• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.157-175
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• 2012

It is difficult to evaluate the performance of process innovation of e-procurement which has large scale and complex processes. The existing evaluation methods for measuring the effects of process innovation have been mainly done with statistically quantitative methods by analyzing operational data or with qualitative methods by conducting surveys and interviews. However, these methods have some limitations to evaluate the effects because the performance evaluation of e-procurement process innovation should consider the interactions among participants who are active either directly or indirectly through the processes. This study considers the e-procurement process as a complex system and develops a simulation model based on MAS(Multi-Agent System) to evaluate the effects of e-procurement process innovation. Multi-agent based simulation allows observing interaction patterns of objects in virtual world through relationship among objects and their behavioral mechanism. Agent-based simulation is suitable especially for complex business problems. In this study, we used Netlogo Version 4.1.3 as a MAS simulation tool which was developed in Northwestern University. To do this, we developed a interaction model of agents in MAS environment. We defined process agents and task agents, and assigned their behavioral characteristics. The developed simulation model was applied to G2B system (KONEPS: Korea ON-line E-Procurement System) of Public Procurement Service (PPS) in Korea and used to evaluate the innovation effects of the G2B system. KONEPS is a successfully established e-procurement system started in the year 2002. KONEPS is a representative e-Procurement system which integrates characteristics of e-commerce into government for business procurement activities. KONEPS deserves the international recognition considering the annual transaction volume of 56 billion dollars, daily exchanges of electronic documents, users consisted of 121,000 suppliers and 37,000 public organizations, and the 4.5 billion dollars of cost saving. For the simulation, we analyzed the e-procurement of process of KONEPS into eight sub processes such as 'process 1: search products and acquisition of proposal', 'process 2 : review the methods of contracts and item features', 'process 3 : a notice of bid', 'process 4 : registration and confirmation of qualification', 'process 5 : bidding', 'process 6 : a screening test', 'process 7 : contracts', and 'process 8 : invoice and payment'. For the parameter settings of the agents behavior, we collected some data from the transactional database of PPS and some information by conducting a survey. The used data for the simulation are 'participants (government organizations, local government organizations and public institutions)', 'the number of bidding per year', 'the number of total contracts', 'the number of shopping mall transactions', 'the rate of contracts between bidding and shopping mall', 'the successful bidding ratio', and the estimated time for each process. The comparison was done for the difference of time consumption between 'before the innovation (As-was)' and 'after the innovation (As-is).' The results showed that there were productivity improvements in every eight sub processes. The decrease ratio of 'average number of task processing' was 92.7% and the decrease ratio of 'average time of task processing' was 95.4% in entire processes when we use G2B system comparing to the conventional method. Also, this study found that the process innovation effect will be enhanced if the task process related to the 'contract' can be improved. This study shows the usability and possibility of using MAS in process innovation evaluation and its modeling.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.31-40
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• 2019

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to compare the difference between preterm infants and toddlers (PT) and full-term infant and toddler (FT) of sensory processing ability, feeding as well as investigate the correlation of sensory processing ability with feeding of preterm infants and toddlers. Methods : The subjects of a study were 107 including 51 PT and 56 FT. Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile 2 (ITSP 2) was used to assess sensory processing ability. The Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment (BPFAS) was used to assess feeding behavior. The collected data were analyzed by using SPSS 21.0. Independent sample t-test was used in order to compare the difference between PT group and FT group. Pearson correlation analysis was used in order to investigate the correlation of sensory processing ability with feeding of preterm infants and toddlers. Results : There was a significant difference in sensory sensitivity and oral sensory processing between with PT group and FT group (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in feeding behavior between with PT group and FT group (p<.05). In PT group, there are positive correlations of sensory avoidance (r=.443) and sensory sensitivity (r=.374) with feeding frequency. General behavior (r=.390) and oral sensory processing (r=.513) showed a positive correlation with feeding frequency. In addition, oral sensory processing (r=.529) showed a positive correlation with feeding problem. Conclusion : It is proved that the interrelationship of sensory processing ability with feeding and of preterm infants and toddlers. And it is meaningful to recognize significance of sensory processing characteristics to comprehend feeding and of preterm infants and toddlers.

• Korean Journal of School Psychology
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.433-451
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• 2019

This study aimed to develop and validate the Classroom Problem Behavior Scale - Elementary School Version (CPBS-E) measure which is unique to classroom problem behavior exhibited by Korean elementary school students. The focus was on developing a universal screening instrument designed to identify and provide intervention to students who are at-risk for severe social-emotional and behavioral problems. Items were initially drawn from the literature, interviews with elementary school teachers, common office discipline referral measures used in U.S. elementary schools, penalty point systems used in Korean schools, 'Green Mileage', and the Inventory of Emotional and Behavioral Traits. The content validity of the initially developed items was assessed by six classroom and subject teachers, which resulted in the development of a preliminary scale consisting of 63 two-dimensional items (i.e., Within Classroom Problem Behavior and Outside of Classroom Problem Behavior), each of which consisted of 3 to 4 factors. The Within Classroom Problem Behavior dimension consisted of 4 subscales (not being prepared for class, class disruption, aggression, and withdrawn) and the Outside of Classroom Problem Behavior dimension consisted of 3 subscales (rule-violation, aggression, and withdrawn). The CPBS-E was pilot tested on a sample of 154 elementary school students, which resulted in reducing the scale to 23 items. Following the scale revision, the CPBS-E was validated on a sample population of 209 elementary school students. The validation results indicated that the two-dimensional CPBS-E scale of classroom problem behavior was a reliable and valid measure. The test-retest reliability was stable at above .80 in most of the subscales. The CPBS-E measure demonstrated high internal consistency of .76-.94. In examining the criterion validity, the scale's correlation with the Teacher Observation of Classroom Adaptation-Checklist (TOCA-C) was high and the aggression and withdrawn subscales of the CPBS-E demonstrated high correlations with externalization and internalization, respectively, of the Child Behavior Checklist - Teacher Report Form CBCL-TRF). In addition, the factor structure of the CPBS-E scale was examined using the structural equation model and found to be acceptable. The results are discussed in relation to implications, contributions to the field, and limitations.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.225-233
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• 2008

Objectives : The purpose of the present study was to development of neuroprotective antioxidant agents. For the purpose, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of anti oxidant herb, the root of Polygonum cuspidatum on transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Methods : The roots of Polygonum cuspidatum were extracted by 85% MeOH (PCE). Radical scavenging effects were investigated using DPPH assay and TBARs (Thiobarbituric acid reaction substance) assay in brian homogenates. Neuroprotective effect was investigated using transient focal cerebral ischemia rat model (2 h of ischemia, 22 h of reperfusion) by behavioral test and measurement of brain damage using 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Results : PCE showed potent and dose dependent radical scavenging effects in DPPH and TBARs assay. Oral administration of PCE reduced brain infarct volume by 29.7% and improved the sensory motor functional deficit by 29% compared with vehicle treated group. Conclusions : PCE showed radical scavenging effects and neuroprotective effect on stroke rat model. Therefore, Polygonum cuspidatum could be a candidate for the development of neuroprotective-antioxidant agents.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.124-132
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• 2002

Daebangpung-tang(DBPT) is one of the prescriptions used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) in oriental medicine. The present study aimed to examine the analgesic effect of DBPT on a rat model of CFA-induced arthritis, which is not identical to human auto-immune arthritis although it does have many features in common with RA, and the relation between DBPT-induced analgesia and steroid hormones. CFA-induced arthritis rat model used to test the effect of DBPT was chronic pain model. After the induction of arthritis, rats subsequently showed a reduced stepping force of the affected limb for at least the next 18 days. The reduced stepping force of the limb was presumably due to a painful knee, since oral injection of indomethacin produced temporary improvement of weight bearing. DBPT dissolved in water was orally administrated. After the treatment, behavioral tests measuring stepping force were periodically conducted during the next 4 hours. DBPT produce significant improvement of stepping force of the hindlimb affected by the arthritis lasting at least 3 hours. The magnitude of this improvement was equivalent to that obtained after an oral injection of 3mg/kg of indomethacin and this improvement of stepping force was interpreted as an analgesic effect. The reduced stepping force was divided into three stages(10-30g, 30-50g, and 50-70g). All experiments was performed at 50-70g of stepping force, since both DBPT and indomethacin showed the most excellent analgesic effect at 50-70g of stepping force. DBPT produced the improvement of stepping force of the affected hindlimb in a dose-dependent manner and showed analgesic effect on neuropathic pain as well. DBPT-induced analgesic effect could not be blocked by systemic injection of steroid antagonist mifepristone. The present study suggest 1) that DBPT produces a potent analgesic effect on the chronic knee arthritis pain model in the rat and 2) that steroids system does not mediate DBPT-induced analgesia.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.33 no.2 s.95
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• pp.123-131
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• 2007

Many environmental contaminants including several metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and pharmaceuticals, have been identified to be phototoxic in the water environment. Concerns regarding photo-enhancement of toxicity of several environmental contaminants have been increasing because of the increased level of ultraviolet irradiation on the earth surface. However, there exist arguments that there might be certain defense mechanisms taking place in the aquatic ecosystem, which may include behavioral characteristics or genetic acclimation. This study was conducted to understand the potential responses of aquatic receptors to several phototoxic metals in the real environment, where long-term acclimation of such organisms to low dose UV-B may take place. For this purpose, water flea Daphnia magna was acclimated to environmentally relevant dose of UV-B (12 to $18uW/cm^2$) for >11 generations. The differences in developmental and life history characteristics, and toxicity responses were evaluated. Acclimation did not affect the daphnids' growth, longevity, and reproduction characteristics such as time to first brood, and brood size: After 21 d, survival of D. magna was not influenced by UV-B acclimation. When the number of young per female was compared. the daphnids acclimated for 11 generations tend to produce less number of neonates than the un-acclimated individuals but with no statistical significance (p>0.05). Four metals that were reported to be phototoxic elsewhere were employed in this evaluation, that include As, Cd. Cu, and Ni. UV-B level being applied in acclimation did increase the toxicity of Cd and Cu, significantly (p<0.05). However, the toxicities of As and Ni were not affected by irradiation of UV-B. Phototoxic responses were evaluated between the acclimated and the un-acclimated daphnids. For Cu, UV-B acclimation led to reduction of the photo-induced toxicity $(p\approx0.1)$ in daphnids. Non-acclimated Daphnia were affected by 50% at 4.18 ug/l Cu. but UV-B acclimated individuals exhibited $EC_{50}$ of 5.89 ug/l. With Cd, UV-B acclimation appeared to increase phototoxicity (p>0.05). With As and Ni, UV-B acclimation did not influence photo-induced toxicity. This observation may be in part explained by the type of reactive oxygen species that were generated by each metal. Similar to UV-B light, Cu is known to generate superoxide anion by acting as redox cycling toxicant. This is one of the first studies that employed_laboratory based UV-B acclimated test species for photoenhanced toxicity evaluation.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.135-140
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• 2013

The present study investigated the effects of QX-314 on inflammatory pain of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Experiments were carried out on male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 220-280 g. Under anesthesia, the TMJ of each animal was injected with $50{\mu}L$ of formalin (5%). The number of noxious behavioral responses, including rubbing or scratching of the facial region including the TMJ area, was recorded over 9 sequential 5 min intervals for each animal. Although 2.5% QX-314 did not affect formalin-induced nociceptive behavior, administration of 5% QX-314 with formalin significantly decreased the number of scratches produced by the formalin injection. Co-administration of capsaicin, a TRPV1 agonist, with 2.5% QX-314 produced significant anti-nociceptive effects whereas 2.5% QX-314 alone did not. However, the co-administration of capsaicin did not enhance the anti-nociceptive effects in the 5% QX-314-treated rats. Moreover, the co-administration of capsazepine, a TRPV1 antagonist, did not attenuate anti-nociceptive effects in the 5% QX-314-treated rats. These findings suggest that TRPV1 is effective in the transport of low but not high doses of QX-314. Moreover, a high dose of QX-314, which is not mediated by peripheral TRPV1 activity, may be viable therapeutic strategy for inflammatory pain in the TMJ.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.65-72
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• 2017

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is characterized by persistent jaw pain associated with dysfunction and tenderness of the temporomandibular muscles and joints. The aim of this study was to investigate whether treatment with red or black ginseng extract helps in the modulation of inflammatory TMJ pain. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 220~260 g were used. The experimental group was subdivided into 4 groups based on the treatment method (n=6, each group): formalin (5%, $30{\mu}l$), formalin after distilled water (vehicle), formalin after red or black ginseng extract (per oral, single or repeated, respectively). To induce TMJ pain, $30{\mu}l$ of formalin was injected into the articular cavity under ether inhalation anesthesia. The number of noxious behavioral responses of scratching the facial region proximal to the injection site was recorded for 9 successive 5-min intervals following formalin injection. Repeated treatment with red or black ginseng extract reduced the nociceptive responses in the second phase (11~45 min). Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an oxidative stress-mediated transcription factor. Both ginsengs significantly down-regulated the increased Nrf2 level compared to the vehicle group. In the test for liver and kidney functions, repeated treatment with red or black ginseng was not different compared to the vehicle group. These results indicate that red and black ginseng extract might be promising analgesic agents in the treatment of inflammatory TMJ pain.

• The Journal of Fisheries Business Administration
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.53-75
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• 1991

The objectives of this study are to conceptualize theoretically and to examine empirically the interrelationships among channel member's satisfaction, dependence, and performance being immanent between dealing partners, by integrating behavioral and economic approach to explain comprehensively the interrelationship between dealing partners in conventional marketing channel which have not studied in previous studies. To attain above objectives, latent variables and observed variables which had been immanent between licenced dealers and wholesalers in fish marketing channel were found out by exploratory study, and pre-test was conducted to select the proper variables, and then the model which could explain the interrelationships among the variables was set up. Three categories of varables were considered in this study. Namely, economic and noneconomic factors were identified as independent variable, the degree of satisfaction and dependence to dealing partner as intervening variable, and performance as dependent variable. The data for the study was obtained from a survey questionnaire of 214 licenced dealers who work in Pusan, Yusoo, and Kunsan and 190 wholesalers who work in whole country. Among them, 264 anayzable questionnaires(including 154 licenced dealers and 110 wholesalers)were collected. Statistical procedure to analyze the data was carried out by LISREL version 7. Major findings obtained from the results of the analysis are as follows. First, economic variables have a great influence on the degree of both licenced dealers' and wholesalers' satisfaction. Among economic variables, the degree of keeping wholesalers' payment date have greater influence on the degree of licenced dealers' satisfaction, and licenced dealers' faculty being able to send good fish in quality have greater influence on the degree of wholesaler's satisfaction than other variables. In short, licenced dealers make great account of wholesalers' payment, and wholesalers make great account of licenced dealers' faculty being able to send good fish in quality in dealing relationship. Second, noneconomic variables have more relevance to the degree of dependence in both sides than economic variables. This means that noneconomic variables as well as economic variables can be a factor to keep up the dealing relationship. Third, the degree of satisfaction and dependence have influence on performance in both sides. In the licenced dealers' side, the degree of dependence have greater influence on performance than the degree of satisfaction, on the other hand, in wholesalers' side, the degree of satisfaction have greater influence on performance than the degree of dependence. This means that wholesalers can easily substitute their dealing partner for another licenced dealer comparatively.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.225-250
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• 2015

While strategic alliance of multinational corporation has boost, opportunistic behavior is also increased recently. This study examines the cause of opportunism in strategic alliance by focusing on the development of opportunistic behavior, a process in which resource complementarity and risk perception decides attitudinal direction, ultimately leading to opportunism. Empirical test based on 257 alliance participants shows that risk perception had a greater influence on firms' attitudinal and behavioral directions compared to benefit perception. Notably, relational risk heavily influenced firms' competitive attitude and opportunistic behavior. Finally, the study concludes that firms' competitive and independent attitude caused by risk perception negatively influence alliance outcome. Based on the results, it is drawn that alongside the external tools such as surveillance, control, monitoring or legalistic pleas, management of risk perception during the alliance process has significance influence on the achievement of alliance goals.