• Asia pacific journal of information systems
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.95-116
• /
• 2009

Increasingly the institutional theory has been an important theoretical view of decision making process and IT adoption in many academic researches. This study used the institutional theory as a lens through which we can understand the factors that enable the effective appropriation of advanced information technology. It posits that mimetic, coercive, and normative pressures existing in an institutionalized environment could influence the participation of top managers or decision makers and the involvement of users toward an effective use of IT in their tasks. Since the introduction of IT, organizational members have been using IT in their daily tasks, creating and recreating rules and resources according to their own methods and needs. That is to say, the adaptation process of the IT and outcomes are different among organizations. The previous studies on a diverse use of IT refer to the appropriation of technology from the social technology view. Users appropriate IT through not only technology itself, but also in terms of how they use it or how they make the social practice in their use of it. In this study, the concepts of institutional pressure, appropriation, participation of decision makers, and involvement of users toward the appropriation are explored in the context of the appropriation of the mobile electronic medical record system (M-EMRS) in particularly a hospital setting. Based on the conceptual definition of institutional pressure, participation and involvement, operational measures are reconstructed. Furthermore, the concept of appropriation is measured in the aspect of three sub-constructs-consensus on appropriation, faithful appropriation, and attitude of use. Grounded in the relevant theories to appropriation of IT, we developed a research framework in which the effects of institutional pressure, participation and involvement on the appropriation of IT are analyzed. Within this theoretical framework, we formulated several hypotheses. We developed a second order institutional pressure and appropriation construct. After establishing its validity and reliability, we tested the hypotheses with empirical data from 101 users in 3 hospitals which had adopted and used the M-EMRS. We examined the mediating effect of the participation of decision makers and the involvement of users on the appropriation and empirically validated their relationships. The results show that the mimetic, coercive, and normative institutional pressure has an effect on the participation of decision makers and the involvement of users in the appropriation of IT while the participation of decision makers and the involvement of users have an effect on the appropriation of IT. The results also suggest that the institutional pressure and the participation of decision makers influence the involvement of users toward an appropriation of IT. Our results emphasize the mediating effect of the institutional pressure on the appropriation of IT. Namely, the higher degree of the participation of decision makers and the involvement of users, the more effective appropriation users will represent. These results provide strong support for institutional-based variables as predictors of appropriation. These findings also indicate that organizations should focus on the role of participation of decision makers and the involvement of users for the purpose of effective appropriation, and these are the practical implications of our study. The theoretical contribution of this study is lies in the integrated model of the effect of institutional pressure on the appropriation of IT. The results are consistent with the institutional theory and support previous studies on adaptive structuration theory.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.46 no.1
• /
• pp.56-66
• /
• 2003

Purpose : Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) play an important role in regulating blood flow by releasing vasoactive substances. It has been reported that endothelial impairment and dysfunction might be a primary cause of placental vascular disease, which is manifested clinically as preeclampsia in mother and intrauterine growth restriction in fetus. Furthermore, the frequency of apoptotic changes is increased in umbilical and placental tissues from growth-restricted pregnancies. However, the various mechanisms of umbilical endothelial cell apoptosis have not been broadly proposed. We investigate the effects of amiloride derivatives on apoptotic death of HUVECs and identify their ionic mechanism. Methods : HUVECs were purchased from Clonetics, and cultured on endothelial cell growth medium. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used for assessing cytotoxic effect and confirming the apoptosis. Changes in intracellular ion concentrations were measured with specific fluorescent dyes and fluorescence imaging analysis system. Results : Amiloride derivatives elicited cytotoxic effects on HUVECs with dose-dependent manners and the rank order of potency is HMA($IC_{50}\;11.2{\mu}M$), MIA>EIPA>>amiloride. HMA-induced cytotoxicity is dependent on extra- and intracellular pH, that is, increase extra- and intracellular pH augmented the cytotoxic effects of HMA. HMA dose-dependently reduced intracellular major ions, such as $K^+$ and $Cl^-$. Interestingly, the depletion of intracellular ions induced by HMA was also significantly enhanced at alkaline extracellular pH. Conclusion : Amiloride derivatives induce apoptosis of HUVECs with dose and pH dependent manners. They reduce intracellular $K^+$ and $Cl^-$ concentration, which is also extracellular pH dependent.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.17-24
• /
• 2014

Purpose : To determine whether high-resolution contrast-enhanced three dimensional imaging with spoiled gradient-recalled sequence (HR-CE 3D-SPGR) plays a meaningful role in the assessment of intracranial vertebral artery (ICVA) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) in lateral medullary infarction (LMI). Materials and Methods: Twenty-five patients confirmed with LMI were retrospectively enrolled with approval by the IRB of our institute, and 3T MRI with HR-CE 3D-SPGR and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) were performed. Two radiologists who were blinded to clinical information and other brain MR images including diffusion weighted image independently evaluated arterial lesions in ICVA and PICA. The demographic characteristics, the area of LMI and cerebellar involvement were analyzed and compared between patients with arterial lesion in ICVA only and patients with arterial lesions in both ICVA and PICA on HR-CE 3D-SPGR. Results: Twenty-two of twenty-five LMI patients had arterial lesions in ICVA or PICA on HR-CE 3D SPGR. However twelve arterial lesions in PICA were not shown on CE-MRA. Concurrent cerebellar involvement appeared more in LMI patients with arterial lesion in ICVA and PICA than those with arterial lesion in ICVA alone (p = 0.069). Conclusion: HR-CE 3D-SPGR can help evaluate arterial lesions in ICVA and PICA for LMI patients.

• Journal of Distribution Research
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.29-57
• /
• 2008

Empirical model was developed to test the building mechanism of trust dimensions and loyalty with the suppliers' bonding tactics to service firms. And interactive effects between suppliers' bonding tactics and service firms' store age was hypothesized in the trust-loyalty building processes. The model was tested in the context of animal clinics which belong to Korean Animal Hospital Association (KAHA). The data was analysed using structural equation model (SEM). The findings are as follows. First, two different relational bonding tactics play different roles in their effects on building trust dimensions toward suppliers. While supplier's social bonding tactic significantly influences on both the affective and cognitive trust of service firms, suppliers' structural bonding tactic only influences significantly on affective trust of service firms. Second, while suppliers' social bonding tactic influences on building service firms' loyalty significantly, suppliers' structural bonding tactic doesn't influence on building their loyalty. Suppliers' structural bonding tactic influences on building their loyalty indirectly through affective trust. Third, while service firms' affective trust influences on building loyalty significantly, cognitive trust doesn't. Their cognitive trust influences on building loyalty indirectly through affective trust. Fourth, the higher the firms' store age is, the more suppliers use social bonding tactics to build trust and loyalty directly. While the shorter the firms' store age is, the more suppliers partially use both the social and structural bonding tactics to build trust and loyalty. In conclusion, in the context of animal clinics' distribution channels, suppliers' relational bonding tactics with service firms differently influence to build trust sub-dimensions and loyalty. And, suppliers should take note of the interactive role of service firms' store age in the utilization of the different bonding tactics to build service firms' trust and loyalty toward suppliers. At the end of the paper, managerial implications, limitations, and future research directions are suggested.

• Cartoon and Animation Studies
• /
• s.49
• /
• pp.53-85
• /
• 2017

This study deals with the production system of the superhero animation that are based on DC comic books and are produced by Warner Brothers company, and tries to find out ways in order to vitalize the new window of the animation market. 28 superhero animations released from 2007 until 2017 are analyzed. Several critical points are drawn out and can be applied to the Korean animation industry. There are two categories, one is about the management of the production system, and the other is about the subcontract system. In managing the production system, there are three points: First, there are several people who play the role of either a producer or a director many times. Second, producers used to work as a group. Third, some people work not only as a producer but also as a director. In carrying out outsourcing contracts, there are six points: First, only Korean and Japanese companies participate as subcontract companies. Second, about two companies used to take part in the subcontract production in a year. Third, in case of number of people involved in production, there are more Japanese than Korean. Fourth, Japanese companies deal with some parts of the pre-production as well as the main production in . Fifth, a Japanese company has a sub-subcontract with a Korean company in one episode of . Sixth, Korean companies mostly focus on the production part of key animation. Important points that the Korean production system has to consider are also suggested under the two categories. In the production system management, there are two points. It is needed to make use of the group producer system, and it is critical to develop the story line of universe type such as DC Universe. In case of the outsourcing production system, it is essential to keep up educating 2D type of animation and, at the same time, to participate actively in the global outsourcing production. By considering these crucial points, it is expected to keep producing animation that can be used for the media window such as IPTV.

• Korean Security Journal
• /
• no.37
• /
• pp.325-354
• /
• 2013

The concept of national security and the fundamental system for crisis management have departed from traditional methods and the importance of a national critical infrastructure crisis management has been emphasized. A national critical infrastructure crisis means a situation where human resource, material and functional system that may have a material effect on the critical functions of the government, the vitality and integrity of society, national economy and the safety of the public becomes disabled due to causes such as terrorism or major disasters. Although North Korea had been subject to numerous rounds of negotiations and sanctions as it continually developed nuclear weapons since the 1960s, it has also showed off its nuclear armaments through successful nuclear testings and missile launches. As the development and threat of North Korea's weapons of mass destruction becomes more noticeable and the range of its risk expands, this study focuses on the potential for an absence of leadership for national crisis management where the country's leadership, which should serve the critical role and function of handling national crises, becomes completely destroyed by the unexpected initial attacks by North Korea. As a result, the purpose of this study is to propose safety measures for the country's leadership in preparation for North Korea's threat of nuclear weapons by examining the concept and degree of risk of weapons of mass destruction with a focus on nuclear weapons, analyzing the substance of the threat of North Korean nuclear weapons and evaluating such threat. In conclusion, first, to ensure the normal functioning of a national crisis management system in the event of a national crisis, we must seek safety measures that conform to the scope and succession order of the leadership of the national crisis management for an Enduring Constitutional Government (ECG) and the Continuity Of Operations (COOP). Second, in the event of a national ceremony, the gathering of the country's leadership all together in an open place should be avoided. In unavoidable circumstances, the next in rank that will act on behalf of the current leader should be designated and relevant safety measures should be taken. Third, during time of peace, in preparation for national crises, the scope of protection for the country's leadership should be prescribed and specific security and safety measures should be implemented. Fourth, the succession order for acting president in the case of the death of the president pursuant to Articles 71 and 26(1) of the National Government Organization Act should reconsidered to see whether it is a reasonable provision that takes into consideration a national crisis management that corresponds to the threat of North Korean nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. Pursuant to the Basic Guidelines for National Crisis Management set out under Presidential Directive No. 229, the Korean government is currently operating a case-by-case "crisis management standard manual" and its sub-manuals and has also prepared the Presidential Security Service's security and safety measure regulations regarding the acting president. Therefore, the Korean government should actualize the above points in the case-by-case crisis management standard manual and security and safety measure regulations regarding the acting president to implement and legislate them.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.249-258
• /
• 1993

Between March 1983 and December 1989, ninety-six patients with intracranial glioma were treated in the Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University Medical College. We retrospectively reviewed each case to evaluate variable factors influencing the treatment results and to develop an optimal therapy Policy. Median follow-up is 57 months (range: 31~133 months). Of the 96 patients, 60 $(63\%)$ were males and 36 $(37\%)$ were females. Ages ranged from 3 to 69 years (median 42 years). The most common presenting symtoms were headeche $(67\%)$ followed by cerebral motor and sensory discrepancy $(54\%),$ nausea and vomiting $(34\%),$ seizure $(19\%),$ mental change $(10\%)$ and memory and calculation impairment $(8\%).$ Eighty five $(88.5\%)$ patients all, except 11 $(11.5\%)$ brain stem lesions, were biopsy proven intracranial glioma. The distribution by histologic type was 64 astrocytomas $(75\%),$ 4 mixed oligoastrocytomas $(5\%),$ and 17 oligodendrogliomas $(20\%).$ Fourty nine patients $(58\%$ were grade I, II histology and 36 $(42\%)$ patients were grade III, IV histology. Of the 96 patients, 64 $(67\%)$ recieved postoperative RT and 32 $(33\%)$ were treated with primary radiotherapy. Gross total resection was peformed in 14 $(16\%)$ patients, subtotal resection En 29 $(34\%),$ partial resection in 21 $(25\%),$ and biopsy only in 21 $(25\%).$ Median survival time was 53 months (range 2~ 133 months), and 2- and, 5-year survival rate were $69\%,49\%$ respectively. 5-year survival rate by histologic grade was grade I, $70\%,$ grade II, $58\%,$ grade III, $28\%,$ and grade IV, $15\%.$ Multivariated analysis demonstrate that age at diagnosis (p=0.0121), Karnofsky performance Status (KPS) (p=0.0002), histologic grade (p=0.0001), postoperative radiation therapy (p=0.0278), surgical extent (p =0.024), cerebellar location of tumor (p=0.0095) were significant prognostic factors influencing on survival.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.35 no.2 s.98
• /
• pp.92-102
• /
• 2002

This study was conducted to compare filtering abilities of three species of freshwater mussels (Cobicula fluminea, Corbicula leana and Unio douglasiae) and to evaluate their filter feeding effects on water quality change in experimental enclosure systems. Mussel feeding in both laboratory and enclosure resulted in decrease of particulate material, such as chlorophyll, total P, SS. In the treatment with 600 individuals of mussels, chllorophyll concentration and net primary productivity decreased from $87.3{\pm}4.5\;{\mu}g/L$ and $106.3{\pm}8.8\;{\mu}gC\;L^{-1}\;hr^{-1}$ to nearly the same level as the mussel-free enclosure ($25.0{\pm}0.5\;{\mu}g/L$ and $15.6{\pm}13.3\;{\mu}gC\;L^{-1}\;hr^{-1}$, respectively)(P< 0.05, n = 6, ANOVA). In concert with the decrease of chlorophyll concentration, not only was the transparency enhanced from 0.48 m to 1.2m but also the suspended solids and total phosphorus decreased from $22.0{\pm}1.0\;mg/L$ to $7.5{\pm}0.5\;mg/L$ and $133{\pm}0.8\;{\mu}g/L$ to $70{\pm}0.0\;{\mu}g/L$, respectively (P<0.001, $r^2$>0.71, n = 11). Although slight decrease of SRP concentration and the increase of inorganic nitrogen ($NH_3-N$ and $NO_2-N$) were observed in the mussel addition enclosure, there was no statistical difference between two enclosures. Based on the filtering rate on phytoplankton and nutrient release rate in forms of feces and pseudofeces, Corbicula leana appeared to be the most efficient filter-feeder among three mussel species. These results inidicate that Cobicula play an important role in controlling particulate sestons and thus it could be applied as a biocontroler for the water quality management in lakes and reservoirs with algal blooms.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.27 no.5
• /
• pp.517-523
• /
• 2017

This study was to investigate the role of antioxidants on the characteristics of arsenite-damaged boar semen. Collected sperm was diluted with semen extender, and $100{\mu}M$ arsenite was used for sperm damage. Then melatonin, silymarin, curcumin, and vitamin E were applied for 3, 6, and 9 hr in arsenite-treated boar sperm. Sperm characteristics were then analyzed for motility, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and lipid peroxidation. In the results, sperm motility (control, $77.3{\pm}1.8%$) was decreased by arsenite ($33.3{\pm}1.5%$), while the antioxidant treatment groups (100 nM melatonin, $55.8{\pm}3.4%$; $2{\mu}M$ silymarin, $48.8{pm}3.4%$; $10{\mu}M$ curcumin, $53.9{\pm}2.8%$; and $500{\mu}M$ vitamin E, $54.5{\pm}3.1%$) showed increases compared to the arsenite group (p<0.05). $100{\mu}M$ arsenite decreased the sperm plasma membrane integrity ($24.5{\pm}1.6%$) and mitochondrial activity ($58.2{\pm}2.6%$), and increased lipid peroxidation ($5.3{\pm}0.2%$) at 3 hr (p<0.05). However, arsenite-treated samples with 100 nM melatonin, $2{\mu}M$ silymarin, $10{\mu}M$ curcumin, and $500{\mu}M$ vitamin E increased the plasma membrane integrity and mitochondria activity, and decreased lipid peroxidation compared to the arsenite-treated samples. In summary, arsenite may induce sperm damage and oxidation stress, while antioxidants such as melatonin, silymarin, curcumin, and vitamin E are useful for maintaining sperm characteristics. Therefore, antioxidants can protect sperm against damage by arsenite in fresh boar semen.

• Journal of Gifted/Talented Education
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.575-596
• /
• 2012

Students' perception on a science program for gifted was investigated. The whole program was designed in consistency and integrity based on the Autonomous Learner Model suggested by Betts & Kercher(1999). 7th, 8th and 9th grade students were enrolled in this program, offered by G Education Institute for Gifted(GEI) located in Seoul. A survey was done to ask students' perception regarding the effect of the program. The survey consisted of statements about the expected effects of the program and students were asked if they agreed with the statements. Most students strongly agreed that GEI's program has positive effects. Students replied that they learned useful and interesting science contents, enjoyed meaningful experience of cooperating with members in small groups, and were challenged by the inquiry tasks. They recognized that they were being trained to become autonomous learners. They also said that their choices and decisions were respected, which resulted in positive effects on their ability to negotiate or to inquire actively. These implies that Autonomous Learner Model had been successfully applied. Although it was not clear autonomy of students was fully grown, the possibility of becoming an autonomous learner was evident. Satisfaction level is higher for the older students, implying that the integrity in the program gave accumulating effect. Students response showed that three sub-programs of GEI, the classes of each subject, conference at the end of the year and autonomous learner training played equally important role for students to learn the process of scientific inquiry and autonomous learning. This was a positive sign that the strategies for scientific inquiry and autonomous learning were embedded and integrated deeply in the program. The results of current research suggests that the integrity of a program based on a specific education model for the gifted could provide better education environment for the gifted students.