• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.61-95
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• 2007

Small-and-medium sized enterprises(SMEs) represent quite a large proportion of the industry as a whole in terms of the number of enterprises or employees. However researches on information system so far have focused on large companies, probably because SMEs were not so active in introducing information systems as larger enterprises. SMEs are now increasingly bringing in information systems such as ERP(Enterprise Resource Planning Systems) and some of the companies already entered the stage of ongoing use. Accordingly, researches should deal with the use of information systems by SME s operating under different conditions from large companies. This study examined factors and mechanism inducing faithful appropriation of information systems, in particular integrative systems such as ERP, in view of individuals` active feedback-seeking behavior. There are three factors expected to affect end users` feedback-seeking behavior for faithful appropriation of information systems. They are management support, peer IT champ support, and IT staff support. The main focus of the study is on how these factors affect feedback-seeking behavior and whether the feedback-seeking behavior plays the role of mediator for realizing faithful appropriation of information systems by end users. To examine the research model and the hypotheses, this study employed an empirical method based on a field survey. The survey used measurements mostly employed and verified by previous researches, while some of the measurements had gone through minor modifications for the purpose of the study. The survey respondents are individual employees of SMEs that have been using ERP for one year or longer. To prevent common method bias, Task-Technology Fit items used as the control variable were made to be answered by different respondents. In total, 127 pairs of valid questionnaires were collected and used for the analysis. The PLS(Partial Least Squares) approach to structural equation modeling(PLS-Graph v.3.0) was used as our data analysis strategy because of its ability to model both formative and reflective latent constructs under small-and medium-size samples. The analysis shows Reliability, Construct Validity and Discriminant Validity are appropriate. The path analysis results are as follows; first, the more there is peer IT champ support, the more the end user is likely to show feedback-seeking behavior(path-coefficient=0.230, t=2.28, p<0.05). In other words, if colleagues proficient in information system use recognize the importance of their help, pass on what they have found to be an effective way of using the system or correct others' misuse, ordinary end users will be able to seek feedback on the faithfulness of their appropriation of information system without hesitation, because they know the convenience of getting help. Second, management support encourages ordinary end users to seek more feedback(path-coefficient=0.271, t=3.06, p<0.01) by affecting the end users' perceived value of feedback(path-coefficient=0.401, t=6.01, p<0.01). Management support is far more influential than other factors that when the management of an SME well understands the benefit of ERP, promotes its faithful appropriation and pays attention to employees' satisfaction with the system, employees will make deliberate efforts for faithful appropriation of the system. However, the third factor, IT staff support was found not to be conducive to feedback-seeking behavior from end users(path-coefficient=0.174, t=1.83). This is partly attributable to the fundamental reason that there is little support for end users from IT staff in SMEs. Even when IT staff provides support, end users may find it less important than that from coworkers more familiar with the end users' job. Meanwhile, the more end users seek feedback and attempt to find ways of faithful appropriation of information systems, the more likely the users will be able to deploy the system according to the purpose the system was originally meant for(path-coefficient=0.35, t=2.88, p<0.01). Finally, the mediation effect analysis confirmed the mediation effect of feedback-seeking behavior. By confirming the mediation effect of feedback-seeking behavior, this study draws attention to the importance of feedback-seeking behavior that has long been overlooked in research about information system use. This study also explores the factors that promote feedback-seeking behavior which in result could affect end user`s faithful appropriation of information systems. In addition, this study provides insight about which inducements or resources SMEs should offer to promote individual users' feedback-seeking behavior when formal and sufficient support from IT staff or an outside information system provider is hardly expected. As the study results show, under the business environment of SMEs, help from skilled colleagues and the management plays a critical role. Therefore, SMEs should seriously consider how to utilize skilled peer information system users, while the management should pay keen attention to end users and support them to make the most of information systems.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.1075-1082
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• 2016

In order to calculate the optimum installation interval between a speed hump and hump type crosswalk that are installed continuously in succession, this study examined the speed of a vehicle that passes different intervals between speed humps and hump type crosswalks from the approach section of a roundabout having a maximum speed limit of 30km/h; analyzed the effects of speed humps and hump type crosswalks installed continuously in succession on vehicle driving speed; and simulated the optimum installation height of hump type crosswalk. As a result, the following conclusion was drawn. First, it was found that the optimum interval between a speed hump and hump type crosswalk, which are the representative traffic calming techniques for reducing vehicle speed, to control vehicle speed under 30km/h is 30m. Second, as a result of comparing the deceleration of a vehicle that pass hump type crosswalks, it was found that if the installation interval is 65 m and above, a speed hump and hump type crosswalk had no effect. Therefore, it is desirable that the maximum installation interval between a speed hump and hump type crosswalk for controlling vehicle speed within a fixed road section should not exceed 65m. Third, the analysis showed that the optimum installation height of hump type crosswalk is 6-8cm in case vehicle speed at the approach section is 20km/h or lower, 8-10cm in case of 30km/h, and 10cm in case of 30km/h or higher, respectively. Fourth, even at a road section on which a speed hump and hump type crosswalk are installed, speed reduction effects may sometimes be insignificant due to a driver's studying effect, traffic conditions and so on. Thus, it is judged that speed reduction effects will be greater if several traffic calming techniques such as speed hump, chicane, and choker are applied at the same time. Therefore, in case of applying traffic calming techniques for the purpose of reducing vehicle speed in order to promote pedestrian safety, the composite application of several techniques should be considered.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.57-81
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• 2001

In the amphibolites of the Hwanggangri area, three metamorphic zones are established like hornblende-actinolite zone (H-AZ), hornblende zone (HZ) and diopside zone (DZ) by the main mineral assemblages. Hornblende zone and hornblende-actinolite zone develope away from the diopside zone that experienced the highest thermal effect. Thus, this pattern identifies the decreasing metamorphic grade of the contact metamorphism with increasing distance from the granitic pluton. The mineral assemblages of this rock are classified into six representative groups such as $\circled1$ actinolite+plagioclase+chlorite, $\circled2$ actinolite+hornblende+plagioclase+chlorite$\pm$epidote$\pm$biotite, $\circled3$ actinolite+hornblende+plagioclass$\pm$biotite$\pm$epidote, $\circled4$ hornblende+plagioclase$\pm$biotite$\pm$chlorite, $\circled5$ hornblende+plagioclase+diopside+actinolite$\pm$epidote$\pm$chlorite, $\circled6$hornblende+plagioclase+diopside$\pm$biotite$\pm$epidote. Two metamorphic events m recognized in the amphibolites of the study area that the first metamorphism is the regional metamorphism dominantly occurred in the whole Ogcheon metamorphic belt and it gave rise to the growth of actinolite at the core or center of the amphibole grains of coarse and medium size. Its metamorphic grade ranges from the greenschist facies to epidote-amphibolite facies. The second metamorphism overlapped is the contact metamorphism caused by the adjacent granitic pluton, and its metamorphic grade is thought to reach to the low pressure part of upper amphibolite facies. According to the calculation by TWEEQU thermobarometry and amphibole-plagioclase thermometry, the metamorphic temperature of initial regional metamorphism is $439-537^{\circ}C$ under pressure of 4.6-7.3 kb and its peak temperature and pressure are considered to reach to the range of 492-537 and 5.2-7.3 kb. And the temperature range of contact metamorphism occurred by intrusion of cretaceous granitic body, is $588-739^{\circ}C$ under pressure of 2.6-5.2 kb and its peak temperature and pressure are estimated as having the range of $697-739^{\circ}C$ and 3.8-5.2 kb that this amphibolites are estimated to pass through the metamorphic evolution of both the rise of temperature and the drop of pressure.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.392-399
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• 1998

Nitrogen fertilizers such as urea are readily hydrolyzed in soils to produce ammonium ions which pass through nitrification and denitrification processes. These serial processes have drawn attention due to nitrogen losses, eutrophication, blue baby syndrome, and ozone depletion problems. The purpose of this study was to test the inhibitory effects of hot-water extract and organic solvent fractions of Artemisia asiatica leaves on soil urea hydrolysis and nitrification. In addition, the effects of organic solvent fractions on urease activity and ureolytic bacterial population were also investigated. First, hot-water extract of Artemisia asiatica leaves inhibited soil nitrification substantially with a marginal stimulatory effect on soil urea hydrolysis. Soils treated with hot-water extract of Artemisia asiatica leaves showed significant decreases in the accumulation of soil $NO_3-N$ (~68% decrease) compared with the control soil without the treatment of hot-water extract. In contrast, $CHCl_3$/MeOH fraction and basic aqueous layer of Artemisia asiatica leaves inhibited soil urea hydrolysis very strongly, causing 5.8 and 4.3-fold higher accumulation in amounts of remaining urea-N compared with the non-treated soil. Meanwhile, non of the organic solvent fractions showed any significant effects on soil nitrification inhibition. The inhibition of ureolytic bacterial activity by $CHCl_3$/MeOH fraction and aqueous basic layer of Artemisia asiatica leaves without any effects on urease activity itself led us to conclude that the inhibitions of soil urea hydrolysis were caused by the antagonistic effects on ureolytic bacterial activity.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2012

Purpose: To evaluate dose distribution differences when the dose rates are randomly changed in intensity-modulated radiation therapy using a dynamic multileafcollimator. Materials and Methods: Two IMRT treatment plans including small-field and large-field plans were made using a commercial treatment planning system (Eclipse, Varian, Palo Alto, CA). Each plan had three sub-plans according to various dose rates of 100, 400, and 600 MU/min. A chamber array (2D-Array Seven729, PTW-Freiburg) was positioned between solid water phantom slabs to give measurement depth of 5 cm and backscattering depth of 5 cm. Beam deliveries were performed on the array detector using a 6 MV beam of a linear accelerator (Clinac 21EX, Varian, Palo Alto, CA) equipped with 120-leaf MLC (Millenium 120, Varian). At first, the beam was delivered with same dose rates as planned to obtain reference values. After the standard measurements, dose rates were then changed as follows: 1) for plans with 100 MU/min, dose rate was varied to 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 MU/min, 2) for plans with 400 MU/min, dose rate was varied to 100, 200, 300, 500 and 600 MU/min, 3) for plans with 600 MU/min, dose rate was varied to 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 MU/min. Finally, using an analysis software (Verisoft 3.1, PTW-Freiburg), the dose difference and distribution between the reference and dose-rate-varied measurements was evaluated. Results: For the small field plan, the local dose differences were -0.8, -1.1, -1.3, -1.5, and -1.6% for the dose rate of 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 MU/min, respectively (for 100 MU/min reference), +0.9, +0.3, +0.1, -0.2, and -0.2% for the dose rate of 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 MU/min, respectively (for 400 MU/min reference) and +1.4, +0.8, +0.5, +0.3, and +0.2% for the dose rate of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 MU/min, respectively (for 600 MU/min reference). On the other hand, for the large field plan, the pass-rate differences were -1.3, -1.6, -1.8, -2.0, and -2.4% for the dose rate of 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 MU/min, respectively (for 100 MU/min reference), +2.0, +1.8, +0.5, -1.2, and -1.6% for the dose rate of 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 MU/min, respectively (for 400 MU/min reference) and +1.5, +1.9, +1.7, +1.9, and +1.2% for the dose rate of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 MU/min, respectively (for 600 MU/min reference). In short, the dose difference of dose-rate variation was measured to the -2.4~+2.0%. Conclusion: Using the Varian linear accelerator with 120 MLC, the IMRT dose distribution is differed a little <(${\pm}3%$) even though the dose-rate is changed.