• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.35-46
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• 2017

Most of high carbon fly ashes (HCFA) are discarded in landfills with high costs due to low recycling rate. This study aims to explore the geotechnical behaviors of HCFA mixtures reinforced with fiber and sand. A series of compaction test, unconfined compressive strength test and modified 1D consolidation test with bender element were performed. Specimens were prepared at their optimal moisture contents based on the results of compaction tests. The results of this study demonstrate that the inclusion of fibers to the matrix of HCFA increases unconfined compressive strength (UCS), strain at UCS, and maximum shear modulus ($G_{max}$) at a given void ratio. Reinforcement with sand increases UCS of HCFA; while the strain at UCS is irrelevant with sand fractions. Sand particles may disrupt the direct contacts between HCFA particles at low sand content, resulting in a decrease in $G_{max}$. However, it can be expected that the mixtures with sand content larger than 20% are in dense state; thus, $G_{max}$ of HCFA reinforced with sand shows greater value than that of unreinforced HCFA compacted with the same energy. Regardless of types of reinforcement, the compression index ($C_c$) of both fiber and sand reinforced HCFA is mainly determined by initial void ratio.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.65-72
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• 1999

A methodology for determining the optimal durations of the use of contaminated crops as feedstuffs of cattle was designed based on the cost-benefit analysis method. The results of application for pigs, an omnivorous cattle, were discussed for the hypothetical deposition of radionuclides on August 15 when a number of crops are fully developed in Korean agricultural conditions. For investigating the relative cost-effectiveness of the use of contaminated crops as feedstuffs, the net benefit was compared with the case of the direct disposal of contaminated crops. The time-dependent radionuclide concentration in crops after the deposition was predicted using a dynamic food chain model DYNACON. The net benefit from the actions was quantitatively evaluated in terms of cost equivalent of doses and monetary costs of implementing the action. It depended on a number of factors such as radionuclides, variety of crops supplied as feedstuffs and duration of the actions. The use of contaminated crops as feedstuffs was more cost effective for $^{90}Sr\;or\;^{131}I$ deposition than for $^{137}Cs$ deposition.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.12
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• pp.5147-5152
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• 2016

Background: Investigations of methods for detection of mutations have uncovered major weaknesses of direct sequencing and pyrosequencing, with their high costs and low sensitivity in screening for both known and unknown mutations. High resolution melting (HRM) analysis is an alternative tool for the rapid detection of mutations. Here we describe the accuracy of HRM in screening for KRAS and BRAF mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRCs) samples. Materials and Methods: A total of 1000 mCRC patients in Mehr Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from Feb 2008 to May 2012 were examined for KRAS mutations and 242 of them were selected for further assessment of BRAF mutations by HRM analysis. In order to calculate the sensitivity and specificity, HRM results were checked by pyrosequencing as the golden standard and Dxs Therascreen as a further method. Results: In the total of 1,000 participants, there were 664 (66.4%) with wild type and 336 (33.6%) with mutant codons 12 and/or 13 of the KRAS gene. Among 242 samples randomly checked for the BRAF gene, all were wild type by HRM. Pyrosequencing and Dxs Therascreen results were in line with those of the HRM. In this regard, the sensitivity and specificity of HRM were evaluated as 100%. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the HRM, in comparison with DNA sequencing, is a more appropriate method for precise scanning of KRAS and BRAF mutations. It is also possible to state that HRM may be an attractive technique for the detection of known or unknown somatic mutations in other genes.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.10
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• pp.209-214
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• 2017

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that led greenhouse grape farms to delay their heating periods after the coming into force of the Korea-Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Panel data on the cropping (system) changes from 2004 through 2016 were used for the analysis. According to the panel logistic model, the estimated coefficient of the cultivation area was 0.0002, which was statistically significant at the 10% significance level, the estimated coefficient of grape imports was 1.4258, which was statistically significant at the 1% significance level, and the estimated coefficient of the regional dummy was 0.808, which was statistically significant at the 5% significance level. The results indicated that the use of wider cultivation areas, increase in grape imports, and colder climate(in the mid-northern part of Korea) increased the likelihood of delayed heating. The Korean government is offering direct payment programs and business closure support to the greenhouse grape farmers. While these actions can relieve the damage caused by the increase in grape imports, they will not provide the ultimate solution. Various support measures are needed, such as renewing the varieties to meet the changing demand of grape consumers, providing agricultural materials to reduce the heating expenses, and modernizing greenhouse facilities to improve the energy efficiency and reduce the costs.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.4
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• pp.519-531
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• 2020

Objective : The purpose of this study is identify the operation status of the neurosurgical care units (NCUs) in neurosurgical residency training hospitals nationwide and determine needed changes by comparing findings with those obtained from the Korean Neurosurgical Society (KNS) and Korean Society of Neurointensive Care Medicine (KNIC) survey of 2010. Method : This survey was conducted over 1 year in 86 neurosurgical residency training hospitals and two neurosurgery specialist hospitals and focused on the following areas : 1) the current status of the infrastructure and operating systems of NCUs in Korea, 2) barriers to installing neurointensivist team systems, 3) future roles of the KNS and KNIC, and 4) a handbook for physicians and practitioners in NCUs. We compared and analyzed the results of this survey with those from a KNIC survey of 2010. Results : Seventy seven hospitals (87.5%) participated in the survey. Nineteen hospitals (24.7%) employed a neurointensivist or faculty member; Thirty seven hospitals (48.1%) reported high demand for neurointensivists, and 62 hospitals (80.5%) stated that the mandatory deployment of a neurointensivist improved the quality of patient care. Forty four hospitals (57.1%) believed that hiring neurointensivist would increase hospital costs, and in response to a question on potential earnings declines. In terms of potential solutions to these problems, 70 respondents (90.9%) maintained that additional fees were necessary for neurointensivists' work, and 64 (83.1%) answered that direct support was needed of the personnel expenses for neurointensivists. Conclusion : We hope the results of this survey will guide successful implementation of neurointensivist systems across Korea.

• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.152-164
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• 2015

Enhancing clarity and transparency of the pricing guide for technical services for public construction works enables the prediction and reimbursement of the service cost for project owners and bidders, while it would also yield benefits for engineers who carry out the construction tasks. In order to improve the global competitiveness of construction service industry, the government revised its pricing guide for techical services for construction works recently, moving away from its previous percentage-of-construction-cost method towards the Cost Plus a Fee Method. However, since the Cost Plus a Fee Method results in the rise of the service price by 153%~197%, there is the need for a review on the method and basis of the adjustment in order to avoid controversies regarding the application of the revised method. In this context, this paper analysed the 2014 revision of the pricing guide for technical services for public construction works through comparison with foreign cases including those of the US and the UK. The analysis yielded the conclusion that, while the shift towards Cost Plus a Fee Method which is widely used in advanced economies is a very meaningful change in large measure, certain aspects still remain problematic. Unlike in advanced economies, the detailed break-down shows the direct labor cost includes certain indirect expenses. Also, indirec expenses are admitted so comprehensively as to include overhead costs and technology royalties. These problems results in redundant estimation of certain expenses, and obstructs transparency in spending details. This paper proposes various improvement measures to address these issues.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.71-78
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• 2015

Purpose - This study attempts to analyze whether or not there are characteristics among the top management of companies that promote corporate performance at venture companies. It investigates the characteristics of the human and social capital that are inherent in top management at a venture company and conducts an empirical analysis of hypotheses examining if these characteristics will affect utilization of the governmental R&D support system as well as affect the firm's initial success. Research design, data, and methodology - This study conducted theoretical and empirical research together to accomplish the goal of the study. The pilot study researched human capital and social capital as the independent variables; the governmental R&D support system as the parameter; and, the initial success as the dependent variable. The empirical study carried out research on the model, establishment of hypotheses, and the statistical treatment. A survey was conducted targeting top management of high-tech venture companies in Daedeok Innopolis; 500 questionnaires were distributed; and, 222 were collected. Results - The human and social capital inherent in top management at venture companies in the early stages of their existence become good evaluation data for those who are invested in similar resources. If top management includes strong human and social capital, access to external resources will be easier; these will have a positive influence on the selection of overnmental support systems; and, this proper support will also have a positive influence on the initial success of the venture company. The results revealed the following. First, it was found that when the educational level and functional background, (the top management human capital), are the output function, top management human capital had a significant influence on selection of governmental R&D support funds. Second, it was found that the internal social capital and external social capital, (the top management social capital), had a significant influence on selection of governmental R&D support tasks. Third, it was found that selection of the governmental R&D support tasks at the start of the venture company had a positive influence on the corporate financial performance such as sales, business profits, and the increase in workers; and, had a significant influence on nonfinancial performance such as market share, competitive position, product competitiveness, and the future product development. Conclusions - Selection of the governmental R&D support system is not recognized as part of the direct sales of a venture company in its early stages, but as it can reduce costs for technical development and helps significantly in creating test products and mass production, it has a positive influence on the company's financial performance and nonfinancial performance as a result. Therefore, companies should take great efforts to frequently be selected as a candidate in the governmental R&D support system, as it can help facilitate R&D that requires extensive funds. As a result, companies can expect effects such as job creation and patent applications and they can advance future product sales.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.73-80
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• 2013

Purpose - As the smart-phone market adds new technologies and introduces new marketing trends, competition among companies is getting fierce. Now, smart-phone companies need to pay attention not only to attaining new customers but also to retaining customers, which means managing relationships to prevent customer defection. Therefore, how to satisfy customer needs and maintain long-term relations are both important to make consistent progress in the rapidly changing smart-phone market. To illustrate this point, the study focuses on analyzing the effects of consumption value on relational factors and buying intentions among smart-phone users. First, consumption value was divided into functional, economic, and emotional values. After that, the effects of these values on satisfaction and brand trust were confirmed. Additionally, effects of satisfaction and brand trust on repurchase intention were analyzed. Research design, data, and methodology - The data was collected in a self-administered survey among 270 undergraduate students, using smart-phones between June 4th-12th, 2012. A total of 257 questionnaires were collected and used for the data analysis. A path analysis based on Lisrel 8.54 was used for the hypothesis test. Consumption value was divided into functional, economic, and emotional values. Subsequently, the effects of these values on satisfaction and trust in the brand were confirmed. Additionally, the effects of satisfaction and trust in the brand on repurchase intention were analyzed. Results - First, functional value, economic value, and emotional value - especially emotional value - were revealed to have positive effects on satisfaction. Second, emotional value was shown to have positive effects on brand trust, while functional and economic values did not. Third, satisfaction had positive effects on brand trust. In considering the relative influence on brand trust, satisfaction was the most crucial factor. It is clear that in the evaluation of the direct experience, using the product or the service plays an important role in building brand trust. Fourth, satisfaction and brand trust positively influenced repurchase intention. This indicates that both factors must be achieved to induce the repurchase Intention among customers. Conclusions - One can see that the enjoyable emotions consumers feel while using smart-phones is the most important factor in increasing levels of satisfaction. Moreover, this indicates that consumers pursue economic desires along with convenient functions in order to reduce opportunity costs. Additionally, consumers are affected by psychological and emotional messages in building trust, rather than practical and rational ones. Thus, in order to appeal to young clients as an attractive brand in the smart-phone market, approaching customers with an emotional value is recommended. In addition, in order for the brand to gain trust, the overall experience the consumer feels while using smart phones should be maximized. After all, one must fulfill the consumers' desire for a new experience and show a willingness to faithfully accomplish the responsibility of the brand to strengthen relationships with customers in the smart-phone market.

• Journal of Korea Technology Innovation Society
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.292-317
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• 2015

As modern science and technology and warfare become to be advanced and precise, the weapon systems becomes more complex based on state-of-the-art technology. Therefore, firms in the defense industry continue to accelerate research and development for up-to-date weapon systems with high complexity which urge the firms to collaborate with the external organizations to obtain the knowledge required and eventually to reduce costs and risk. This study tries an empirical study about the effect of collaboration on the innovation performances from the network analysis perspective. By surveying collaboration relationships among 530 firms in the Korean defense industry, we analyzed the alliance network of the defense industry. Network centrality including degree, closeness, and betweenness centralities is investigated and then the relationship among the network centrality property, internal R&D capabilities and innovation is analysed. The results show that firms with high internal R&D capabilities place the firm at center of the network. On the other hand, except for the firms with highly connected centrality, no relationship was found between the internal R&D capabilities and its performance and in turn. these capabilities had both direct and indirect effects on innovation performances through mediated collaboration among firms. This study implied that Korean firms with a high internal R&D capabilities in the defense industry which utilize knowledge, information and resources within the network more frequently show more innovative performance. This result claims the policy makers to participate more firms in fostering open innovation for the defense industry.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.158-175
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to understand and improve the clothing habits and the apparel industry of North Korea in preparation for the reunification of South and North Korea. For this study, literary data, reports, periodicals, interviews and internet data of the two Koreas were reviewed. North Korean clothing habits used to be monotonous and uniform but nowadays people's clothes have become somewhat brighter in color and more diverse in design than before. In particular, liberal and individual dressing habits appeared among the privileged classes. When taking part in national events, women have to wear the traditional Korean costume, Hanbok, while men wear business suits for formal wear. In general, men don't wear Hanbok. Students have to be in uniforms but blue jeans, T-shirts with English logos were popular among them reflecting their sensitivity and openness towards western cultures. The brides usually wear pink Hanboks and the bridegrooms wear black business suits for their wedding. North Koreans also wear Hanbok on national holidays like South Koreans. Clothing is the most important item in the trade of process commission between North and South Korea. Trading items are mid to low end men's clothing for the most part due to less emphasis on fashion in the North. The processing is indirect trade and composed of sample making and contracting, sending out materials and production, carrying in goods and setting accounts. To activate South-North trade, establishment of infrastructure, stabilization of shipping, reducing high costs of distribution, building direct communication system by setting up office in a neutral zone and simplifying procedures in applying for the South and North Korea Economic Cooperation Fund. On the other hand, clothing and textiles education is carried on at art colleges, light industries colleges and commercial colleges in Pyongyang. Clothing institutes which study Hanbok and Western clothes, are installed in each city and province. Graduates who majored in clothing and textiles are posted in institutes or apparel factories. Their job is designing, patternmaking and sewing for their customers. Most of them are women and in good state of economic conditions. The North Korean clothing industry has been the core national industry that has developed based on overseas demand form the mid 1980s. The standard is that of South Korea in the early 1980s. In 1999, trade of North Korean textile products with trade counterparts such as Japan and China was $1.3 million in exports and $1.27 in imports. Of this amount the export takes up 25.4% of the total exports in North Korea. However, fundamentally even in sectors that are irrelevant to politics such as the fashion clothing industry, trust between the South and North should be a prerequisite. Only through this can exchange between North and South and economic cooperation contribute towards the reunification.