• Journal of Distribution Research
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.1-32
• /
• 2011

I. Introduction: In Chinese electronics industry, the local wholesalers are still dominant but power is rapidly swifting from wholesalers to retailers because in recent foreign big retailers and local mass merchandisers are growing fast. During such transient period, conflicts among channel members emerge important issues. For example, when wholesalers who have more power exercise influence strategies to maintain status, conflicts among manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer will be intensified. Korean electronics companies in China need differentiated channel strategies by dealing with wholesalers and retailers simultaneously to sell more Korean products in competition with foreign firms. For example, Korean electronics firms should utilize 'guanxi' or relational quality to form long-term relationships with whloesalers instead of power and conflict issues. The major purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of conflict, dependency, and influence strategies between local Korean-products-selling retailers and wholesalers on performance in Chinese electronics distribution channels. In particular, this paper proposes effective distribution strategies for Korean electronics companies in China by analyzing moderating effects of 'Guanxi'. II. Literature Review and Hypotheses: The specific purposes of this study are as follows. First, causes of conflicts between local Korean-products-selling retailers and wholesalers are examined from the perspectives of goal incongruence and role ambiguity and then effects of these causes are found out on perceived conflicts of local retailers. Second, the effects of dependency of local retailers upon wholesalers are investigated on local retailers' perceived conflicts. Third, the effects of non-coercive influence strategies such as information exchange and recommendation and coercive strategies such as threats and legalistic pleas exercised by wholesalers are explored on perceived conflicts by local retailers. Fourth, the effects of level of conflicts perceived by local retailers are verified on local retailers' financial performance and satisfaction. Fifth, moderating effects of relational qualities, say, 'quanxi' between wholesalers and retailers are analyzed on the impact of wholesalers' influence strategies on retailers' performances. Finally, moderating effects of relational qualities are examined on the relationship between conflicts and performance. To accomplish above-mentioned research objectives, Figure 1 and the following research hypotheses are proposed and verified. III. Measurement and Data Analysis: To verify the proposed research model and hypotheses, data were collected from 97 retailers who are selling Korean electronic products located around Central and Southern regions in China. Covariance analysis and moderated regression analysis were employed to validate hypotheses. IV. Conclusion: The following results were drawn using structural equation modeling and hierarchical moderated regression. First, goal incongruence perceived by local retailers significantly affected conflict but role ambiguity did not. Second, consistent with conflict spiral theory, the level of conflict decreased when retailers' dependency increased toward wholesalers. Third, noncoercive influence strategies such as information exchange and recommendation implemented by wholesalers had significant effects on retailers' performance such as sales and satisfaction without conflict. On the other hand, coercive influence strategies such as threat and legalistic plea had insignificant effects on performance in spite of increasing the level of conflict. Fourth, 'guanxi', namely, relational quality between local retailers and wholesalers showed unique effects on performance. In case of noncoercive influence strategies, 'guanxi' did not play a role of moderator. Rather, relational quality and noncoercive influence strategies can serve as independent variables to enhance performance. On the other hand, when 'guanxi' was well built due to mutual trust and commitment, relational quality as a moderator can positively function to improve performance even though hostile, coercive influence strategies were implemented. Fifth, 'guanxi' significantly moderated the effects of conflict on performance. Even if conflict arises, local retailers who form solid relational quality can increase performance by dealing with dysfunctional conflict synergistically compared with low 'quanxi' retailers. In conclusion, this study verified the importance of relational quality via 'quanxi' between local retailers and wholesalers in Chinese electronic industry because relational quality could cross out the adverse effects of coercive influence strategies and conflict on performance.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
• /
• v.36 no.1
• /
• pp.39-51
• /
• 2011

The aims of this study were to investigate whether the facial skeletal patterns previously reported to be related to temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in other studies could be consistently observed in the TMD patients diagnosed according to Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder (RDC/TMD) Axis I and evaluate its usability in the orthodontic clinics to examine the patients with TMD related symptoms. The clinical records and radiographs of female patients who visited the TMD and Orofacial Pain Clinic of Seoul National University Dental Hospital and were diagnosed as TMD were consecutively filed for this study. Patients were clinically examined and diagnosed according to the revised diagnostic algorithms of RDC/TMD Axis I and the lateral cephalogram, panoramic orthopantomogram, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) orthopantomogram, and transcranial radiograph of each patient were taken and digitalized. The data of patients who were under 18 years of age or had any systemic disease, trauma history involving the TMJ, or skeletal deformity at the time of the first examination were excluded. The remaining data of 96 female patients were finally analyzed. The obtained results were as follows: 1. There are no significant differences of cephalometric measurements between RDC I (muscle disorders) diagnostic groups. 2. Only the articular angle of the RDC group IIc (disk displacement without reduction without limited opening) patients was larger than patients of the no diagnosis of RDC II group (disk displacement). 3. Larger articular angle and smaller facial height ratio were observed in RDC IIIc group (osteoarthrosis) compared to IIIa group (arthralgia). Larger articular angle, larger Bjork sum, smaller posterior facial height, and smaller facial height ratio were observed in RDC group IIIc compared to no diagnosis of RDC III group (arthralgia, arthritis, and arthrosis). 4. According to the results of cephalometric analysis in simplified RDC groups, smaller overjet was observed in muscle disorders (MD) group. Facial height ratio and IMPA were smaller and articular angle was larger in disk displacements (DD) group than in no diagnosis of DD group. In arthrosis (AR) group, posterior facial height, and facial height ratio were smaller, and articular angle, gonial angle, facial convexity, FMA, Bjork sum, and ANB were larger than in no diagnosis of AR group. In joint pain (JP) group, only posterior facial height was smaller than no diagnosis of JP group. In conclusion, Facial morphologic patterns showing posterior-rotated mandible and lower posterior facial height is related to RDC group II and III diagnosis of the TMJ in female TMD patients. RDC/TMD Axis I diagnosis can provide a good clinical diagnostic tool for the standardized examination of the TMJ in orthodontic clinics.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.107-119
• /
• 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of oral health behavior by oral health belief from the students in the dental hygienics department who take charge of oral health office, and therefore to lead a clear oral health care, to complete desirable oral health belief, and finally to utilize them for oral health field. The survey was conducted using structured self-administered questionnaires based on oral health belief model targeting 163 students in the dental hygienics department of one of the college in Seoul, and collected data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS 18.0 program. As a result of analysis to determine that the oral health belief significantly affects on the oral heal behavior, the personal variables such as age, economic status and occupation, and the seriousness for the oral health belief were indicated to be significant variables(p<0.05), and as a result of analysis that effects on the number of the oral health behavior, the susceptibility and the seriousness were indicated to be significant variables for oral health belief(P<0.05). As a conclusion, oral health belief was identified as a factor of salience through understanding that oral health belief of the students in the dental hygienics department effects on oral health behavior based on an oral health belief model, and it can be concluded that the necessity of oral health belief investigation should be discussed as a crucial issue to provide a more effective oral health promotion plan.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.82-86
• /
• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was retrospectively to evaluate the results of the modified Kidner procedure for symptomatic accessory navicular in athletes. Materials and Methods: Between July 1999 and December 2004, 26 feet in 22 patients with symptomatic accessory navicular who had underwent modified Kidner procedure were available for clinical follow-up, and 12 cases in 9 patients were available for clinical and radiological follow-up with a minimum follow-up of 5 years were included in this study. All those patients had symptomatic accessory navicular bone who underwent modified Kidner procedure. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and satisfaction rate were investigated. Talo-first metatarsal (T-MT1) angle, talo-calcaneal (TC) angle, and calcaneal pitch (CP) angle were measured in standing lateral radiograms. Results: AOFAS score was improved from $40.8{\pm}7.5$ (32~57) preoperatively to $88.7{\pm}8.0$ (72~100) postoperatively, and the difference was significant (p<0.01). VAS was improved from $7.0{\pm}0.9$ (5~9) preoperatively to $1.8{\pm}0.8$ (1~4) postoperatively, and the difference was significant (p<0.01). At the lastest follow up, 11 feet were very satisfied, 11 feet satisfied, and 4 feet unsatisfied (a satisfaction rate 85.0%). No significant difference was observed for T-MT1 angle (p=0.67), TC angle (p=0.93), and CP angle (p=0.49). Conclusion: Modified Kidner procedure for the symptomatic accessory navicular showed satisfactory results and is appeared to be one of the useful treatments.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.46-54
• /
• 2017

Objectives: Domestic violence is related to many psychiatric diseases, such as depression, anxiety disorder, and PTSD. Heart rate variability (HRV) is an index of autonomic control of the heart and is related to cardiovascular and emotional disorders. Although there have been some studies on the effects of domestic violence on women's mental health, relatively little information is available on HRV in this population. The aim of this study is to investigate demographic data, psychological features, and HRV in female victims of domestic violence and difference between Korean and foreign female victims. Methods: A total of 210 female victims of domestic violence (166 Korean women and 44 foreign women) were recruited for this study. Psychological symptoms were measured using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). HRV measures were assessed by time-domain and frequency-domain analyses. Results: The mean score of HAM-A was 13.81, that of HAM-D was 12.92, and that of IES-R was 33.61 ; there were no significant differences between Korean and foreign women in these measures. In HRV time domain analyses, approximate entropy (ApEn) was significantly increased in foreign women compared to the Korean women. The square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent NN intervals (RMSSD) was significantly decreased in foreign women compared to Korean women. There were no significant differences in the other HRV variables between Korean and foreign women. Conclusion: Female victims of domestic violence in Korea are associated with depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. The physiologic factors of a female victim's nationality could be related to higher ApEn and lower RMSSD in foreign female victims. These findings have important implications for future study to study the relationships among ethnic and environmental factors and HRV variables.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.146-153
• /
• 2011

Purpose : To describe normal anatomy and compare the differences of external genital organs and urethra on MR imaging in pre- and postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods : A total of 19 pre- and 18 postmenopausal healthy women underwent pelvis MR imaging at 1.5 T. Two radiologists retrospectively scored and compared the image quality of female external genitalia and urethra on axial T2-weighted images (T2WI) and axial fat-suppressed contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images (FSCE-T1WI) by using Wilcoxon signed ranks test. The radiologists compared the wall thickness or size of external genital organs and urethra on FSCE-T1WI between two groups by using Student t test. Results : Image quality was better with FSCE-T1WI than with T2WI in all subjects (p < 0.05). The vestibular bulb, clitoris and labium minor were more clearly visualized on FSCE-T1WI in premenopausal subjects rather than in postmenopausal subjects (p < 0.05). The urethra had a target-like appearance with three layers in premenopausal and postmenopausal subjects. Postmenopausal subjects were observed to have significantly smaller vaginal wall thickness, urethral wall thickness and vestibular bulb width than premenopausal subjects (p < 0.05). Conclusion : The anatomy and morphologic changes of female external genital organs and urethra were well discernible on FSCE-T1WI.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.314-328
• /
• 1997

A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the effects of chronic exposure to low-dose solvent on neurobehavioral performance of 48 male workers exposed to organic solvents. A control group of 50 workers was selected from same factories. Each worker completed a medical and occupational questionnaire and four tests of Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery. These included Benton visual retention test, digit symbol, digit span, and pursuit aiming. Comparison of mean performance showed a significantly poorer performance on digit symbol, digit span, and pursuit aiming. In univariate analysis, age contributed to poor performance on Benton visual retention test and educational level was found to reduce the performance on symbol digit in both groups. Amount of alcohol intake was found to reduce the performance on digit symbol and smoking appeared to slow pursuit aiming in the exposure group. In multiple regression analysis, controlling for age, educational level, alcohol, and smoking, Solvent exposure was found to be associated with performance of digit span, and number of correct dot of pursuit aiming. Age on Benton visual retention, educational level on digit symbol, arid smoking on pursuit aiming were found to be a significant factors on each test items. This study suggest that short-term memory, and perception can be affected easily by chronic exposure of organic solvents which air concentration levels were under the Threshold Limit Value.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.27-34
• /
• 2012

Objectives: The analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) is a useful non-invasive tool to investigate the autonomic nerve function. Previous studies on the relationship between HRV and depression have been reported controversial results. Similarly, the correlation between the serum lipids and depression is debatable. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between heart rate variability, lipid profile and depression. Methods: A total of 42 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 32 age and sex-matched normal subjects who had no previous history of major medical and mental illnesses were recruited for this study. A structured-interview was used to assess the general characteristics and psychiatric illness. HRV measures were assessed by time-domain and frequency-domain analyses. Psychological symptoms were measured using the Hamilton rating scale for anxiety (HAM-A), Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAM-D). In addition, the evaluation for lipid profile was performed by blood test. Results: In serum lipid profile test, MDD group showed higher cholesterol ($197.68{\pm}42.94$ mg/dL vs. $176.85{\pm}34.68$ mg/dL, p=0.044), TG ($139.45{\pm}92.54$ mg/dL vs. $91.4{\pm}65.68$ mg/dL, p=0.018), LDL ($130.03{\pm}33.18$ vs. $106.62{\pm}27.08$, p=0.004) level than normal control group. In HRV time domain analyses, the standard deviation of the NN interval (SDNN) was decreased in MDD group than normal control group, but was not significant ($32.82{\pm}14.33$ ms vs. $40.36{\pm}21.40$ms, p=0.078). ApEn (Approximate Entrophy) was significantly increased in MDD group than normal control group ($1.13{\pm}0.11$ vs. $0.91{\pm}0.18$, p<0.001). ApEn was correlated with LDL level (r=0.277, p=0.028), HAM-D scores (r=0.534, p<0.001) and HAM-A scores (r=0.470, p<0.001). Conclusions: MDD patients showed increased ApEn, one of the HRV measurement. And this ApEn was correlated with LDL, HAM-D and HAM-A scores. In this study, the analysis of ApEn would be a useful test of MDD.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
• /
• v.40 no.5
• /
• pp.243-248
• /
• 2006

Purpose: Liver demonstrates heterogeneous FDG uptake and sometimes it shows abnormally increased uptake even though there is no malignant tissue. However, there was no previous study to correlate these various pattern of hepatic FDG uptake with benign liver disease. Therefore, we evaluated the significance of hepatic FDG uptake associated with various clinical factors including fatty liver, liver function tests and lipid profiles. Materials and Methods: We reviewed a total of 188 patients (male/female: 120/68, mean age: $50{\pm}9$) who underwent PET/CT for screening of malignancy. Patients with DM, impaired glucose tolerance, previous severe hepatic disease or long-term medication history were excluded. The FDG uptake in liver was analyzed semi-quantitatively using ROI on transaxial images (segment 8) and we compared mean standardized uptake value (SUV) between fatty liver and non-fatty liver group. We also evaluated the correlation between hepatic FDG uptake and various clinical factors including serum liver function test (ALT, AST), ${\gamma}-GT$, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentration. The effect of alcoholic history and body mass index on hepatic FDG uptake was analyzed within the fatty liver patients. Results: The hepatic FDG uptake of fatty liver group was significantly higher than that of non-fatty liver group. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentration showed significant correlation with hepatic FDG uptake. However, there was no significant correlation between other factors (ALT, AST, and ${\gamma}-GT$) and FDG uptake. Also there was no difference of mean SUV between normal and abnormal groups on the basis of alcoholic history and body mass Index within fatty liver patients. Fatty liver and high serum triglyceride concentration were the independent factors affecting hepatic FDG uptake according to multivariate analysis. Conclusion: In conclusion, hepatic FDG uptake was strongly correlated with fatty liver and serum triglyceride concentration.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.517-526
• /
• 2016

This study analyzed the correlation between BMD (bone mineral density) value calculated in the MDCT (multidetector computed tomography) and lifestyle, physical features and social characteristics. From July 15 2015 to June 6 2016, we converted from HU (hounsfield unit) value measured by using MDCT to T-score for BMD of 141 patients (male: 63, female: 78) in W medical center. We measured the 2nd, 3rd and 4th lumbar spine and analyzed the correlation between gender differences in BMD and lifestyle, physical features and social characteristics. Statistical significance was validated using independent sample T test with one way Anova. Gender BMD was confirmed that a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). BMD values decreased with increasing age but for the statistically men, there was no significant difference from 20s to 50s, it only showed a significant difference in 20s and 60s (p<0.001). For the statistically women, there was no significant difference from 20s to 40s. but since 50s BMD was decreased rapidly, which showed a significant difference (p<0.001). women showed significant differences for the menstruation and menopause, childbirth, alcohol, cereals and greasy food in bone mineral density (p<0.05) but there were no significant differences in men. The bone mineral density values calculated by the MDCT and lifestyle, physical features and social characteristics correlation analysis method is considered to be used as a basis for estimating the state in BMD and osteoporosis management.