• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.131-154
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• 2013

New internet technologies have created a revolutionary new platform which allows consumers to make decision about product price and quality quickly and provides information about themselves through the transcript of online reviews. By expressing their feelings toward products or services on virtual opinion platforms, users extend their influence into cyberspace as electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM). Existing research indicates that an impact of eWOM on the consumer decision process is influential. For both academic researchers and practitioners, investigating this phenomenon of information sharing in online website is essential given the increasing number of consumers using them as sources of purchase decisions. It is worthwhile to examine the extent to which opinion seekers are willing to accept and adopt online reviews and which factors encourage adoption. Discerning the most motivating aspects of information adoption in particular, could help electronic marketers better promote their brand and presence on the internet. The objectives of this study are to investigate how online WOM influences a persons' purchase decision by discovering which factors encourage information adoption. Especially focused on the self-efficacy, this research investigates how self-efficacy affects on information usefulness and adoption of online information. Although people are exposed to same review or comment about product or service, some accept the reviews while others do not. We notice that accepting online reviews mainly depends on the person's preference or personal characteristics. This study empirically examines this issue by using cognitive dissonance theory. Specifically, in the movie industry, we address few questions-is always positive WOM generating positive effect? What if the movie isn't the person's favorite genre? What if the person who is very self-assertive so doesn't take other's opinion easily? In these cases of cognitive dissonance, is always WOM generating same result? While many studies have focused on one direct of WOM which indicates positive (or negative) informative reviews or comments generate positive (or negative) results and more (or less) profits, this study investigates not only directional properties of WOM but also how people change their opinion towards product or service positive to negative, negative to positive through the online WOM. An experiment was conducted quantitatively by using a sample of 168 users who have experience within the online movie review site, 'Naver Movie'. Users were required to complete a survey regarding reviews and comments taken from the real movie page. The data reflected user's perceptions of online WOM information that determined users' adoption level. Analysis results provide empirical support for the proposed theoretical perspective. When user can't agree with the opinion of online WOM information, in other words, when cognitive dissonance between online WOM information and users' preference occurs, perceived self-efficacy significantly decreases customers' perception of usefulness. And this perception of usefulness plays an important role in determining users' intention to adopt online WOM information. Most of researches have been concentrated on characteristics of online WOM itself such as quality or vividness of information, credibility of source and direction of online WOM, etc. for describing effect of online WOM, but our results suggest that users' personal character (e.g., self-efficacy) plays decisive role for acceptance of online WOM information. Higher self-efficacy means lower possibility to accept the information that represents counter opinion because of cognitive dissonance, whereas the people that have lower self-efficacy are willing to accept the online WOM information as true and refer to purchase decision. This study suggests a model for understanding role of direction of online WOM information. Also, our result implicates the importance of online review supervision and personalized information service by confirming switching opinion negative to positive is more difficult than positive to negative through the online WOM information. This implication would help marketers to manage online reviews of their products or services.

• Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.217-244
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• 2008

Consumers' overall satisfaction on a specific library use is inferred to be primarily accrued from their performance perception and use satisfaction on the library information service system as recent information technology is being rapidly improved and more libraries are being equipped with advanced information technologies. However, prior research has been conducted only on general library service quality and visitors' satisfaction, leaving the important aspects of visitors' library use and information performance perception. Thus, the objectives of this research are to examine the effect of library use patterns such as general visit for book reading and more professional information search, coupled with service quality, on the library users' performance perception on the information system that in turn, affects library use satisfaction on the same information system. More specifically, this study examines whether library visitors perceive differenltly the information system performance according to their library use patterns such that professional library users may have less positive on information system service due to their higher expectation or more positive perception on it due to variety of information uses and positive judgment on advanced information system. Next, three dimensions of service quality, consisting of interaction, outcome, and physical evidence quality in visitors' library use situations, are hypothesized to affect performance perception on library information system. Thirdly, the performance perception on library information system is hypothesized to influence the system use satisfaction while these two constructs are to affect visitors' overall satisfaction. we develop the following research model in accordance with the above theoretical reasoning. All variables used in this study(General Use Patterns, Professional Use Patterns, Interaction Quality, Outcome Quality, Physical Evidence Quality, Information Performance Perception, Information Use Satisfaction, Overall Satisfaction) were defined operationally based on the underlying prior studies. A survey was conducted with prepared questionnaires to about 400 visitors of a specific university library. Among them, 353 proper questionnaires were finally used for the analyses. Two-step approach was used to test the hypotheses. First, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to guarantee the validity and reliability of variables. The results showed that all variables had not only convergent and discriminant validity, but also reliability. Then, research model was examined with a structural equation using LISREL 8.30 version. The fitness of the research model was found to be within the acceptable level. The findings of this study are as follows. The professional library use pattern was found to affect the users' performance perception on the library information system while the general library use pattern was not. Second, three dimensions of service quality (interaction, outcome, physical evidence) were found to influence the information system performance respectively while none of them was not to information use satisfaction. Third, library users' performance perception on the information system operation was found to affect the information system use satisfaction, both of which also influence users' overall satisfaction of the library. The findings of this study suggest that contemporary libraries strengthen their advanced information system operation in a way of user orientation and more importantly maximize their visitors' utilization of information system, accompanying proper material and various program development. This study conceptualized the new constructs of library users' performance perception on the information system and information use satisfaction which could better explain library users' overall satisfaction. Thus, furture study related with library service could utilize the constructs of information system performance and satisfaction as well as the variety of library use patterns in the users' viewpoints.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.147-157
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between wetland visitors' consciousness of ecology and their needs and thereby, provide for some effective measures to manage them. For this purpose, 3 study points were set up: "wetland visitors' consciousness of ecology and their needs", "differences of such consciousness depending on their demographic variables" and the "relationship between such consciousness and their needs". To this end, Upo Wetland visitors were surveyed for an empirical analysis. The visitors' awareness about ecology was measured with Dunlap's 15-item NEP Inventory, while their needs were analyzed in reference to Maslow's 7-Step Human Desire Ladder. The survey was conducted at Upo Wetland for 3 days, and as a result, a total of 228 questionnaires were returned. The results of this study can be summarized as follows; First, the visitors' consciousness of ecology and their needs were higher than the normal level. In terms of their consciousness of ecology, their awareness of the ecological crisis potential and anti-humanism was highest. In terms of their needs, the aesthetic need was highest, followed by the cognitive one. On the other hand, the needs for self-achievement and self-esteem were lowest; except them, the higher the needs were positioned at Maslow's ladder of desire, and subjects were more responsive to them. As a result of analyzing the correlation between the subjects' consciousness of ecology and their needs, it was found that the correlation was negative in some sub-areas, while being positive in other sub-areas. After all, the ratio of the sub-areas having a positive correlation was as 3 times high as that of the sub-areas having a negative correlation. Even as for the correlation coefficient values, they were higher in the positive sub-areas, which suggests that the correlation between wetland visitors' consciousness of ecology and their needs were positive, although at a lower level, in overall terms. As a result of comparatively analyzing visitors' needs by dividing them into 3 sub-groups depending on the levels of their consciousness of ecology, it was found that the higher their consciousness of ecology was, their needs were higher. Overall, wetland visitors' awareness of ecology was higher than the normal level, and it was estimated that such awareness would continue to increase. Hence, it could be inferred that their needs, particularly, their aesthetic and cognitive ones would continue to increase, too. Accordingly, it is deemed important to manage the wetland landscape making use of its visual resources, while continuing to provide the visitors with the contents fulfilling their need for knowledge.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.853-860
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• 2012

This study investigated the preference and recognition of cooked rice mixed with multigrains. The data for the analysis was collected from 464 people who were residing in Seoul, Gyeongsang and Jeolla area, and analyzed by the SPSS 18.0 program. The result showed that 77.8% of the respondents liked cooked rice mixed with multigrain, showing significant difference by age (p<0.001) and occupation (p<0.01). Of the respondents, 33.8% consumed cooked rice mixed with multigrains at least once a day, showing significant difference by gender (p<0.01), age (p<0.001) and occupation (p<0.001). The most popular type of grains to mix with rice were, in order, black rice (3.8)> brown rice (3.7)> barley (3.7)> proso millet (3.4)> foxtail millet (3.4)> SoRiTae (3.3)> sorghum (3.2)> adlay (3.2)> mung bean (3.1)> buckwheat (3.0)> BacTae (2.8). A total of 32.5% of the respondents answered that 21~30% was proper mixing ratio of multigrains-added cooked rice, showing age (p<0.001), occupation (p<0.001) and resident area (p<0.05). Three or four kinds of grains were preferred to mix cooked rice, showing significant difference by age and occupation (p<0.001). Of the respondents, 43.1% chose price reduction as the most desired improvement of multigrains in the market. Most of the subjects had affirmative view intake of cooked rice mixed with multigrains, but recognized that multigrains were expensive. From these results, this study will provide basic information for the increased availability of multigrains and optimization of the multigrain ratio mix.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.96-103
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• 2009

Objectives : We evaluated the health effects of exposure to BTEX(Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, m,p-Xylene, o-Xylene) in the Taean area after the Hebei Spirit oil spill. Methods : We used a questionnaire survey to look for health effects among 80 pregnant women 2 to 3 months following the Hebei Spirit oil spill. Their BTEX exposures were estimated using the CALPUFF method. We then used a multiple logistic regression analysis to evaluate the effects of BTEX exposure on the women s health effets. Results : Pregnant women who lived near the accident site reported more symptoms of eye irritation and headache than those who lived farther from the site. There was a trend of decreasing symptoms with an increase in distance from the spill site. Pregnant women exposed to higher ambient cumulative levels of Xylene were significantly more likely to report symptoms of the skin(OR 8.01 95% CI=1.74-36.76) in the first day after the accident and significantly more likely to report abdominal pain(OR 3.86 95% CI=1.02-14.59 for Ethylbenzene, OR 6.70 95% CI=1.82-24.62 for Xylene) during the 1st through 4th days following the accident. Conclusions : This study suggests that exposure to BTEX from an oil spill is correlated with an increased risk of health effects among pregnant women. This implies the need to take proper measures, including the development of a national policy for environmental health emergencies and a plan for studying the short- and long-term chronic health effects associated with such spills.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.175-183
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• 2010

To understand the variation of macro benthos community according to the installation of structure and topographic placement in the shellfish farm on tidal flat, the practical example of the tidal shellfish growing area at Namsung-ri Goheung was observed. The results of the research for the field observation were summarized as follows. (1) The ground gradient of the shellfish farm was very flat below about $1^{\circ}$. The shellfish farm ground took the shape of $\sqcup$ from the shoreline to the place of 150 m seawards, and the shape of $\sqcap$ from there to the low tide line. During ebb tide, the $\sqcup$ shape ground stored the sea water, and the $\sqcap$ shape ground was supposed to act as the effect factor to leak slowly or to prevent the outflow. (2) The oyster shell bag or the type of riprap wall as the boundary in the shellfish farm was classified into five types. The air exposure time and flooding time were 181 and 434 minutes, respectively. (3) In the numerical experiment, the deep-sea water wave coming in the study area had 0.5 m of maximum wave height to show the very stable conditions and the wave direction pattern of S-direction was dominant at Naro great ridge, and SE, SSW and S-direction were distributed strongly around the shellfish farm. (4) By the grain size analysis, the sediment around tidal flat consisted of gravel 0.00~5.81(average 1.70)%, sand 14.15~18.39(average 13.23)%, silt 27.59~47.15(average 30.84)% and clay 35.79~55.73(average 36.19)%, and the sediment type was divided into (g)M(lightly gravelly mud), sM(sandy mud) and gM(gravelly mud) by Folk's diagram. (5) The macro benthos community survey conducted in this site in January, 2010 showed that 1 species of Mollusca, 8 species of Polychaeta and 2 species of Crustacea appeared, and 11 species occupying over 1% of total abundance were dominant.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.40-50
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• 2016

The objective of this study is to suggest basic data for establishing future urban agriculture vitalization policies, by analyzing the preference of urban agriculture types in accordance with lifestyle as the standard of living for urban residents is improved. A survey was conducted targeting residents of nine autonomous regions that have established grounds for supporting the urban agriculture vitalization by enacting an urban agriculture ordinance, among 25 autonomous regions of Seoul. It aimed to verify a causal relationship between lifestyle and preferred activity of urban agriculture. In the results of the study first, a 'Health pursuit-type' was significant within the 'urban type' urban agriculture. These urban residents, pursuing safe food and health, actively participated in urban agriculture educational programs, and also preferred urban agricultural activities such as planting plants, landscape crops for the improvement of natural scenery in the downtown, and also participating in urban agriculture fairs. Second, 'Leisure activity-type' was significant with the 'House advantage type' urban agriculture. Urban residents mostly emphasizing hobby and leisure activities preferred the 'House advantage type' urban agricultural activities such as tending a vegetable garden in indoor life or using the veranda space of an apartment. Third, 'Health pursuit-type' was significant with the 'Schooling type' urban agriculture and 'Farm and Park type' urban agriculture. Urban residents pursuing health preferred tending an educational-type vegetable garden and educational farm connected to schools, running private farms outside of the downtown, and actively participating in urban agriculture park. Fourth, 'The neighborhood type' was significant with the 'Schooling type' urban agriculture. 'The neighborhood type' urban residents preferred actively participating in diverse urban agriculture education activities. The significance of this study is to examine the tendency and preferred activities of end users of urban agriculture by suggesting the necessity of viewing urban agriculture from the aspect of a consumer, and then examining the influential relationship between lifestyle and preference of urban agriculture-types.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.81 no.1
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• pp.42-48
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• 2018

Background: The diffusing capacity of the lung is influenced by multiple factors such as age, sex, height, weight, ethnicity and smoking status. Although a prediction equation for the diffusing capacity of Korea was proposed in the mid-1980s, this equation is not used currently. The aim of this study was to develop a new prediction equation for the diffusing capacity for Koreans. Methods: Using the data of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a total of 140 nonsmokers with normal chest X-rays were enrolled in this study. Results: Using linear regression analysis, a new predicting equation for diffusing capacity was developed. For men, the following new equations were developed: carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco)=-10.4433-0.1434${\times}$age (year)+0.2482${\times}$heights (cm); DLco/alveolar volume (VA)=6.01507-0.02374${\times}$age (year)-0.00233${\times}$heights (cm). For women the prediction equations were described as followed: DLco=-12.8895-0.0532${\times}$age (year)+0.2145${\times}$heights (cm) and DLco/VA=7.69516-0.02219${\times}$age (year)-0.01377${\times}$heights (cm). All equations were internally validated by k-fold cross validation method. Conclusion: In this study, we developed new prediction equations for the diffusing capacity of the lungs of Koreans. A further study is needed to validate the new predicting equation for diffusing capacity.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.173-183
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• 2008

This research was aimed at looking into the vegetation structure of Abies holophylla forest distributed between Iljumun of Woljeong Temple and Keumgang bridge in Odaesan National Park. It was found that existed a total of 977 tree of Abies holophylla which are more than 20cm in DBH within the target site, and in 2006 when the survey was made, the number of fallen trees and poor growth trees was about 96, accounting for 9.8% of all. The age of Abies holophylla ranged from 41 years to 135 years($11\sim82cm$ in DBH). The number of Abies holophylla over 100cm in DBH was 8 and the largest Abies holophylla was 175cm in DBH and 31m in height. Its density was 5.9 individuals per $400m^2$. As a result of the analysis of the plant community structure using the TWINSP AN classification, Abies holophylla was divided into four community types. Firstly, Pinus densiflora-Abies holophylla community was predicted to vary into Abies holophylla community. In case of other three other communities, Abies holophylla communities were predicted to compete with deciduous broadleaf trees, such as Tilia amurensis and Acer pictum subsp. mono. Abies holophylla forest adjacent to Woljeong Temple of Odaesan National Park has a high value as sustainable resources for culture, landscape and tourism. Thus, it is necessary to clarify the reason for the incidence of poor growth trees and fallen trees among all trees of Abies holophylla and take counter-measures against it for the preservation and management of Abies holophylla forest. In addition, a more aggressive managrment like getting rid of the deciduous broadleaf trees, such as Tilia amurensis and Acer pictum subsp. mono, which appear mostly on understory layer or shrub layer within Abies holophylla, and continuous management is also needed for the young trees of Abies holophylla which are feared to be pressurized outside from their neighboring trees because their initial growth after germination is very slow.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.874-887
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• 2016

We surveyed bimonthly from April to October 2015 to understand the fish fauna and community structure in Wangpicheon. The collected species during the survey period were 40 species belonging to 15 families. Dominant species by number were Zacco koreanus (31.3%) and Rhynchocypris oxycephalus (14.7%). In biomass, the dominant species were Z. koreanus (29.2%) and Coreoperca herzi (8.6%). Also, nine endemic species (22.5%) including Squalidus multimaculatus and two endangered species (Lethenteron reissneri, Cottus koreanus) were identified. It was identified one introduced species (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from foreign countries for aquaculture. Compared with previous data, nine species were newly identified including L. reissneri, S. gracilis majimae, Pseudobagrus fulvidraco, O. mykiss, Chelon haematocheilus, Siniperca scherzeri, Acanthogobius lactipes, Luciogobius guttatus and Channa argus. Seven species (Rhodeus ocellatus, S. gracilis majimae, Hemibarbus longirostris, Pseudogobio esocinus, Microphysogobio yaluensis, Hemiculter eigenmanni and Cobitis hankugensis) introduced from other native waters in Korea were estimated. According to the analysis of the habitat characteristics of major migratory species (Tribolodon hakonensis, O. keta and Plecoglossus altivelis), O. keta was observed at station 11 and T. hakonensis at station 7, 10 and 11. These fishes have been mainly identified in the downstream. However P. altivelis was widely distributed from station 3 to 11. In the comparison of average standard length of P. altivelis at each station during the same period, populations collected from station 3 and 5 which are mid-upper area of the stream were $125.8{\pm}34.2mm$. Their growth was good compared with those collected from station 8 and 11 (mid-lower area): $80.2{\pm}16.6mm$. This difference in length comes from the artificial structures including weir, thus it is necessary to create a fishway that enables P. altivelis to pass around barriers for free movement and resource management.