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Evaluation of the Usefulness of Exactrac in Image-guided Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer (두경부암의 영상유도방사선치료에서 ExacTrac의 유용성 평가)

  • Baek, Min Gyu;Kim, Min Woo;Ha, Se Min;Chae, Jong Pyo;Jo, Guang Sub;Lee, Sang Bong
    • The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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    • v.32
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    • pp.7-15
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    • 2020
  • Purpose: In modern radiotherapy technology, several methods of image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) are used to deliver accurate doses to tumor target locations and normal organs, including CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) and other devices, ExacTrac System, other than CBCT equipped with linear accelerators. In previous studies comparing the two systems, positional errors were analysed rearwards using Offline-view or evaluated only with a Yaw rotation with the X, Y, and Z axes. In this study, when using CBCT and ExacTrac to perform 6 Degree of the Freedom(DoF) Online IGRT in a treatment center with two equipment, the difference between the set-up calibration values seen in each system, the time taken for patient set-up, and the radiation usefulness of the imaging device is evaluated. Materials and Methods: In order to evaluate the difference between mobile calibrations and exposure radiation dose, the glass dosimetry and Rando Phantom were used for 11 cancer patients with head circumference from March to October 2017 in order to assess the difference between mobile calibrations and the time taken from Set-up to shortly before IGRT. CBCT and ExacTrac System were used for IGRT of all patients. An average of 10 CBCT and ExacTrac images were obtained per patient during the total treatment period, and the difference in 6D Online Automation values between the two systems was calculated within the ROI setting. In this case, the area of interest designation in the image obtained from CBCT was fixed to the same anatomical structure as the image obtained through ExacTrac. The difference in positional values for the six axes (SI, AP, LR; Rotation group: Pitch, Roll, Rtn) between the two systems, the total time taken from patient set-up to just before IGRT, and exposure dose were measured and compared respectively with the RandoPhantom. Results: the set-up error in the phantom and patient was less than 1mm in the translation group and less than 1.5° in the rotation group, and the RMS values of all axes except the Rtn value were less than 1mm and 1°. The time taken to correct the set-up error in each system was an average of 256±47.6sec for IGRT using CBCT and 84±3.5sec for ExacTrac, respectively. Radiation exposure dose by IGRT per treatment was measured at 37 times higher than ExacTrac in CBCT and ExacTrac at 2.468mGy and 0.066mGy at Oral Mucosa among the 7 measurement locations in the head and neck area. Conclusion: Through 6D online automatic positioning between the CBCT and ExacTrac systems, the set-up error was found to be less than 1mm, 1.02°, including the patient's movement (random error), as well as the systematic error of the two systems. This error range is considered to be reasonable when considering that the PTV Margin is 3mm during the head and neck IMRT treatment in the present study. However, considering the changes in target and risk organs due to changes in patient weight during the treatment period, it is considered to be appropriately used in combination with CBCT.

Basic Research on the Possibility of Developing a Landscape Perceptual Response Prediction Model Using Artificial Intelligence - Focusing on Machine Learning Techniques - (인공지능을 활용한 경관 지각반응 예측모델 개발 가능성 기초연구 - 머신러닝 기법을 중심으로 -)

  • Kim, Jin-Pyo;Suh, Joo-Hwan
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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    • v.51 no.3
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    • pp.70-82
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    • 2023
  • The recent surge of IT and data acquisition is shifting the paradigm in all aspects of life, and these advances are also affecting academic fields. Research topics and methods are being improved through academic exchange and connections. In particular, data-based research methods are employed in various academic fields, including landscape architecture, where continuous research is needed. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the possibility of developing a landscape preference evaluation and prediction model using machine learning, a branch of Artificial Intelligence, reflecting the current situation. To achieve the goal of this study, machine learning techniques were applied to the landscaping field to build a landscape preference evaluation and prediction model to verify the simulation accuracy of the model. For this, wind power facility landscape images, recently attracting attention as a renewable energy source, were selected as the research objects. For analysis, images of the wind power facility landscapes were collected using web crawling techniques, and an analysis dataset was built. Orange version 3.33, a program from the University of Ljubljana was used for machine learning analysis to derive a prediction model with excellent performance. IA model that integrates the evaluation criteria of machine learning and a separate model structure for the evaluation criteria were used to generate a model using kNN, SVM, Random Forest, Logistic Regression, and Neural Network algorithms suitable for machine learning classification models. The performance evaluation of the generated models was conducted to derive the most suitable prediction model. The prediction model derived in this study separately evaluates three evaluation criteria, including classification by type of landscape, classification by distance between landscape and target, and classification by preference, and then synthesizes and predicts results. As a result of the study, a prediction model with a high accuracy of 0.986 for the evaluation criterion according to the type of landscape, 0.973 for the evaluation criterion according to the distance, and 0.952 for the evaluation criterion according to the preference was developed, and it can be seen that the verification process through the evaluation of data prediction results exceeds the required performance value of the model. As an experimental attempt to investigate the possibility of developing a prediction model using machine learning in landscape-related research, this study was able to confirm the possibility of creating a high-performance prediction model by building a data set through the collection and refinement of image data and subsequently utilizing it in landscape-related research fields. Based on the results, implications, and limitations of this study, it is believed that it is possible to develop various types of landscape prediction models, including wind power facility natural, and cultural landscapes. Machine learning techniques can be more useful and valuable in the field of landscape architecture by exploring and applying research methods appropriate to the topic, reducing the time of data classification through the study of a model that classifies images according to landscape types or analyzing the importance of landscape planning factors through the analysis of landscape prediction factors using machine learning.

Service Quality, Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty of Mobile Communication Industry in China (중국이동통신산업중적복무질량(中国移动通信产业中的服务质量), 고객만의도화고객충성도(顾客满意度和顾客忠诚度))

  • Zhang, Ruijin;Li, Xiangyang;Zhang, Yunchang
    • Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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    • v.20 no.3
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    • pp.269-277
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    • 2010
  • Previous studies have shown that the most important factor affecting customer loyalty in the service industry is service quality. However, on the subject of whether service quality has a direct or indirect effect on customer loyalty, scholars' views apparently vary. Some studies suggest that service quality has a direct and fundamental influence on customer loyalty (Bai and Liu, 2002). However, others have shown that service quality not only directly affects customer loyalty, it also has an indirect impact on customer loyalty by influencing customer satisfaction and perceived value (Cronin, Brady, and Hult, 2000). Currently, there are few domestic articles that specifically address the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty in the mobile communication industry. Moreover, research has studied customer loyalty as a whole variable, rather than breaking it down further into multiple dimensions. Based on this analysis, this paper summarizes previous study results, establishes an effect mechanism model among service quality, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty in the mobile communication industry, and presents a statistical test on model assumptions by using customer investigation data from Heilongjiang Mobile Company. It provides theoretical guidance for mobile service management based on the discussion of the hypothesis test results. For data collection, the sample comprised mobile users in Harbin city, and the survey was taken by random sampling. Out of a total of 300 questionnaires, 276 (92.9%) were recovered. After excluding invalid questionnaires, 249 remained, for an effective rate of 82.6 percent for the study. Cronbach's ${\alpha}$ coefficient was adapted to assess the scale reliability, and validity testing was conducted on the questionnaire from three aspects: content validity, construct validity. and convergent validity. The study tested for goodness of fit mainly from the absolute and relative fit indexes. From the hypothesis testing results, overall, four assumptions have not been supported. The ultimate affective relationship of service quality, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty is demonstrated in Figure 2. On the whole, the service quality of the communication industry not only has a direct positive significant effect on customer loyalty, it also has an indirect positive significant effect on customer loyalty through service quality; the affective mechanism and extent of customer loyalty are different, and are influenced by each dimension of service quality. This study used the questionnaires of existing literature from home and abroad and tested them in empirical research, with all questions adapted to seven-point Likert scales. With the SERVQUAL scale of Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1988), or PZB, as a reference point, service quality was divided into five dimensions-tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy-and the questions were simplified down to nineteen. The measurement of customer satisfaction was based mainly on Fornell (1992) and Wang and Han (2003), ending up with four questions. Based on the study’s three indicators of price tolerance, first choice, and complaint reaction were used to measure attitudinal loyalty, while repurchase intention, recommendation, and reputation measured behavioral loyalty. The collection and collation of literature data produced a model of the relationship among service quality, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty in mobile communications, and China Mobile in the city of Harbin in Heilongjiang province was used for conducting an empirical test of the model and obtaining some useful conclusions. First, service quality in mobile communication is formed by the five factors mentioned earlier: tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. On the basis of PZB SERVQUAL, the study designed a measurement scale of service quality for the mobile communications industry, and obtained these five factors through exploratory factor analysis. The factors fit basically with the five elements, indicating the concept of five elements of service quality for the mobile communications industry. Second, service quality in mobile communications has both direct and indirect positive effects on attitudinal loyalty, with the indirect effect being produced through the intermediary variable, customer satisfaction. There are also both direct and indirect positive effects on behavioral loyalty, with the indirect effect produced through two intermediary variables: customer satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty. This shows that better service quality and higher customer satisfaction will activate the attitudinal to service providers more active and show loyalty to service providers much easier. In addition, the effect mechanism of all dimensions of service quality on all dimensions of customer loyalty is different. Third, customer satisfaction plays a significant intermediary role among service quality and attitudinal and behavioral loyalty, indicating that improving service quality can boost customer satisfaction and make it easier for satisfied customers to become loyal customers. Moreover, attitudinal loyalty plays a significant intermediary role between service quality and behavioral loyalty, indicating that only attitudinally and behaviorally loyal customers are truly loyal customers. The research conclusions have some indications for Chinese telecom operators and others to upgrade their service quality. Two limitations to the study are also mentioned. First, all data were collected in the Heilongjiang area, so there might be a common method bias that skews the results. Second, the discussion addresses the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty, setting customer satisfaction as mediator, but does not consider other factors, like customer value and consumer features, This research will be continued in the future.

Multi-level Analysis of the Antecedents of Knowledge Transfer: Integration of Social Capital Theory and Social Network Theory (지식이전 선행요인에 관한 다차원 분석: 사회적 자본 이론과 사회연결망 이론의 결합)

  • Kang, Minhyung;Hau, Yong Sauk
    • Asia pacific journal of information systems
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    • v.22 no.3
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    • pp.75-97
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    • 2012
  • Knowledge residing in the heads of employees has always been regarded as one of the most critical resources within a firm. However, many tries to facilitate knowledge transfer among employees has been unsuccessful because of the motivational and cognitive problems between the knowledge source and the recipient. Social capital, which is defined as "the sum of the actual and potential resources embedded within, available through, derived from the network of relationships possessed by an individual or social unit [Nahapiet and Ghoshal, 1998]," is suggested to resolve these motivational and cognitive problems of knowledge transfer. In Social capital theory, there are two research streams. One insists that social capital strengthens group solidarity and brings up cooperative behaviors among group members, such as voluntary help to colleagues. Therefore, social capital can motivate an expert to transfer his/her knowledge to a colleague in need without any direct reward. The other stream insists that social capital provides an access to various resources that the owner of social capital doesn't possess directly. In knowledge transfer context, an employee with social capital can access and learn much knowledge from his/her colleagues. Therefore, social capital provides benefits to both the knowledge source and the recipient in different ways. However, prior research on knowledge transfer and social capital is mostly limited to either of the research stream of social capital and covered only the knowledge source's or the knowledge recipient's perspective. Social network theory which focuses on the structural dimension of social capital provides clear explanation about the in-depth mechanisms of social capital's two different benefits. 'Strong tie' builds up identification, trust, and emotional attachment between the knowledge source and the recipient; therefore, it motivates the knowledge source to transfer his/her knowledge to the recipient. On the other hand, 'weak tie' easily expands to 'diverse' knowledge sources because it does not take much effort to manage. Therefore, the real value of 'weak tie' comes from the 'diverse network structure,' not the 'weak tie' itself. It implies that the two different perspectives on strength of ties can co-exist. For example, an extroverted employee can manage many 'strong' ties with 'various' colleagues. In this regards, the individual-level structure of one's relationships as well as the dyadic-level relationship should be considered together to provide a holistic view of social capital. In addition, interaction effect between individual-level characteristics and dyadic-level characteristics can be examined, too. Based on these arguments, this study has following research questions. (1) How does the social capital of the knowledge source and the recipient influence knowledge transfer respectively? (2) How does the strength of ties between the knowledge source and the recipient influence knowledge transfer? (3) How does the social capital of the knowledge source and the recipient influence the effect of the strength of ties between the knowledge source and the recipient on knowledge transfer? Based on Social capital theory and Social network theory, a multi-level research model is developed to consider both the individual-level social capital of the knowledge source and the recipient and the dyadic-level strength of relationship between the knowledge source and the recipient. 'Cross-classified random effect model,' one of the multi-level analysis methods, is adopted to analyze the survey responses from 337 R&D employees. The results of analysis provide several findings. First, among three dimensions of the knowledge source's social capital, network centrality (i.e., structural dimension) shows the significant direct effect on knowledge transfer. On the other hand, the knowledge recipient's network centrality is not influential. Instead, it strengthens the influence of the strength of ties between the knowledge source and the recipient on knowledge transfer. It means that the knowledge source's network centrality does not directly increase knowledge transfer. Instead, by providing access to various knowledge sources, the network centrality provides only the context where the strong tie between the knowledge source and the recipient leads to effective knowledge transfer. In short, network centrality has indirect effect on knowledge transfer from the knowledge recipient's perspective, while it has direct effect from the knowledge source's perspective. This is the most important contribution of this research. In addition, contrary to the research hypothesis, company tenure of the knowledge recipient negatively influences knowledge transfer. It means that experienced employees do not look for new knowledge and stick to their own knowledge. This is also an interesting result. One of the possible reasons is the hierarchical culture of Korea, such as a fear of losing face in front of subordinates. In a research methodology perspective, multi-level analysis adopted in this study seems to be very promising in management research area which has a multi-level data structure, such as employee-team-department-company. In addition, social network analysis is also a promising research approach with an exploding availability of online social network data.

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Spatial Genetic Structure of Needle Fir(Abies holophylla Seedlings on the Forest Gap Within a Needle Fir Forest at Mt. Odae in Korea) (오대산(五臺山) 전나무림(林)의 숲틈에서 발생(發生)된 전나무 치수(稚樹)들의 공간적(空間的) 유전구조(遺傳構造))

  • Hong, Kyung-Nak;Choi, Young Cheol;Kang, Bum-Yong;Hong, Yong-Pyo
    • Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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    • v.90 no.4
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    • pp.565-572
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    • 2001
  • The spatial genetic structure of Needle fir(Abies holophylla Max.) seedlings on forest gap within a Needle fir forest at Mt. Odae in Korea was analyzed on the basis of ISSR(inter-simple sequence repeats) marker analysis. The gap size was $1,500m^2(50m{\times}30m)$, and we sampled 416 one- or two-year-old seedlings by 2m intervals. Some trees at the upper crown layer except Needle firs and all trees at the middle and lower crown layers were removed, and Needle firs at the upper crown layer showed very weak growth strength or to be withering to death. The results of spatial autocorrelation using 31 polymorphic ISSR markers revealed that it was genetically homogeneous within spatial distance of 15.6m and the randomness of genetic distribution was from 15.6m to 31.2m. The genetic patch size of seedlings in forest gap might be restricted by the density of mother trees, making allow for the average height of adult Needle firs, the seed dispersal area, and the average distance between adults. For the directionality of seedling distribution, we investigated the variography using 'genetic configuration' which was the value of configuration in Multidimensional Scaling by genetic distance. In directional variogram, the increment of spatial distance from East to West direction was inversely proportional to genetic homogeneity. We presumed that this anisotrophy of seedling distribution at this forest gap resulted from the directionality of seed dispersal rather than the difference of fecundity between mother trees or the microhabitat variation, taking the evenness of forest floor condition, a vast seed production and the random distribution of seedlings at the studied site into consideration.

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Rural Systems Visioneering: Paradigm Shift from Flux Measurement to Sustainability Science (지역시스템 비저니어링: 플럭스 관측에서 지속가능성과학으로의 패러다임 전환)

  • Kim, Joon;Kang, Minseok;Oki, Taikan;Park, Eun Woo;Ichii, Kazuhito;Indrawati, Yohana Maria;Cho, Sungsik;Moon, Jihyun;Yoo, Wan Chol;Rhee, Jiyoung;Rhee, Herb;Njau, Karoli;Ahn, Sunghoon
    • Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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    • v.20 no.1
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    • pp.101-116
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    • 2018
  • Sustainability science is an emerging transdisciplinary research which necessitates not only the communication and collaboration of scientists, practitioners and stakeholders from different disciplines and interests, but also the paradigm shift from deterministic and reductionist approaches to the old basic. Ecological-societal systems (ESS) are co-evolving complex systems having many interacting parts (or agents) whose random interactions at local scale give rise to spontaneous emerging order at global scale (i.e., self-organization). Here, the flows of energy, matter and information between the systems and their surroundings play a key role. We introduce a conceptual framework for such continually morphing dynamical systems, i.e. self-organizing hierarchical open systems (SOHOs). To understand the structure and functionality of SOHOs, we revisit the two fundamental laws of physics. Re-interpretation of these principles helps understand the destiny and better path toward sustainability, and how to reconcile ecosystem integrity with societal vision and value. We then integrate the so-called visioneering (V) framework with that of SOHOs as feedback/feedforward loops so that 'a nudged self-organization' may guide systems' agents to work together toward sustainable ESS. Finally, example is given with newly endorsed Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Lab (i.e., 'Rural systems visioneering') by Future Earth, which is now underway in rural villages in Tanzania.

Evaluation on the Usefulness of 6DoF Couch in V-MAT on Patients with Long length of Target (표적의 길이가 긴 환자의 용적회전변조 방사선치료 시 6DoF Couch의 유용성 평가)

  • Choi, Young Se;Park, Hyo Kuk;Kim, Se Young;Kim, Joo Ho;Lee, Sang Kyoo;Yoon, Jong Won;Cho, Jung Heui
    • The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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    • v.29 no.2
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    • pp.53-64
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    • 2017
  • Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of the $HexaPOD^{TM}$ evo RT system(6DoF couch) and the tendency of dose difference according to size of rotational direction error for volumetric rotational modulated radiotherapy(V-MAT) in patients with long target lengths. Therefore, it is suggested to recommend the need for rotational error correction. Materials and Methods: Ten patients with Esophagus cancer or Breast cancer including SCL treated with HexaPOD 6DoF(Six-Degree of Freedom) couch were included in this study. 6DoF couch was used to measure the difference in dose according to the rotation error in the directions of Rx(pitch), Ry(roll), and Rz(yaw). Each rotation error was applied. Positioning variation on x, y and z axis was verified and random variations were made by 6DoF couch with positioning variation. Modified DQA is conducted and point dose and gamma value are analyzed and compared. In addition, after applying the rotation error every $1^{\circ}$ to treatment plans of each target with a diameter of 3 cm, 5, 10, 15, and 20 cm respectively, gamma passing rate is being monitored by its aspect of change according to types and sizes of the target length and rotation error. Results: Mean error of the point dose and Gamma passing rate when the position variation was applied were $2.50{\pm}1.11%$ and $84.1{\pm}7.39%$ in the Rx direction, $2.36{\pm}1.16%$, and $81.0{\pm}8.49%$ in the Ry, $2.35{\pm}1.10%$ and $84.4{\pm}6.99%$ in the Rz direction, respectively. As a result of analysis on gamma passing rate according to types and sizes of the target length and rotation error, the gamma passing rate tended to decrease with increasing rotation error in the Rx and Rz directions except Ry direction. In particular, the lowest gamma passing rate (74.2 %) was in the case of $2.5^{\circ}$ rotation error in Rz direction of the target of 10 cm. Conclusion: The correction of the rotational error is needed for volumetric modulated radiotherapy of the treatment area with a long target length, and the use of 6DoF couch will improve the reproducibility of the patient position and the quality of the treatment.

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Studies on Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Relationships of Korean Native Chicken using the Microsatellite Marker (Microsatellite Marker를 활용한 한국 토종닭 품종의 유전적 다양성 및 유연관계 분석)

  • Seo, Joo Hee;Oh, Jea-Don;Lee, Jun-Heon;Seo, Dongwon;Kong, Hong Sik
    • Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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    • v.42 no.1
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    • pp.15-26
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    • 2015
  • In this study, genotyping was executed by using 27 microsatellite markers for genetic diversity of 469 Korean Native Chickens [20 population, each population is 24 samples but Hanhyup A line is 13 samples). in total 469 samples were collected from National Institute of Animal Science (Korean Native Chicken (NR, NY, NG, NL and NW), Ogye (NO), Leghorn F,K (NF and NK), Black and Brown cormish (NH and NS), Rhode Island Red C, D (NC and ND), Total is 12 populations] and Hanhyup [H line (HH), F line (HF), G line (HG), V line (HV), S line (HS), W line (HW), Y line (HY), A line (HA), total is 8 populations]. [The allele number were observed 5 (ADL0268) to 20 (MCW0127) each markers. Observed heterozygostiy ($H_{obs}$), expected heterozygosity ($H_{exp}$), polymorphism Information Content (PIC) were observed 0.359 to 0.677, 0.668 to 0.881 and 0.646 to 0.869, respectively. Using these markers, the calculated the heterozygote deficit within chicken line ($F_{is}$) value each population from mean 0.117. Phylogenetic tree showing the genetic relationship among 20 population using standard genetic distance calculated from 27 microsatellite markers. genetic distances revealed the closest (0.175) between NC and ND. on the other hand, Farthest genetic distances (0.710) revealed between NF and HV. STRUCTURE analysis and Principal Components Analysis (PCA) showed that results of similar phylogenetic tree. The expected probability of identity values on random individuals (Total population and only Hanhyup line) was estimated at $8.80{\times}10^{-83}$ and $3.87{\times}10^{-117}$, respectively. In conclusion, This study shows the useful data that be utilized as a basic data of Korean Native Chicken breeding and development for commercial chicken industry to meet the consumer's demand.

Effects of Acanthopanax Senticosus Leaves Supplementation on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Blood Characteristics in Korean Black Goats (가시오갈피 지엽의 급여가 흑염소의 생산성, 영양소 소화율 및 혈액성상에 미치는 영향)

  • HwangBo, Soon;Jo, Ik-Hwan;Lee, Sung-Hoon;Kim, Seong-Kyu
    • Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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    • v.26 no.4
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    • pp.239-248
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    • 2006
  • This study was conducted not only to investigate effects of different supplementation levels of Acanthopanax senticosus leaves on feed intakes, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, and blood metabolites in Korean black goats but also to obtain basic data for nutritive value of Acanthopanax senticosus leaves and production of high quality functional animal products. Twelve Korean black goats were allotted to treatments in four groups of three goats per treatment and then they were housed in individual metabolism cages with completely random arrangements for 21 days. Four treatments were separated into controls and three different supplementation levels of Acanthopanax senticosus such as 10, 20 and 30%, respectively. For the chemical composition of experimental diets, crude protein (CP) contents of controls were 13.39% and those of supplementation treatments were lowered with increasing levels of Acanthopanax senticosus. Control groups tended to have higher acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents as compared to supplementation groups, but non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) contents tended to be higher far supplementation groups than those for controls. Feed intakes had no significant difference among treatments, but digestible dry matter amounts were significantly higher for 20 and 30% supplementation groups than those for other treatments. Dry matter intakes per metabolic body weight and their ratio per body weight were highest in 20% group, but those of 40% groups were lowest (p<0.05). Crude protein, ADF and NDF digestibilities were significantly higher in Acanthopanax senticosus supplementation groups in comparison to controls (p<0.05), and in particular, they were increased with increasing supplementation levels of tranthopanax senticosus. Nitrogen retention was significantly higher for 20 and 30% treatments than those fur controls (p<0.05). Plasma urea nitrogen concentration was significantly lower for 30% supplementation group than those fur controls (p<0.05). Furthermore, plasma triglyceride concentration was significantly lower for Acanthopanax senticosus groups than those for controls (p<0.05). The results showed that supplemental level of 20% Acanthopnnax senticosus leaves to Korean black goats improved nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, and plasma urea nitrogen and triglyceride concentrations. Consequently, it might contribute to more efficient production of Korean black goats.

Determinants of Consumer Preference by type of Accommodation: Two Step Cluster Analysis (이단계 군집분석에 의한 농촌관광 편의시설 유형별 소비자 선호 결정요인)

  • Park, Duk-Byeong;Yoon, Yoo-Shik;Lee, Min-Soo
    • Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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    • v.17 no.3
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    • pp.1-19
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    • 2007
  • 1. Purpose Rural tourism is made by individuals with different characteristics, needs and wants. It is important to have information on the characteristics and preferences of the consumers of the different types of existing rural accommodation. The stud aims to identify the determinants of consumer preference by type of accommodations. 2. Methodology 2.1 Sample Data were collected from 1000 people by telephone survey with three-stage stratified random sampling in seven metropolitan areas in Korea. Respondents were chosen by sampling internal on telephone book published in 2006. We surveyed from four to ten-thirty 0'clock afternoon so as to systematic sampling considering respondents' life cycle. 2.2 Two-step cluster Analysis Our study is accomplished through the use of a two-step cluster method to classify the accommodation in a reduced number of groups, so that each group constitutes a type. This method had been suggested as appropriate in clustering large data sets with mixed attributes. The method is based on a distance measure that enables data with both continuous and categorical attributes to be clustered. This is derived from a probabilistic model in which the distance between two clusters in equivalent to the decrease in log-likelihood function as a result of merging. 2.3 Multinomial Logit Analysis The estimation of a Multionmial Logit model determines the characteristics of tourist who is most likely to opt for each type of accommodation. The Multinomial Logit model constitutes an appropriate framework to explore and explain choice process where the choice set consists of more than two alternatives. Due to its ease and quick estimation of parameters, the Multinomial Logit model has been used for many empirical studies of choice in tourism. 3. Findings The auto-clustering algorithm indicated that a five-cluster solution was the best model, because it minimized the BIC value and the change in them between adjacent numbers of clusters. The accommodation establishments can be classified into five types: Traditional House, Typical Farmhouse, Farmstay house for group Tour, Log Cabin for Family, and Log Cabin for Individuals. Group 1 (Traditional House) includes mainly the large accommodation establishments, i.e. those with ondoll style room providing meals and one shower room on family tourist, of original construction style house. Group 2 (Typical Farmhouse) encompasses accommodation establishments of Ondoll rooms and each bathroom providing meals. It includes, in other words, the tourist accommodations Known as "rural houses." Group 3 (Farmstay House for Group) has accommodation establishments of Ondoll rooms not providing meals and self cooking facilities, large room size over five persons. Group 4 (Log Cabin for Family) includes mainly the popular accommodation establishments, i.e. those with Ondoll style room with on shower room on family tourist, of western styled log house. While the accommodations in this group are not defined as regards type of construction, the group does include all the original Korean style construction, Finally, group 5 (Log Cabin for Individuals)includes those accommodations that are bedroom western styled wooden house with each bathroom. First Multinomial Logit model is estimated including all the explicative variables considered and taking accommodation group 2 as base alternative. The results show that the variables and the estimated values of the parameters for the model giving the probability of each of the five different types of accommodation available in rural tourism village in Korea, according to the socio-economic and trip related characteristics of the individuals. An initial observation of the analysis reveals that none of variables income, the number of journey, distance, and residential style of house is explicative in the choice of rural accommodation. The age and accompany variables are significant for accommodation establishment of group 1. The education and rural residential experience variables are significant for accommodation establishment of groups 4 and 5. The expenditure and marital status variables are significant for accommodation establishment of group 4. The gender and occupation variable are significant for accommodation establishment of group 3. The loyalty variable is significant for accommodation establishment of groups 3 and 4. The study indicates that significant differences exist among the individuals who choose each type of accommodation at a destination. From this investigation is evident that several profiles of tourists can be attracted by a rural destination according to the types of existing accommodations at this destination. Besides, the tourist profiles may be used as the basis for investment policy and promotion for each type of accommodation, making use in each case of the variables that indicate a greater likelihood of influencing the tourist choice of accommodation.

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