• Title/Summary/Keyword: role-efficacy

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Big Five Personality in Discriminating the Groups by the Level of Social Sims (심리학적 도구 '5요인 성격 특성'에 의한 소셜 게임 연구: <심즈 소셜> 게임의 분석사례를 중심으로)

  • Lee, Dong-Yeop
    • Cartoon and Animation Studies
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    • s.29
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    • pp.129-149
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    • 2012
  • The purpose of this study was to investigate the clustering and Big Five Personality domains in discriminating groups by level of school-related adjustment, as experienced by Social Sims game users. Social Games are based on web that has simple rules to play in fictional time and space background. This paper is to analyze the relationships between social networks and user behaviors through the social games . In general, characteristics of social games are simple, fun and easy to play, popular to the public, and based on personal connections in reality. These features of social games make themselves different from video games with one player or MMORPG with many unspecific players. Especially Social Game show a noticeable characteristic related to social learning. The object of this research is to provide a possibility that game that its social perspective can be strengthened in social game environment and analyze whether it actually influences on problem solving of real life problems, therefore suggesting its direction of alternative play means and positive simulation game. Data was collected by administering 4 questionnaires (the short version of BFI, Satisfaction with life, Career Decision-.Making Self-.Efficacy, Depression) to the participants who were 20 people in Seoul and Daejeon. For the purposes of the data analysis, both Stepwise Discriminant analysis and Cluster analysis was employed. Neuroticism, Openness, Conscientiousness within the Big Five Personality domains were seen to be significant variables when it came to discriminating the groups. These findings indicated that the short version of the BFI may be useful in understanding for game user behaviors When it comes to cultural research, digital game takes up a significant role. We can see that from the fact that game, which has only been considered as a leisure activity or commercial means, is being actively research for its methodological, social role and function. Among digital game's several meanings, one of the most noticeable ones is the research on its critical, social participating function. According to Jame Paul gee, the most important merit of game is 'projected identity'. This means that experiences from various perspectives is possible.[1] In his recent autobiography , he described gamer as an active problem solver. In addition, Gonzalo Francesca also suggested an alternative game developing method through 'game that conveys critical messages by strengthening critical reasons'. [2] They all provided evidences showing game can be a strong academic tool. Not only does a genre called social game exist in the field of media and Social Network Game, but there are also some efforts to positively evaluate its value Through these kinds of researches, we can study how game can give positive influence along with the change in its general perception, which would eventually lead to spreading healthy game culture and enabling fresh life experience. This would better bring out the educative side of the game and become a social communicative tool. The object of this game is to provide a possibility that the social aspect can be strengthened within the game environment and analyze whether it actually influences the problem solving of real life problems. Therefore suggesting it's direction of alternative play means positive game simulation.

Utilization Rate and Related Factors of Unified Health Sub-center Among Rural Residents (통합보건지소 설치 전후 주민들의 보건지소 이용율 변화 및 관련요인)

  • Hwang, Tae-Yoon;Kang, Pock-Soo;Kim, Seok-Beom;Lee, Kyeong-Soo;Kang, Young-Ah
    • Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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    • v.27 no.2
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    • pp.107-126
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    • 2002
  • Health sub-centers(HSCs) have played an important role in primary health care in rural area in Korea. The unification of neighboring HSCs was a strategy to improve the role of HSCs. This study was conducted to reveal the efficacy of the unified HSC established in Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju-si in1997. The utilization patterns of HSC and its related factors, and satisfaction of consumer on HSC were compared before and after unification of two HSCs in Gampo-eup, Yangnam-myeon using questionnaire survey, and also the statistics of medical care services and public health services were compared. Four hundred forty nine subjects were questioned in survey, 156 from Gampo-eup, 147 from Yangbuk-myeon, and 146 from Yangnam-myeon. Following unification, the utilization rates and the frequency of visits in Gampo-eup declined. In all three areas, chronic illness was the common factor influencing the utilization and change in frequency of visits to the unified HSC. Following unification, aspects of consumer satisfaction, for example; accessibility and affordability decreased in Gampo-eup, but increased in both Yangbuk-myeon and Yangnam-myeon. The statistics relating to medical care, X-ray examination, home visiting service, vaccination, and health education showed an increase for the unified HSC when compared to the sum of the statistics for the previous two. The execution rates for other public health services were the same, or a little decreased. Clinical laboratory examinations and the issuing of civil affair documents were new services offered by the unified HSC. It is concluded, the overall consumer satisfaction with the unified HSC was improved. In Gampo-eup, where after unification there was no HSC, it seemed to be a barrier to accessing the unified HSC. The effect of the unified HSC, in the respect of medical care and public health services, was not as significant as expected at the time of being established. Therefore, the strategies to reenforce the unified HSC should be developed to provide all residents with comprehensive primary health care services.

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Preliminary Results of 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy for Primary Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (절제 불가능한 원발성 간암의 입체조형 방사선치료의 초기 임상 결과)

  • Keum Ki Chang;Park Hee Chul;Seong Jinsil;Chang Sei Kyoung;Han Kwang Hyub;Chon Chae Yoon;Moon Young Myoung;Kim Gwi Eon;Suh Chang Ok
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.20 no.2
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    • pp.123-129
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    • 2002
  • Purpose : The purpose of this study 띤as to determine the potential role of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in the treatment of primary unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. The preliminary results on the efficacy and the toxicity of 3D-CRT are reported. Materials and Methods : Seventeen patients were enrolled in this study, which was conducted prospectively from January 1995 to June 1997. The exclusion criteria included the presence of extrahepatic metastasis, liver cirrhosis of Child-Pugh classification C, tumors occupying more than two thirds of the entire liver, and a performance status of more than 3 on the ECOG scale. Two patients were treated with radiotherapy only while the remaining 15 were treated with combined transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. Radiotherapy was given to the field including the tumor plus a 1.5 cm margin using a 3D-CRT technique. The radiation dose ranged from $36\~60\;Gy$ (median; 59.4 Gy). Tumor response was based on a radiological examination such as the CT scan, MR imaging, and hepatic artery angiography at $4\~8$ weeks following the completion of treatment. The acute and subacute toxicities were monitored. Results : An objective response was observed in 11 out of 17 patients, giving a response rate of $64.7\%$. The actuarial survival rate at 2 years was $21.2\%$ from the start of radiotherapy (median survival; 19 months). Six patients developed a distant metastasis consisting of a lung metastasis in 5 patients and bone metastasis in one. The complications related to 30-CRT were gastro-duodenitis $(\geq\;grade\;2)$ in 2 patients. There were no treatment related deaths and radiation induced hepatitis. Conclusion : The preliminary results show that 3D-CRT is a reliable and effective treatment modality for primary unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma compared to other conventional modalities. Further studies to evaluate the definitive role of the 3D-CRT technique in the treatment of primary unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma are needed.

A study on the Effects of Rehmannia Radix and Eukmigihwangtang (EMGHT) on Antioxidation Activity in Aging Rats (숙지황(熟地黃)과 육미지황탕(六味地黃湯)이 노화과정(老化過程) 흰쥐에서의 항산화(抗酸化) 기전(機轉)에 미치는 영향(影響))

  • Ahn, Sang-Won;Lee, Cheol-wan
    • Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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    • v.8 no.1
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    • pp.593-623
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    • 1999
  • This experimental study was designed to verify the anti-aging efficacy of Eukmigihwangtang (EMGHT) and Rehmannia Radix, and determine the specific role and actions of Rehmannia Radix. Normal rat (2 months old), aging rat (8 months old), and pathologically induced rat (2 months old, injected 30mg/kg of streptozotocin) are observed to study the aging eliciting factors such as peroxide contents and enzyme activities. The following results were obtained in this study: 1. For the body weight changes, normal group given Rehmannia Radix showed decrease in the body weight compared to the control group, aging group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant decrease in the body weight, and STZ injected group showed suppression to the body weight loss when given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix. 2. For the content changes in serum lipid peroxide, normal group showed increasing level as the rat gets older. Aging group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant decrease in the lipid peroxide level compared to the control group. Decrease was more prominant in the group given EMGHT. 3. For the changes in serum hydroxyl radical, normal group did not show significant changes, but aging group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant decrease in the hydroxyl radical level compared to the control group. Decrease was more prominant in the group given EMGHT. 4. For the changes in serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, normal group did not show significant changes, but aging group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant increase in the SOD activity compared to the control group. STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant decrease in the SOD activity compared to the control group. 5. For the content changes in hepatic lipid peroxide, aging group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant decrease in the lipid peroxide level compared to the control group. 6. For the changes in hepatic cytochrome P-450 activity, aging group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant decrease compared to the control group. Cytochrome b5 activity was significantly decreased only in the STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix. 7. For the changes in hepatic aminopyrine demethylase and aniline hydroxylase activity, aging group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant decrease compared to the control group. STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant increase in the aminopyrine demethylase activity, and showed significant decrease in the aniline hydroxylase activity compared to the control group. 8. For the content changes in hepatic protein bound-SH and nonprotein bound-SH, againg group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant increase compared to the control group. 9. For the content changes in hepatic glutathione level, aging group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant increase compared to the control group. 10. For the changes in hepatic glutathione S-transferase activity, aging group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant increase and decrease, respectively, compared to the control group. 11. For the changes in hepatic glutathione reductase activity, aging group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant increase compared to the control group, while $\gamma$-Glutamylcystein synthetase activity did not show significant changes. 12. For the changes in hepatic superoxide dismutase activity, aging group and STZ injected group given EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix showed significant decrease compared to the control group. From the above results, the antioxidant effects of EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix were proved, as well as the role of Rehmannia Radix, a chief of EMGHT, was examined. In addition, since no change was reconized as the quantity of Rehmannia Radix and the order herbs increased, the reasonableness on EMGHT was proven with respect to its composition and quantity. Thus, the significance of EMGHT could be objectively exmined in terms of its composition and quantity. Considering animals used in the experiment, there were obvious changes in aging rats and pathologically induced rats than in normal rats. Consequently, it was noticeable that EMGHT and Rehmannia Radix were working selectively on the subjects.

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The Role of MnSOD in the Mechanisms of Acquired Resistance to TNF (TNF에 대한 내성획득에서 MnSOD의 역할에 관한 연구)

  • Lee, Hyuk-Pyo;Yoo, Chul-Gyu;Kim, Young-Whan;Han, Sung-Koo;Shim, Young-Soo
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.44 no.6
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    • pp.1353-1365
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    • 1997
  • Background : Tumor necrosis factor(TNF) has been considered as an important candidate for cancer gene therapy based on its potent anti-tumor activity. However, since the efficiency of current techniques of gene transfer is not satisfactory, the majority of current protocols is aiming the in vitro gene transfer to cancer cells and re-introducing genetically modified cancer cells to host. In the previous study, it was shown that TNF-sensitive cancer cells transfected with TNF-$\alpha$ cDNA would become highly resistant to TNF, and the probability was shown that the acquired resistance to TNF might be associated with synthesis of some protective protein. Understanding the mechanisms of TNF -resistance in TNF-$\alpha$ cDNA transfected cancer cells would be. an important step for improving the efficacy of cancer gene therapy as well as for better understandings of tumor biology. This study was designed to evaluate the role of MnSOD, an antioxidant enzyme, in the acquired resistance to TNF of TNF-$\alpha$ cDN A transfected cancer cells. Method : We transfected TNF-$\alpha$ c-DNA to WEHI164(murine fibrosarcoma cell line), NCI-H2058(human mesothelioma cell line), A549(human non-small cell lung cancer cell line), ME180(human cervix cancer cell line) cells using retroviral vector(pLT12SN(TNF)) and confirm the expression of TNF with PCR, ELISA, MIT assay. Then we determined the TNF resistance of TNF-$\alpha$ cDNA transfected cells(WEHI164-TNF, NCIH2058-TNF, A549-TNF, ME180-TNF) and the changes of MnSOD mRNA expressions with Northern blot analysis. Results : The MnSOD mRNA expressions of parental cells and genetically modified cells of WEHI164 and ME180 cells(both are naturally TNF sensitive) were not significantly different The MnSOD mRNA expressions of genetically modified cells of NCI-H2058 and A549(both are naturally TNF resistant) were higher than those of the parental cells, while those of parental cells with exogenous TNF were also elevated. Conclusion : The acquired resistance to TNF after TNF-$\alpha$ cDNA transfection may not be associated with the change in the MnSOD expression, but the difference in natural TNF sensitivity of each cell may be associated with the level of the MnSOD expression.

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An Effects of Authentic Leadership and Transformational Leadership on Change Supportive Behavior in Small and Medium-size Business: Focused on Mediating Effect of Positive Psychological Capital (중소기업에서 상사의 변혁적 리더십과 진성 리더십이 변화지지행동에 미치는 영향: 긍정심리자본의 매개효과에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Kyu Han;Huh, Chul Moo
    • Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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    • v.14 no.2
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    • pp.135-149
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    • 2019
  • Today, a growing number of companies are in trouble because leaders are lack of authentic leadership. Small and midium sized companies have the same issue. To correct the issue, there must be a real change in the relationship between managers and employees of the company as well as outside the company. In 21st century, authentic leadership is required. However, the research about determinants of change supportive behavior is not sufficient. Therefore, the purpose of this study is how manager's transformational leadership and authentic leadership affects change supportive behavior of employees in small and midium sized companies. The study also has to prove the role of positive psychological capital as a parameter. Data were collected from 424 employees working for small and midium sized companies in metropolitan area around Seoul and Gyeonggi. The data were analyzed using statistical package SPSS ver.21.0 and AMOS ver.18.0. Based on the research, First, the transformational leadership does not affect the change supportive behavior. However, authentic leadership affects the change supportive behavior. Also, positive psychological capital playes a role as parameter when transformational and authentic leadership, that are independent variable, affect change supportive behavior. On the other hand, the research shows that authentic leadership has more influence than transformational leadership on positive psychological capital. Transformational leadership without genuine attitude cannot affect change support behavior of employees in small and medium sized companies. Therefore, to affect change supportive behavior of employee, authentic leadership with genuine mind is required. After discussing the conclusions and implications of this study. the direction of the study for the follow - up study was suggested.

Novel Role of Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. as a Lipogenesis Inhibitor and Lipolysis Stimulator in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes (3T3-L1 지방세포에서 lipogenesis 저해제와 lipolysis 촉진제로서 Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb.의 새로운 역할)

  • Su Jin, Lee;Ji Eun, Kim;Yun Ju, Choi;You Jeong, Jin;Yu Jeong, Roh;AYun, Seol;Hee Jin, Song;Dae Youn, Hwang
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.32 no.11
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    • pp.855-864
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    • 2022
  • The pharmacological efficacy of Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. has been verified in only several fields including photoaging, inflammation, hepatotoxicity, acute gastritis and osseointegration. To identify the novel functions of Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. on anti-obesity, inhibitory effect on lipid accumulation and stimulatory effect on lipolysis were investigated in MDI (3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin) stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with methanol extracts of Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. (MED). Lipogenic targets, including lipid accumulation, level of lipogenic transcription factors, and expression of lipogenic regulators, were downregulated in MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with MED without any significant cytotoxicity. Also, MED treatment inhibited the mRNA levels of adipogenic targets including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and CCAAT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) α, as well as lipogeic targets including adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 2 (aP2) and fatty acid synthetase (FAS) in MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. A similar decrease patterns were detected in Oil red O stained lipid droplets of MED treated MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Furthermore, several lipolytic targets, such as cAMP concentration, concentration of free glycerol, expression level of lipases, including ATGL, perilipin and HSL, were upregulated in MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with MED. These results show that MED has a novel role as a lipogenesis inhibitor and lipolysis stimulator in MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Effects of TR and Consumer Readiness on SST Usage Motivation, Attitude and Intention (기술 준비도와 소비자 준비도가 Self Service Technology 사용동기와 태도 및 사용의도에 미치는 영향)

  • Shim, Hyeon Sook;Han, Sang Lin
    • Asia Marketing Journal
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    • v.14 no.1
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    • pp.25-51
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    • 2012
  • Researches about the relationship between SST(Self Service Technology) and TRI(Technology Readiness Index) have been carried out after TRI was developed by Parasuraman and his colleagues(2000). We hypothesize Consumer Readiness can also influence consumer's motivation, attitude, and intent to use SST. Currently, there has been no research on this subject. In this study, we investigated the relationship between TR, Consumer Readiness and SST Core Attitudinal Model which Dabholkar & Bagozzi(1994) proposed. The researchers also investigated moderating effects of consumer traits and situational factors to verify the acceptance of such forms of service delivery by all kinds of consumers and under different situational contexts. Self consciousness, the need for interaction with an employee, and the technology anxiety were used as consumer trait variables. Perceived waiting time and perceived crowding were used as situational variables. 380 questionnaires were distributed to a sample group of people in their 20's and 30's, and the data were analyzed with structural equation model using AMOS 18.0 program. All of Cronbach's alpha values representing reliabilities were satisfactory. The values of Composite Reliability(CR) and Average Variance Extracted(AVE) also showed the above criteria, thus providing evidence of convergent validity. To confirm discriminant validity among the constructs, confirmatory factor analysis and correlations among all the variables were examined. The results were satisfactory. The results of this study are summarized as follows. 1. Optimism and innovativeness of TR partially influenced the motivation to use SST. People who tend to be optimistic use SST because of ease of use and fun. The innovative however, usually use SST due to its performance. However, consumer readiness of role clarity, ability and self-efficacy influence all the components of motivation to use SST, ease of use, performance and fun. The relative effect of consumer readiness on the motivation to use SST was much stronger and more significant than that of TR. No other previous studies have examined the effects of Consumer Readiness on SST usage motivation, attitude and intention. It is academically meaningful that the researchers verified that Consumer Readiness is the important precedent construct influencing the self service technology core Attitudinal Model. Our findings suggest that marketers should consider fun and ease of use attributes to promote the use of self service technology. In addition, the SST usage frequency will rise rapidly when role clarity, ability, and self-efficacy which anybody can easily handle SST is assured. If the SST usage rate is increased, waiting times for customers could be decreased. Shorter waiting time could lead to higher customer satisfaction. It may also result in making a long-term profit owing to the reduced number of employees. Thus, presentation of using SST by employees or videos showing how to use it will promote the usage attitude and intent. 2. In SST core attitudinal model, performance and fun factors among SST usage motivation affected attitudes of using SST. The attitude of using SST highly influenced intent to use SST. This result is consistent with previous researches that dealt with the relationship between motivation, attitude and intention. Expectation of using SST could result in good performance just like the effect of ordering menu to service employees and to have fun since fun during its use could promote more SST usage rate. 3. In the relationship among motivation, attitude and intent in SST core attitudinal model, the moderating effect of consumer traits(self-consciousness, need for interaction with service employees and technology anxiety) and situational factors(perceived crowding and perceived waiting time) were tested. The results also supported the hypothesized moderating effects except perceived crowding. The highly self-conscious tended to form attitudes to use SST because of its fun compared to those who were less self-conscious because of its performance. People who had a high need for interaction with service employees tended to use SST for its performance. This result indicates that if ordering results are assured, SST is easily accessible to even consumers who have a high need for interaction with a service employee. When SST is easy to use, attitudes strengthen intent among people who had a high level of anxiety of technology. People who had low technology anxiety formed attitudes to use SST because of its performance. Service firms must ensure their self service technology is designed to be easy to use for those who have a high level of technology anxiety. Shorter perceived waiting times strengthened the attitude to use self service technology because of its fun. If the fun aspect is assured, people willing to use self service technology even perceive waiting time to be shorter than it actually is. Greater perceived waiting times form higher level of intent to use self service technology than those of shorter perceived waiting times. This implies that people view self service technology as a faster alternative to ordering service employees. The fun aspect of self service technology will attract a higher rate of usage for self service technology. 4. It has been proven that ease of use, performance and fun aspects are very important factors in motivation to form attitudes and intent to use self service technology regardless of the amount of perceived waiting time, self-consciousness, need for interaction with service employees, and technology anxiety. Service firms must consider these motivation aspects(ease of use, performance and fun)strongly in their promotion to use self service technology. Ease of use, assuring absolute performance compared to interaction with service employees', and adding a fun aspect will positively strengthen consumers' attitudes and intent to use self service technology. Summarizing the moderating effects, fun is the most valuable factor triggering SST usage attitude and intention. Therefore, designing self service technology to be fun will be the key to its success. This study focused on the touch screen self service technology in fast food restaurant. Although it has its limits due to the fact that it is hard to generalize the results to any other self service technology, the conceptual framework of this study can be applied to future research of any other service site.

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Structural Properties of Social Network and Diffusion of Product WOM: A Sociocultural Approach (사회적 네트워크 구조특성과 제품구전의 확산: 사회문화적 접근)

  • Yoon, Sung-Joon;Han, Hee-Eun
    • Journal of Distribution Research
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    • v.16 no.1
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    • pp.141-177
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    • 2011
  • I. Research Objectives: Most of the previous studies on diffusion have concentrated on efficacy of WOM communication with the use of variables at individual level (Iacobucci 1996; Midgley et al. 1992). However, there is a paucity of studies which investigated network's structural properties as antecedents of WOM from the perspective of consumers' sociocultural propensities. Against this research backbone, this study attempted to link the network's structural properties and consumer' WOM behavior on cross-national basis. The major research objective of this study was to examine the relationship between network properties and WOM by comparing Korean and Chinese consumers. Specific objectives of this research are threefold; firstly, it sought to examine whether network properties (i.e., tie strength, centrality, range) affect WOM (WOM intention and quality of WOM). Secondly, it aimed to explore the moderating effects of cutural orientation (uncertainty avoidance and individuality) on the relationship between network properties and WOM. Thirdly, it substantiates the role of innovativeness as antecedents to both network properties and WOM. II. Research Hypotheses: Based on the above research objectives, the study put forth the following research hypotheses to validate. ${\cdot}$ H 1-1 : The Strength of tie between two counterparts within network will positively influence WOM effectivenes ${\cdot}$ H 1-2 : The network centrality will positively influence the WOM effectiveness ${\cdot}$ H 1-3 : The network range will positively influence the WOM effectiveness ${\cdot}$ H 2-1 : The consumer's uncertainty avoidance tendency will moderate the relationship between network properties and WOM effectiveness ${\cdot}$ H 2-2 : The consumer's individualism tendency will moderate the relationship between network properties and WOM effectiveness ${\cdot}$ H 3-1 : The consumer's innovativeness will positively influence the social network properties ${\cdot}$ H 3-2 : The consumer's innovativeness will positively influence WOM effectiveness III. Methodology: Through a pilot study and back-translation, two versions of questionnaire were prepared, one in Korean and the other in Chinese. The chinese data were collected from the chinese students enrolled in language schools in Suwon city in Korea, while Korean data were collected from students taking classes in a major university in Seoul. A total of 277 questionnaire were used for analysis of Korean data and 212 for Chinese data. The reason why Chinese students living in Korea rather than in China were selected was based on two factors: one was to neutralize the differences (ie, retail channel availability) that may arise from living in separate countries and the second was to minimize the difference in communication venues such as internet accessibility and cell phone usability. SPSS 12.0 and AMOS 7.0 were used for analysis. IV. Results: Prior to hypothesis verification, mean differences between the two countries in terms of major constructs were performed with the following result; As for network properties (tie strength, centrality and range), Koreans showed higher scores in all three constructs. For cultural orientation traits, Koreans scored higher only on uncertainty avoidance trait than Chinese. As a result of verifying the first research objective, confirming the relationship between network properties and WOM effectiveness, on Korean side, tie strength(Beta=.116; t=1.785) and centrality (Beta=.499; t=6.776) significantly influenced on WOM intention, and similar finding was obtained for Chinese side, with tie strength (Beta=.246; t=3.544) and centrality (Beta=.247; t=3.538) being significant. However, with regard to WOM argument quality, Korean data yielded only centrality (Beta=.82; t=7.600) having a significant impact on WOM, whereas China showed both tie strength(Beat=.142; t=2.052) and centrality(Beta=.348; t=5.031) being influential. To answer for the second research objective addressing the moderating role of cultural orientation, moderated regression anaylsis was performed and the result showed that uncertainty avoidance moderated between network range and WOM intention for both Korea and China, But for Korea, the uncertainty avoidance moderated between tie strength and WOM quality, while for China it moderated between network range and WOM intention. And innovativeness moderated between tie strength and WOM intention for Korea but it moderated between network range and WOM intention for China. As a result of analysing for third research objective, we found that for Korea, innovativeness positively influenced centrality only (Beta=.546; t=10.808), while for China it influenced both tie strength (Beta=.203; t=2.998) and centrality(Beta=.518; t=8.782). But for both countries alike, the innovativeness influenced positively on WOM (WOM intention and WOM quality). V. Implications: The study yields the two practical implications. Firstly, the result suggests that companies targeting multinational customers need to identify segments which are susceptible to the positive WOM and WOM information based on individual traits such as uncertainty avoidance and individualism and based on that, develop marketing communication strategy. Secondly, the companies need to divide the market on Roger's five innovation stages and based on this information, enforce marketing strategy which utilizes social networking tools such as public media and WOM. For instance, innovator and early adopters, if provided with new product information, will be able to capitalize upon the network advantages and thus add informational value to network operations using SNS or corporate blog.

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Effects of Aerosol Colistin Treatment of Pneumonia Caused by Multi-drug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (다약제 내성 Acinetobacter baumannii 에 의한 폐렴에서 Colistin 분무치료의 효과)

  • Choi, Hye Sook;Hwang, Yeon Hee;Park, Myung Jae;Kang, Hong Mo
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.64 no.1
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    • pp.8-14
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    • 2008
  • Background: Acinetobacter infections are difficult to treat as they often exhibit multiple resistance to the antibiotics that are currently available for the treatment of pneumonia. Colistin is active against gram-negative bacteria, including the multiple drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter species. However, intravenous administration of colistin was abandoned because of its nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. The aims of this study were to examine the efficacy and safety of colistin administered by aerosol in the treatment of pneumonia caused by MDR Acinetobacter baumannii. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) from Dec. 2006 to Aug. 2007 who had been diagnosed as suffering from pneumonia due to MDR Acinetobacter baumannii and had been treated with nebulized colistin. Results: 31 patients received aerosolized colistin. The average duration of the treatment was $14{\pm}7$ days and the daily dose of ranged from 225 mg to 300 mg. All patients received concomitant intravenous antimicrobial agents. The average length of the stay in the ICU was $34{\pm}21$ days and in the hospital $58{\pm}52$ days. The overall microbiological eradication was observed in 25 patients (80.6%). 14 of these (56%) were cured, and 11 (44%) were infected with other microorganisms. The overall crude mortality of the ICU was 48%. Nephrotoxicity and significant bronchial constriction did not occur in any patient during neublized colistin treatment. Conclusion: Nebulized colistin may be a safe and effective option in the treatment of pneumonia due to MDR Acinetobacter baumannii. Its role in therapy warrants further investigation in comparative studies.