• Title/Summary/Keyword: science communicators

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Exploring Science Communicators' Competencies for Public Understanding of Science (PUS): Focusing on National and International Science Communicators' Curriculums (과학대중화를 위한 과학관 해설사 역량 탐색 : 국내·외 과학관 해설사 교육과정을 중심으로)

  • Young-Shin, Park
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Earth Science Education
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    • v.15 no.3
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    • pp.373-390
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    • 2022
  • Science museums are platforms of PUS (public understanding of science). The purpose of this study was to explore the science communicators' competencies critical in interacting with visitors from the comparison of their training and professional development programs nationally and internationally. The managers running science communicators' programs and communicators themselves from six different national science museums and those from five different international ones participated in the structured survey. The data from surveys were compared among respondents to draw common and specific descriptions for communicators' competencies. In addition, the experienced exemplary science communicator, Ms. Park, participated in this study and the data from her observation field notes, her own developed science communicators' manual, and interviews were used to support the result. The contextual model of learning in science museums (Falk, 2006) was used to illustrate science communicators' expertise. National managers and science communicators showed difference in their perception about science communicators' roles, difficulties, and improvement for their competencies. Internationally, the managers and science communicators showed similar perception about communicators' competencies in terms of the contextual model of learning. It is highly suggested that practice-based science communicators' training and professional development programs must be offered on the basis of interaction between experienced and novice communicators as mentors and mentees systems.

Information Behavior in COVID-19 Prevention: Does Anxiety among Indonesian Mothers Have an Effect?

  • Zahara, Nadia;Hidayat, Z.
    • Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice
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    • v.10 no.4
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    • pp.23-37
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    • 2022
  • The pandemic of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has contributed more challenges for mothers as the family's primary caregiver in overcoming the widespread infection. Pandemic-related information is essential for mothers to reduce uncertainty as well as to maintain the health of family members during this unprecedented situation. Adopting the framework of the Situational Theory of Problem Solving, this study extends the theory by, first, testing the mediating role of COVID-19 anxiety on mothers' information seeking and information forwarding, referred to as active communication action of problem solving, as well as preventive behavior; and second, by predicting the effect of information seeking on preventive behavior. Referring to an online survey from 371 Indonesian mothers, the findings suggest that in terms of direct effect, only problem recognition was found to have no significant effect on situational motivation. The results suggest that Indonesian mothers perceive COVID-19 as personally relevant so that they are motivated to solve the problem by seeking and forwarding related information. In addition, COVID-19 anxiety was found to play a significant role in predicting information seeking, information forwarding, and preventive behavior. The result of this study is expected to give insights for risk communicators and health professionals in Indonesia in communicating COVID-19, particularly to mothers.

Future Development Plans for the Next 60 Years of the Korean Meteorological Society (한국기상학회 향후 60년을 향한 미래 발전 방안)

  • Ki-Hong Min;June-Yi Lee;Seon-Ki Park;Kyung-Ja Ha;Yun Hong;Yongsoek Seo
    • Atmosphere
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    • v.33 no.2
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    • pp.297-306
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    • 2023
  • Celebrating its 60th anniversary, this study suggests the future vision of the Korean Meteorological Society (KMS) for the next 60 years. The vision is "to advance atmospheric science and technology that contributes to human society as well as protect people from not only climate change risks but also weather, climate, and environmental disasters". Based on the suggestions from its members, this study proposes the KMS future development plan as follows. The first plan is to strengthen in leading the development and growth of atmospheric sciences in Korea, especially to improve weather, climate, and environment forecasts and to reduce uncertainty in future climate projections. The second is to enhance interaction not only among its members in academy, Korea Meteorological Administration and related organizations, meteorological industry, and science communicators but also with other related fields such as energy, water resources, agriculture, fishery, and forestry. The third is to enhance in nurturing young scientists by supporting domestic and international networks and training the state-of-the-art sciences, and to create opportunities for young scientists to advance into a wider field. The last is to expand its international activities for solving the challenges facing mankind, such as climate change risks and weather, climate, and environment disasters. The KMS should also continue the efforts to establish an integrative platform for leading fundamental and interdisciplinary research in weather, climate, and environment.

Effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from uterine fluid during estrus and diestrus on porcine embryonic development

  • Shuntaro Miura;Heejae Kang;Seonggyu Bang;Ayeong Han;Islam M. Saadeldin;Sanghoon Lee;Koichi Takimoto;Jongki Cho
    • Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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    • v.39 no.2
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    • pp.131-137
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    • 2024
  • Background: Porcine embryonic development is widely utilized in the medical industry. However, the blastocyst development rate in vitro is lower compared to in vivo. To address this issue, various supplements are employed. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play the role of communicators that carry many bioactive cargoes. Additionally, the contents of EVs can vary on the estrous cycle. Methods: We compared the effects of adding EVs derived from porcine uterine fluid (UF), categorized as non-EV (G1), EVs in estrus (G2) and EVs in diestrus (G3). After in vitro culture (IVC) was performed in three different groups, cleavage rate and blastocyst development rate were examined. In addition, glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured 2 days after activation to assess oxidative stress. Results: Using NTA and cryo-TEM, we confirmed the presence of EVs with sizes ranging from 30 nm to 200 nm, that the particles were suitable for analysis for analysis. In IVC data, the highest cleavage rate was observed in G2, which was significantly different from G1 but not significantly different from the next highest, G3. Similarly, the highest blastocyst development rate was observed in G2, which was significantly different from G1 but not significantly different from the next highest, G3. Conclusions: These results indicate that estrus derived EVs contain biofactors beneficial for early blastocyst development, including GSH which protects the blastocyst from oxidative stress. Additionally, although diestrus-derived EVs are expected to have some effect on blastocyst development, it appeared to be less effective than estrus-derived EVs.

Basic Research on Color Planning for Enhancing Brand Image (브랜드 이미지 향상을 위한 색채계획 기초연구)

  • Kim Soo-Jeoung
    • Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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    • v.9 no.1
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    • pp.63-75
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    • 2006
  • This is a basic research aimed at enhancing a brand image by unifying color images of a brand at both online and offline stores. h survey was conducted on color images of online and offline stores to measure the level of consistency between consumers' perception of the color image and the brand's color strategy. A brand preference survey was also performed to shed light on the relationship between the brand preference and the consistency of color images at online and offline stores. This study is committed to building an effective color strategy, based on the brand strategy, through web color planning that is consistent with the offline color image. This paper started with a specific purpose of devising solutions in regard to the prior study, entitled 'Study on Color Strategies in Brand Coffee', which recognizes the need for consistent color images, or integrated color strategies, in online and offline stores. I specifically took the approach of looking at color planning in the stage of designing a website. Two standards were used to analyze emotional and functional aspects of color images: color grading by I.R.I and five communicators of color information by Rouge. Direct visits were made to the offline stores for surveys to address the shortcomings of the prior study, in which offline stimuli were limited to printed materials. The direct visits enabled a study of an overall color image of the offline stores, while providing a set of substantial and specific guidelines for designing colors for a website. I hope this study goes a long way toward enhancing the level of consistency between online and offline color images based on the brand's unique color strategy, and thereby improving the overall level of brand image.

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Media and Education: Focusing on U. S. Graduate Business and Financial Journalism School (미디어와 교육: 언론인 전문화를 주도하는 미국 경제저널리즘 대학원 사례를 중심으로)

  • Kim, Sung-Hae
    • Korean journal of communication and information
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    • v.37
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    • pp.7-42
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    • 2007
  • There has been growing debate over the current crisis of Korean journalism especially since 1997. While identifying primary causes as 'lack of credibility and public accountability,' however, this paper claims that self-regulation initiated by enlightened and professionalized journalists is a plausible solution. This paper thus pays attention to U.S. graduate journalism schools which provide specialized program about business/economic/financial news. For this, in identifying commonalities of the programs in terms of education goals, geographical/academic resources and course works, this study wanted to elicit meaningful implications for media education. It was suggested in conclusion that not only would Seoul be an ideal place for combining theoretical and practical training, but such programs in New York and Columbia university might be creatively applied to Korean journalism school. Finally, the author hopes that this review will be a good starting point for envisioning graduate level of journalism school in Korea.

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A Study on the Importance and Improvement Direction of Science Communication by Analyzing Articles of the Super Blue Moon (슈퍼블루문 기사 내용분석을 통한 과학 커뮤니케이션의 중요성 및 개선방향 연구)

  • Ah-Chim Sul;Hyoungbum Kim;Yonggi Kim
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Earth Science Education
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    • v.17 no.2
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    • pp.86-101
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    • 2024
  • The purpose of this study is to provide basic data on the importance of accurate scientific communication and the current status of popular astronomy based on science articles that occurred during the so-called Super Blue Moon astronomical phenomenon in August 2023. To this end, the subjects were divided into non-experts, quasi-experts, and experts based on the degree of knowledge of the astronomical universe to investigate the data interpretation ability of astronomical science information and to analyze the causes of errors in the interpretation process through in-depth interviews. We also investigated the favorability and reliability of research institutes that strive to provide scientific information and the media that strive to spread it and also investigated the changes in existing favorability and reliability when incorrect scientific information spreads, as in this case. Although there were differences in the interpretation of scientific information about the astronomical universe depending on the cognitive aspect, the influence of linguistic elements or literacy, which could be called communication, could not be ignored. In particular, it was confirmed that misconceptions inherent in the existing research subjects could be expressed, leading to errors in accurate information interpretation. In addition, after recognizing that errors were included in the spread of scientific information, the subjects' favorability toward research institutes and the media fell 12.30% and 17.58%, respectively, while reliability fell 19.40% for research institutes and 24.49% for media outlets. Regardless of the cause of the error, the importance of providing accurate scientific information is further emphasized, considering that the overall favorability and reliability of both research institutes and the media decline. In order for research institutes and media outlets to spread accurate scientific information about the astronomical universe based on the public's trust, it is necessary to establish a system that can accurately deliver error-free information generated by research institutes related to astronomical space to media or science communicators and to develop a system that quickly retrieves and corrects incorrect scientific information through continuous monitoring.

Research Framework for International Franchising (국제프랜차이징 연구요소 및 연구방향)

  • Kim, Ju-Young;Lim, Young-Kyun;Shim, Jae-Duck
    • Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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    • v.18 no.4
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    • pp.61-118
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    • 2008
  • The purpose of this research is to construct research framework for international franchising based on existing literature and to identify research components in the framework. Franchise can be defined as management styles that allow franchisee use various management assets of franchisor in order to make or sell product or service. It can be divided into product distribution franchise that is designed to sell products and business format franchise that is designed for running it as business whatever its form is. International franchising can be defined as a way of internationalization of franchisor to foreign country by providing its business format or package to franchisee of host country. International franchising is growing fast for last four decades but academic research on this is quite limited. Especially in Korea, research about international franchising is carried out on by case study format with single case or empirical study format with survey based on domestic franchise theory. Therefore, this paper tries to review existing literature on international franchising research, providing research framework, and then stimulating new research on this field. International franchising research components include motives and environmental factors for decision of expanding to international franchising, entrance modes and development plan for international franchising, contracts and management strategy of international franchising, and various performance measures from different perspectives. First, motives of international franchising are fee collection from franchisee. Also it provides easier way to expanding to foreign country. The other motives including increase total sales volume, occupying better strategic position, getting quality resources, and improving efficiency. Environmental factors that facilitating international franchising encompasses economic condition, trend, and legal or political factors in host and/or home countries. In addition, control power and risk management capability of franchisor plays critical role in successful franchising contract. Final decision to enter foreign country via franchising is determined by numerous factors like history, size, growth, competitiveness, management system, bonding capability, industry characteristics of franchisor. After deciding to enter into foreign country, franchisor needs to set entrance modes of international franchising. Within contractual mode, there are master franchising and area developing franchising, licensing, direct franchising, and joint venture. Theories about entrance mode selection contain concepts of efficiency, knowledge-based approach, competence-based approach, agent theory, and governance cost. The next step after entrance decision is operation strategy. Operation strategy starts with selecting a target city and a target country for franchising. In order to finding, screening targets, franchisor needs to collect information about candidates. Critical information includes brand patent, commercial laws, regulations, market conditions, country risk, and industry analysis. After selecting a target city in target country, franchisor needs to select franchisee, in other word, partner. The first important criteria for selecting partners are financial credibility and capability, possession of real estate. And cultural similarity and knowledge about franchisor and/or home country are also recognized as critical criteria. The most important element in operating strategy is legal document between franchisor and franchisee with home and host countries. Terms and conditions in legal documents give objective information about characteristics of franchising agreement for academic research. Legal documents have definitions of terminology, territory and exclusivity, agreement of term, initial fee, continuing fees, clearing currency, and rights about sub-franchising. Also, legal documents could have terms about softer elements like training program and operation manual. And harder elements like law competent court and terms of expiration. Next element in operating strategy is about product and service. Especially for business format franchising, product/service deliverable, benefit communicators, system identifiers (architectural features), and format facilitators are listed for product/service strategic elements. Another important decision on product/service is standardization vs. customization. The rationale behind standardization is cost reduction, efficiency, consistency, image congruence, brand awareness, and competitiveness on price. Also standardization enables large scale R&D and innovative change in management style. Another element in operating strategy is control management. The simple way to control franchise contract is relying on legal terms, contractual control system. There are other control systems, administrative control system and ethical control system. Contractual control system is a coercive source of power, but franchisor usually doesn't want to use legal power since it doesn't help to build up positive relationship. Instead, self-regulation is widely used. Administrative control system uses control mechanism from ordinary work relationship. Its main component is supporting activities to franchisee and communication method. For example, franchisor provides advertising, training, manual, and delivery, then franchisee follows franchisor's direction. Another component is building franchisor's brand power. The last research element is performance factor of international franchising. Performance elements can be divided into franchisor's performance and franchisee's performance. The conceptual performance measures of franchisor are simple but not easy to obtain objectively. They are profit, sale, cost, experience, and brand power. The performance measures of franchisee are mostly about benefits of host country. They contain small business development, promotion of employment, introduction of new business model, and level up technology status. There are indirect benefits, like increase of tax, refinement of corporate citizenship, regional economic clustering, and improvement of international balance. In addition to those, host country gets socio-cultural change other than economic effects. It includes demographic change, social trend, customer value change, social communication, and social globalization. Sometimes it is called as westernization or McDonaldization of society. In addition, the paper reviews on theories that have been frequently applied to international franchising research, such as agent theory, resource-based view, transaction cost theory, organizational learning theory, and international expansion theories. Resource based theory is used in strategic decision based on resources, like decision about entrance and cooperation depending on resources of franchisee and franchisor. Transaction cost theory can be applied in determination of mutual trust or satisfaction of franchising players. Agent theory tries to explain strategic decision for reducing problem caused by utilizing agent, for example research on control system in franchising agreements. Organizational Learning theory is relatively new in franchising research. It assumes organization tries to maximize performance and learning of organization. In addition, Internalization theory advocates strategic decision of direct investment for removing inefficiency of market transaction and is applied in research on terms of contract. And oligopolistic competition theory is used to explain various entry modes for international expansion. Competency theory support strategic decision of utilizing key competitive advantage. Furthermore, research methodologies including qualitative and quantitative methodologies are suggested for more rigorous international franchising research. Quantitative research needs more real data other than survey data which is usually respondent's judgment. In order to verify theory more rigorously, research based on real data is essential. However, real quantitative data is quite hard to get. The qualitative research other than single case study is also highly recommended. Since international franchising has limited number of applications, scientific research based on grounded theory and ethnography study can be used. Scientific case study is differentiated with single case study on its data collection method and analysis method. The key concept is triangulation in measurement, logical coding and comparison. Finally, it provides overall research direction for international franchising after summarizing research trend in Korea. International franchising research in Korea has two different types, one is for studying Korean franchisor going overseas and the other is for Korean franchisee of foreign franchisor. Among research on Korean franchisor, two common patterns are observed. First of all, they usually deal with success story of one franchisor. The other common pattern is that they focus on same industry and country. Therefore, international franchise research needs to extend their focus to broader subjects with scientific research methodology as well as development of new theory.

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