• Molecules and Cells
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.109-116
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• 2017

Soybean agglutinin (SBA) is an anti-nutritional factor of soybean, affecting cell proliferation and inducing cytotoxicity. Integrins are transmembrane receptors, mediating a variety of cell biological processes. This research aims to study the effects of SBA on cell proliferation and cell cycle progression of the intestinal epithelial cell line from piglets (IPEC-J2), to identify the integrin subunits especially expressed in IPEC-J2s, and to analyze the functions of these integrins on IPEC-J2 cell cycle progression and SBA-induced IPEC-J2 cell cycle alteration. The results showed that SBA lowered cell proliferation rate as the cell cycle progression from G0/G1 to S phase (P < 0.05) was inhibited. Moreover, SBA lowered mRNA expression of cell cycle-related gene CDK4, Cyclin E and Cyclin D1 (P < 0.05). We successfully identified integrins ${\alpha}2$, ${\alpha}3$, ${\alpha}6$, ${\beta}1$, and ${\beta}4$ in IPEC-J2s. These five subunits were crucial to maintain normal cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in IPEC-J2s. Restrain of either these five subunits by their inhibitors, lowered cell proliferation rate, and arrested the cells at G0/G1 phase of cell cycle (P < 0.05). Further analysis indicated that integrin ${\alpha}2$, ${\alpha}6$, and ${\beta}1$ were involved in the blocking of G0/G1 phase induced by SBA. In conclusion, these results suggested that SBA lowered the IPEC-J2 cell proliferation rate through the perturbation of cell cycle progression. Furthermore, integrins were important for IPEC-J2 cell cycle progression, and they were involved in the process of SBA-induced cell cycle progression alteration, which provide a basis for further revealing SBA anti-proliferation and anti-nutritional mechanism.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.1-24
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• 2007

With the development of information technology (IT), various information systems (IS) such as Web-based systems and mobile systems have appeared utilizing different technologies. However, recent studies on IS use and user satisfaction rarely account for technological differences among IS and environmental characteristics where IS are intended to be used. The purpose of this research is to investigate the determinants of the use of Web-based ticketing systems for cultural activities and to empirically validate their relationships. Environmental psychology suggests that human beings respond to external stimuli from environments with their emotions, and their emotional states influence human actions, e.g., IS use in this research. Applying environmental psychology to the use of Web-based systems in the culture and entertainment industry, we propose that web site characteristics first influence a user's internal state of mind (i.e., flow) and then the flow state influences the IS use. Studies related to the state of flow collectively affirm the key role played by the flow construct in shaping individual attitudes and behaviors toward IS. Users' flow states are captured by their shopping enjoyment, perceived behavioral control, and the level of concentration on the IS use. Referring to social presence theory, we have included such web site characteristics as content quality, context of web site, and community quality. In our research model, a second order construct is utilized to represent web site quality, because flow theory suggests that holistic experiences with web-based systems (rather than individual characteristics of the web site) are important in explaining the IS use. Further, we have included trust as another important factor influencing the IS use since business transactions on the web encompass higher uncertainty comparing to offline transactions. In order to test our hypotheses, we have conducted an online survey which results in 1,141 valid responses in the final sample. The data were collected from respondents who have experiences in Internet ticketing systems. Although it was a convenient sample, the sample represents a wide variety of user demographics. Validity and reliability of the research instrument were tested and research hypotheses were examined using PLS Graph 3.0. The results indicate that web site characteristics significantly influence the level of user concentration, user's enjoyment in shopping, and perceived behavioral control. Further, the use of Internet ticketing systems is influenced by users' flow states and trust in the web channel. User satisfaction is turned out to be affected by the use of Internet ticketing systems. Unlike extant research on the relationship between web site characteristics and its use, our study has found that, in the culture and entertainment industry, the impact of web site characteristics on IS use is mediated by a user's flow state. This finding has a practical implication that web site design should include as many features that enhance shopping enjoyment and concentration. Other practical implications of these findings and future research implications are also discussed.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.131-146
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• 2007

Recently, the role of IT service providers has been enlarged from managing a single function or system to reconstructing entire information management processes in new ways to contribute to shareholder value across the enterprise. This movement toward extensive and complex outsourcing agreements has been driven by the assumption that outsourcing information technology functions is a reliable approach to maximizing resource productivity. Hiring external IT service providers to manage part or all of its information-related services helps a firm focus on its core business and provides better services to its clients, thus obtaining sustainable competitive advantage. This practice of focusing on the strategic aspect of outsourcing is referred to as strategic sourcing where the focus is capability sourcing, not procurement. Given the importance of the strategic outsourcing, however, to our knowledge, there is little empirical research on the relationship between the strategic outsourcing orientation and outsourcing performance. Moreover, there is little research on the factor that makes the strategic outsourcing effective. This study is designed to investigate the relationship between strategic IT outsourcing orientation and IT outsourcing performance and the process through which strategic IT outsourcing orientation influences outsourcing performance, Based on the framework of strategic orientation-performance and core competence based management, this study first identifies core competency orientation as a proper strategic orientation pertinent to IT outsourcing and IT outsourcing process management capability as the mediator to affect IT outsourcing performance. The proposed research model is then tested with a sample of 200 firms. The findings of this study may contribute to the literature in two ways. First, it draws on the strategic orientation - performance framework in developing its research model so that it can provide a new perspective to the well studied phenomena. This perspective allows practitioners and researchers to look at outsourcing from an angle that emphasizes the strategic decision making to outsource its IT functions. Second, by separating the concept of strategic orientation and outsourcing process management capability, this study provides practices with insight into how the strategic orientation can work effectively to achieve an expected result. In addition, the current study provides a basis for future studies that examine the factors affecting IT outsourcing performance with more controllable factors such as IT outsourcing process management capability rather than external hard-to-control factors including trust and relationship management. This study investigates the major factors that determine IT outsourcing success. Based on strategic orientation and core competency theories, we develop the proposed research model to investigate the relationship between core competency orientation and IT outsourcing performance and the mediating role of IT outsourcing process management capability on IT outsourcing performance. The model consists of two independent variables (core-competency-orientation and IT outsourcing process management capability), and two dependent variables (outsourced task complexity and IT outsourcing performance). Comprehensive data collection was conducted through an outsourcing association. The survey data were analyzed using a structural analysis method. IT outsourcing process management capability was found to mediate the effect of core competency orientation on both outsourced task complexity and IT outsourcing performance. Further analysis and findings are discussed.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.1-4
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• 2016

Background and Objectives: National cancer center institute reports that male patients of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are annually increasing. This study aimed to analyze the features of the male patients with PTC. Materials and Method: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed clinical records of 170 patients who were treated for PTC in male patients between 2000 and 2010. Clinical features, size, pathologic type, extrathyroidal extension, recurrence, multiplicity, extent of surgery, and lymph node metastasis were retrospectively evaluated.Univariate and multivariate analyses of various clinical factors were performed. Results: Total 4145 patients received surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma. The number of male patients was 170 (4.1%) among them. Of170 male patients, only 16(9.4%) patients underwent the recurrence of PTC. The size of tumor, central neck node metastasis, lateral neck node metastasis, extrathyroidal extension and RAI ablation therapy were associated with recurrence(p< 0.05) in univariate analysis. However, only the extrathyroidal extension [p=0.03, Odds ratio=3.58(95% CI. 1.09~14.24)] was related to the recurrence in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Re-estimation of clinical features in male PTC patients should be concerned. The recurrence of PTC in male patients was 16(9.4%) and nearly same as the other studies. The extrathyroidal extension was revealed as an associated factor for the recurrence. Evaluation of regional or distant metastasis should be considered in patients with the extrathyroidal extension in male PTC patients during long-term follow-up.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.364-371
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to estimate usage of vitamin and mineral supplements as over-the-counter (VM-OTC) drugs as well as examine factors associated with VM-OTC usage in Korean adolescents. A total of 1,407 adolescents attending middle or high school in all parts of country were included in the analysis. Prevalence of VM-OTC usage was 56.1%, and it was higher as monthly income, father's education level, and socioeconomic status of family increased (p<0.001). VM-OTC intake was higher in middle school students than in high school students as well as in rural areas or small & mediumsized city residents than big city residents (p<0.01). Subjects mainly received information on VM-OTC mainly from 'family and relatives' (46.6%), whereas only 20.3% received information from experts. Subjects took VM-OTC 'when they are healthy' (49.1%), 'when they feel sick' (17.7%), 'when they are on a diet' (17.3%), and 'when they are stressful' (15.9%). The effectiveness of taking VM-OTC were mainly 'fatigue recovery' (35.0%), 'health improvement' (30.6%), and 'nutritional status improvement' (13.2%). The most frequently used VM-OTC was vitamin C (49.1%), multi-vitamins (18.6%), multi vitamins & minerals (13.2%), and calcium (9.2%). Among VM-OTC users, only 21.9% replied that they usually check the nutrition facts when they buy products, 62.4% follow the recommended dosage, and 9.7% fully understand the nutrition labels of the products. According to logistic regression analysis, the most influential factor affecting VM-OTC use was parents' and siblings' VM-OTC consumption (p<0.001). In addition, school type (middle or high school) (p<0.01), residence (p<0.05), self-concerns about health (p<0.05), father's education level (p<0.05), and socioeconomic status of family (p<0.05) all influenced VM-OTC use. These results show that VM-OTC use is widespread among adolescents, few users actually check and fully understand the nutrition labels when they purchase VM-OTC, and they are highly dependent on unprofessional advice and information. Therefore, it is necessary to educate adolescents to help them select proper VM-OTC and read nutrition labels.

• Current Research on Agriculture and Life Sciences
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.182-192
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• 2013

Since the Korean apple industry needs to expand its export market in Southeast Asia, this study investigates the attributes of Korean apples affecting consumer preference in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Based on an Importance-Preference analysis, the results are summarized as follows. First, price is the most important determinant for purchasing Korean apples by Southeast Asian consumers, except in Malaysia. Second, managing the intrinsic(sweetness and chewing texture) and extrinsic(surface and color) factors needs to be well maintained. Third, the priority of the marketing factor(wrapping) should be lowered. Fourth, while the importance of extrinsic factors(shape and size) is low, satisfaction is high, so these factors need to be managed to avoid overkill. Overall, Korean apples should have their own merits with an appropriate proper price, while maintaining a high quality. The results of this paper may provide suitable strategies for promoting apple exports to Southeast Asia.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.10
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• pp.569-581
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine factors affecting self-rated health status among the elderly in urban areas. The study subjects were 390 persons aged 65 years and older who had lived more than 5 years in D city. Interviews from the questionnaire were conducted from June through August 2016. The distribution of self-rated health status was rated in terms of dependent variables, with odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals calculated using unconditional logistic models. As a result, 67.2% of the study subjects answered that they were healthy, whereas 32.8% were unhealthy. In the logistic regression analysis, disability and lowered IADL greatly lowered self-rated health status. The group without an occupation, living expenses from governmental subsidies, frequency of relative contents is seldom, anxiety is high, subjective sleep quality is low, satisfaction of daily life is low, had low levels of self-rated health status. Above results suggest that the self-rated health status of the elderly in urban areas is closely related to sociodemographic characteristics, physical health status, social activity participation, and psychosocial factors.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.117-125
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• 2016

Purpose - As consumers' needs for purchasing fresh and safe food have been bigger in Korea, their interest in local food is also growing recently. So, the number of local food stores has been increased from 3 in 2012 to 103 in 2015. Local food stores should operate a business responding consumers' needs in order that local food stores are not to be a one-time fad. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of consumers who use a local food store and provide helpful implications to design a strategy for sustainable growth of local food store. Research design, data, and methodology - In this study, Probit model was used for empirical analysis in order to examine the effect of purchase choice attributes of agricultural products, consumer's satisfaction, and their demographic factors upon the intention to use a local food store. After estimating coefficients of the probit model, marginal effects were calculated as a standard normal, and cumulative distribution is differentiated with respect to explanatory variables. To collect the data, questionnaire survey was carried out with the consumers using the local food store (Youngjin Nonghyup near to Jeonju city located in Jeollabuk-do). Result - The data analysis found that the more consumers are satisfied with local food store, the higher intention they have to use the local food store. In addition, it was known that the factors related to quality of agricultural products and shopping convenience among the purchase choice attributes have a considerable impact on the purchase intention of a local food store. In demographic factors, income was turned out to be an important factor affecting purchase intention of local food. Such a result supports the hypothesis that high income consumers are likely to purchase local food, which is based on the inference that consumers who have a high income tend to pursue wellbeing life. Futhermore, information delivery, through a reputable media source among general factors, was known to play an important role in forming an intention to purchase local food. According to the analysis of marginal effects, probability of purchase intention of a local food store is increased by 11.4%, if a monthly average income of a household is above 4.5 million Won(Korean currency). If purchasing satisfaction with local food stores is high, the probability of purchase intention would be increased by 24.1%. Likewise, such a probability goes up by 8.7%, 5.8%, respectively as an increasing one unit of quality of agricultural products and shopping convenience of local food stores, respectively. Conclusion - For attaining sustainable growth in a local food store, it is considered necessarily to establish a proper store operation system to meet consumers' needs, especially for quality and shopping convenience of local food. Moreover, as it was found that appropriate communication through media source has a positive effect on the intention to use local food store, PR activity seems to be necessary to expand the consumers' demands for local foods.

• Journal of Distribution Research
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.61-86
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• 2002

The number of people who perform their banking business on Internet has been increasing drastically during the recent period and the trend still continues. Banks and other types of financial institutions are now competing intensely with each other in attracting customers to this new innovative banking service. The marketers in charge of formulating and implementing the strategies for this new banking business need to understand the behavioral factors as well as the technical factors in order to succeed in attracting more customers to this new service. products. A deep understanding as to why and how the customers are adopting the new service developed on information technology is a prerequisite for a successful marketing effort. The purpose of this dissertation is to find out what factors are playing important roles in the customers'decision related to the adoption of the Internet banking services. The focus of the research is threefold. First. by testing the hypotheses proposed by the Technology Adoption Model, a well-known theory in the IT-related behavioral science, an analysis was made as to which factors are more important in affecting the attitudes and adoption of the Internet banking on the part of customers. Secondly, an analysis was made as to whether the three criteria of the Technographics- -the attitude toward new technology, level of income, and the motivational factor- -are useful as the criteria for segmenting the Korean users of the online banking. Thirdly, an analysis was made as to whether each customer group segmented by the criteria of the Technographics reveal a differential decision process and thus requires a differential approach strategywise.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare Studies
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.5-40
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• 2009

As of June 2008, the government's expansion policy for the long-term care service infrastructure has achieved an outstanding 96.4% occupancy rate of facilities across the country. Despite such achievement, practical issues including the physical lack of facilities, disproportional regional spread and decline in government accountability have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the policy's implementation. This study was aimed at defining the implementation procedure of expansion policy for long-term care service infrastructure, analyzing variables that affect it, examining the problems revealed in implementation procedure, and suggesting improved plan on that policy. Research methods were to review literatures on infrastructure expansion policy, to conduct case studies on K province, C city and 4(2 corporations and 2 privately owned) facilities in C city for studying practical implementation procedure on a local government level, and to use Alexander(1985)'s framework for analyzing variables of policy implementation. As a result of this study, policy variables including the clarity and adequacy of policy goal, nature of service providers, task and responsibility between government authorities, and implementation variables such as propensity toward budget allocation, financial restraint, swift utilization of budgets and the streamlining of involved procedures and inter-agency relations stood out as the main factors affecting policy implementation. In adddition, this study suggested several improvement measures such as accounting facilities need based on real local demand and supporting to private participation and so on.