• Title/Summary/Keyword: P.E.B system

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Novel target genes of hepatocellular carcinoma identified by chip-based functional genomic approaches

  • Kim Dong-Min;Min Sang-Hyun;Lee Dong-Chul;Park Mee-Hee;Lim Soo-Jin;Kim Mi-Na;Han Sang-Mi;Jang Ye-Jin;Yang Suk-Jin;Jung Hai-Yong;Byun Sang-Soon;Lee Jeong-Ju;Oh Jung-Hwa
    • Proceedings of the Korean Society for Bioinformatics Conference
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    • 2006.02a
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    • pp.83-89
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    • 2006
  • Cellular functions are carried out by a concerted action of biochemical pathways whose components have genetic interactions. Abnormalities in the activity of the genes that constitute or modulate these pathways frequently have oncogenic implications. Therefore, identifying the upstream regulatory genes for major biochemical pathways and defining their roles in carcinogenesis can have important consequences in establishing an effective target-oriented antitumor strategy We have analyzed the gene expression profiles of human liver cancer samples using cDNA microarray chips enriched in liver and/or stomach-expressed cDNA elements, and identified groups of genes that can tell tumors from non-tumors or normal liver, or classify tumors according to clinical parameters such as tumor grade, age, and inflammation grade. We also set up a high-throughput cell-based assay system (cell chip) that can monitor the activity of major biochemical pathways through a reporter assay. Then, we applied the cell chip platform for the analysis of the HCC-associated genes discovered from transcriptome profiling, and found a number of cancer marker genes having a potential of modulating the activity of cancer-related biochemical pathways such as E2F, TCF, p53, Stat, Smad, AP-1, c-Myc, HIF and NF-kB. Some of these marker genes were previously blown to modulate these pathways, while most of the others not. Upon a fast-track phenotype analysis, a subset of the genes showed increased colony forming abilities in soft agar and altered cell morphology or adherence characteristics in the presence of purified matrix proteins. We are currently analyzing these selected marker genes in more detail for their effects on various biological Processes and for Possible clinical roles in liver cancer development.

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The study of the relationship of the defense industry-specific factors effect the innovation of manufacturing technology and the market share. (방위산업의 시장구조 결정요인이 기술혁신과 시장지배에 미치는 영향)

  • Chung, Young-Hyun
    • Journal of National Security and Military Science
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    • s.5
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    • pp.241-280
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    • 2007
  • This study examines the relationship of the industry-specific factors that effect innovation of manufacturing technology and the market share within the defense industry. Since the establishment of the basic defense industry framework in 1973, there were numerous interactions of the industry-specific factors of the defense industry structure with the technological innovation and market organization of the defense industry. During last three decades, the domestic defense industry has achieved the considerable level but the framework of the basic system has not developed much in areas of the military science and the defense manufacturing technology. Industry-specific factors were formed in the process and appeared in a variety of behavioral characteristics as subsystems. Currently, there IS a growing trend where the management of defense industry is gradually deteriorating due to limitation of the domestic industry-specific factor (e.g. defense technologies, amount of demand, etc.). If there is a prominent imbalance of the industry-specific factors. it can trigger the potential problem of conflict, lack of cooperation and control, slowing the growth of the manufacturing technology thereby diminishing the market and deteriorating the defense supply/demand relationship. In a research conducted by Joe S. Bain, Bain analyzed the relationship of the traditional industrial organization where industry-specific factor(S) not only impacts the conductor(C). And, conductor(C) influences the shaping of the performance(P) of relationship of the traditional industrial organization. Consequently, the researcher has identified the demand monopoly, barriers to entry, and market competition with comparison of defense industry issues. These defense issues were three industry-specific factors identified, which are 1) The demand monopoly and The entry barriers to new market competition, 2) the industrial technical factor to a production technical competitiveness and a market sharing competitiveness, 3) the probability factor to revolution for military affairs(RMA) and a R&D production. According to baseline with these factors, the following research model is established from the special companies group(Group A), the systematization companies group(Group B), and the general companies group(Group 0. The hypothesis is that if there are more industry-specific factors, then there will be more relationships of defense industry relation statutes. This research is an empirical study on the relationship that the industry specific factors effects the innovation of manufacturing technology and the shaping of the market in the defense industry. Moreover, the existing models to evaluate the industry specific factors of the defense industry IS much to be desired with the controlled statistical analysis of the result. It is vital to study on current situation with suggesting alternative strategy to the efficient strategy. The descriptive analysis approach analysis is conducted with SPSSWIN to conduct reliability test, factor analysis, correlation analysis, cross-tabulation analysis, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. However, there were some limitations of the survey such as the rigidity of concept about the technical factors and various market management factors. The wishes is that the decision-maker could be utilized these defence industrial factors to formulate efficient defence policy and strategy in the future.

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Inactivation of Lactobacillus plantarum by High Voltage Pulsed Electric Fields Treatment (고전압 펄스 전기장 처리에 의한 Lactobacillus plantarum의 불활성화)

  • Shin, Hae-Hun;Pyun, Yu-Ryang
    • Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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    • v.29 no.6
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    • pp.1175-1183
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    • 1997
  • Lethal effects of high voltage pulsed electric fields (PEF) on suspensions of Lactobacillus plantarum cells in phosphate buffer solution were examined by using continuous recycle treatment system. Critical electric field strength and treatment time needed for inactivation of L. plantarum were 13.6 kV/cm and $16.1\;{\mu}s$ at room temperature, respectively. As decrease in frequency (decreasing pulse number), the degree of inactivation of L. plantarum was increased. A 2.5 log reduction in microbial population could be achieved with an electric field strength of 80 kV/cm, 300 Hz frequency and $2000\;{\mu}s$ treatment time. Survivability was decreased with increase in total treatment time (cycle number) and frequency at the same cycle number. As sterilization model of continuous recycle PEF treatment, $logS=-N_m\;log\;m+B$ and $N_m=k_1\;P_n+k_2$ were established. This model was very well fitted to tile empirical data. The rate of inactivation increased with increase in the processing temperature. The maximum reduction in survivability (5.6 log reduction) was obtained with 80 kV/cm electric field strength at $50^{\circ}C$ for $1000\;{\mu}s$ treatment.

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Biological and Chemical Hazards Factor Analysis for CCP(Critical Control Point) in Fried Process of Fried Noodles (유탕면류의 유탕공정 중 중요관리점(CCP)을 위한 미생물학적, 화학적 위해요소분석)

  • Kwon, Sang-Chul
    • Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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    • v.13 no.8
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    • pp.3578-3585
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    • 2012
  • The purpose of this study was to establish the critical limit at CCP (Critical Control Point) of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) system for instant noodle and it was conducted at P company in Ichen(Gyeonggi-do), Korea. According to the CCP, Fried process were experimented to removal and decrease of microbiological and chemical hazards by measuring of each temperature and times. As a result, the standard plate count and pathogenic microorganism were not detected by fried processing (Temperature : $145{\pm}10^{\circ}C$, Time : $75{\pm}30$ sec). The acid value of chemical hazards produced by fried processing was able to manage, showed lower (0.2) than the legal limit (0.6). Air-borne bacterial examination results detected(3 CFU/mL, 3 CFU/mL) in the Frying Room and Steam Room. Therefore, the CCP-BC of fried process would be a great alternative to prevent and remove hazard analysis, such as general and pathogenic microorganism (E. coli O157:H7, B. cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp, Sthaph. aureus etc), chemical hazard analysis. In conclusion, it suggested that HACCP plan was necessary for management standard and systematic approach in establishement of critical limit, solving the problem, method of verification, education and records management by fried processing.

Alternative Immunossays

  • Barnard, G.J.R.;Kim, J.B.;Collins, W.P.
    • Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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    • v.9 no.2
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    • pp.133-139
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    • 1985
  • An immunoassay may be defined as an analytical procedure involving the competitive reaction between a limiting concentration of specific antibody and two populations of antigen, one of which is labelled or immobillized. The advent of immunoassay has revolutionised our knowledge of reproductive physiology and the practice of veterinary and clinical medicine. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was the first of these methods to be developed, which meausred the analyte with good sensitivity, accuracy and precision (1,2). The essential components of RIA are:-(i) a limited concentration of antibodies, (ii) a reference preparation, and (iii) an antigen labelled with a radioisotope (usually tritium or iodine-125). Most procedures invelove isolating the antibody-bound fraction and measuring the amount of labelled antigen. Good facilities are available for scintilltion counting, data reduction nd statistical analysis. RIA is undergoing refinement through:-(i) the introduction of new techniques to separate the antibody-bound and free fractions which minimize the misclassification of labelled antigen into these compartments, and the amount of non-specfic binding. (3), (ii) the development of non-extration for the measurement of haptens (4), (iii) the determination of a, pp.rent free (i.e. non-protein bound) analytes (5), and (iv) the use of monoclonal antibodies(6). In 1968, Miles and Hales introduced in important new type of immunoassay which they termed immunora-diometric assay (IRMA) based on t도 use of isotopically labelled specific antibodies(7) in a move from limited to excess reagent systems. The concept of two-site IRMAs (with a capture antibody on a solid-phase, and a second labelled antibody to a different antigenic determinant of the analyte) has enabled the development of more sensitive and less-time consuming methods for the measurement of protein hormones ovar wide concentration of analyte (8). The increasing use of isotopic methos for diverse a, pp.ications has exposed several problems. For example, the radioactive half-life and radiolysis of the labelled reagent limits assay sensitivity and imposes a time limit on the usefulness of a kit. In addition, the potential health hazards associated with the use and disposal of radioactive cmpounds and the solvents and photofluors necessary for liquid scientillation counting are incompatable with the development of extra-laboratory tests. To date, the most practical alternative labels to radioisotopes, for the measurement of analytes in a concentration > 1 ng/ml, are erythrocytes, polystyrene particiles, gold sols, dyes and enzymes or cofactors with a visual or colorimetric end-point(9). Increased sensitivity to<1 pg/ml may be obtained with fluorescent and chemiluminescent labels, or enzymes with a fluorometric, chemiluminometric or bioluminometric end-point. The sensitivity of any immunoassay or immunometric assay depends on the affinity of the antibody-antigen reaction, the specific activity of the label, the precision with which the reagents are manipulated and the nonspecific background signal (10). The sensitivity of a limited reagent system for the measurement of haptens or proteins is mainly dependent upon the affinity of the antibodies and the smalleest amount of reagent that may be manipulated. Consequently, it is difficult in practice to improve on the sensitivity obtained with iodine-125 as the label. Conversely, with excess reagent systems for the measurement of proteins it is theoretically possible to increase assay sensitivity at least 1000 fold with alternative luminescent labels. To date, a 10-fold improvement has been achieved, and attempts are being made to reduce the influence of other variables on the specific signal from the immunoreaction.

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Fabric Dyeing with Lichen Parmotrema austrosinence and Improvement of Dyeability by Chitosan Treatment (Parmotrema austrosinence(지의류)를 이용한 직물염색과 키토산 처리에 의한 염색성 향상)

  • Yoo, Hye-Ja;Lee, Hye-Ja;Rhie, Jeon-Sook
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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    • v.32 no.6
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    • pp.882-889
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    • 2008
  • Three fabrics, 100% silk, nylon and cotton each, were dyed with a lichen dye solution prepared by a fermentation method under conditions of varying dyebath pH and temperature. To verify the effect of chitosan on fabric dyeing, the 100% cotton fabric was treated with a chitosan solution before dyeing. The K/S, CIE $L^*$, $a^*$, $b^*$, ${\Delta}E$ and Munsell values of the dyed samples were measured. Colorfastness of each sample was also investigated. The maximum K/S value was measured at 520nm wavelength for the dyed silk fabric and at 480nm for the dyed cotton and nylon. The K/S values for the dyed silk fabric were much greater than those of the other fabrics. The dyed silk fabric showed a red tone on the Munsell color system, and the dyed nylon and cotton fabrics a yellowish red tone. Dye affinity to fabrics was better in a neutral or acidic dyebath. As dyeing temperature increased, K/S values increased for the dyed nylon and cotton fabrics but not for the silk. Dyeability of cotton fabrics could improve by Chitosan treatment. As for most natural dyes, colorfastness of all dyed samples was poor. The silk fabric showed an excellent dry cleaning fastness of Grade 5.

Preparation and Keeping Quality of Canned Sea Mussel using Tomato Paste (토마토 페이스트 첨가 홍합통조림의 제조 및 저장중의 품질 안전성)

  • Noe, Yn-Ni;Kong, Cheung-Sik;Toon, Ho-Dong;Lee, Sang-Bae;Nam, Dong-Bae;Park, Tae-Ho;Kwon, Dae-Geun;Kim, Jeong-Gyun
    • Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education
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    • v.23 no.3
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    • pp.410-424
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    • 2011
  • This study was investigated for the purpose of obtaining basic data which can be applied to processing of canned sea mussel using tomato paste. Shell were washed, and then steamed and shucked. Sea mussel meat was prepared with ratio of sea mussel 90g, tomato paste sauce 65g(tomato paste 42%, gum guar 1.0%, salt 2.0%, starch syrup 2.0%, cooking wine 1%, water 52%). The sea mussel meats were packed with vacuum seamer in 301-3 can, and then sterilized for various F0 value(F0 8-12 min.) in a steam system retort at $118^{\circ}C$. The factors such as pH, VBN, amino-N, total amino acid, free amino acid, chemical composition, color value (L, a, b), texture profile, TBA value, mineral, sensory evaluation and viable bacterial count of the canned sea mussel produced with various sterilization condition(F0 8-12 min.) were measured. The same element was also measured during preservation. The results showed that the product sterilized at F0 8 min. and preserved for 90 days were the most desirable.

Influences of the devastated forest lands on flood damages (Observed at Chonbo and the neighbouring Mt. Jook-yop area) (황폐임야(荒廢林野)가 수해참상(水害慘狀)에 미치는 영향(影響) (천보산(天寶山)과 인접(隣接) 죽엽산(竹葉山)을 중심(中心)으로))

  • Chung, In Koo
    • Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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    • v.5 no.1
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    • pp.4-9
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    • 1966
  • 1. On 13 September 1964 a storm raged for 3 hours and 20 minutes with pounding heavy rainfalls, and precipitation of 287.5 mm was recorded on that day. The numerous landslides were occured in the eroded forest land neighbouring Mt. Chunbo, while no landslides recorde at all on Mt. Jookyup within the premise of Kwangnung Experiment Station, the Forest Experiment Station. 2. Small-scalled Landslides were occured in 43 different places of watershed area (21.97 ha.) in which the survey had already been done, in and around Mt. Chunbo (378 m a.s.l.). The accumulated soil amount totaled $2,146,56m^3$ due to the above mentioned landslides, while soil accumulated from riverside erosion has reached to $24,168.79m^3$, consisting of soils, stones, and pebbles. However, no landslides were reported in the Mt. Jook yup area because of dense forest covers. The ratio of the eroded soil amount accumulated from the riversides to that of watershed area was 1 to 25. On the other hand, the loss and damage in the research area of Mt. Chonbo are as follows: 28 houses completly destroyed or missing 7 houses partially destroyed 51 men were dead 5 missing, and 57 wounded. It was a terrible human disaster However, no human casualties were recorded at all, 1 house-completly destroyed and missing, 2 houses-partially destroyed. Total:3 houses were destroyed or damaged, in The area of Mt. Jookyup 3. In the calculation of the quanty of accumulated soil, the or mula of "V=1/3h ($a+{\sqrt{ab}}+b$)" was used and it showed that 24, 168.79m of soil, sands, stones and pebbles carried away. 4. Average slope of the stream stood 15 at the time of accident and well found that there was a correlation between the 87% of cross-area sufferd valley erosion and the length of eroded valley, after a study on regression and correlation of the length and cross-area. In other works, the soil erosion was and severe as we approached to the down-stream, counting at a place of average ($15^{\circ}1^{\prime}$) and below. We might draw a correlation such as "Y=ax-b" in terms of the length and cross-area of the eroded valley. 5. Sites of char-coal pits were found in the upper part of the desert-like Mt. Chunbo and a professional opinion shows that the mountain was once covered by the oak three species. Furthermore, we found that the soil of both mountains have been kept the same soil system according to a research of the soil cross-area. In other words, we can draw out the fact that, originally, the forest type and soil type of both Mt. Chunbo (378m) and Mt. Jookyup (610m) have been and are the same. However, Mt. Chunbo has been much more devastated than Mt. Jookyup, and carried away its soil nutrition to the extent that the ratios of N. $P_2O_5K_2O$ and Humus C.E.C between these two mountains are 1:10;1:5 respectively. 6. Mt. Chunbo has been mostly eroded for the past 30 years, and it consists of gravels of 2mm or larger size in the upper part of the mountain, while in the lower foot part, the sandy loam was formulated due to the fact that the gluey soil has been carried and accumulated. On the hand, Mt. Jookyup has consitantly kept the all the same forest type and sandy loam of brown colour both in the upper and lower parts. 7. As for the capability of absorbing and saturating maximum humidity by the surface soil, the ratios of wet soil to dry soil are 42.8% in the hill side and lower part of the eroded Mt. Chunbo and 28.5% in the upper part. On the contrary, Mt. Jookyup on which the forest type has not been changed, shows that the ratio in 77.4% in the hill-side and 68.2% in the upper part, approximately twice as much humidity as Mt. Chunbo. This proves the fact that the forest lands with dense forest covers are much more capable of maintaining water by wood, vegitation, and an organic material. The strength of dreventing from carring away surface soil is great due to the vigorous network of the root systems. 8. As mentioned above, the devastated forest land cause not only much greater devastation, but also human loss and property damage. We must bear in mind that the eroded forest land has taken the valuable soil, which is the very existance of origin of both human being and all creatures. As for the prescription for preventing erosion of forest land, the trees for furtilization has to be planted in the hill,side with at least reasonable amount of aertilizer, in order to restore the strength of earth soil, while in the lower part, thorough erosion control and reforestation, and establishments along the riversides have to be made, so as to restore the forest type.

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Effects of Light Intensity and Electrical Conductivity Level on Photosynthesis, Growth and Functional Material Contents of Lactuca indica L. 'Sunhyang' in Hydroponics (수경재배에서 광도와 양액 농도가 베이비 산채 왕고들빼기 '선향' 광합성과 생육 및 기능성 물질 함량에 미치는 영향)

  • Kim, Jae Kyung;Jang, Dong Cheol;Kang, Ho Min;Nam, Ki Jung;Lee, Mun Haeng;Na, Jong Kuk;Choi, Ki Young
    • Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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    • v.30 no.1
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    • pp.1-9
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    • 2021
  • This study was conducted to examine the changes of photosynthesis, growth, chlorophyll contents and functional material contents in light intensity and EC concentration of wild baby leaf vegetable, Indian lettuce (Lactuca indica L. cv. 'Sunhyang') in DFT hydroponics. The cultivation environment was 25±1℃ of temperature and 60±5% of relative humidity in growth system. At 14 days after sowing, combination effect of light intensity (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD 100, 250, 500 µmol·m-2·s-1) and EC level (EC 0.8, 1.4, 2.0 dS·m-1) of nutrient solution was determined at the baby leaf stage. The photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and water use efficiency of Indian lettuce increased as the light intensity increased. The photosynthesis rate and water use efficiency were highest in PPFD 500-EC 1.4 and PPFD 500-EC 2.0 treatment. The chlorophyll content decreased as the light intensity increased, but chlorophyll a/b ratio increased. Leaf water content and specific leaf area decreased as light intensity increased and a negative correlation (p < 0.001) was recognized. Plant height was the longest in PPFD 100-EC 0.8 and leaf number, fresh weight and dry weight were the highest in PPFD 500-EC 2.0. Anthocyanin and total phenolic compounds were the highest in PPFD 500-EC 1.4 and 2.0 treatment, and antioxidant scavenging ability (DPPH) was high in PPFD 250 and 500 treatments. Considering the growth and functional material contents, the proper light intensity and EC level for hydroponic cultivation of Indian lettuce is PPFD 500-EC 2.0, and PPFD 100 and 250, which are low light conditions, EC 0.8 is suitable for growth.

An Empirical Study in Relationship between Franchisor's Leadership Behavior Style and Commitment by Focusing Moderating Effect of Franchisee's Self-efficacy (가맹본부의 리더십 행동유형과 가맹사업자의 관계결속에 관한 실증적 연구 - 가맹사업자의 자기효능감의 조절효과를 중심으로 -)

  • Yang, Hoe-Chang;Lee, Young-Chul
    • Journal of Distribution Research
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    • v.15 no.1
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    • pp.49-71
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    • 2010
  • Franchise businesses in South Korea have contributed to economic growth and job creation, and its growth potential remains very high. However, despite such virtues, domestic franchise businesses face many problems such as the instability of franchisor's business structure and weak financial conditions. To solve these problems, the government enacted legislation and strengthened franchise related laws. However, the strengthening of laws regulating franchisors had many side effects that interrupted the development of the franchise business. For example, legal regulations regarding franchisors have had the effect of suppressing the franchisor's leadership activities (e.g. activities such as the ability to advocate the franchisor's policies and strategies to the franchisees, in order to facilitate change and innovation). One of the main goals of the franchise business is to build cooperation between the franchisor and the franchisee for their combined success. However, franchisees can refuse to follow the franchisor's strategies because of the current state of franchise-related law and government policy. The purpose of this study to explore the effects of franchisor's leadership style on franchisee's commitment in a franchise system. We classified leadership styles according to the path-goal theory (House & Mitchell, 1974), and it was hypothesized and tested that the four leadership styles proposed by the path-goal theory (i.e. directive, supportive, participative and achievement-oriented leadership) have different effects on franchisee's commitment. Another purpose of this study to explore the how the level of franchisee's self-efficacy influences both the franchisor's leadership style and franchisee's commitment in a franchise system. Results of the present study are expected to provide important theoretical and practical implications as to the role of franchisor's leadership style, as restricted by government regulations and the franchisee's self-efficacy, which could be needed to improve the quality of the long-term relationship between the franchisor and franchisee. Quoted by Northouse(2007), one problem regarding the investigation of leadership is that there are almost as many different definitions of leadership as there are people who have tried to define it. But despite the multitude of ways in which leadership has been conceptualized, the following components can be identified as central to the phenomenon: (a) leadership is a process, (b) leadership involves influence, (c) leadership occurs in a group context, and (d) leadership involves goal attainment. Based on these components, in this study leadership is defined as a process whereby franchisor's influences a group of franchisee' to achieve a common goal. Focusing on this definition, the path-goal theory is about how leaders motivate subordinates to accomplish designated goals. Drawing heavily from research on what motivates employees, path-goal theory first appeared in the leadership literature in the early 1970s in the works of Evans (1970), House (1971), House and Dessler (1974), and House and Mitchell (1974). The stated goal of this leadership theory is to enhance employee performance and employee satisfaction by focusing on employee motivation. In brief, path-goal theory is designed to explain how leaders can help subordinates along the path to their goals by selecting specific behaviors that are best suited to subordinates' needs and to the situation in which subordinates are working (Northouse, 2007). House & Mitchell(1974) predicted that although many different leadership behaviors could have been selected to be a part of path-goal theory, this approach has so far examined directive, supportive, participative, and achievement-oriented leadership behaviors. And they suggested that leaders may exhibit any or all of these four styles with various subordinates and in different situations. However, due to restrictive government regulations, franchisors are not in a position to change their leadership style to suit their circumstances. In addition, quoted by Northouse(2007), ssubordinate characteristics determine how a leader's behavior is interpreted by subordinates in a given work context. Many researchers have focused on subordinates' needs for affiliation, preferences for structure, desires for control, and self-perceived level of task ability. In this study, we have focused on the self-perceived level of task ability, namely, the franchisee's self-efficacy. According to Bandura (1977), self-efficacy is chiefly defined as the personal attitude of one's ability to accomplish concrete tasks. Therefore, it is not an indicator of one's actual abilities, but an opinion of the extent of how one can use that ability. Thus, the judgment of maintain franchisee's commitment depends on the situation (e.g., government regulation and policy and leadership style of franchisor) and how it affects one's ability to mobilize resources to deal with the task, so even if people possess the same ability, there may be differences in self-efficacy. Figure 1 illustrates the model investigated in this study. In this model, it was hypothesized that leadership styles would affect the franchisee's commitment, and self-efficacy would moderate the relationship between leadership style and franchisee's commitment. Theoretically, quoted by Northouse(2007), the path-goal approach suggests that leaders need to choose a leadership style that best fits the needs of subordinates and the work they are doing. According to House & Mitchell (1974), the theory predicts that a directive style of leadership is best in situations in which subordinates are dogmatic and authoritarian, the task demands are ambiguous, and the organizational rule and procedures are unclear. In these situations, franchisor's directive leadership complements the work by providing guidance and psychological structure for franchisees. For work that is structured, unsatisfying, or frustrating, path-goal theory suggests that leaders should use a supportive style. Franchisor's Supportive leadership offers a sense of human touch for franchisees engaged in mundane, mechanized activity. Franchisor's participative leadership is considered best when a task is ambiguous because participation gives greater clarity to how certain paths lead to certain goals; it helps subordinates learn what actions leads to what outcome. Furthermore, House & Mitchell(1974) predicts that achievement-oriented leadership is most effective in settings in which subordinates are required to perform ambiguous tasks. Marsh and O'Neill (1984) tested the idea that organizational members' anger and decline in performance is caused by deficiencies in their level of effort and found that self-efficacy promotes accomplishment, decreases stress and negative consequences like depression and emotional instability. Based on the extant empirical findings and theoretical reasoning, we posit positive and strong relationships between the franchisor's leadership styles and the franchisee's commitment. Furthermore, the level of franchisee's self-efficacy was thought to maintain their commitment. The questionnaires sent to participants consisted of the following measures; leadership style was assessed using a 20 item 7-point likert scale developed by Indvik (1985), self-efficacy was assessed using a 24 item 6-point likert scale developed by Bandura (1977), and commitment was assessed using a 6 item 5-point likert scale developed by Morgan & Hunt (1994). Questionnaires were distributed to Korean optical franchisees in Seoul. It took about 20 days to complete the data collection. A total number of 140 questionnaires were returned and complete data were available from 137 respondents. Results of multiple regression analyses testing the relationships between the each of the four styles of leadership shown by the franchisor as independent variables and franchisee's commitment as the dependent variable showed that the relationship between supportive leadership style and commitment ($\beta$=.13, p<.001),and the relationship between participative leadership style and commitment ($\beta$=.07, p<.001)were significant. However, when participants divided into high and low self-efficacy groups, results of multiple regression analyses showed that only the relationship between achievement-oriented leadership style and commitment ($\beta$=.14, p<.001) was significant in the high self-efficacy group. In the low self-efficacy group, the relationship between supportive leadership style and commitment ($\beta$=.17, p<.001),and the relationship between participative leadership style and commitment ($\beta$=.10, p<.001) were significant. The study focused on the franchisee's self-efficacy in order to explore the possibility that regulation, originally intended to protect the franchisee, may not be the most effective method to maintain the relationships in a franchise business. The key results of the data analysis regarding the moderating role of self-efficacy between leadership behavior style as proposed by path-goal and commitment theory were as follows. First, this study proposed that franchisor should apply the appropriate type of leadership behavior to strengthen the franchisees commitment because the results demonstrated that supportive and participative leadership styles by the franchisors have a positive influence on the franchisee's level of commitment. Second, it is desirable for franchisor to validate the franchisee's efforts, since the franchisee's characteristics such as self-efficacy had a substantial, positive effect on the franchisee's commitment as well as being a meaningful moderator between leadership and commitment. Third, the results as a whole imply that the government should provide institutional support, namely to put the franchisor in a position to clearly identify the characteristics of their franchisees and provide reasonable means to administer the franchisees to achieve the company's goal.

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