• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.10-19
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• 2007

Conventional MRI methods using T1-, T2-, diffusion-, perfusion-weighting, and functional imaging rely on characterizing the physical and functional properties of the tissue. In this review, we introduce an imaging modality based on measured the mechanical properties of soft tissue, namely magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). The use of palpation to identify the stiffness of tissue remains a fundamental diagnostic tool. MRE can quantify the stiffness of the tissue thereby providing a objective means to measure the mechanical properties. To accomplish a successful clinical setting using MRE, hardware and software techniques in the area of transducer, pulse sequence, and imaging processing algorithm need to be developed. Transducer, a mechanical vibrator, is the core of MRE application to make wave propagate invivo. For this reason, considerations of the frame of human body, pressure and friction of the interface, and high magnetic field of a MRI system needs to be taken into account when designing a transducer. Given that the wave propagates through human body effectively, developing an appropriate pulse sequence is another important issue in obtaining an optimal image. In this review paper, we introduce the technical aspects needed for MRE experiments and introduce several applications of this new field.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.955-963
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• 2014

The objective of this study is to identify ways to resolve conflicts arising from building new roads or expanding existing roads by introducing negotiation techniques to the Jeju government. A case of city planning (Jungjeong-ro, Seogwipo City, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province) was analyzed in this study in an aspect of negotiation. In the case, the Committee for Promoting and Vitalizing Jungjeong-ro conducted negotiations from February, 2011 to December, 2011. This study proposes ways to establish systems which resolve problems during negotiation processes and frame concepts related to negotiation in the overall administrative systems. Firstly, setting up a negotiation management team within the provincial office and supporting it fully is needed. Secondly, there should be a process in which decisions made by the negotiation team become authoritative. Thirdly, for smooth negotiation processes, it is necessary to formulate ground rules and make negotiating parties obey them thoroughly. Fourthly, a negotiation clinic team should be established at the Jeju provincial government. Fifthly, there should be a negotiation school within the framework of human resources development. Sixthly, If officials do their negotiation jobs positively, a reward system should be established to give them adequate rewards. Lastly, concept of negotiation should take root in administration in general.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.51-60
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• 2013

Purpose - The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of asset specificity, the level of information sharing, the importance of information sharing, and an integrated collaborative environment on supply chain performance. Research design, data, and methodology - Data collection was implemented as follows: questionnaires were distributed to 250 companies that have business ties with Halla Climate Control Corporation. The empirical study to test our hypothesis was based on statistical analysis (using SPSS 18.0 and AMOS 18.0). The hypothesis of this paper is that the asset specificity variable has positive effects on the following variables: Level of information sharing, the importance of information sharing, and integrated collaborative environment. Moreover the variables, the level of information sharing, and the importance of information sharing are strongly influenced by the variable integrated collaborative environment, and these when combined, have an effect on the dependent variable, supply chain performance. We tested our hypothesized model utilizing path analysis with latent variables. Results - According to the results of our analysis, hypothesis H1, which tests whether there is a relationship between asset specificity and the integrated collaborative environment, is supported at the 0.01 level. Hypotheses H2 and H3 were also confirmed, and asset specificity had positive effects (+) on the level of information sharing variable. The importance of the information sharing variable was statistically significant at the 0.01 level. Hypotheses H4 and H5 posited that the integrated collaborative environment variable would have a positive effect on the level of information sharing; the importance of information sharing variable was strongly supported statistically, with a significant p-value below. Moreover, the level of information sharing (H6), and the importance of information sharing (H7) variables also had a statistically relevant influence on supply chain performance. As a result, existence of a collaborative system between companies would influence supply chain performance by strengthening real-time information access and information sharing. Thus, it is important to construct a collaborative environment where information sharing among companies and cooperation is possible. Conclusions - First, with rapid changes in the business environment, it becomes necessary for enterprises to acquire the right information in order to properly implement SCM. For successful SCM, firms should understand the importance of collaboration with supply chain partners and an internally built collaboration system, which in turn will better promote a partnership commitment with suppliers as well as collaborative integration with buyers. A collaborative system, as we suggest in this paper, facilitates the maintenance of a long-term relationship of trust, and can help reinforce information sharing. Second, it is necessary to increase information sharing over time via a collaborative system so that employees of the suppliers become aware of the system. The more proactive and positive attitudes are towards such a collaborative system by the managerial group, the higher the level of information sharing will be among the users. Successful SCM performance is achieved by information sharing through a collaborative environment rather than by investing only in setting up an information system.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.10 no.7
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• pp.5-11
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• 2012

The core objective of this research article is to investigate different challenges and opportunities in management as well as start-ups of small businesses in India. The prudence behind this research is to examine various problems in front of the small businesses and to offer vital support and cooperation to overcome those with the support of concerned institutions through consultancy and training programs. The researchers have an intention to make available the research results to the governmental agencies, concerned small business institutions and also to the educational institutions which are continually design plans, programs, policies and strategies to upgrade the managerial and technical dexterities of the small business Indian operators. After thorough revision of relevant literature on small businesses and its management, the researchers used a well structured questionnaire and in-depth personal interviews with 586small business operators selected from manufacturing, trading (retailing and wholesaling), finance, servicing/repair businesses which are located in the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh in India. The researchers have used convenience sampling and collected data was analyzed with the support of Microsoft Excel and frequency distribution. Noticeably, majority of the small businessmen in India are facing myriad number of challenges both in management and at the time of establishment of their business operations. In particular, 72.47 percent of small businesses operators' have substantiated their strong opinion towards the challenges they are facing particularly finance, marketing and other problems while managing their businesses. The researchers also attempted to get the opinions on problems of the various categories of small businesses while starting their operations. A staggering 68percent of respondents identified the problems related to preparation of business plan, location selection, marketing and other problems like lack of proper credit facilities, skilled manpower, and other infra related problems while setting up of their businesses. On an average, 64.62 and 63.51 percent of small businesses are facing various kinds of problems both at the time of day-to-day management as well as start-up of their businesses respectively. The present research confined with the opinions of only four categories of small business operators particularly from the manufacturing, finance, trading (retailing and wholesaling), and servicing/repair which are continuing their business operations from the nine coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh in India. The present study emphatically provides concrete information required to the business community for identifying an assortment of challenges faced by different small business operators in managing and at the time of their inception. This research paper is first of its kind from this part of the world by offering extensive and credible information required for prospective entrepreneurs in facing the dynamic challenges in managing their business. Furthermore, this research presents invaluable inputs to the stakeholders like all types of governments, policy makers, practitioners, researchers, and educators' about the various impediments faced by the small business community in India.

• THE INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE & LAW REVIEW
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• v.63
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• pp.159-184
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• 2014

Climate change is one of the biggest dangers facing all living creatures in the earth. It has been understood that emissions of greenhouse gases from human activity is the cause of climate change. Cars are responsible for around 12% of total EU emissions of CO2, the main greenhouse gas. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC) is an international environmental treaty adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) on 9 May, 1992, which entered into force on 21 March 1994. The European Commission first adopted a Community Strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from cars in 1995. On 19 December 2007, the European Commission proposed "Proposal for Setting emission performance standards for new passenger cars to reduce CO2 emissions", which was adopted on 23 April 2009 as "Regulation (EC) No 443/2009". Prior to submitting the Proposal, the European Commission performed impact assessment and prepared impact assessment report which was reviewed by the Impact Assessment Board. The objective of this Regulation is to set emission performance standards for new passenger cars registered in the Community, which forms part of the Community's integrated approach to reducing CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicles while ensuring the proper functioning of the internal market. In the event that a manufacturer fails to meet its target, it will be required to pay an excess emissions premium in respect of each calendar year from 2012 onwards. On 11 March 2014, Regulation (EC) No 333/2014 amending Regulation (EC) No 443/2009 was adopted. Regulation (EC) No 333/2014 amends Regulation (EC) No 443/2009 to implement the modalities of meeting the 95g CO2/km target for new passenger cars to be reached in 2020. As industry benefits from indications of the regulatory regime that would apply beyond 2020, the Regulation includes a further review to take place by, at the latest, 31 December 2014.

• Current Research on Agriculture and Life Sciences
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.265-271
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• 2013

The objective of this study was to find out the optimum number of fruiting per a flower cluster on 5 domestic strawberry cultivars (Fragaria${\times}$ananassa Duch.), 'Daewang', 'Ssanta', 'Okmae', 'Seolhyang' and 'Maehyang'. Therefore, three ways of fruit thinning, 4~5 fruiting, 7~9 fruiting and all fruiting per a flower cluster were compared. After fruit thinning, the first fruit weights were increased from the second flower cluster on 'Seolhyang' and 'Maehyang', but from the third one on 'Daewang' and 'Ssanta'. There was no difference in first fruit weight by the flower thinning ways on 'Okmae'. The mean fruit weights of all the cultivars were increased and sugar contents also were increased, but acidities were decreased. The peduncle lengths were shortened by fruit thinning, but there was no difference in number of leaf, petiole length and crown diameter. Marketable yields by 4~5 fruiting per a flower cluster than all the fruit setting were higher 4.3% and 6.6% respectively on 'Daewang' and 'Maehyang'. In contrast, the yields were higher 3.1%, 3.5% and 9.1% in 7~9 fruiting per a flower cluster than all fruiting on 'Ssanta', 'Okmae' and 'Seolhyang' respectively. As the result, we could improve the fruit quality and could increase marketable yield by fruit thinning with matching flowering characteristics of those strawberry cultivars.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.223-227
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• 2007

Crop loss and damage by wildlife are becoming more serious to residents inside and around National Parks of Korea annually. It could be caused by small size of Parks, which is couples of ten $km^2$ only, and more than a third of total parks' areas are belonging to privates. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) is one of the most harmful pests in nationwide. Treading down crop field using as bedding or resting site are major damaged types and foraging behavior is following. Besides of boars, Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis), racoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), and badger (Meles meles) are another serious pests. Mainly, farm products planted in upland, such as corns, sweet potatoes, cabbages, etc. are harmed easily, a rate reaches up to 76.9% of whole losses. 92.4% (n=187) of interviewees, who are mostly seniors, cultivate small crop fields smaller than 1 ha. Crop damage would be started from June to late November, time differences are happened due to latitude, climate condition, and crop differences of National Parks. Dusting animal repellents are easier and widespread methods to prevent animal foraging to crop fields and installing noisy makers using gun powder and setting up scarecrows are traditional methods for repelling animals. Nevertheless, effects of these self-defence are turned out to be useful soon after labors done only. Since legal compensation for crop damages by wildlife are not prepared systematically so far, crop loss are rarely reported to local government by most farmers. Systematic and objective methods for quantifying of crop loss by wildlife and population managements system should be offered urgently to well-managed animals habitat and residents' living inside National Parks.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.101-108
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• 2004

The different social reflections about the benefits and the potential risks of genetically modified (GM) crops have evolved with .different reactions in different countries. Many countries including Korea are working toward setting down new guidelines. Korea requires companies to label all food that contains more than 3% GM ingredients. One of the rapid and convenient detection methods of GM ingredients is amplification of the introduced DNAs by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Many PCR kits for this purpose are commercially available. The objective of this study was to evaluate performance of commercialized GM crop detection kits. The results showed that 6 out of 15 kits tested did not meet the requirements even purposed by the manufacturers themselves in terms of stability, reproducibility, and detection limits, suggesting a potential quality control problem in their design stage or production line. The evaluation also suggests that, although the duplex and triplex detection kits allowed unambiguous detection in a single PCR reaction, the monoplex detection kits were the most sensitive to the detection of GM ingredients. The detection limits also differ between soybean and corn. Results from this study will be useful in the development of sound qualitative tracking systems of GM ingredients for monitoring throughout the cultivation of GM crops, their trans-boundary movement, and food production using GM grains as well as for complying with government guidelines associated with GM crops.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.380-387
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• 2013

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of elevated $CO_2$ and temperature on the phenology and reproductive ecological characteristics of Bupleurum latissimum. We measured characteristics of 4-year-old B. latissimum grown under control (ambient $CO_2$+ambient temperature, 340~370 ppm) and treatment (elevated $CO_2$+elevated temperature, 690~770 ppm) conditions in a glass house. The period of flowering, fruit appearance and fruit maturing was earlier by 4, 1, 2 days, respectively, under elevated $CO_2$ and temperature. The comparative weight of a single ripe fruit, all ripe fruits and total ripe and unripe fruits was higher per control than treated plants. However the other characteristics, such as no. of peduncle, matured fruits, total fruits per plant and fruit setting rate per plant of B. latissimum were not significantly affected by elevated $CO_2$ and temperature. The germination rate of B. latissimum was higher in control than in treatment plants. These results showed that the phenology of B. latissimuin might be well suited to an earlier growing season, and the response of reproductive characteristics of B. latissimuin is negatively influenced by global warming.

• Journal of Korean Society of Transportation
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.103-113
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• 2003

This paper shows alternative route search and preference route search for the traffic route search, and proposes the use of the fuzzy non-additive controller by the application of AHP(analytic hierarchy process). It is different from classical route search and notices thinking method of human. Appraisal element, weight of route is extracted from basic of the opinion gathering for the driving expert and example of route model was used for the finding of practice utility. Model evaluation was performed attribute membership function making of estimate element, estimate value setting, weight define by the AHP, non additive presentation of weight according to $\lambda$-fuzzy measure and Choquet fuzzy integral. Finally, alternative route search was possible to real time traffic route search for the well variable traffic environment, and preference route search showed reflection of traffic route search disposition for the driver individual. This paper has five important meaning. (1)The approach is similar to the driver's route selection decision process. (2)The approach is able to control of route appraisal criteria for the multiple attribute. (3)The approach makes subjective judgement objective by a non additive. (4)The approach shows dynamic route search for the alternative route search. (5)The approach is able to consider characteristics of individual drivers attributed for the preference route search.