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Melanogenesis regulatory constituents from Premna serratifolia wood collected in Myanmar

  • WOO, SO-YEUN
    • Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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    • 2019.04a
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    • pp.21-22
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    • 2019
  • Melanin is a mixture of pigmented biopolymers synthesized by epidermal melanocytes that determine the skin, eye, and hair colors. Melanocytes produce two different kinds of melanin, eumelanin (dark brown/black insoluble pigments found in dark skin and dark hair and pheomelanin (lighter red/yellow). The biological role of melanin is to prevent skin damage by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, the overproduction or deficiency of melanin synthesis could lead to serious dermatological problems, which include melasma, melanoderma, lentigo, and vitiligo. Therefore, regulating melanin production is important to prevent the pigmentation disorders. Myanmar has a rich in natural resources. However, the chemical constituents of these natural resources in Myanmar have not been fully investigated. In the effort to search for compounds with anti-melanin deposition activity from Myanmar natural resources, five plants were collected in Myanmar. Extracts of these collected five plants were tested for anti-melanin deposition activity against a mouse melanoma cell line (B16-F10) induced with ${\alpha}$-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (${\alpha}$-MSH) and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), and their anti-melanin deposition activities were compared with the positive control, arbutin. Among the tested extracts, the CHCl3 extracts of the Premna serratifolia (syn: P. integrifolia) wood showed anti-melanin deposition activities with IC50 values of $81.3{\mu}g/mL$. Hence, this study aims to identify secondary metabolites with anti-melanin deposition activity from P. serratifolia wood of Myanmar. P. serratifolia belongs to the Verbenaceae family and is widely distributed in near western sea coast from South Asia to South East Asia, which include India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. People in Tanintharyi region located in the southern part of Myanmar utilize the P. serratifolia, Sperethusa crenulata, Naringi crenulata, and Limonia acidissima as Thanaka, traditional cosmetics in Myanmar. Thanaka is applied in the form of paste onto skins to make it smooth and clear, as well as to prevent wrinkles, skin aging, excessive facial oil, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. However, the chemical constituents responsible for their cosmetic properties are yet to be identified. Moreover, the chemical constituents of P. serratifolia was almost uncharacterized. Investigation of the P. serratifolia chemical constituents is thus an attractive endeavor to discover new anti-melanin deposition active compounds. The investigation of the chemical constituents of the active CHCl3 extract of P. serratifolia led to isolation of four new lignoids, premnan A (1), premnan B (2), taungtangyiol C (3), and 7,9-dihydroxydolichanthin B (4), together with premnan C (5) (assumed to be an artifact), one natural newlignoid,(3R,4S)-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylcarbonyl)-3-[(R)-1-(1,3-benzo dioxol-5-yl)-1-hydroxy methyl]tetrahydro-2-furanone (6), and five known compounds (7-11)1,2). The structures of all isolated compounds were determined on the basis of their spectroscopic data and by comparison with the reported literatures. The absolute configurations of 1-3 and 5 were also determined by optical rotation and circular dichroism (CD) data analyses1). The anti-melanin deposition activities of all the isolated compounds were evaluated against B16-F10 cell line. 7,9-Dihydroxydolichanthin B (4) and ($2{\alpha},3{\alpha}$)-olean-12-en-28-oic acid (11) showed strong anti-melanin deposition activities with IC50 values of 18.4 and $11.2{\mu}M$, respectively, without cytotoxicity2). On the other hand, compounds 1-3, 5, and 7 showed melanogenesis enhancing activities1). To better understand their anti-melanin deposition mechanism, the effects of 4 and 11 on tyrosinase activities were investigated. The assay indicated that compounds 4 and 11 did not inhibit tyrosinase. Furthermore, we also examined the mRNA expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), and tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP-2). Compounds 4 and 11 down-regulated the expression of Tyr and Mitf mRNAs, respectively. Although the P. serratifolia wood has been used as traditional cosmetics in Myanmar for centuries, there are no scientific evidences to support its effectiveness as cosmetics. Investigation of the anti-melanin deposition activity of the chemical constituents of P. serratifolia thus provided insight into the effectiveness of the P. serratifolia wood as a cosmetic agent.

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Changes in oligosaccharide content during the storage period of maesil cheong formulated with functional oligosaccharides (기능성 올리고당으로 제조한 매실청의 저장기간 중 올리고당 함량 변화)

  • Bae, Moon-Joo;Yoo, Sang-Ho
    • Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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    • v.51 no.2
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    • pp.169-175
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    • 2019
  • This study was carried out to produce the health functional food maesil cheong by replacing sucrose with isomaltooligosaccharide and fructooligosaccharide. The substitution levels of these oligosaccharides were between 10% and 100%. A 1:1 (w/w) mixture of maesil and sugar was adopted for preparing maesil cheong. The pH of maesil cheong remained unchanged (between 2.72 and 3.00) during 90-day storage period, regardless of oligosaccharide content. Citric and malic acids were identified in maesil cheong; citric acid accounted for 71-82% of the total organic acid content. Sucrose was completely liquefied in the sample after 30 days and was hydrolyzed steadily into fructose and glucose over the storage period. More than 75% of isomaltooligosaccharides remained in maesil cheong after 90 days when sucrose was completely replaced with isomaltooligosaccharide. However, fructooligosaccharides were mostly decomposed at the end of storage period. Thus, isomaltooligosaccharides may be suitable for acidic maesil cheong products to expect its health functional effect.

Distribution Types of the Relict Conifer Community and the Approach for the Ecological Management in Ulleung-Island (울릉도에 자생하는 침엽수류 유존군락의 분포유형과 생태적 관리방안에 대한 연구)

  • Cho, Hyun-Je;Lee, Jung-Hyo;Choo, Yeon-Sik;Hong, Sung-Cheon
    • Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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    • v.100 no.1
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    • pp.95-104
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    • 2011
  • Distribution types of native conifers (Juniperus chinensis, Pinus parviflora, Tusga sieboldii and Taxus cuspidata var. latifolia) were studied by phytosociological investigation and ZM method in Ulleung Island, South Korea. Two main types were divided maritime vegetation (Juniperus chinensis forest) and mountain vegetation (Taxus cuspidata var. latifolia forest and Pinus parviflora-Tusga sieboldii forest). The former was divided into sea cliff distribution (J-SC) and sea ridge distribution (J-SR) type. The latter was classified 7 distribution types; Taxus cuspidata var. latifolia forest was rock distribution (Ta-R) and mountain slope distribution (Ta-MS) type, and Pinus parviflora-Tusga sieboldii forest was rock distribution (P T-R), upper and ridge distribution (P T-UR, 3 units sub-types:1sub, 2sub, 3sub), and Mountain slope distribution (P T-MS) type. It was considered that J-SC, Ta- R, and P T-R were maintained by topographic climax, but J-SR, Ta-MS, P T-UR and P T-MS were the process of vegetation succession. Distribution types of topographic climax are entrusted to process of vegetation succession. Types in the process of vegetation succession will be needed tending of forest to promote saplings growth and seedlings germination. Especially in order to restore Tsuga sieboldii forest should be afforest and make forest gap because It is mid shade tolerant tree and purity percentage of its seed is 1~2%. It was considered that the composition of group mixture forest constituted Pinus parviflora, Tsuga sieboldii, Taxus cuspidata, Camellia japonica, Machilus thunbergii and Acer okamotoanum, etc. will be able to restore native vegetation, after take the form of forest gap by strong thinning and pruning of Pinus thunbergii forest.

A Study on the Original Landscape for the Restoration and Maintenance of Buyongjeong and Juhamnu Areas in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 부용정과 주합루 권역의 복원정비를 위한 원형 경관 고찰)

  • Oh, Jun-Young;Yang, Ki-Cheol
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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    • v.39 no.4
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    • pp.24-37
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    • 2021
  • This study was conducted to newly examine the original landscape of Buyongjeong(芙蓉亭) and Juhamnu(宙合樓) areas in Changdeokgung Palace(昌德宮), focusing on the modern period including the Korean Empire, and to derive useful research results for restoration and maintenance in the future. The study results can be summarized as follows. First, the artificial island in Buyongji(芙蓉池) was originally made up of a straight layer using well-trimmed processed stone. However, during the maintenance work in the 1960s and 1970s, the artificial island in Buyongji was transformed into a mixture of natural and processed stones. The handrail installed on the upper part of the artificial island in Buyongji is a unique facility that is hard to find similar cases. The handrail existed even during the Korean Empire, but was completely destroyed during the Japanese colonial period. Second, Chwibyeong(翠屛), which is currently located on the left and right of Eosumun(魚水門), is the result of a reproduction based on Northern bamboo in 2008. Although there is a view that sees the plant material of Eosumun Chwibyeong as Rigid-branch yew, the specific species is still vague. Looking at the related data and circumstances from various angles, at least in the modern era, it is highly probable that the Eosumun Chwibyeong was made of Chinese juniper like Donggwanwangmyo Shrine(東關王廟) and Guncheongung(乾淸宮) in Gyeongbokgung Palace(景福宮). Third, the backyard of Juhamnu was a space with no dense trees on top of a stone staircase-shaped structure. The stone stairway in the backyard of Juhamnu was maintained in a relatively open form, and it also functioned as a space to pass through the surrounding buildings. However, as large-scale planting work was carried out in the late 1980s, the backyard of Juhamnu was maintained in the same shape as a Terraced Flower Bed, and it was transformed into a closed space where many flowering plants were planted. Fourth, Yeonghwadang Namhaenggak(暎花堂 南行閣), which had a library function like Gyujanggak(奎章閣) and Gaeyuwa(皆有窩), was destroyed in the late 1900s and was difficult to understand in its original form. Based on modern photographs and sketch materials, this study confirmed the arrangement axis of Yeonghwadang Namhaenggak, and confirmed the shape and design features of the building. In addition, an estimated restoration map referring to 「Donggwoldo(東闕圖)」 and 「Donggwoldohyung(東闕圓形)」 was presented for the construction of basic data.

Transition of Rice Culture Practices during Chosun Dynasty through Old References V. Cultivation and Cropping Patterns (주요 고농서를 통한 조선시대의 도작기술 전개 과정 연구 V. 재배양식)

  • Lee, Sung-Kyum;Guh, Ja-Ok;Lee, Eun-Woong;Lee, Hong-Suk
    • KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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    • v.37 no.1
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    • pp.104-115
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    • 1992
  • The rice culture techniques included 'Jodosukyungbeob'(旱稻水耕法 : culture techniques of early-ripening paddy rice), 'Mandosukyungbeob' (晩稻水耕法) : culture techniques of late-Ripening paddy rice 'Handobeob'(旱稻<山稻>法 : culture techniques of upland rice), 'Myojongbeob'(苗種法 : culture techniques of paddy rice by transplanting), 'Kunangbeob'(乾秧法 : culture techniques of rice by transplanting which rears seeding in dry paddy) and 'Sudogunpanongbeob'(水稻乾播農法 : culture techniques of paddy rice seeding in dry field). Especially, 'Kunangbeob' and 'Sudogunpanongbeob' were originally developed in Korea as seen in 1600s(Kyoungje : 經濟) and early 1800s (Yoji : 要旨). In 'Jodosukyungbeob' it took 9 days for seed dipping, water-sprouting and prevent damage by birds, each for 3 days in China, but in Korea seed dipping in water took 3 days and the rest of the procedures were flexibly established. In matured soils, practices were fall plowing right after harvest, recognition of effective tillering and additional fertilization use of human manure, and stimulation of sprouting by lime application. The unique culture techniques adequate for Korean situations were practiced, which included weed control after draining accurately for 3 to 4 times, draining at mid season for improving wind and drought tolerance, rice harvesting at appropriate time for preventing grain shattering, and seeding in rows. 'Mandosukyungbeob' was improved techniques contrast to those of China, and the major contents were selection of proper varieties, good stand establishment by seeding high rates, induction of vigorous tillers, and adoption of 'Jokjongbeob'(足種法 : seeding method by foot). Also, one of the most prominent rice cultures by our ancestors was 'Kunpanongbeob' that was systemized form habitual practice of Pyongan Province. The unique technique actualized was 'Hando [旱稻(山稻)]' culture technique which was the combinations of 'Jokjongbeob', root stimulation method, and disaster-tolerant mixture cropping with adoptation of variety theory, although it was originated from China. The transplanting techniques has come before 'Jikseol'($\ulcorner$直說$\lrcorner$) and its merits were sufficiently realized. However, this method was basically prohibited from the early Chosun dynasty because extremely bad harvest was expected under drought conditions and insufficient conditions of water storage. But, it was permitted in the areas that contained water all the times and in case of large-scale farming especially. Most of rice culture was transplanted in the end of the Chosun dynasty because transplanting was continuously spreaded in the three southern provinces of Korea. Under these circumstances, transplanting technique was improved from the early to the end of the Chosun dynasty by weed control, fertilizing, water management, and quadratic transplanting. Based on these techniques, agricultural productivity was improved 5 times by that time. 'Kunpanongbeob' was created and developed properly for Korean conditions that is dry in early season and flooding in late season. This was successively developed and established into transplanting technique of nursery seedling.

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A Comparative Study of Production of [68Ga]PSMA-11 with or without Cassette Type Modules (비 카세트 방식과 카세트 방식을 이용한 [68Ga]PSMA-11의 자동 합성 방법 비교)

  • Hyun-Sik, Park;Byeong-Min, Jo;Hyun-Ho, An;Hong-Jin, Lee;Jin-Hyeong, Lee;Gyeong-Jae, Lee;Byung-Chul, Lee;Won-Woo, Lee
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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    • v.26 no.2
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    • pp.15-19
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    • 2022
  • Purpose [68Ga]PSMA-11 is needed the high reproducibility, excellent radiochemical yield and purity. In term of radiation safety, the radiation exposure of operator for its production also should be considered. In this work, we performed a comparative study for the fully automated synthesis of [68Ga]PSMA-11 between non-cassette type and cassette type. Materials and Methods Two different type of modules (TRACERlab FX N pro for non-cassette type and BIKBox for cassette type) were used for the automated production of [68Ga]PSMA-11. According to the previously identified elution profile, Only 2.5 ml with high radioactivity was used for the reaction. After adjusting the pH of the reaction solution with HEPES buffer solution, the precursor was added and reacted with at 95 ℃ for 15 minutes. The reaction mixture was separated and purified using a C18 light cartridge. The product was eluted with 50% EtOH/saline solution and diluted with saline. It was completed by sterilizing filter. In the non-cassette type, the aforementioned process must be prepared directly. However, in the cassette method, synthesis was possible simply by installing a kit that was already completed. Results Both total [68Ga]PSMA-11 production time were 25±3(non-cassette type) and 23±3 minutes(cassette type). The radiochemical yield of the non-cassette type(65.5±5.7%) was higher than that of the cassette type(61.6±4.8%) after sterilization filter. The non-cassette type took about 120 minutes of preparation time before synthesis due to washing of synthesizer and reagent preparation. However, since the cassette type does not require washing and reagent preparation, it took about 20 minutes to prepare before synthesis. Both type of synthesizer had a radiochemical high purity(>99%). Conclusion The non-cassette type production of [68Ga]PSMA-11 showed higher radiochemical yield and lower cost than the cassette type. However, The cassette type has an advantage in terms of preparation time, convenience, and equipment maintenance.

A Study on Verifying the Morality behind 'Mutual Beneficence': A Phenomenological Investigation on the 'Propensity towards Sympathy' (상생적 관계형성을 위한 도덕성 확인에 관한 연구 - '공감적 성향'에 대한 현상학적 고찰 -)

  • Chung, Byung-hwa
    • Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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    • v.28
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    • pp.103-131
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    • 2017
  • As the establishment of self-identity is based on 'Relationships of Mutual Beneficence,' the formation of 'Relationships of Mutual Beneficence' is the only road to the security and confirmation of self-existence. But given that our ordinary life almost entirely consists of actions objectifying others, the formation of 'Relationships of Mutual Beneficence' is by no means easy. The formation of 'Relationships of Mutual Beneficence' should be based on morality, controlling self-desire, and not objectifying others. Philosophy based on a priori reasoning describes self-control over selfdesire as the domination of the body through a priori reasoning. But this practical philosophy cannot present a self-evidential internal motivation behind moral actions. Due to this, the application of moral order given by a priori reasoning in response to reality is likely to be reinterpreted on basis of self-interest. With regards to this, the 'propensity towards sympathy' is given as new moral norm. The 'propensity towards sympathy' as emotion is direct and consistent given that feeling occurs prior to thinking. The 'propensity towards sympathy' is intuitive in the sense that it is an instinctual response preceeding a reasoned judgment. The 'propensity towards sympathy,' as a natural moral emotion, is self-validating given that all human beings know it and practice it. But previous studies on the 'propensity towards sympathy' have an obvious limitation because they adopt phenomenological approaches to the 'propensity towards sympathy' which eschew the investigation of morality. Though they present the 'propensity towards sympathy' as a natural emotion based on body rather than reason, they do not philosophically explain the 'propensity towards sympathy.' Thus the 'propensity towards sympathy' as a natural moral emotion is likely to be interpreted as a subjective and relative moral norm. This paper philosophically explains that the 'propensity towards sympathy' is a universal moral norm on the basis of Merleau-Ponty's 'flesh.' 'Flesh' is formed as the entanglement between oneself and others and presents the 'propensity towards sympathy' as its philosophical basis. In other words, 'flesh' formed as the mixture or entanglement between oneself and others is the material foundation upon which one can activate the 'propensity towards sympathy.' This paper's approach to the 'propensity of sympathy' can be desribed as a phenomenological approach to the 'propensity towards sympathy' as a universal moral norm.

Dynamical Study on the Blasting with One-Free-Face to Utilize AN-FO Explosives (초유폭약류(硝油爆藥類)를 활용(活用)한 단일자유면발파(單一自由面發破)의 역학적(力學的) 연구(硏究))

  • Huh, Ginn
    • Economic and Environmental Geology
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    • v.5 no.4
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    • pp.187-209
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    • 1972
  • Drilling position is one of the most important factors affecting on the blasting effects. There has been many reports on several blasting factors of burn-cut by Messrs. Brown and Cook, but in this study the author tried to compare drilling positions of burn-cut to pyramid-cut, and also to correlate burn-cut effects of drilling patterns, not being dealt by Prof. Ito in his theory, which emphasized on dynamical stress analysis between explosion and free face. According to former theories, there break out additional tensile stress reflected at the free face supplemented to primary compressive stress on the blasting with one-free-face. But with these experimented new drilling patterns of burn-cut, more free faces and nearer distance of each drilling holes make blasting effects greater than any other methods. To promote the above explosive effect rationary, it has to be considered two important categories under-mentioned. First, unloaded hole in the key holes should be drilled in wider diameter possibly so that it breaks out greater stress relief. Second, key holes possibly should have closer distances each other to result clean blasting. These two important factors derived from experiments with, theories of that the larger the dia of the unloaded hole, it can be allowed wider secondary free faces and closes distances of each holes make more developed stress relief, between loaded and unloaded holes. It was suggested that most ideal distance between holes is about 4 clearance in U. S. A., but the author, according to the experiments, it results that the less distance allow, the more effective blasting with increased broken rock volume and longer drifted length can be accomplished. Developed large hole burn-cut method aimed to increase drifting length technically under the above considerations, and progressive success resulted to achieve maximum 7 blasting cycles per day with 3.1m drifting length per cycle. This achievement originated high-speed-drifting works, and it was also proven that application of Metallic AN-FO on large hole burn-cut method overcomes resistance of one-free-face. AN-FO which was favored with low price and safety handling is the mixture of the fertilizer or industrial Ammonium-Nitrate and fuel oil, and it is also experienced that it shows insensible property before the initiation, but once it is initiated by the booster, it has equal explosive power of Ammonium Nitrate Explosives (ANE). There was many reports about AN-FO. On AN-FO mixing ratio, according to these experiments, prowdered AN-FO, 93.5 : 6.5 and prilled AN-FO 94 : 6, are the best ratios. Detonation, shock, and friction sensities are all more insensitive than any other explosives. Residual gas is not toxic, too. On initation and propagation of the detonation test, prilled AN-FO is more effective than powered AN-FO. AN-FO has the best explosion power at 7 days elapsed after it has mixed. While AN-FO was used at open pit in past years prior to other conditions, the author developed new improved explosives, Metallic AN-FO and Underwater explosive, based on the experiments of these fundmental characteristics by study on its usage utilizing AN-FO. Metallic AN-FO is the mixture of AN-FO and Al, Fe-Si powder, and Underwater explosive is made from usual explosive and AN-FO. The explanations about them are described in the other paper. In this study, it is confirmed that the blasting effects of utilizing AN-FO explosives are very good.

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Comparison of Establishment Vigor, Uniformity, Rooting Potential and Turf Qualtiy of Sods of Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Tall Fescue and Cool-Season Grass Mixtures Grown in Sand Soil (모래 토양에서 켄터키블루그라스, 퍼레니얼라이그라스, 톨훼스큐 및 한지형 혼합구 뗏장의 피복도, 균일도, 근계 형성력 및 잔디품질 비교)

  • 김경남;박원규;남상용
    • Asian Journal of Turfgrass Science
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    • v.17 no.4
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    • pp.129-146
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    • 2003
  • Research was initiated to compare establishment vigor, uniformity, rooting potential and turf quality in sods of cool-season grasses (CSG). Several turfgrasses grown under pure sand soil were tested. Establishment vigor, uniformity, rooting potential and turf quality were evaluated in the study. Turfgrass entries were comprised of three blends from Kentucky bluegrass (KB, Poa pratensis L.), perennial ryegrass (PR, Lolium perenne L.), and tall fescue (TF, Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), respectively and three mixtures among them. Differences by treatments were significantly observed in establishment vigor, uniformity, rooting potential and turf quality. Early establishment vigor was mainly influenced by germination speed, being fastest with PR, intermediate with TF and slowest with KB. In a late stage of growth, however, it was affected more by growth habit, resulting in highest with KB and slowest with TF. There were considerable variations in sod uniformity among turfgrasses. Best uniformity among monostand sods was associated with KB, while poorest one with TF. PR sod produced intermediate uniformity between KB and TF. The uniformity of polystand sods of CSG mixtures was inferior to that of monostands of KB, PR and TF, due to characteristics of mixtures comprised of a variety of color, density, texture and growth habit. The greatest potential of sod rooting was found with PR and the poorest with KB. Intermediate potential between PR and KB was associated with TF. In CSG mixtures, it was variable, depending on turfgrass mixing rates. Generally, the higher the PR in mixtures, the greater the sod rooting potential. At the time of sod harvest, however, turfgrass quality of KB was superior to that of PR. because of its characteristics of uniform surface, high density and good mowing quality. These results suggest that a careful expertise based on turf quality as well as sod characteristics like establishment vigor, uniformity and rooting potential be strongly required for the success of golf course or athletic field in establishment.

Brand Equity and Purchase Intention in Fashion Products: A Cross-Cultural Study in Asia and Europe (상표자산과 구매의도와의 관계에 관한 국제비교연구 - 아시아와 유럽의 의류시장을 중심으로 -)

  • Kim, Kyung-Hoon;Ko, Eun-Ju;Graham, Hooley;Lee, Nick;Lee, Dong-Hae;Jung, Hong-Seob;Jeon, Byung-Joo;Moon, Hak-Il
    • Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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    • v.18 no.4
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    • pp.245-276
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    • 2008
  • Brand equity is one of the most important concepts in business practice as well as in academic research. Successful brands can allow marketers to gain competitive advantage (Lassar et al.,1995), including the opportunity for successful extensions, resilience against competitors' promotional pressures, and the ability to create barriers to competitive entry (Farquhar, 1989). Branding plays a special role in service firms because strong brands increase trust in intangible products (Berry, 2000), enabling customers to better visualize and understand them. They reduce customers' perceived monetary, social, and safety risks in buying services, which are obstacles to evaluating a service correctly before purchase. Also, a high level of brand equity increases consumer satisfaction, repurchasing intent, and degree of loyalty. Brand equity can be considered as a mixture that includes both financial assets and relationships. Actually, brand equity can be viewed as the value added to the product (Keller, 1993), or the perceived value of the product in consumers' minds. Mahajan et al. (1990) claim that customer-based brand equity can be measured by the level of consumers' perceptions. Several researchers discuss brand equity based on two dimensions: consumer perception and consumer behavior. Aaker (1991) suggests measuring brand equity through price premium, loyalty, perceived quality, and brand associations. Viewing brand equity as the consumer's behavior toward a brand, Keller (1993) proposes similar dimensions: brand awareness and brand knowledge. Thus, past studies tend to identify brand equity as a multidimensional construct consisted of brand loyalty, brand awareness, brand knowledge, customer satisfaction, perceived equity, brand associations, and other proprietary assets (Aaker, 1991, 1996; Blackston, 1995; Cobb-Walgren et al., 1995; Na, 1995). Other studies tend to regard brand equity and other brand assets, such as brand knowledge, brand awareness, brand image, brand loyalty, perceived quality, and so on, as independent but related constructs (Keller, 1993; Kirmani and Zeithaml, 1993). Walters(1978) defined information search as, "A psychological or physical action a consumer takes in order to acquire information about a product or store." But, each consumer has different methods for informationsearch. There are two methods of information search, internal and external search. Internal search is, "Search of information already saved in the memory of the individual consumer"(Engel, Blackwell, 1982) which is, "memory of a previous purchase experience or information from a previous search."(Beales, Mazis, Salop, and Staelin, 1981). External search is "A completely voluntary decision made in order to obtain new information"(Engel & Blackwell, 1982) which is, "Actions of a consumer to acquire necessary information by such methods as intentionally exposing oneself to advertisements, taking to friends or family or visiting a store."(Beales, Mazis, Salop, and Staelin, 1981). There are many sources for consumers' information search including advertisement sources such as the internet, radio, television, newspapers and magazines, information supplied by businesses such as sales people, packaging and in-store information, consumer sources such as family, friends and colleagues, and mass media sources such as consumer protection agencies, government agencies and mass media sources. Understanding consumers' purchasing behavior is a key factor of a firm to attract and retain customers and improving the firm's prospects for survival and growth, and enhancing shareholder's value. Therefore, marketers should understand consumer as individual and market segment. One theory of consumer behavior supports the belief that individuals are rational. Individuals think and move through stages when making a purchase decision. This means that rational thinkers have led to the identification of a consumer buying decision process. This decision process with its different levels of involvement and influencing factors has been widely accepted and is fundamental to the understanding purchase intention represent to what consumers think they will buy. Brand equity is not only companies but also very important asset more than product itself. This paper studies brand equity model and influencing factors including information process such as information searching and information resources in the fashion market in Asia and Europe. Information searching and information resources are influencing brand knowledge that influences consumers purchase decision. Nine research hypotheses are drawn to test the relationships among antecedents of brand equity and purchase intention and relationships among brand knowledge, brand value, brand attitude, and brand loyalty. H1. Information searching influences brand knowledge positively. H2. Information sources influence brand knowledge positively. H3. Brand knowledge influences brand attitude. H4. Brand knowledge influences brand value. H5. Brand attitude influences brand loyalty. H6. Brand attitude influences brand value. H7. Brand loyalty influences purchase intention. H8. Brand value influence purchase intention. H9. There will be the same research model in Asia and Europe. We performed structural equation model analysis in order to test hypotheses suggested in this study. The model fitting index of the research model in Asia was $X^2$=195.19(p=0.0), NFI=0.90, NNFI=0.87, CFI=0.90, GFI=0.90, RMR=0.083, AGFI=0.85, which means the model fitting of the model is good enough. In Europe, it was $X^2$=133.25(p=0.0), NFI=0.81, NNFI=0.85, CFI=0.89, GFI=0.90, RMR=0.073, AGFI=0.85, which means the model fitting of the model is good enough. From the test results, hypotheses were accepted. All of these hypotheses except one are supported. In Europe, information search is not an antecedent of brand knowledge. This means that sales of global fashion brands like jeans in Europe are not expanding as rapidly as in Asian markets such as China, Japan, and South Korea. Young consumers in European countries are not more brand and fashion conscious than their counter partners in Asia. The results have theoretical, practical meaning and contributions. In the fashion jeans industry, relatively few studies examining the viability of cross-national brand equity has been studied. This study provides insight on building global brand equity and suggests information process elements like information search and information resources are working differently in Asia and Europe for fashion jean market.

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