• Asia pacific journal of information systems
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.493-513
• /
• 2014

With the development of related technologies, Location-Based Services (LBS) are growing fast and being used in many ways. Past LBS studies have focused on adoption of LBS because of the fact that LBS users have privacy concerns regarding revealing their location information. Meanwhile, the number of LBS users and revenues from LBS are growing rapidly because users can get some benefits by revealing their location information. Little research has been done on how LBS affects consumers' information search behavior in product purchase. The purpose of this paper is examining the effect of LBS information filtering on buyers' uncertainty and their information search behavior. When consumers purchase a product, they try to reduce uncertainty by searching information. Generally, there are two types of uncertainties - knowledge uncertainty and choice uncertainty. Knowledge uncertainty refers to the lack of information on what kinds of alternatives are available in the market and/or their important attributes. Therefore, consumers having knowledge uncertainty will have difficulties in identifying what alternatives exist in the market to fulfil their needs. Choice uncertainty refers to the lack of information about consumers' own preferences and which alternative will fit in their needs. Therefore, consumers with choice uncertainty have difficulties selecting best product among available alternatives.. According to economics of information theory, consumers narrow the scope of information search when knowledge uncertainty is high. It is because consumers' information search cost is high when their knowledge uncertainty is high. If people do not know available alternatives and their attributes, it takes time and cognitive efforts for them to acquire information about available alternatives. Therefore, they will reduce search breadth. For people with high knowledge uncertainty, the information about products and their attributes is new and of high value for them. Therefore, they will conduct searches more in-depth because they have incentive to acquire more information. When people have high choice uncertainty, people tend to search information about more alternatives. It is because increased search breadth will improve their chances to find better alternative for them. On the other hand, since human's cognitive capacity is limited, the increased search breadth (more alternatives) will reduce the depth of information search for each alternative. Consumers with high choice uncertainty will spend less time and effort for each alternative because considering more alternatives will increase their utility. LBS provides users with the capability to screen alternatives based on the distance from them, which reduces information search costs. Therefore, it is expected that LBS will help users consider more alternatives even when they have high knowledge uncertainty. LBS provides distance information, which helps users choose alternatives appropriate for them. Therefore, users will perceive lower choice uncertainty when they use LBS. In order to test the hypotheses, we selected 80 students and assigned them to one of the two experiment groups. One group was asked to use LBS to search surrounding restaurants and the other group was asked to not use LBS to search nearby restaurants. The experimental tasks and measures items were validated in a pilot experiment. The final measurement items are shown in Appendix A. Each subject was asked to read one of the two scenarios - with or without LBS - and use a smartphone application to pick a restaurant. All behaviors on smartphone were recorded using a recording application. Search breadth was measured by the number of restaurants clicked by each subject. Search depths was measured by two metrics - the average number of sub-level pages each subject visited and the average time spent on each restaurant. The hypotheses were tested using SPSS and PLS. The results show that knowledge uncertainty reduces search breadth (H1a). However, there was no significant correlation between knowledge uncertainty and search depth (H1b). Choice uncertainty significantly reduces search depth (H2b), but no significant relationship was found between choice uncertainty and search breadth (H2a). LBS information filtering significantly reduces the buyers' choice uncertainty (H4) and reduces the negative relationship between knowledge uncertainty and search breadth (H3). This research provides some important implications for service providers. Service providers should use different strategies based on their service properties. For those service providers who are not well-known to consumers (high knowledge uncertainty) should encourage their customers to use LBS. This is because LBS would increase buyers' consideration sets when the knowledge uncertainty is high. Therefore, less known services have chances to be included in consumers' consideration sets with LBS. On the other hand, LBS information filtering decrease choice uncertainty and the near service providers are more likely to be selected than without LBS. Hence, service providers should analyze geographically approximate competitors' strength and try to reduce the gap so that they can have chances to be included in the consideration set.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.46 no.5
• /
• pp.641-647
• /
• 2014

In this study, we evaluated the effect of Capsosiphon fulvescens extract (CFE) and its active compound, pheophorbide A (PhA), on diabetic kidney failure. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 40 mg/kg body weight (BW)). After a week, the rats were orally administered CFE (4 and 20 mg/kg BW) or PhA (0.2 mg/kg BW) once a day for 9 weeks. After scarification, renal tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histochemical analyses. Our study showed that the treatment with CFE and PhA significantly decreased lipid peroxidation level and the activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase (p<0.05), but it increased glutathione level and the activities of glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the renal tissues (p<0.05). The CFE- and PhA-treated rats with DM showed improved histochemical appearance and decreased abnormal glycogen accumulation. Therefore, we suggest that PhA-containing CFE could exert renal protective effects against STZ-induced oxidative stress.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.57-63
• /
• 2008

Background and Purpose：Nausea, vomiting and weight loss are common problems that are encountered in the course of cancer patient treatment who are receiving radiotherapy. In this study, we are aiming to analyze the effect of megestrol acetate on quality of life of head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy, resulting from improvement of weight loss, appetite and nutritional status via multicenter, open-labeled, observational clinical trial. Material and Methods：A total of 270 patients from 10 medical institutes who are receiving radiotherapy or who have completed radiotherapy within 3 months, between February 2007 and February 2008, were selected as candidates for the study. Megestrol acetate suspension(megace) was given to the subjectives once a week for 4 weeks with the amount of 20ml(megestrol 800mg). Measurement of weight and questionnaire surveys were carried out three times: at the start of the study, 4 weeks after the start of the medication, and 4 weeks after the end of the medication, respectively. Results：The group who has received megace had a total number of 199, and control group was 70. The group who have received megace showed mean weight loss of 1kg in 8 weeks, compared with the weight loss of 5.5kg in control group, which showed that the medication was effective in reducing the amount of weight loss(P=0.027). The group who received megace had a tendency to report a reduced rate of decrease in the score of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and QOL score, but it did not have statistical significance(P>0.05). Conclusion：Megestrol acetate have reduced the degree of weight loss significantly, and it has a tendency to reduce the rate of decrease in appetite, aggravation of nausea and vomiting, and quality of life.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.268-277
• /
• 2014

This study assessed microbiological hazards at postharvest stage of dropwort farms (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I) located in 4 different areas in Korea. The samples were assessed for sanitary indication bacteria (total aerobic bacteria, coliform, and Escherichia coli) and pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus). Total aerobic bacteria and coliform in 9 dropwort farms were detected at the levels of 0~7.00 and 0~4.25 log CFU/g, mL, of $100cm^2$. In particular, microbial contamination in worker's hand showed higher than cultivation environment factors. Escherichia coli was detected in several farms of soil, irrigation water, washing water and worker's hand and also, dropwort in these farms was contaminated with E. coli (positive reaction). In case of pathogenic bacteria, B. cereus was detected at the highest levels in soil. S. aureus was detected qualitatively from only one sample of dropwort washed by water. E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes were not detected. Although dropwort pass through 2 process (trimming and washing), the microbial contamination was not differ significantly before and after which indicates that current washing system was not effect on reduction of microorganism. From these results, the postharvest environment and workers have been considered as cross-contamination factors. Thus, processing equipments and personal hygiene should be managed to reduce the microbial contamination of dropwort. Accordingly management system such as good agricultural practices (GAP) criteria is needed for the safety of dropwort

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.228-240
• /
• 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the dietary and other factors affecting bone mineral density (BMD) in older Korean women. A total of 340 women aged 65 to 74 were recruited from the Kugoksoondam area (Kurye, Goksung, Soonchang and Damyang counties), known as the longevity-belt region in Jeonla province, Korea. They were categorized into two groups according to bone status by T-score : a nonosteoporotic group and an osteoporotic group. Demographic characteristics were collected, as well as information on physical measurements, blood tests for biochemical indicators, health status health-related life style, dietary behavior, favorite food groups, nutrient intake and mini nutrition assessment (MNA). The results are as follows: The mean age of 185 nonosteoporotic women was 69.6 years and that of 155 osteoporotic women was 70.9 years (p<0.001). The mean T-score of the nonosteoporotic group was $-1.5mg/cm^3$ and that of theosteoporotic group was $-3.2mg/cm^3$ (p<0.001). Height and body weight in the nonosteoporotic group were significantly higher than in the osteoporotic group (p<0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in BMI, although the BMI in the nonosteoporotic group was slightly higher. Waist and hip circumferences in the nonosteoporotic group were significantly higher than in the osteoporotic group (p<0.01, respectively), and the mid upper arm and calf circumferences were also significantly higher than in the osteoporotic group (p<0.001, p<0.01, respectively). The 5 m walking ability was significantly superior compared to the osteoporotic group. Serum levels did not show any significant differences between the groups and were within normal range. The serum total protein, albumin and Insulin-like growth factor (IGFs) levels of the nonosteoporotic group were significantly higher than those of the osteoporotic group (p<0.05, p<0.05, p<0.001, respectively). IGF was 104.7 ng/mL for the nonosteoporotic group and 88.1 ng/mL for the osteoporotic group. Physical activity and appetite in the nonosteoporotic group were significantly higher (p<0.01, p<0.05, respectively). The favorite food groups of the nonosteoporotic group comprised more meats and fish than those of the osteoporotic group (p<0.05, respectively). Nutrient intake was not significantly different, with the exception of niacin intake (p<0.05), but the nutrient intake of the nonosteoporotic group was slightly higher than that of the osteoporotic group. The niacin intake of the nonosteoporotic group and the osteoporotic group were 11.4 mgNE and 10.0 mgNE, corresponding to 103.6% and 90.9% of the Korean EAR, respectively. The MNA score of the nonosteoporotic group was significantly more favorable than for the osteoporotic group. In conclusion, it is necessary to maintain adequate body weight and muscle mass. Habitual physical activity may have a beneficial effect on BMD for older women. Dietary factors, such as meat and fish, higher intake of niacin rich foods and nutrient status for older women also appear to have favorable effects on bone mineral density.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.437-444
• /
• 2008

Microbial reduction, physicochemical property, and sensory evaluation of irradiated beef patty were investigated. The microbial counts of refrigerated beef patty were reduced to below the number of 3 logs after irradiation at 3 kGy. But no viable microorganism was detected in frozen beef patty irradiated at 3 kGy. Food additives such as nitrite, salt, phosphate and ascorbic acid did not affect on the inactivation of microorganism by irradiation. The irradiation effect on the water holding capacity was not significant, but frozen irradiated beef patty showed higher water holding capacity than refrigerated beef patty. The drip loss of irradiated beef patty did not show significant differences according to irradiation doses. Considering the influence of food additives, the irradiated beef patty mixed with salt and phosphate showed lower drip loss than that without food additives. In refrigerated beef patty, TBARS values were increased with increase of irradiation doses and showed lower values in the beer patty mixed with food additives than that without food additives. The redness of refrigerated beef patty showed highest values at 3 kGy of irradiation and then decreased with increasing irradiation doses, while in the frozen beef patty did not show distinct tendency according to the irradiation doses or food additives. In sensory evaluation, the irradiated beef patty showed unpleasant smell as compared with the non irradiated beef patty, but showed some-what higher score in smell at the sample contained ascorbic acid regardless of irradiation doses.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.13 no.8
• /
• pp.3561-3569
• /
• 2012

This study investigated the effect of mulberry fruit extract(MFE) on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of middle aged women with rheumatoid factor (RF). Thirty two middle-aged subjects were divided into two groups which were normal middle-aged group (NMG) and abnormal middle-aged group whose serum RF level were > 10 u/mL (AMG). All groups had consumed MFE (100 mL/day) for 4 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, serum inflammatory factors, serum oxidative stress markers analyses were performed at baseline and then at 4 weeks following the study. There were no significant differences in anthropometric measurements, including BMI, WHR and body fat composition between two groups. But after 4 weeks MFE consumption, serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), serum TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-2, IL-4 had significantly decreased (p<0.05) in AMG. These findings suggested that the MFE consumption as food may be protective against oxidation and inflammation like RA.

• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.43-66
• /
• 2018

The purpose of this study was to conduct the instruction for 'Family Life Planning' based on backward design and measured the learners' understanding and satisfaction for testing validity. In short, the result of this study are as follows: In this study, first of all, the students could explain significant concepts, knowledge, and principles for the planning of family life; they could interpret and apply them; they have perspectives on them; they could empathize them; and they could have self-knowledge. The students could also accomplish high achievements for important concepts related to the field of family life planning. In conclusion, this study showed that the developed instruction was very effective for the students to achieve fruitful results, accelerating the learners' persistent understanding. Second, the learners had high satisfaction on the instruction of Family Life Planning based on backward design with the average score of 3.68 out of the perfect score 4. The students could be satisfied with the developed instruction since they could have high interest in the class thanks to diverse learning materials, and they could take an active part in the learning tasks based on group activities and questions. Also they could apply the contents that they learned through task performances to new situation and context. Therefore, this study proved that the developed instruction enhanced the learners' satisfaction on class.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
• /
• v.46 no.1
• /
• pp.91-103
• /
• 2012

The aim of this study was to develop a rapid and cheap bioassay of four lignans (schisandrin, schisandrin C, the gomisin A and gomisin N) isolated from Schizandra chinensis Baill on seed germination and seedling growth of the radish. Its structure was determined by analysis of MS and NMR spectroscopic data. Radish seeds immersed for 1 hr in the solutions of $10^{-5}M$, $10^{-6}M$ and $10^{-7}M$ of schisandrin, schisandrin C, gomisin A, and gomisin N, seed germination was observed with in 60 hr after all of the treatments. Also, the seeds were germinated faster compared to untreated controls. At early germination stage, 48 hr after the treatment of the lignans, the suppression of germination was observed from all treatments; the suppression due to schisandrin and gomisin A was the highest at the concentration of $10^{-6}M$. The level of suppression increased as the concentration increased in the treatment of schisandrin C and gomisin N. Percent germination of seed after 184 hr was increased 90% at all treatments. For the effects of lignan treatment on seedling growth in radish, the growth of hypocotyl was promoted by gomisin A and gomisin N at all concentrations. Root elongation was significantly promoted by schisandrin and gomisin N at $10^{-5}M$ and $10^{-6}M$, respectively. Fresh and dry weights of the seedlings were high at a low concentration of $10^{-7}M$, but significantly reduced by schisandrin C at a high concentration of $10^{-5}M$. The results of the germination activity and seedling growth of the lignans from S. chinensis suggest their potential use as natural growth regulators.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Child Welfare
• /
• no.56
• /
• pp.133-164
• /
• 2016

This study investigated the effect of housing poverty in childhood on adolescents' subjective well-being. Specifically, this study examined whether the major factors that have been known to affect adolescents' well-being (i.e., family relationships, peer relationships, school adjustment etc.) mediated the relationship between housing poverty and adolescents' well-being. And then this study aimed to present an empirical evidence for establishing policies against housing poverty in order to enhance adolescent's subjective happiness. Data were derived from the $1^{st}$, $4^{th}$, and $7^{th}$ surveys of the Korea Welfare Panel Study(KOWEPS), and the sample included. 512 high school children in the $7^{th}$ survey. This study utilized structural equation modeling. Housing poverty was measured by the sub-minimum standard housing condition and the household's burden of housing expenditure. Family relationship, as a mediator, was measured by parental involvement in education, parental monitoring, and family conflicts. Another mediator, school adjustment was measured by school environment and school bonding, and the last mediator, peer relationship was measured by friend attachment and peer attachment. The results showed that housing poverty had significant negative effects on the adolescents' subjective well-being. The sub-minimum standard housing condition with inadequate size and facilities negatively affected adolescents' relationships with family directly and subjective well-being indirectly. In addition, the negative family relationships due to the sub-minimum standard housing condition negatively affected adolescents' subjective well-being through school adjustment and peer relationships. The greater the proportion of income a household spends on housing expenditure, the less likely for adolescents to report positive well-being. The sub-minimum standard housing condition had indirect effects through family relationships, whereas the household's housing expenditure directly affected adolescents' subjective well-being. This study suggested the necessity of interventions to alleviate housing poverty for adolescents' families and lays the groundwork for housing poverty policies in Korea.