• The Journal of Information Systems
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.211-227
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• 2023

Purpose In the contemporary landscape, marked by the enduring impact of COVID-19 and the recent disruptions stemming from the conflict in Ukraine, the purpose of this study is to navigate the era characterized by pervasive risk and uncertainty. Specifically, the study aims to dissect the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on digital transformation, exploring the factors influencing this process and considering the multifaceted dynamics at play. The focus extends to the post-COVID-19 landscape, scrutinizing the implications and meanings of digital transformation both before and after the pandemic. Additionally, the study delves into future digital trends, with particular attention to climate and environmental issues, emphasizing corporate responsibilities in averting crises similar to COVID-19. The overarching goal is to provide a holistic perspective, shedding light on both positive and negative facets of digital transformation, and advocating for regulatory enhancements and legal frameworks conducive to a balanced and resilient digital future. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a comprehensive approach to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on digital transformation. It considers various facets, such as smart devices reshaping daily routines, transformative changes in corporate ecosystems, and the adaptation of government institutions to the digital era within the broader context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The analysis extends to the post-COVID-19 landscape, examining the implications and meanings of digital transformation. Future digital trends, especially those related to climate and environmental issues, are prognosticated. The methodology involves a proactive exploration of challenges associated with digital transformation, aiming to advocate for regulatory enhancements and legal frameworks that contribute to a balanced and resilient digital future. Findings The findings of this study reveal that the digital economy has gained momentum, accelerated by the proliferation of non-face-to-face industries in response to social distancing imperatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital transformation, both preceding and succeeding the onset of the pandemic, has precipitated noteworthy shifts in various aspects of daily life. However, challenges persist, and the study highlights factors that either bolster or hinder the transformative process. In the post-COVID-19 era, corporate responsibilities in averting crises, particularly those resembling the pandemic, take center stage. The study emphasizes the need for a holistic perspective, acknowledging both positive and negative facets of digital transformation. Additionally, it calls for proactive measures, including regulatory enhancements and legal frameworks, to ensure a balanced and resilient digital future.

• Journal of Service Research and Studies
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.191-205
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• 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially in the domain of text-generative services, has witnessed a significant surge, with forecasts indicating the AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS) market reaching a valuation of $55.0 Billion by 2028. This research set out to explore the quality dimensions characterizing synthetic text media software, with a focus on four key players in the industry: ChatGPT, Writesonic, Jasper, and Anyword. Drawing from a comprehensive dataset of over 4,000 reviews sourced from a software evaluation platform, the study employed the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling technique using the Gensim library. This process resulted the data into 11 distinct topics. Subsequent analysis involved comparing these topics against established AI service quality dimensions, specifically AICSQ and AISAQUAL. Notably, the reviews predominantly emphasized dimensions like availability and efficiency, while others, such as anthropomorphism, which have been underscored in prior literature, were absent. This observation is attributed to the inherent nature of the reviews of AI services examined, which lean more towards semantic understanding rather than direct user interaction. The study acknowledges inherent limitations, mainly potential biases stemming from the singular review source and the specific nature of the reviewer demographic. Possible future research includes gauging the real-world implications of these quality dimensions on user satisfaction and to discuss deeper into how individual dimensions might impact overall ratings.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.39 no.5_1
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• pp.577-587
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• 2023

The utilization of crowdsourced spatial data has been actively researched; however, issues stemming from the uncertainty of data quality have been raised. In particular, when low-quality data is mixed into drone imagery datasets, it can degrade the quality of spatial information output. In order to address these problems, the study presents a methodology for automatically validating the geometric quality of crowdsourced imagery. Key quality factors such as spatial resolution, resolution variation, matching point reprojection error, and bundle adjustment results are utilized. To classify imagery suitable for spatial information generation, training and validation datasets are constructed, and machine learning is conducted using a radial basis function (RBF)-based support vector machine (SVM) model. The trained SVM model achieved a classification accuracy of 99.1%. To evaluate the effectiveness of the quality validation model, imagery sets before and after applying the model to drone imagery not used in training and validation are compared by generating orthoimages. The results confirm that the application of the quality validation model reduces various distortions that can be included in orthoimages and enhances object identifiability. The proposed quality validation methodology is expected to increase the utility of crowdsourced data in spatial information generation by automatically selecting high-quality data from the multitude of crowdsourced data with varying qualities.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.469-482
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• 2023

Purpose: Obesity has emerged as a critical global public health concern as it is associated with and increases susceptibility to various diseases. This condition is characterized by the excessive enlargement of adipose tissue, primarily stemming from an inequity between energy intake and expenditure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of sweet pumpkin powder in mitigating obesity and metabolic disorders in leptin-deficient obese (ob/ob) mice and to compare the effects of raw sweet pumpkin powder (HNSP01) and heat-treated sweet pumpkin powder (HNSP02). Methods: Leptin-deficient obese mice were fed a diet containing 10% HNSP01 and another containing 10% HNSP02 for 6 weeks. Results: The supplementation of ob/ob mice with HNSP01 and HNSP02 resulted in decreased body weight gain, reduced adipose tissue weight, and a smaller size of lipid droplets in the adipose tissue and liver. Furthermore, the ob/ob-HNSP01 and ob/ob-HNSP02 supplemented groups exhibited lower levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and insulin, as well as a reduced atherogenic index in comparison with the control group. Molecular analysis also demonstrated that the intake of HNSP01 and HNSP02 resulted in a diminished activation of factors associated with fatty acid synthesis, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase, while concurrently enhancing factors associated with lipolysis, including adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase, in the adipose tissue. Conclusion: Taken together, these findings collectively demonstrate the potential of sweet pumpkin powder as a functional food ingredient with therapeutic properties against obesity and its associated metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.56 no.11
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• pp.705-720
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• 2023

In South Korea, ongoing incidents related to drinking water quality have eroded consumer trust. Specifically, beyond quality incidents, there have been complaints about taste, odor, and other issues stemming from the presence of chlorine. To address this, water service operators are employing various management strategies from both temporal (scheduling) and spatial (rechlorination) perspectives to ensure uniform and safe distribution of chlorine residuals. In this study, we focus on the optimal monthly management of chlorine residuals, based on water distribution network analysis. Water quality reaction coefficients, including bulk fluid and wall reaction coefficients, were estimated through lab-scale tests and EPANET water quality simulations, respectively, accounting for temperature variations in a large-scale water distribution network. Utilizing these estimated coefficients, we examined the monthly variations in chlorine residual distribution under different chlorine injection conditions. The results indicate that the efficient concentration for chlorine injection, which satisfies the residual chlorine limit range, varies with temperature changes. Consequently, it is imperative to establish a specific and quantitative chlorine injection plan that considers the accurate spatial distribution of monthly chlorine residuals.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.774-790
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• 2023

Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatments in two patients with Parkinson's disease complaining of discomfort stemming from postural instability and gait disturbance (PIGD). Methods: Two patients were treated for 3 months. They visited the clinic once a week for the first month and thereafter once every 2 weeks. The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and a three-dimensional gait analysis were performed at the first visit and at 1, 2, and 3 months thereafter. Results: In Case 1, gait speed, stride length, and swing phase increased. Double support decreased until 2 months after treatment but increased slightly after 3 months. Among the kinematic parameters, tilt and rotation increased. The total UPDRS Part III score decreased from 51 points to 29 points after 3 months of treatment. In Case 2, gait speed, stride length, and swing phase increased, but double support decreased. Among the kinematic parameters, tilt, rotation, and obliquity decreased. The total UPDRS Part III score decreased from 11 points to 7 points after 3 months of treatment. Conclusions: This study suggests that Korean medicine can be an effective treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease who experience discomfort due to PIGD.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.239-248
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• 2024

The adjustment in guidelines for quality certification of recycled aggregate permitted the Quality Control Manager of a company specializing in recycled aggregate quality certification to concurrently assume the role of Environmental Management Manager. Analysis of the outcomes from the 2023 recycled aggregate quality certification follow-up management audit conducted by the certification agency revealed that in 95 out of 242 cases, constituting approximately 39% of the total cases, individuals held concurrent positions. Following the regulatory revision, there has been a notable proliferation of concurrent roles across various enterprises. Concerns arose regarding the potential neglect of quality control for certified recycled aggregates in comparison to scenarios where individuals are solely responsible for specific duties related to quality and environmental management. Audit results encompassing six aspects, including waste management, were evaluated on a scale of 6 points. A comparative analysis was conducted between the outcomes of 147 cases managed by dedicated personnel, as previously practiced, and 95 cases managed by individuals with concurrent roles. Although the average score of the latter group was marginally lower, no statistically significant disparity was observed between the two groups. Consequently, apprehensions regarding the oversight of quality control stemming from the allowance of concurrent roles appear unfounded. Within the context of recent regulatory revisions, permitting concurrent roles in managerial capacities is deemed an appropriate relaxation of regulations.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.33-53
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• 2024

By identifying the relationship between Interest of Entrepreneurship and intention, this study clarifies the entire lifecycle process leading up to a college student's decision to start a business. We explore whether an individual's Interest of Entrepreneurship stemming from start-up activities and the interest of parents toward their children's start-up affect start-up intention. For this purpose, attitude toward start-up, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, which are components of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), were set as parameters. Furthermore, start-up self-efficacy was established as a moderating variable to examine the relationships between factors and their importance. In addition, survey questionnaires were collected from 300 college students in Korea, and after excluding 18 insincere responses, a total of 282 were analyzed using SPSS 26 and AMOS 26. The main findings are as follows. First, an individual's Interest of Entrepreneurship has a significant impact on start-up intention, mediated by attitude toward start-up, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Therefore, future college start-up education should apply the components of TPB to enhance its effectiveness, and various start-up activities should be provided to foster students' interest. Secondly, parents' interest in start-up has a significant impact on subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Therefore, even if parents are interested in their children's start-up activities, such interest does not necessarily lead to favorable attitude. However, as it significantly impacts subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, start-up education targeting parents linked to these parameters could increase college students' Interest of Entrepreneurship and intentions.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.402-407
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• 2023

The regulation of platelet aggregation is crucial for maintaining normal hemostasis, but abnormal or excessive platelet aggregation can contribute to cardiovascular disorders such as stroke, atherosclerosis, and thrombosis. Therefore, identifying substances that can control or suppress platelet aggregation is a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of these conditions. Artemisinin, a compound derived from Artemisia or Scopolia plants, has shown potential in various areas such as anticancer and Alzheimer's disease research. However, the specific role and mechanisms by which artemisinin influences platelet activation and thrombus formation are not yet fully understood. This study investigated the effects of artemisinin on platelet activation and thrombus formation. As a result, cAMP production were increased significantly by artemisinin, as well as phosphorylated VASP and IP₃R which are substrates to cAMP-dependent kinase by artemisinin in a significant manner. The Ca²⁺ normally mobilized from the dense tubular system was inhibited due to IP₃R phosphorylation from artemisinin, and phosphorylated VASP by artemisinin aided in inhibiting platelet activity via αIIb/β3 platelet membrane inactivation and inhibiting fibrinogen binding. Finally, artemisinin inhibited thrombin-induced thrombus formation. Therefore, we suggest that artemisinin has importance with cardiovascular diseases stemming from the abnormal platelets activation and thrombus formation by acting as an effective prophylactic and therapeutic agent.

• The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.163-186
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• 2009

The missile technology and its development in south Korea have been restrained to the limit of 180 km by America which instead provided to Korea with security protection. In the same vein, America pressured South Korea to abort its nuclear weapons program so as to prevent another possible military encounter that can easily develop into a war between South and North Korea. This restraint was a bit relaxed when South Korea joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2001 whereby the limit was 300 km. The situation of South Korea is in much contrast with its neighbor, North Korea, which has fired Taepo Dong 1 and Taepo Dong 2 to put its alleged satellite respectively into the Earth orbit. The range of this rocket believed to be reaching more than 5,500 km, a range of the intercontinental ballistic missile, without any rein. South Korea that has just geared its full powers for its outer space industry, with the current space projects of putting its satellites into the low Earth orbit, will in future put its satellite into the geostationary orbit, 36,000 km above the Earth. To do so, such restraint had better be resolved. Korean space industry, as it is alike in other countries, started with putting and manufacturing sounding rockets, producing satellites but relying on foreign launching facilities, and learning launching capacities. Experiencing three time launchings of KITSAT, the current satellite projects of Korea are undertaken as follows: - Koreasat - STSAT - Komsat - MBSAT - COMS (Communication, Ocean, and Meteorological Satellite) Koreans waked up to the things of outer space in 2008 with the first Korean astronaut Li So-yeon, a lady bio systems engineer. Although the first Korean made rocket in cooperation with a Russian company to fire last August 2009 was a failure, it should be considered as an inevitable process for future endeavors. There are currently three outer space related laws of Korea: Aerospace Industry Development Promotion Act 1987, Outer Space Development Promotions Act 2005, and Space Damage Compensation Act 2008. The first two stemming from the two different ministries are, however, overlapping in many aspects and have some shortcomings to be improved.