and reduce the risk of adverse events associated with ERCP.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.46 no.11
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• pp.655-663
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• 2023

Autophagy dysfunction is associated with human diseases and conditions including neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic issues, and chronic infections. Additionally, the decline in autophagic activity contributes to tissue and organ dysfunction and aging-related diseases. Several factors, such as down-regulation of autophagy components and activators, oxidative damage, microinflammation, and impaired autophagy flux, are linked to autophagy decline. An autophagy flux impairment (AFI) has been implicated in neurological disorders and in certain other pathological conditions. Here, to enhance our understanding of AFI, we conducted a comprehensive literature review of findings derived from two well-studied cellular stress models: glucose deprivation and replicative senescence. Glucose deprivation is a condition in which cells heavily rely on oxidative phosphorylation for ATP generation. Autophagy is activated, but its flux is hindered at the autolysis step, primarily due to an impairment of lysosomal acidity. Cells undergoing replicative senescence also experience AFI, which is also known to be caused by lysosomal acidity failure. Both glucose deprivation and replicative senescence elevate levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), affecting lysosomal acidification. Mitochondrial alterations play a crucial role in elevating ROS generation and reducing lysosomal acidity, highlighting their association with autophagy dysfunction and disease conditions. This paper delves into the underlying molecular and cellular pathways of AFI in glucose-deprived cells, providing insights into potential strategies for managing AFI that is driven by lysosomal acidity failure. Furthermore, the investigation on the roles of mitochondrial dysfunction sheds light on the potential effectiveness of modulating mitochondrial function to overcome AFI, offering new possibilities for therapeutic interventions.

• The Journal of Economics, Marketing and Management
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.13-25
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• 2024

Purpose: Korea's construction industry has faced declining productivity and quality issues due to labor-intensive onsite construction and variables like weather, material price fluctuations, and labor shortages. The modular housing industry, introduced in Korea in 2003, offered benefits like reduced construction time and enhanced productivity through offsite manufacturing. However, its adoption remains limited due to high costs, quality concerns, and low consumer acceptance. Research Design, Data, and Methodology: This study explores the feasibility and impact of implementing smart factory technologies in the modular housing industry to overcome these barriers. Using survey data from 179 construction industry experts, the study employs frequency and regression analysis to identify key factors influencing the adoption of modular housing and the effectiveness of smart factories. Findings suggest that government-led educational programs and strong policy support are essential for successful implementation, enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and improving quality. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need for standardization of modular housing, deregulation of relevant laws, and increased public awareness to stimulate market growth and innovation. Policy recommendations include financial support for modular manufacturers transitioning to smart factories, ensuring stable supply volumes, and promoting the benefits of modular housing to consumers. Integrating smart factory technologies can lead to significant advancements in the modular housing industry, contributing to the sustainable development and modernization of Korea's construction sector.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.199-213
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• 2014

Japanese restaurant owners seek to secure their competitive advantage by implementing a unique competition strategy that may overcome hostile environment. Brand power, aggressive expansion and the partnership strategy with other businesses may be suggested. The present study is to find out the competitive advantages of Japanese restaurants, to compare the importance and satisfaction by different customer factors of choices and then, to identify what kinds of factors affect customer satisfaction. Total 205 copies of questionnaire, out of 230 distributed, were used for analyses. Cronbarch's alpha coefficient of all 20 items was 0.911. In terms of importance, Cronbarch's alpha coefficients were 0.887(food), 0.796(menu), 0.851(employee), 0.815(service), and 0.730(physical environment). For satisfaction, the coefficients were 0.876(food), 0.860(menu), 0.880(employee), 0.851(service), 0.730(physical environment). In addition, the exploratory factor analysis showed an acceptable factor loading, supporting 20 items' validity. The result showed that customers' perceptions of the importance of Japanese restaurant service quality was higher than their level of satisfaction in general. In particular, IPA analysis revealed that food and service factors were well operated as located in the first quadrant. However, service factor located in the second quadrant was perceived to be important yet perceived as being satisfied poorly. So this study suggests that Japanese restaurant owners should concentrate on the attributes included in this quadrant to improve the quality of foodservice. Lastly, menu and physical environment factors were located in the third quadrant showing low level of importance and satisfaction. On the basic of the IPA analysis, Japanese restaurant owners should identify their strengths and weaknesses and draw up a plan to improve service quality and to maximize their profits.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.564-577
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• 2017

We investigated whether external environmental factors acted as a trigger for flowering in the draft bamboo (Sasa borealis (Hack.) Makino) blooming area of Mt. Baekwoon located in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province. We then considered the cause for flowering, flowering patterns and life history strategies of the draft bamboo based on the investigation. There were no differences in soil, physical conditions, and light amount between the draft bamboo flowering and non-flowering areas. The precipitation and temperature of the areas in Korea and Japan where it blossomed from 2014 to 2017 were similar to the normal year values (for the past 30 years). Moreover, most of the draft bamboo died after flowering on a large scale, but some did not, or some culms were developed again. In other words, the draft bamboo bloomed simultaneously regardless of external environmental factors, and most of the culms were dead, but some were left alive. Therefore, it is considered that the flowering is triggered by the specific genes (referred as to clock genes) expressed periodically by a biological clock rather than the external environmental factors. Meanwhile, the draft bamboos generally bloom on a large scale by synchronizing with other ones in the distance but may also bloom several times separately on a small scale. It may be a kind of an insurance system established to disperse the risk of failed sexual propagation when flowering once in a lifetime. The results reveal that the long-period monocarpy of the draft bamboo has been strengthened to optimize the sexual propagation to overcome the increased environmental instability caused by the expansion of distribution of tropical bamboos and bamboo species to the temperate regions.

• Management & Information Systems Review
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.145-162
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• 2020

This study examines problems with using the conventional analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method and proposes a method of weight adjustment as a modification of AHP. AHP is a method for transforming complex decision problems into a hierarchal structure, which is composed of elements in the upper and lower levels and then using pairwise comparisons to evaluate these elements and subsequently to obtain their relative weights. The elements' relative importance is reliable if the elements in the lower hierarchical levels (sub factors) that comprise each element in the upper hierarchical level (primary factor) are equal in number. In other words, if the number of sub factors is different for each primary factor, a serious error is expected as a result. Therefore, this study proposes a modification of AHP that can avoid such an error when AHP is used. Specifically, an error that arises from different number of sub factors (matrix size) can be overcome by making the number of sub factors identical for each primary factor. The resulting model has been validated through the applications in different AHP hierarchical structures.