• Title/Summary/Keyword: Controlled study

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Isolation and Identification of Competitive Fungi on Medium for Black Wood Ear Mushroom in Korea and In Vitro Selection of Potential Biocontrol Agents (목이버섯 배지 오염 곰팡이균의 분리, 동정 및 생물학적 방제제 선발)

  • Seoyeon Kim;Miju Jo;Sunmin An;Jiyoon Park;Jiwon Park;Sungkook Hong;Jiwoo Kim;Juhoon Cha;Yujin Roh;Da Som Kim;Mi jin Jeon;Won-Jae Chi;Sook-Young Park
    • Research in Plant Disease
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    • v.30 no.1
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    • pp.66-77
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    • 2024
  • Black wood ear mushroom (Auricularia auricula-judae) is one of the most economically important mushrooms in China, Japan, and Korea. The cultivation of wood ear mushrooms on artificial substrates is more efficient in terms of time and cost compared with their natural growth on trees. However, if the substrate cultivation is infected by fast-growing fungi, the relatively slow-growing ear mushroom will be outcompeted, leading to economic losses. In this study, we investigated the competitive fungal isolates from substrates infected with fast-growing fungi for the cultivation of ear mushrooms in Jangheung and Sunchon, Korea. We collected 54 isolates and identified them by sequencing their internal transcribed spacer region with morphological identification. Among the isolates, the dominant isolates were Trichoderma spp. (92.6%), Penicillium spp. (5.6%), and Talaromyces sp. (1.8%). To find an appropriate eco-friendly biocontrol agent, we used five Streptomyces spp. and Benomyl, as controls against Trichoderma spp. and Penicillium spp. Among the six Streptomyces spp., Streptomyces sp. JC203-3 effectively controlled the fungi Trichoderma spp. and Penicillium spp., which pose a significant problem for the substrates of black wood ear mushrooms. This result indicated that this Streptomyces sp. JC203-3 can be used as biocontrol agents to protect against Trichoderma and Penicillium spp.

Clinical Usefulness of Virtual Ablation Guided Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Targeting Restitution Parameter-Guided Catheter Ablation: CUVIA-REGAB Prospective Randomized Study

  • Young Choi;Byounghyun Lim;Song-Yi Yang;So-Hyun Yang;Oh-Seok Kwon;Daehoon Kim;Yun Gi Kim;Je-Wook Park;Hee Tae Yu;Tae-Hoon Kim;Pil-Sung Yang;Jae-Sun Uhm;Jamin Shim;Sung Hwan Kim;Jung-Hoon Sung;Jong-il Choi;Boyoung Joung;Moon-Hyoung Lee;Young-Hoon Kim;Yong-Seog Oh;Hui-Nam Pak;CUVIA-REGAB Investigators
    • Korean Circulation Journal
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    • v.52 no.9
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    • pp.699-711
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    • 2022
  • Background and Objectives: We investigated whether extra-pulmonary vein (PV) ablation targeting a high maximal slope of the action potential duration restitution curve (Smax) improves the rhythm outcome of persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) ablation. Methods: In this open-label, multi-center, randomized, and controlled trial, 178 PeAF patients were randomized with 1:1 ratio to computational modeling-guided virtual Smax ablation (V-Smax) or empirical ablation (E-ABL) groups. Smax maps were generated by computational modeling based on atrial substrate maps acquired during clinical procedures in sinus rhythm. Smax maps were generated during the clinical PV isolation (PVI). The V-Smax group underwent an additional extra-PV ablation after PVI targeting the virtual high Smax sites. Results: After a mean follow-up period of 12.3±5.2 months, the clinical recurrence rates (25.6% vs. 23.9% in the V-Smax and the E-ABL group, p=0.880) or recurrence appearing as atrial tachycardia (11.1% vs. 5.7%, p=0.169) did not differ between the 2 groups. The post-ablation cardioversion rate was higher in the V-Smax group than E-ABL group (14.4% vs. 5.7%, p=0.027). Among antiarrhythmic drug-free patients (n=129), the AF freedom rate was 78.7% in the V-Smax group and 80.9% in the E-ABL group (p=0.776). The total procedure time was longer in the V-Smax group (p=0.008), but no significant difference was found in the major complication rates (p=0.497) between the groups. Conclusions: Unlike a dominant frequency ablation, the computational modeling-guided V-Smax ablation did not improve the rhythm outcome of the PeAF ablation and had a longer procedure time.

Experimental Investigation of Stannite-Sphalerite System In Relation to Ores (황석석일섬아연석계(黃錫石一閃亞鉛石系)의 실험연구(實驗硏究)와 천연건물(天然鍵物)에의 활용(活用))

  • Lee, Jae Yeong
    • Economic and Environmental Geology
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    • v.8 no.1
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    • pp.1-23
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    • 1975
  • The subject of this study deals with phase relations between stannite ($Cu_2FeSnS_4$) and sphalerite (${\beta}-ZnS$)/wurtzite (${\alpha}-ZnS$). The phase relations were systematically investigated from liquidus temperature to $400^{\circ}C$ under controlled conditions. ${\beta}-stannite$ (tetragonal) is stable up to $706{\pm}5^{\circ}C$, where it inverts to a high-temperature polymorph ${\alpha}-stannite$ (cubic) melting congruently at $867{\pm}5^{\circ}C$. Sphalerite (cubic, ${\beta}-ZnS$) inverts at $1013{\pm}3^{\circ}C$ to wurtzite, which is the hexagonal hightemperature polymorph of ZnS. Between ${\alpha}-stannite$ and sphalerite a complete solid solution series exists above approximately $870^{\circ}C$ up to solidus temperature. The melting temperature of ${\alpha}-stannite$ rises towards sphalerite and reaches a maximum at $1074{\pm}3^{\circ}C$, which is the peritectic with the composition of 91 wt. % sphalerite and 9 wt. % ${\alpha}-stannite$. At this temperature, wurtzite takes only 5wt. % ${\alpha}-stannite$ in solid solution which decreases with increasing temperature. The inverson temperature of ${\alpha}/{\beta}-stannite$ is lowered with increasing amounts of sphalerite in solid solution down to $614{\pm}7^{\circ}C$, which is the eutectoid with the composition of 13 wt. % sphalerite and 87 wt. % ${\alpha}-stannite$. Here, ${\beta}-stannite$ contains only 10wt. % sphalerite in solid solution. With decreasing temperature, the ranges of the solid solution on both sides of the system narrow. The phase relations in the above pure system changed due to the FeS impurities in the sphalerite solid solution. The eutectoid increased from $614{\pm}7^{\circ}C$ up to $695{\pm}5^{\circ}C$ (5 wt. % FeS) and $700{\pm}5^{\circ}C$ (10wt. % FeS), while the peritectic decreased from $1074{\pm}3^{\circ}C$ down to $1036{\pm}3^{\circ}C$ (wt. %FeS) and $987{\pm}3^{\circ}C$ (10wt. %FeS). A most notable change is the appearance of non-binary regions. An important feature is the combination of this study system with the experimental results reported by Sprinfer (1972). If a stannite-kesterite solid solution is used in the place of stannite as a bulk composition, the inversion temperature is lowered to less than $400^{\circ}C$ which belongs to temperatures of the hydrothermal region.

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Difference in Chemical Composition of PM2.5 and Investigation of its Causing Factors between 2013 and 2015 in Air Pollution Intensive Monitoring Stations (대기오염집중측정소별 2013~2015년 사이의 PM2.5 화학적 특성 차이 및 유발인자 조사)

  • Yu, Geun Hye;Park, Seung Shik;Ghim, Young Sung;Shin, Hye Jung;Lim, Cheol Soo;Ban, Soo Jin;Yu, Jeong Ah;Kang, Hyun Jung;Seo, Young Kyo;Kang, Kyeong Sik;Jo, Mi Ra;Jung, Sun A;Lee, Min Hee;Hwang, Tae Kyung;Kang, Byung Chul;Kim, Hyo Sun
    • Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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    • v.34 no.1
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    • pp.16-37
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    • 2018
  • In this study, difference in chemical composition of $PM_{2.5}$ observed between the year 2013 and 2015 at six air quality intensive monitoring stations (Bangryenogdo (BR), Seoul (SL), Daejeon (DJ), Gwangju (GJ), Ulsan (US), and Jeju (JJ)) was investigated and the possible factors causing their difference were also discussed. $PM_{2.5}$, organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC), and water-soluble ionic species concentrations were observed on a hourly basis in the six stations. The difference in chemical composition by regions was examined based on emissions of gaseous criteria pollutants (CO, $SO_2$, and $NO_2$), meteorological parameters (wind speed, temperature, and relative humidity), and origins and transport pathways of air masses. For the years 2013 and 2014, annual average $PM_{2.5}$ was in the order of SL ($${\sim_=}DJ$$)>GJ>BR>US>JJ, but the highest concentration in 2015 was found at DJ, following by GJ ($${\sim_=}SJ$$)>BR>US>JJ. Similar patterns were found in $SO{_4}^{2-}$, $NO_3{^-}$, and $NH_4{^+}$. Lower $PM_{2.5}$ at SL than at DJ and GJ was resulted from low concentrations of secondary ionic species. Annual average concentrations of OC and EC by regions had no big difference among the years, but their patterns were distinct from the $PM_{2.5}$, $SO{_4}^{2-}$, $NO_3{^-}$, and $NH_4{^+}$ concentrations by regions. 4-day air mass backward trajectory calculations indicated that in the event of daily average $PM_{2.5}$ exceeding the monthly average values, >70% of the air masses reaching the all stations were coming from northeastern Chinese polluted regions, indicating the long-range transportation (LTP) was an important contributor to $PM_{2.5}$ and its chemical composition at the stations. Lower concentrations of secondary ionic species and $PM_{2.5}$ at SL in 2015 than those at DJ and GJ sites were due to the decrease in impact by LTP from polluted Chinese regions, rather than the difference in local emissions of criteria gas pollutants ($SO_2$, $NO_2$, and $NH_3$) among the SL, DJ, and GJ sites. The difference in annual average $SO{_4}^{2-}$ by regions was resulted from combination of the difference in local $SO_2$ emissions and chemical conversion of $SO_2$ to $SO{_4}^{2-}$, and LTP from China. However, the $SO{_4}^{2-}$ at the sites were more influenced by LTP than the formation by chemical transformation of locally emitted $SO_2$. The $NO_3{^-}$ increase was closely associated with the increase in local emissions of nitrogen oxides at four urban sites except for the BR and JJ, as well as the LTP with a small contribution. Among the meterological parameters (wind speed, temperature, and relative humidity), the ambient temperature was most important factor to control the variation of $PM_{2.5}$ and its major chemical components concentrations. In other words, as the average temperature increases, the $PM_{2.5}$, OC, EC, and $NO_3{^-}$ concentrations showed a decreasing tendency, especially with a prominent feature in $NO_3{^-}$. Results from a case study that examined the $PM_{2.5}$ and its major chemical data observed between February 19 and March 2, 2014 at the all stations suggest that ambient $SO{_4}^{2-}$ and $NO_3{^-}$ concentrations are not necessarily proportional to the concentrations of their precursor emissions because the rates at which they form and their gas/particle partitioning may be controlled by factors (e.g., long range transportation) other than the concentration of the precursor gases.

Rectal Bleeding and Its Management after Irradiation for Cervix Cancer (자궁경부암 환자에서 방사선치료 후에 발생한 직장출혈과 치료)

  • Chun Mison;Kang Seunghee;Kil Hoon-Jong;Oh Young-Taek;Sohn Jeong-Hye;Jung Hye-Young;Ryu Hee Suk;Lee Kwang-Jae
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.20 no.4
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    • pp.343-352
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    • 2002
  • Purpose : Radiotherapy is the main treatment modality for uterine cervix cancer. Since the rectum is in the radiation target volume, rectal bleeding is a common late side effect. This study evaluates the risk factors of radiation induced rectal bleeding and discusses its optimal management. Materials and Methods : total of 213 patients who completed external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and intracavitary radiation (ICR) between September 1994 and December 1999 were included in this study. No patient had undergone concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. Ninety patients received radiotherapy according to a modified hyperfractionated schedule. A midline block was placed at a pelvic dose of between 30.6 Gy to 39.6 Gy. The total parametrial dose from the EBRT was 51 to 59 Gy depending on the extent of their disease. The Point A dose from the HDR brachytherapy was 28 Gy to 30 Gy $(4\;Gy\times7,\;or\;5\;Gy\times6)$. The rectal point dose was calculated either by the ICRU 38 guideline, or by anterior rectal wall point seen on radiographs, with barium contrast. Rectal bleeding was scored by the LENT/SOMA criteria. For the management of rectal bleeding, we opted for observation, sucralfate enema or coagulation based on the frequency or amount of bleeding. The median follow-up period was 39 months $(12\~86\;months)$. Results : The incidence of rectal bleeding was $12.7\%$ (27/213); graded as 1 in 9 patients, grade 2 in 16 and grade 3 in 2. The overall moderate and severe rectal complication rate was $8.5\%$. Most complications $(92.6\%)$ developed within 2 years following completion of radiotherapy (median 16 months). No patient progressed to rectal fistula or obstruction during the follow-up period. In the univariate analysis, three factors correlated with a high incidence of bleeding an icruCRBED greater than 100 Gy $(19.7\%\;vs.\;4.2\%)$, an EBRT dose to the parametrium over 55 Gy $(22.1\%\;vs.\;5.1\%)$ and higher stages of III and IV $(31.8\%\;vs.\;10.5\%)$. In the multivariate analysis, the icruCRBED was the only significant factor (p>0.0432). The total parametrial dose from the EBRT had borderline significance (p=0.0546). Grade 1 bleeding was controlled without further management (3 patients), or with sucralfate enema 1 to 2 months after treatment. For grade 2 bleeding, sucralfate enema for 1 to 2 months reduced the frequency or amount of bleeding but for residual bleeding, additional coagulation was peformed, where immediate cessation of bleeding was achieved (symptom duration of 3 to 10 months). Grade 3 bleeding lasted for 1 year even with multiple transfusions and coagulations. Conclusion : Moderate and several rectal bleeding occurred in $8.5\%$ of patients, which is comparable with other reports. The most significant risk factor for rectal bleeding was the accumulated dose to the rectum (icruCRBED), which corrected with consideration to biological equivalence. Prompt management of rectal bleeding, with a combination of sucralfate enema and coagulation, reduced the duration of the symptom, and minimized the anxiety/discomfort of patients.

Spatio-temporal Fluctuations with Influences of Inflowing Tributary Streams on Water Quality in Daecheong Reservoir (대청호의 시공간적 수질 변화 특성 및 호수내 유입지천의 영향)

  • Kim, Gyung-Hyun;Lee, Jae-Hoon;An, Kwang-Guk
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.45 no.2
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    • pp.158-173
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    • 2012
  • The objectives of this study were to analyze the longitudinal gradient and temporal variations of water quality in Daecheong Reservoir in relation to the major inflowing streams from the watershed, during 2001~2010. For the study, we selected 7 main-stream sites of the reservoir along the main axis of the reservoir, from the headwater to the dam and 8 tributary streams. In-reservoir nutrients of TN and TP showed longitudinal declines from the headwater to the dam, which results in a distinct zonation of the riverine ($R_z$, M1~M3), transition ($T_z$, M4~M6), and lacustrine zone ($L_z$, M7) in water quality, as shown in other foreign reservoirs. Chlorophyll-a (CHL) and BOD as an indicator of organic matter, were maximum in the $T_z$. Concentration of total phosphorus (TP) was the highest (8.52 $mg\;L^{-1}$) on March in the $R_z$, and was the highest (165 ${\mu}g\;L^{-1}$) in the $L_z$ on July. Values of TN was the maximum (377 ${\mu}g\;L^{-1}$) on August in the $R_z$, and was the highest (3.76 $mg\;L^{-1}$) in the $L_z$ on August. Ionic dilution was evident during September~October, after the monsoon rain. The mean ratios of TN : TP, as an indicator of limiting factor, were 88, which indicates that nitrogen is a surplus for phytoplankton growth in this system. Nutrient analysis of inflowing streams showed that major nutrient sources were headwater streams of T1~T2 and Ockcheon-Stream of T5, and the most influential inflowing stream to the reservoir was T5, which is located in the mid-reservoir, and is directly influenced by the waste-water treatment plants. The key parameters, influenced by the monsoon rain, were TP and suspended solids (SS). Empirical models of trophic variables indicated that variations of CHL in the $R_z$ ($R^2$=0.044, p=0.264) and $T_z$ ($R^2$=0.126, p=0.054) were not accounted by TN, but were significant (p=0.032) in the $L_z$. The variation of the log-transformed $I_r$-CHL was not accounted ($R^2$=0.258, p=0.110) by $I_w$-TN of inflowing streams, but was determined ($R^2$=0.567, p=0.005) by $I_w$-TP of inflowing streams. In other words, TP inputs from the inflowing streams were the major determinants on the in-reservoir phytoplankton growth. Regression analysis of TN : TP suggested that the ratio was determined by P, rather than N. Overall, our data suggest that TP and suspended solids, during the summer flood period, should be reduced from the eutrophication control and P-input from Ockcheon-Stream should be controlled for water quality improvement.

A Study on the Mineral Content of Calcium-fortified Foods in Korea (우리나라의 칼슘강화식품의 무기질 함량에 관한 연구)

  • 김욱희;김을상
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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    • v.32 no.1
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    • pp.96-101
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    • 2003
  • This study was done to analyze the contents of minerals, to compare the measured values of calcium and the labeled values in food labeling and to analyze the ratio of calcium to other minerals in 43 calcium-fortified Food products sold in markets in Seoul, Korea. Content of minerals such as Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Cu, Zn was measured by atomic absorption or colorimetric method after dry-ashing or wet-ashing. The measured values of calcium were ranged 65.5~343.9% of the labeled values in 43 calcium-fortified products. In 21 calcium-fortified food products, the measured calcium values were ranged 120~160% of the labeled values, and in three drinks those were less than 80% of the labeled, which is not acceptable to the food regulation. The ratios of Ca:P were 2.63$\pm$1.99 (mean$\pm$SD) in grain Products, 1.79$\pm$0.39 in Ramyuns, 2.80$\pm$0.53 in retort pouch food products and 8.35$\pm$12.87 in drinks. The Ca:Fe ratios were 126.33$\pm$44.36 in grain products, 130.65$\pm$34.67 in Ramyuns, 120.31$\pm$71.15 in retort pouch food products and 700.25$\pm$553.70 in drinks. The ratios of Ca:Mg were 11.86$\pm$5.40 in grain products, 9.29$\pm$1.34 in Ramyuns, 9.09$\pm$2.09 in retort pouch food products and 32.50$\pm$41.35 in drinks. The P:Mg ratios were 4.11$\pm$1.54 in grain products, 4.17$\pm$0.67 in Ramyuns, 2.58$\pm$0.45 in retort pouch food Products and 2.59$\pm$2.50 in drinks. These results suggest calcium contents and the ratio of calcium contents to other minerals in calcium-fortified food products should be strictly controlled.

Characteristics and Distribution Pattern of Carbonate Rock Resources in Kangwon Area: The Gabsan Formation around the Mt. Gachang Area, Chungbuk, Korea (강원 지역에 분포하는 석회석 자원의 특성과 부존환경: 충북 가창산 지역의 갑산층을 중심으로)

  • Park, Soo-In;Lee, Hee-Kwon;Lee, Sang-Hun
    • Journal of the Korean earth science society
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    • v.21 no.4
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    • pp.437-448
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    • 2000
  • The Middle Carboniferous Gabsan Formation is distributed in the Cheongrim area of southern Yeongwol and the Mt. Gachang area of Chungbuk Province. This study was carried out to investigate the lithological characters and geochemical composition of the limestones and to find out controlling structures of the limestones of the formation. The limestones of the Gabsan Formation are characterized by the light gray to light brown in color and fine and dense textures. The limestone grains are composed of crinoid fragments, small foraminfers, fusulinids, gastropods, ostracods, etc. Due to the recrystallization, some limestones consist of fine crystalline calcites. The chemical analysis of limestones of the formation was conducted to find out the contents of CaO, MgO, Al$_2$O$_3$, Fe$_2$O$_3$ and SiO$_2$. The content of CaO ranges from 49.78-60.63% and the content of MgO ranges from 0.74 to 4.63% The contents of Al$_2$O$_3$ and Fe$_2$O$_3$ are 0.02-0.55% and 0.02${\sim}$0.84% , respectively. The content of SiO$_2$ varies from 1.55 to 4.80%, but some samples contain more than 6.0%. The limestones of the formation can be grouped into two according to the CaO content: One is a group of which CaO content ranges from 49.78 to 56.26% and the other is a group of which CaO content varies from 59.36 to 60.38%. In the first group, the contents of Al$_2$O$_3$, Fe$_2$O$_3$ and SiO$_2$ range very irregularly according to the CaO content. In the second group, the values of MgO, Al$_2$O$_3$, Fe$_2$O$_3$ and SiO$_2$ are nearly same. Detailed structural analysis of mesoscopic structures and microstructures indicates the five phase of deformation in the study area. The first phase of deformation(D$_1$) is characterized by regional scale isoclinal folds, and bedding parallel S$_1$ axial plane foliation which is locally developed in the mudstone and sandstone. Based on the observations of microstructures, S$_1$ foliations appear to be developed by grain preferred orientation accompanying pressure-solution. During second phase of deformation, outcrop scale E-W trending folds with associated foliations and lineations are developed. Microstructural observations indicate that crenulation foliations were formed by pressure-solution, grain boundary sliding and grain rotation. NNW and SSE trending outcrop scale folds, axial plane foliations, crenulation foliations, crenulation lineations, intersection lineations are developed during the third phase of deformation. On the microscale F$_3$ fold, axial plane foliations which are formed by pressure solution are well developed. Fourth phase of deformation is characterized by map scale NNW trending folds. The pre-existing planar and linear structures are reoriented by F$_4$ folds. Fifth phase of deformation developed joints and faults. The distribution pattern of the limestones is mostly controlled by F$_1$ and F$_4$ folds.

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Patient Satisfaction with Cancer Pain Management (암성통증관리 만족도)

  • Lee, So-Woo;Kim, Si-Young;Hong, Young-Seon;Kim, Eun-Kyung;Kim, Hyun-Sook
    • Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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    • v.6 no.1
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    • pp.22-33
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    • 2003
  • Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the present status of patients' satisfaction and the reasons for any satisfaction or dissatisfaction in cancer pain management Methods : A cross-sectional survey was used to obtain the feedback about pain management. The results of the survey were collected from 59 in- or out-patient who had cancer treatment at two of the teaching hospitals in Seoul from July, 2002 to November, 2002. The data was obtained by a structured questionnaire based on the American Cancer Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire(APS-POQ) and other previous research. The clinical information for all patients were compiled by reviewing their medical records. Resuts : 1) The subjects' mean score of the worst pain was 6.77, the average pain score was 3.80, and the pain score after management was 2.93 for the past 24 hours. The mean score of total pain interference was $25.03{\pm}12.82$. Many of the subjects had false beliefs about pain such as 'the experience of pain is a sign that the illness has gotten worse', 'pain medicine should be 'saved' in case the pain gets worse' and 'people get addicted to pain medicine easily'. 2) 66.1% of the subjects were properly medicated with analgesics. 33.9% of the subjects reported use of various methods in controlling pain other than the prescribed medication. Only 33.9% of the subjects had a chance to be educated about pain management by doctors or nurses. 3) The mean score of patients' satisfaction with pain management was $4.19{\pm}1.14$. 72.9% of the subjects answered 'satisfied' with pain management. The reasons for dissatisfaction were 'the pain was not relieved even after the pain management', 'I was not quickly and promptly treated when I complained of pain', 'doctors and nurses didn't pay much attention to my complaints of pain.', and 'there was no appropriate information given on the methods of administration, effect duration and side effects of pain medicine.' The reasons for satisfaction were: 'the pain was relieved after the pain management.', 'doctors and nurses quickly and promptly controlled my pain.', 'doctors and nurses paid enough attention to my complaints of pain.' and 'trust in my physician'. 4) In pain severity or pain interference, no significant difference was found between the satisfied group and dissatisfied group. On the belief 'good patients avoid talking about pain', a significant difference was found between the satisfied group and dissatisfied group. Conclusions : The patients' satisfaction with cancer pain management has increased over the years but still about 30% of patients reported to be 'not satisfied' for various reasons. The results of this study suggest that patients' education should be done to improve satisfaction in the pain management program.

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The Effect of Price Discount Rate According to Brand Loyalty on Consumer's Acquisition Value and Transaction Value (브랜드애호도에 따른 가격할인율의 차이가 소비자의 획득가치와 거래가치에 미치는 영향)

  • Kim, Young-Ei;Kim, Jae-Yeong;Shin, Chang-Nag
    • Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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    • v.17 no.4
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    • pp.247-269
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    • 2007
  • In recent years, one of the major reasons for the fierce competition amongst firms is that they strive to increase their own market shares and customer acquisition rate in the same market with similar and apparently undifferentiated products in terms of quality and perceived benefit. Because of this change in recent marketing environment, the differentiated after-sales service and diversified promotion strategies have become more important to gain competitive advantage. Price promotion is the favorite strategy that most retailers use to achieve short-term sales increase, induce consumer's brand switch, in troduce new product into market, and so forth. However, if marketers apply or copy an identical price promotion strategy without considering the characteristic differences in product and consumer preference, it will cause serious problems because discounted price itself could make people skeptical about product quality, and the changes of perceived value might appear differently depending on other factors such as consumer involvement or brand attitude. Previous studies showed that price promotion would certainly increase sales, and the discounted price compared to regular price would enhance the consumer's perceived values. On the other hand, discounted price itself could make people depreciate or skeptical about product quality, and reduce the consumers' positivity bias because consumers might be unsure whether the current price promotion is the retailer's best price offer. Moreover, we cannot say that discounted price absolutely enhances the consumer's perceived values regardless of product category and purchase situations. That is, the factors that affect consumers' value perceptions and buying behavior are so diverse in reality that the results of studies on the same dependent variable come out differently depending on what variable was used or how experiment conditions were designed. Majority of previous researches on the effect of price-comparison advertising have used consumers' buying behavior as dependent variable. In order to figure out consumers' buying behavior theoretically, analysis of value perceptions which influence buying intentions is needed. In addition, they did not combined the independent variables such as brand loyalty and price discount rate together. For this reason, this paper tried to examine the moderating effect of brand loyalty on relationship between the different levels of discounting rate and buyers' value perception. And we provided with theoretical and managerial implications that marketers need to consider such variables as product attributes, brand loyalty, and consumer involvement at the same time, and then establish a differentiated pricing strategy case by case in order to enhance consumer's perceived values properl. Three research concepts were used in our study and each concept based on past researches was defined. The perceived acquisition value in this study was defined as the perceived net gains associated with the products or services acquired. That is, the perceived acquisition value of the product will be positively influenced by the benefits buyers believe they are getting by acquiring and using the product, and negatively influenced by the money given up to acquire the product. And the perceived transaction value was defined as the perception of psychological satisfaction or pleasure obtained from taking advantage of the financial terms of the price deal. Lastly, the brand loyalty was defined as favorable attitude towards a purchased product. Thus, a consumer loyal to a brand has an emotional attachment to the brand or firm. Repeat purchasers continue to buy the same brand even though they do not have an emotional attachment to it. We assumed that if the degree of brand loyalty is high, the perceived acquisition value and the perceived transaction value will increase when higher discount rate is provided. But we found that there are no significant differences in values between two different discount rates as a result of empirical analysis. It means that price reduction did not affect consumer's brand choice significantly because the perceived sacrifice decreased only a little, and customers are satisfied with product's benefits when brand loyalty is high. From the result, we confirmed that consumers with high degree of brand loyalty to a specific product are less sensitive to price change. Thus, using price promotion strategy to merely expect sale increase is not recommendable. Instead of discounting price, marketers need to strengthen consumers' brand loyalty and maintain the skimming strategy. On the contrary, when the degree of brand loyalty is low, the perceived acquisition value and the perceived transaction value decreased significantly when higher discount rate is provided. Generally brands that are considered inferior might be able to draw attention away from the quality of the product by making consumers focus more on the sacrifice component of price. But considering the fact that consumers with low degree of brand loyalty are known to be unsatisfied with product's benefits and have relatively negative brand attitude, bigger price reduction offered in experiment condition of this paper made consumers depreciate product's quality and benefit more and more, and consumer's psychological perceived sacrifice increased while perceived values decreased accordingly. We infer that, in the case of inferior brand, a drastic price-cut or frequent price promotion may increase consumers' uncertainty about overall components of product. Therefore, it appears that reinforcing the augmented product such as after-sale service, delivery and giving credit which is one of the levels consisting of product would be more effective in reality. This will be better rather than competing with product that holds high brand loyalty by reducing sale price. Although this study tried to examine the moderating effect of brand loyalty on relationship between the different levels of discounting rate and buyers' value perception, there are several limitations. This study was conducted in controlled conditions where the high involvement product and two different levels of discount rate were applied. Given the presence of low involvement product, when both pieces of information are available, it is likely that the results we have reported here may have been different. Thus, this research results explain only the specific situation. Second, the sample selected in this study was university students in their twenties, so we cannot say that the results are firmly effective to all generations. Future research that manipulates the level of discount along with the consumer involvement might lead to a more robust understanding of the effects various discount rate. And, we used a cellular phone as a product stimulus, so it would be very interesting to analyze the result when the product stimulus is an intangible product such as service. It could be also valuable to analyze whether the change of perceived value affects consumers' final buying behavior positively or negatively.

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