• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.20 no.7
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• pp.119-127
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• 2022

Purpose: The underdog effect refers to a positive attitude towards the underdog who lacks resources and opportunities but has passion and determination. Extensive research has been investigated how the underdog effect affects distributing consumer preference and purchase intention. The purpose of this study is to identify the theoretical basis on which the underdog effect is grounded by analysing the prior research in the underdog literature. Research design, data and methodology: This study organizes the literature on the underdog effect by analyzing a total of 33 journals published in the past 16 years. Constructs and variables were extracted from the selected articles through the content analysis on a systematic literature review. Results: This literature review reveals that identity theories served as an overarching theoretical lens when examining the underdog effect. Additionally, the underdog effect was rooted in theories of justice and equity to explain the relationship between underdog brand positioning and consumer preference. Conclusions: This paper paves the way for future research based on prior research and trend analysis of underdog brand positioning. This article also provides an insightful interpretation and synthesis of the theoretical underpinnings of the impact of underdog effects on consumers' overall brand evaluations.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• v.5 no.6
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• pp.652-659
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• 2021

The theoretical analysis and optimization of extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (EFPI) opticalfiber humidity sensors are deeply investigated. For a typical dual-cavity structure composed of an optical fiber and a humidity-sensitive membrane (HSM), the changes in refractive index (RI) and initial length are discussed for polymer materials and porous oxide materials when relative humidity (RH) increases. The typical interference spectrum is simulated at different RH using MATLAB. The spectral change caused by changing HSM RI and initial length are simulated simutineously, showing different influences on humidity response. To deeply investigate the influence on RH sensitivity, the typical response sensitivity curves for different HSM lengths and air-cavity lengths are simulated. The results show that the HSM is the vital factor. Short HSM length can improve the sensitivity, but for HSM RI and length the influences on sensitivity are opposite, because of the opposite spectral-shift trend. Deep discussion and an optimization method are provided to solve this problem. According to analysis, an opaque HSM is helpful to improve sensitivity. Furthermore, if using an opaque HSM, a short air cavity and long HSM length can improve the sensor's sensitivity These results provide deep understanding and some ideas for designing and optimizing highly sensitive EFPI fiber humidity sensors.

• Educational Technology International
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.87-100
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• 2005

The purpose of this study lies in touching the study trend of Chinese education technology through the analysis on present situation of the study in Chinese education technology, and is to suggest the direction for the its further study and development. In order to achieve these kinds of study purpose, the frames have been set to grasp the features and trend of Chinese educational technology in such as 4 aspects of educational technology definition, curriculum and the cultivation of genuine individuals, study zone aspect and the method, and in order to grasp, in the comparison with the countries of advanced educational technology such as Korea, America etc., the progressive features and the trend of development of Chinese educational technology have been analyzed. As a result of the analysis, it has been found that Chinese educational technology has the different features in the study and development of educational technology of Korea and America in the abovementioned 4aspects. First, in the education technology comprehension, it differs from Korea, Japan and America, and understands the technology as a skill. Consequently, in either study or actuality, it seems puts more emphasis on skills (moreover, the aspect of hardware). Second, in the aspect of curriculum and the cultivation of the genuine individuals, gives preponderance to science aspect, and the unclear distinction between the education technology and the computer science makes that the true character of educational technology is not clear. Third, when speaking of study fields and study methods, those of china is a little behind of the advanced nations of the educational engineering, Korea, America and so on. And in the range of study, China is following the international tendency but when it comes to the depth of study and quality is very far from perfect. In the aspect of study method, the theoretical study, design study and development study are occupying mostly, and it is hardly to see the existence about actual proof study, and in this aspect, it is quite different than that of Korea and America. And it is judged that it is related with the traditional educational ideology and the academic study tradition, the cultural air and the features of economical development of China.

• International Journal of Quality Innovation
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.123-144
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• 2003

The trend towards employee involvement (EI) has redefined the employer-employee relationship and, for many organizations, has brought about a fundamental change in organizational performance. This paper begins with a review of EI concepts and typologies. It goes on to elaborate need for the adoption of EI practices and discuss the factors affecting the adoption. The main theme of the quality management (QM) literature will then be presented addressing its concepts, principles and elements. Drawing on the theoretical and practitioners' perspectives, the paper also discusses the significance of integrating EI/QM practices to sustain organizational performance improvement.

• 중국학논총
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• no.66
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• pp.1-13
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• 2020

After the "spatial turn" space narrative has become the hottest "doctrine". Howe er, the current space narrative to a bottleneck stage, a variety of reasons. "Spatial turn" of the modern trend of thought has a unshirkable responsibility. Has been, scholars turned to "empty" the complex relationship between space narrative and, type of narrative space narrative theory problem also not too clear by the noun, the term textual research, narrative of space studies provide some of the necessary theoretical support, to promote the healthy de elopment of the research on novel narrative space.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.10 no.11
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• pp.39-53
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• 2012

Purpose - This study identifies relationships amongst repurchase intentions, brand equity, and preference by applying VMD of fashion retail stores. The results would help coffee shop owners and coffee makers in devising an appropriate strategy for successfully managing coffee shops. Research design, data, methodology - The VMD model of a coffee shop includes harmony, trend, and attractiveness, while brand equity encompasses brand awareness, perceived quality, and brand image. In this study, the VMD factors of coffee shops, brand equity, and brand preference, are shown as independent variables, while repurchase intention is shown as the dependent variable. The study aims to ascertain the extent of the influence configuration factors of a coffee shop have on brand equity, brand preference, and repurchase intention. Regression analysis was used to verify the mediating effects of brand preference on brand equity and repurchase intention. The measurement items were already deemed as reliable and valid in the previous study, but some modifications were made for the purposes of this study. Questionnaires were distributed to 550 consumers on a national scale, and 517 consumers amongst these were finally used as a sample for analysis using the SPSS 17.0 statistical program. Results - First, amongst the VMD configuration factors of a coffee shop, trend, and attractiveness have a positive impact on brand equity (brand awareness, perceived quality, and brand image). Second, brand equity has a positive effect on brand preference. Third, brand preference has a positive effect on repurchase intention. Fourth, brand preference plays the role of a mediator in measuring the impact of brand awareness and brand image on customers' repurchase intentions. Conclusions - The theoretical implications can be summarized as follows. First, this study proposes a theoretical basis that can be adapted to the VMD configuration factors of a coffee shop by identifying the relationship between brand equity and coffee shops. This study applies the VMD factors to the coffee shops and presents a new research model by examining the relationships amongst VMD components of coffee shops: brand equity, brand preference, and repurchase intention. Second, it clearly establishes the relationship between brand equity and brand preference by identifying the mediating effects of brand preference, given that brand equity has a positive impact on repurchase intention. The practical implications are as follows. First, development of brand equity and management can be important components for coffee shops in determining that the VMD configuration factors of coffee shops have an impact on brand equity. Second, amongst the VMD configuration factors, attractiveness and trend have a positive influence on choosing coffee shops, therefore store atmosphere should be attractively designed, while the menu and interiors should complement each other and be reviewed periodically to conform to the latest trend. Third, VMD configuration factors that are confirmed are not easily changed. Fourth, large franchises and foreign companies have strengths in scale, locations, and brand. Fifth, the different ways of campaigning should be compared to those of large franchises and foreign companies in order to increase brand equity using VMD configuration factors.

• Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
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• v.15 no.5 s.58
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• pp.85-94
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• 2006

Due to multidisciplinary characteristic of the Interior Design field, it has developed into complex interdisciplinary field. Therefore Interior Design field has grown and established its major trends dependent upon other related field of study. With this perspective in mind, esthetics on Interior Design has to be treated in similar manner. In modem architects or artists have defined the terminology 'object' theoretical principle where by unable to distinguish between 'object's type' and 'objects', Presently, the term 'object' became a trend word. In order to confront misconception of the idea of 'Objectification', some people definition as reflection of this complex society. In this paper, it will establish a solid groundwork for a discussion on Objectification. The initial approach will deal with Le Corbusier and esthetics, which is the center of argument. By reviewing theoretical background of the related modern art, the paper discusses about the relationship between Le Corbusier and esthetics. Subsequently, the discussion about the criterions necessary to define object is provided. This paper only suggests a methodology of analyzing a trend in Interior Design. The condition to define Objectification in Interior Design, which is a result of the reviewing process on esthetics, can be concluded as 'modeling form(transformation of morphological meaning with change wrought by causing a visual reaction)', 'mixtures and modification of materials(transformation and spontaneity through mixing materials)' and 'elements greatly influence space' of the Interior Design.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.62 no.4
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• pp.81-90
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• 2012

The contents of this study are as follows. First, an academic understanding has been achieved by exploring the theoretical concept "allegory", and a new theoretical approached methodology has been sought. Second, an analysis-index of fashion illustration cases has been suggested based on the allegory theory of Craig Owens. Third, in order to draw the characteristics of fashion illustration as viewed from the allegorical viewpoint and find out its feasibility, the case studies has been referred and the internal significance, external significance that combines different characteristics has been extracted. In regards to this study method, literature studies and case studies has been done in parallel with each other. This study was done in the following sequence: the establishment of the study system, the drawing of the allegory-associated concepts and the discovering the characteristics of aesthetic expressions. The results of this study on the expression characteristics of fashion illustration as viewed from the allegorical viewpoint of Craig Owens are as follows. First, the borrowing of image, which is a characteristic of allegory, contains the meaning of uncertainty in the fashion illustration as it expresses the image-synthesis and forms a completely different meaning as the fixed meaning is dissolved and it is utilized as a photo-montage technique. Second, the inference of pictogram is the mixture of linguistic medium and visual medium. Fashion illustration utilizes the characters and transmits the fashion information visually and immanently. It has the characteristic of making the information into pictograms and the internal significances of mutual-text with communication function. Third, the uniqueness of location in the fashion illustration has the special nature of utilized mediums as it is used for advertising or publicizing. The fashion illustration from the viewpoint of allegory has the impermanency of existing only for a limited time and reflects the coincidence that gives the meaning of utilized location according to the season trend. Fourth, the cross-breeding is expressed as the mixture of various materials in the fashion illustration. The expressions made by the mixture of media, such as the use of computer graphic programs mixed together with various materials showed the trend of diversity and genre dissolution.

• Journal of Advanced Marine Engineering and Technology
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.835-842
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• 2009

The present thesis carried out a research on a compression pressure's reduction phenomenon and its countermeasure according to the thermal efficiency improvement method by a Miller method in 4-cycle low speed diesel engine. In case of retardation of intake valve closing time in a engine, the theoretical heat efficiency shows a remarkably reducing trend when a compression ratio is not compensated. Accordingly, the thermal efficiency showed an increasing trend in case of compensating the compression ratio. Especially, it could be understood that the theoretical heat efficiency at near ABDC $100^{\circ}$ of intake valve closing time in case of compensation of the compression ratio was improved by around 25.1%, and the mean effective pressure was also increased by around 18.6%. Also, as the retardation of intake valve closing time increases, air quantity becomes insufficient due to a backflow phenomenon of intake air and thus thermal efficiency was decreased in a high load operation domain. The solving method of this problem is possible by supercharge. Therefore, in order to improve thermal efficiency by retardation of ntake valve closing time, the thermal efficiency improvement according to low compression is possible when there are a compensation device of a compression ratio and a supercharge device. This is a problem-solving method of low compression and high expansion cycle.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.277-290
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• 2023

In order to study the mechanical properties of basalt fiber reinforced ultra-fine fly ash concrete (BFUFARC), the effects of ultra-fine fly ash (UFA) content, basalt fiber content, basalt fiber length and water reducing agent content on the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength of the composite material were studied through experimental and theoretical analysis. Also, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was employed to analyze the mesoscopic structure in the fracture surface of composite material specimens at magnifications of 500 and 3500. Besides, the energy release rate (G_c) and surface free energy (γ_s) of crack tip cracking on BFUFARC in different basalt fiber content were studied from the perspective of fracture mechanics. Further, the cracking resistance, reinforcement, and toughening mechanisms of basalt fibers on concrete substrate were revealed by surface free energy of BFUFARC. The experimental results indicated that basalt fiber content is the main influence factor on the splitting tensile strength of BFUFARC. In case that fiber content increased from 0 to 0.3%, the concrete surface free energy at the tip of single-sided crack showed a trend of increased at first and then decreased. The surface free energy reached at maximum, about 3.59 × 10^-5 MN/m. During the process of increasing fiber content from 0 to 0.1%, G_C-2_γS showed a gradually decreasing trend. As a result, an appropriate amount of basalt fiber can play a preventing cracking role by increasing the concrete surface free energy, further effectively improve the concrete splitting tensile performance.