• Journal of Distribution Research
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.1-32
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• 2011

I. Introduction: In Chinese electronics industry, the local wholesalers are still dominant but power is rapidly swifting from wholesalers to retailers because in recent foreign big retailers and local mass merchandisers are growing fast. During such transient period, conflicts among channel members emerge important issues. For example, when wholesalers who have more power exercise influence strategies to maintain status, conflicts among manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer will be intensified. Korean electronics companies in China need differentiated channel strategies by dealing with wholesalers and retailers simultaneously to sell more Korean products in competition with foreign firms. For example, Korean electronics firms should utilize 'guanxi' or relational quality to form long-term relationships with whloesalers instead of power and conflict issues. The major purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of conflict, dependency, and influence strategies between local Korean-products-selling retailers and wholesalers on performance in Chinese electronics distribution channels. In particular, this paper proposes effective distribution strategies for Korean electronics companies in China by analyzing moderating effects of 'Guanxi'. II. Literature Review and Hypotheses: The specific purposes of this study are as follows. First, causes of conflicts between local Korean-products-selling retailers and wholesalers are examined from the perspectives of goal incongruence and role ambiguity and then effects of these causes are found out on perceived conflicts of local retailers. Second, the effects of dependency of local retailers upon wholesalers are investigated on local retailers' perceived conflicts. Third, the effects of non-coercive influence strategies such as information exchange and recommendation and coercive strategies such as threats and legalistic pleas exercised by wholesalers are explored on perceived conflicts by local retailers. Fourth, the effects of level of conflicts perceived by local retailers are verified on local retailers' financial performance and satisfaction. Fifth, moderating effects of relational qualities, say, 'quanxi' between wholesalers and retailers are analyzed on the impact of wholesalers' influence strategies on retailers' performances. Finally, moderating effects of relational qualities are examined on the relationship between conflicts and performance. To accomplish above-mentioned research objectives, Figure 1 and the following research hypotheses are proposed and verified. III. Measurement and Data Analysis: To verify the proposed research model and hypotheses, data were collected from 97 retailers who are selling Korean electronic products located around Central and Southern regions in China. Covariance analysis and moderated regression analysis were employed to validate hypotheses. IV. Conclusion: The following results were drawn using structural equation modeling and hierarchical moderated regression. First, goal incongruence perceived by local retailers significantly affected conflict but role ambiguity did not. Second, consistent with conflict spiral theory, the level of conflict decreased when retailers' dependency increased toward wholesalers. Third, noncoercive influence strategies such as information exchange and recommendation implemented by wholesalers had significant effects on retailers' performance such as sales and satisfaction without conflict. On the other hand, coercive influence strategies such as threat and legalistic plea had insignificant effects on performance in spite of increasing the level of conflict. Fourth, 'guanxi', namely, relational quality between local retailers and wholesalers showed unique effects on performance. In case of noncoercive influence strategies, 'guanxi' did not play a role of moderator. Rather, relational quality and noncoercive influence strategies can serve as independent variables to enhance performance. On the other hand, when 'guanxi' was well built due to mutual trust and commitment, relational quality as a moderator can positively function to improve performance even though hostile, coercive influence strategies were implemented. Fifth, 'guanxi' significantly moderated the effects of conflict on performance. Even if conflict arises, local retailers who form solid relational quality can increase performance by dealing with dysfunctional conflict synergistically compared with low 'quanxi' retailers. In conclusion, this study verified the importance of relational quality via 'quanxi' between local retailers and wholesalers in Chinese electronic industry because relational quality could cross out the adverse effects of coercive influence strategies and conflict on performance.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.246-253
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• 2010

Background: Our objective was to review the long-term prognosis of patients with preoperative mild to moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Material and Method: We prospectively followed 1,000 consecutive and systematic off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting patients who were operated on between September 1996 and March 2004; follow-up was achieved for 97%. Sixty-seven patients (6.7%) had mild to moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation at the time of surgery. Operative mortality, actuarial survival and major adverse cardiac event free survival were compared to assess the effect of ischemic mitral regurgitation. Result: Average follow-up was $66{\pm}22$ months. Patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation were older (p<0.001), had lower ejection fractions (p<0.001) and more comorbidities. Significantly more female patients presented with ischemic mitral regurgitation (p=0.002). There was no significant difference in operative mortality and perioperative myocardial infarction in ischemic mitral regurgitation patients (p=0.25). Eight-year survival was decreased in ischemic mitral regurgitation patients ($39.6{\pm}11.8%$ vs $76.7{\pm}2.2$, p<0.001). However, after correcting for risk factors, mild to moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation was not found to be a significant independent risk factor for long-term mortality (p=0.42). Major adverse cardiac event free survival at 8 years was significantly lower in ischemic mitral regurgitation patients ($53.12{\pm}12%$ vs $77{\pm}2%$, p<0.001). After correction for risk factors, ischemic mitral regurgitation remained a significant independent cause of major adverse cardiac events (HR: 2.31), especially congestive heart failure and recurrent myocardial infarction. Conclusion: In our series, patients with preoperative mild to moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation had a higher prevalence of preoperative risk factors than patients without ischemic mitral regurgitation. They had comparable perioperative mortality and morbidity, but, in the long term, were found to be at elevated risk for recurrent cardiac events.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.9-13
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the factors influencing the rescue medication decisions for breakthrough cancer patients and evaluate treatments using the factors. Methods: Based on the results of an online survey conducted by the Korean Society of Hospice and Palliative Care from September 2014 through December 2014, we assessed the level of agreement on nine factors influencing rescue medication preference. The same factors were used to evaluate oral transmucosal fentanyl lozenge, oral oxycodone and intravenous morphine. Results: Agreed by 77 physicians, a rapid onset of action was the most important factor for their decision of rescue medication. Other important factors were easy administration, strong efficacy, predictable efficacy and less adverse effects. Participants agreed that intravenous morphine produced a rapid onset of action and strong and predictable efficacy and cited difficulty of administration and adverse effects as negative factors. Oral oxycodone was desirable in terms of easy administration and less adverse effects. However, its onset of action was slower than intravenous morphine. While many agreed to easy administration of oral transmucosal fentanyl lozenge, the level of agreement was low for strength and predictability of its efficacy, long-term durability and sleep improvement. Conclusion: Rapid onset of action is one of the important factors that influence physicians' selection of rescue medication. Physicians' assessment of rescue medication differed by medication.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.497-511
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to explore players' perception and emotional reaction toward referee's judgment. The participants of this study were six players (three male and three female) in 2016 national team. The results of this study are as follows: First, the differences in referee judgement were dependant on referees' subjective view point, rapid judging capability, qualification and experience. Second, we found that the a referee's judgement less affected match's results. The countermeasures against the adverse referee judgment include excitement, appeal, flow interruption, thought conversion, and concentration. Third, there were many opinions that both the degree of influence of the referee's judgement and the countermeasures was such that athletes were "not affected". In conclusion, the major determinant of players' performance were game strategy and accuracy of skill although the referee's judgement affected player's emotional reaction both in positive and negative ways.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.2485-2490
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• 2016

The liver is one of the most common sites of cancer in the world, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) predominating. HCC is the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer related death overall. Hepatitis C is a major risk factor and HCV is a rapid spreading virus which has become a problem globally, including in Pakistan. Interferon alpha therapy is used against HCV disease to regulate cell reproduction and to boost the immune system. In minute amounts interferon alpha is produced naturally by the immune system in HCV patients in response to hepatitis C virus and binds to receptors in the target cells and starts transcription of 20-30 genes due to which it develops an antiviral influence. Interferon is also administered artificially to overcome HCV disease and remove the biological effect of the virus from the infected site. The use of interferon or Peg-IFN plus Ribavirin treatment is also associated with adverse effects on body. For the current study, a convenient sample of 156 HCV positive patients of both males and females were taken. To collect blood CP and ALT, a reduction of level data and other important information were collected from the patients at regular intervals. Findings were 11.4 % in the red blood cells (RBC), 9.64 % in the total leukocyte count (WBC), 8.4 % in the hemoglobin levels (HB), 30.3 % in the platelet (Plt) count in both sexes. There was significant reduction in ALT levels due to Pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy. Hence strict haemotological monitoring of blood CP and ALT levels is necessary at regular intervals to reduce severe side effects which may lead to morbidity and mortality.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.603-613
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• 2004

Extensive forest fires occurred across the border in Russia. particularly east of Lake Baikal between the Amur and Lena rivers in May 2003. These forest fires released large amounts of particulates and gases into the atmosphere. resulting in adverse effects on regional air quality and the global radiation budget. Smoke pollution from the Russian fires near Lake Baikal was sometimes transported to Korea through Mongolia and eastern China. In this study ground based radiation (visible and UV-B) data measured during May 2003 at Seoul and Kwangju were analyzed to estimate smoke aerosol impacts on solar radiation. Surface criteria air pollutants ($PM_{10}$, CO, $O_3$) data were also obtained from National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) during smoke aerosol event period (19 May~24 May 2003). Large Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) 1.0~3.0 was observed during this period due to the influence of the long range transport of smoke aerosol plume from the Russian fires, resulting in short-wavelength direct aerosol radiative forcing of -90~ -200W/$m^2$. These smoke aerosol plume caused decrease in surface UV-B radiation up to 80% and increase in PM_(10) concentration up to 200${\mu}g/m^3$ exceeding the 24 hour ambient air quality standard.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.338-348
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• 2004

The present study is conducted to investigate the effect of rib arrangements on an impingement/effusion cooling system with initial crossflow. To simulate the impingement/effusion cooling system, two perforated plates are placed in parallel and staggered arrangements with a gap distance of 2 times of tile hole diameter. Initial crossflow passes between the injection and effusion plates, and the square ribs (3mm) are installed on the effusion plate. Both the injection and effusion hole diameters are 10mmand Reynolds number based on the hole diameter and hole-to-hole pitch are fixed to 10,000 and 6 times of the hole diameter, respectively. To investigate the effects of rib arrangements, various rib arrangements, such as 90$^{\circ}$transverse and 45$^{\circ}$angled rib arrangements, are used. Also, the effects of flow rate ratio of crossflow to impinging jets are investigated. With the initial crossflow, locally low transfer regions are formed because the wall jets are swept away, and level of heat transfer rate get decreased with increasing flow rate of crossflow. When the ribs are installed on the effusion plate, the local distributions of heat/mass transfer coefficients around the effusion holes are changed. The local heat/mass transfer around the stagnation regions and the effusion holes are affected by the rib positions, angle of attack and rib spacing. For low blowing ratio, the ribs have adverse effects on heat/mass transfer, but for higher blowing ratios, higher and more uniform heat transfer coefficient distributions are obtained than the case without ribs because the ribs prevent the wall jets from being swept away by the crossflow and increase local turbulence of the flow near the surface. Average heat transfer coefficients with rib turbulators are approximately 10% higher than that without ribs, and the higher values are obtained with small pitch of ribs. However, the attack angle of the rib has little influence on the average heat/mass transfer.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.857-868
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• 2000

The purpose of the present study is to identify the mediation effect of hope between fatigue and psychosocial adjustment in women with breast cancer. The framework for this study was guided by concepts and propositions derived from the theoretical and empirical literature on fatigue, hope and adjustment. The design of this study is a descriptive correlation study using a cross-sectional design. One hundred and twenty two outpatients with early breast cancer, receiving post-surgical radiation therapy or chemotherapy, were selected from three major medical centers in Seoul, Korea. A packet including PABCF (Psychosoical Adjustment to Breast Cancer Factor), revised RPFS (Revised Piper Fatigue Scale), HHI (Herth Hope Index), and self-addressed return envelope was given to the participants at seven to eight weeks post surgery. The questionnaires were to be completed at home and returned to the researcher by mail. The obtained data were analyzed using three regression equations guided by Baron and Kenny (1986); first, hope was regressed on fatigue; second, psychosocial adjustment was regressed on fatigue; and third, psychosocial adjustment was regressed on fatigue and hope, simultaneously. In the first equation, fatigue explained 4% of the variance in hope. In the second equation, fatigue explained 47% of the variance in psychosocial adjustment. In the last equation, hope and fatigue significantly explained the variance in psychosocial adjustment. Therefore, all conditions for the test of mediation effect of hope were satisfied. For the test of the mediation effect, the beta coefficients of fatigue on psychosocial adjustment on the second and third regression equations were compared. The beta coefficients were decreased from .69 (p < .001) on the second regression equation to .63 (p < .001) on the third regression equation. Thus, the hypothesis of this study was supported. As a result of this study, the negative Influence of fatigue on psychosocial adjustment is dampened through the mediator effect of hope in women with breast cancer. Therefore, when planning care for the adverse effect of fatigue on psychosocial adjustment, oncology nurses should consider hope as a mediator between fatigue and psychosocial adjustment to breast cancer.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.644-649
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• 2009

This study was conducted to determine the influence of cultural conditions such as temperature, time, water content, koji-thickness and agitation on the production of saccharifying amylase by Rhizopus sp. ZB9 isolated from Korean Nuruk during the preparation of rice koji, which is used in brewing Korean rice wines, Takju and Yakju. Rice kojies were made under different cultural conditions, and the saccharifying activities of each koji were tested. The temperature range suitable for the production of saccharifying amylase was $28{\sim}36^{\circ}C$. Based on the saccharifying activity and color, 60 hours of cultivation at $28^{\circ}C$ was believed to produce the optimum results. The water contents of steamed rice suitable for the production of saccharifying amylase were 35~40%. An increase in koji-thickness induced no adverse effects on the production of saccharifying amylase, but agitation-work during cultivation had a harmful effect.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.226-235
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• 2009

Force induced by the natural ventilation in tunnel is likely to generate adverse influences on the airflow during the normal operation and create even more unfavorable circumstances during the tunnel fire. The influence of the natural ventilation is required to take into account in designing and operating the ventilation as well as safety systems. The magnitude of natural ventilation force depends on a variety of factors associated with the topographical, meteorological and physical features of tunnel. Unfortunately, at this moment those are difficult to quantify and none of the countries has suggested its estimation method in the design guideline. This study aims at quantifying the natural ventilation force at a local highway tunnel by three different methods. The first method employes direct measurement of the pressure at portals, while the second applies a stepwise approach to eliminate the piston effect ahead of deriving the natural ventilation force and the third method uses the concept of barometric barrier.