• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.1-18
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• 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only increased customer preference for contactless methods but also created digital business opportunities in a variety of industries. Particularly in the fashion industry, contactless distribution and contactless shopping have increased significantly. This study identifies the changed consumers' perception of contactless shopping, which has been expanded due to the COVID-19 pandemic and analyzes specific factors that influence shopping switching intention to derive efficient marketing plans for post COVID-19 era. The study targeted Korean male and female consumers. The perceived value, usefulness, and alternative attractiveness of contactless shopping had a significant effect on shopping switching intention, and a moderating effect of offline fashion stores was confirmed. These results indicate that customers' experience in a fashion store influences their next online and offline shoping. This study, therefore, proposed the direction that the fashion industry should advance from a marketing perspective in the post COVID-19 era.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.23-33
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• 2022

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify the effects of an integrated health improvement program for the elderly based on primary health care posts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A single group pretest-posttest design (n=16) was employed to evaluate an integrated health improvement program that took place twice a week for 11 weeks. The program was conducted in a small group of no more than 10 people in compliance with the guidelines to prevent COVID-19 infection. The program consisted of various contents such as making letters using blocks, health education, and talking about one's memories. The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Following the program, social support (Z=-3.50, p<.001) and quality of life of the elderly (Z=-3.74, p<.001) were significantly improved among depression, social support and quality of life. Conclusion: The integrated health improvement program based on primary health care posts, considered in this study, was useful to improve the social support and quality of life of the elderly in the community, and needs to be applied to a larger number of elderly people throughout the community.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.52-69
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• 2023

Based on five types of health KF masks currently being commercialized, this study analyzed results of a survey of 316 male and female college students with experience in wearing health masks in Seoul metropolitan area. By identifying problems and improvement requirements according to current status of wearing health masks, results of this study could be used as basic data for designing ergonomic health mask with improved ease of wearing and satisfaction for human safety protection in the future. SPSS 26.0 statistical program was used for all data analyses, including post-hoc test, χ² test for cross-analysis, frequency analysis, independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and Duncan test. Considering that masks are worn for more than 8 hours a day on average, it is necessary to design masks considering materials, sizes of mask ear straps, elasticity and thickness of straps. The design should minimize contact with lips and cheeks with improved fit and comfort, blocking performance, and aesthetics. According to this survey, nearly 50% of respondents said they were willing to wear masks even after the end of COVID-19. Thus, it is necessary to perform research and improve masks to have excellent colors, designs, shapes, fit, and functions suitable for both pandemic and post-pandemic era when wearing masks is common.

• Journal of Korea Trade
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.153-168
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• 2021

Purpose - In this study, we aim to explore new distribution strategies for sustainable growth in the era of the 4th industrial revolution, focusing on SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in Korea, and suggest ways to upgrade the government's official distribution channel to the next level. Design/methodology - First of all, this paper explored the prior research, the current status of sales support for SMEs, and the changes in the distribution industry due to COVID-19 pandemic. Based on Moon (2016)'s ABCD strategic model - Agility, Benchmarking, Convergence, and Dedication, the study then derived directions in which official distribution channels should move and the new distribution strategy for Korean SMEs to secure competitive advantage. Findings - First, in terms of 'Agility', in order to upgrade official distribution channels, which are currently at some competitive disadvantages compared to private distribution companies, we must quickly introduce technologies for the 4th industrial revolution, such as AI, Big Data, etc., and establish precise strategies to strengthen the capabilities of SMEs. Second, in terms of 'Benchmarking', the use of "Chamelezones" has been increasing to enhance the competitiveness of offline stores in line with recent ontact trends. Therefore, official distribution channels should also benchmark such cases, strengthening their competitiveness by utilizing offline spaces more efficiently and effectively. Third, in terms of 'Convergence', in line with the rapidly changing trend of the times, official distribution channels should also promote active partnerships with media commerce, e-commerce and ICT platforms, as well as cooperation with private retailers, and focus on creating synergy effects through them. Finally, from the perspective of 'Dedication', digitalization should be promoted step by step, finding the sector that can accelerate digital among the value chains of official distribution channels, and continuing to discuss how to digitize it realistically. Originality/value - Based on this analysis, we have presented strategies and implications for innovating official distribution channels for SMEs, which will contribute to enhancing the competitive advantage of official distribution channels in the post COVID-19 pandemic era.

• SUVANNABHUMI
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.303-343
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• 2024

Globalization and the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the post-pandemic context continue to play a critical role in shaping the workforce of emerging countries. In Vietnam, evidence obtained during the pandemic revealed that the well-being of employees, especially migrant workers, was extremely poor due to both work and non-work factors. This paper examines the most significant factors that impact the well-being of workers employed by various FDI companies in two Vietnamese industrial parks. The survey evidence (n=200) shows that worker well-being is influenced by seven key factors categorized in three dimensions, namely material stressors, social stressors, and human stressors. A further qualitative analysis of 60 participants provides an understanding of the ways in which each factor affects workers' well-being and how elements of well-being in the Vietnamese context are different compared with other countries. Low salaries, lack of social support, work-life imbalance due to job demands, and the interplay between these three determinants significantly affect the overall well-being of workers. In the current business climate, it is important to have well-targeted policies that encourage high-tech investments as well as persuade domestic firms to address low salaries and economic migration. To manage valuable human resources and keep competitive advantages, foreign firms need to authentically implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives focusing on workers' benefits, especially providing workforce housing. This will bring about win-win outcomes of improved employee well-being and business sustainability.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.264-272
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• 2022

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly disrupted cancer screening services worldwide. We aimed to measure the impact of COVID-19 on gastric cancer screening rates based on age, sex, household income, and residential area. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey from 2017 to 2021 for adults aged 40-74 years. We evaluated the gastric cancer screening rate within two years in accordance with the National Cancer Screening Program protocol recommendations and that within the previous year. We compared the trends in the pre- and post-COVID-19 outbreak periods. Results: Before the COVID-19 outbreak, there was little change in the gastric cancer screening rates until 2019. After the COVID-19 outbreak, the screening rate as per recommendation decreased from 70.8% in 2019 to 68.9% in 2020 and that for one year decreased from 32.7% in 2019 to 27.2% in 2020. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic continued after 2020, both gastric cancer screening rates as per recommendations and for one year rebounded. Although a similar trend was observed for the upper endoscopy screening rate, the upper gastrointestinal series screening rate decreased from 7.8% in 2020 to 3.1% in 2021. During the pandemic, the screening rate decreased among younger adults (40-49), those residing in metropolitan regions, and those with high incomes. Conclusions: Despite a decline in gastric cancer screening rate during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate surged in 2021. Further studies are needed to estimate the impact of cancer screening delays on future cancer-related mortalities.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.12
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• pp.1-7
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• 2021

The study examines the influence of COVID-19 on the stock market returns of Saudi Arabia. The data was analyzed through event study methodology using daily price data of Tadawul All Share Index (TASI). The study examines the behavior pattern of the Saudi Arabian stock market in different phases during the event period by selecting six-event windows with a range of 10 days. The results report a negative Abnormal Return (AR) of -0.003 on the event date, while the abnormal returns reversed the next day to 0.005 positively. The result of Cumulative Abnormal Return (CAR) is negative and significant at the 1 percent level in all the six-event windows starting from the event date to day 59 after the event for the TASI index. Even though the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic decreased after 30 days of the event date, it increased during the last ten days of the event window. The stock market volatility of Saudi Arabia increased during the post-event period compared to the pre-event period with a negative mean return of -0.326 and a greater standard deviation. In a conclusion, the study found a significant influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the stock market returns of TASI.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.19 no.10
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• pp.43-54
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• 2021

Purpose: The restrictions posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the normal functioning of the economy. A country like India is facing a lot of concerns in all its sectors especially, in its fiscal system. This paper makes an attempt to examine the impact of COVID-19 first wave on Goods and Service Tax revenue collection and distribution in India and also studies the impact of COVID-19 first wave on the state wise GST revenue of the country. Research Design, Data and Methodology: Our study is based on published GST revenue data. Tools such as Paired Sample t-test, Wilcoxon signed rank test are employed to analyze the data. Results: Our results provide evidence that there is a sharp decline in the GST revenue in the months after the lockdown announcement. The large states show no significance impact of COVID-19 pandemic on GST collection. Whereas, small states like Manipur and Goa show significant difference in GST revenue collection & distribution between the pre and post lockdown period. Conclusion: The outcome of this study will help the policymakers to analyze the extent of the GST revenue loss to the government treasury and will allow them to take appropriate measures in the future.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.19 no.10
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• pp.17-22
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• 2021

Purpose: Covid-19 has caused an unprecedented situation for the tourism industry with slumping demand during the outbreak and many uncertainties about tourist behavior in the post-pandemic. This study is aimed to discover the distribution in the behavior of tourists in Vietnam, whose government has taken serious and early actions towards the health crisis and among the earliest to reopen the economy. Research design, data, and methodology: We adopted a mixed-method approach - combining qualitative interviews with quantitative research using a questionnaire survey. Through the form of the online survey through social networking channels: Facebook, Gmail. The study received 261 valid responses for analysis. Multivariate analysis techniques were used: descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Results: From the data and result of EFA, the result showed that the distribution of tourist behavior could be grouped into four main factors, including (1) the general impacts, (2) travel-related behaviors; (3) attitudes and preferences regarding modes of tours and destinations; (4) awareness of safety and hygiene. Conclusions: These results highlighted the importance of the theory of perceived risks in explaining the travelers' prudent decisions. In addition, this study provides practical implications for policymakers and various stakeholders of Vietnam's tourism industry in formulating the recovery strategy.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.301-315
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• 2022

Purpose - The main objective of this study was to investigate tourists behavior by applying protection motivation theory and health belief model during COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the study examined how risk perception of COVID-19 affects tourists' protection motivation and travel avoidance intention. Design/methodology/approach - The empirical data was collected by self-administered questionnaires to obtain perception and behavior regarding COVID-19 pandemic situation. A total of 486 questionnaires were used for data analysis and SEM analysis was applied in order to examine seven hypotheses. Findings-The results showed that COVID-19 risk perception is a significant antecedent of threat appraisal, coping appraisal, and cue to action (H1, H2, H6). Moreover, protection motivation is affected by threat appraisal and coping appraisal (H3, H4) and influences on travel avoidance intention (H5). However, cue to action does not affect protection motivation (H7). Research implications or Originality - This study provides insightful implications for tourism industry practitioners who will prepare the post-corona field and the results enrich knowledge of the tourist behavior during pandemic situation.