This study examines the persistent decline of the motorcycle industry despite governmental interventions, using the perspective of path dependency. Drawing from W. B. Arthur's concept of 'Lock-in by insignificant historical events', the research delves into the lock-in phenomena within the industry's life cycle. We identified path dependency lock-in categories: contingency, historicity, and technological lock-in. The industry's licensing production method during its embryonic phase led to limited technological capabilities, establishing a technological path dependency. During the currency crisis and in alignment with China's open-door policy, the industry chose to import cheaper components, opting for economies of scale over technological innovation, intensifying the lock-in. Furthermore, the classification of motorcycle as a free industry before the currency crisis resulted in a lack of governmental support. This neglect has continued, with even modern electric motorcycle facing regulation. In conclusion, to overcome this entrenched path dependency and lock-in, significant governmental policy restructuring is essential.
In the context of the 4th Industrial Revolution, the rise of electric vehicles and personal mobility is evident. However, regulatory authorities seem to overlook vast opportunities, placing two-wheelers in a deregulated category and focusing mainly on regulations. This paper addresses a notable trend in e-mobility, emphasizing aspects often overlooked in traditional motorcycle regulatory research. Using the industrial life cycle theory as a basis, we identify challenges that have affected traditional combustion-engine two-wheelers and offer insights to navigate similar obstacles in the future. Consequently, the domestic two-wheeler market experienced a brief surge but lacked sustainable growth prospects. However, considering Japan's success in establishing global standards and design dominance in the two-wheeler industry despite its late entry, there appears to be potential for a rebound in the domestic market.
This study analyzed 214 sports knee braces found on Chinese websites between October 2022 and November 2022 to assess product type (impact protection material, fastening method, and protection method), material composition, size, weight, and main characteristics. The product type was further categorized according to (1) use of hard guard and soft guard protection method; (2) cover type, strap type, and slip-on type fastening method; and (3) pressure type and support type protection method. It also noted the physical shock protection materials used, including foam (EVA or polyurethane) attached to joints as a buffer material and plastic (TPU or PP) that protects the user’s knee from external impacts. The study found that the materials that primarily comprise sports knee braces are a combination of nylon, polyester, and neoprene. Additionally, it found that most sports knee braces available on the market are available in three sizes based on knee circumference: M (35–38cm), L (38–41cm), and XL (41–44cm), while some products are available in one size only. Furthermore, the majority of the 214 products studied weighed 200g, followed by 1,000g. Finally, in terms of product characteristics, many sports knee braces utilize ring-shaped silicone pads to distribute the load pressure on the knees or incorporate sturdy adhesive velcro to improve knee stability.
This study aimed to suggest a suitable collar pattern by visually evaluating the appearance of the amount of collar drape by the starting position of the lapel line of a double-breasted tailored jacket using a 3d virtual fitting program. It created an avatar based on the mean size of women in their 20s (the 8th Size Korea) using clo network (double fastening: 10cm, collar width: 4.5cm, collar stand: 3cm, and lapel width: 8.5cm). The starting of the lapel twist line was waistline level, the 1/2 level of bustline and waistline, or bustline level, and collar laying amount was 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, or 7.5cm. It was evaluated by garment construction experts using 5, 6, and 4 items on the front, sides, and back, respectively. Descriptive statistics, F-test, Duncantest, and reliability analysis were conducted using SPSS 22. When collar laying amount was 6.5cm, it was best rated regardless of the starting point. Under waist line, when collar laying amount was 6.5cm, it was best rated regardless of the starting point. When collar laying amount was large, the collar’s outline length increased, resulting in unnecessary wrinkles from the neckline to the lapel, affecting the overall collar appearance. When collar laying amount was the smallest, the collar was lifted and the width was narrowed, exposing the seam connecting the collar and neckline. The length of the collar’s outline varied depending on collar laying amount, which was important to make the outline sit comfortably on the body.
This study initiated research aligned with the body positivity movement, aiming to explore size diversity for groups facing relative size discrimination due to their deviation from average body types. Using KS adult women's apparel dimensions as a reference, jackets were developed for women in their 20s to 30s who belong to the small petite-size (S[P]) category, which is characterized by a height under 155cm (petite) and a bust-circumference from 72cm to less than 82cm (small). Using 3D virtual-fitting, we conducted experiment-pattern production and refinement and subsequent real-fitting evaluations by participants to objectively validate aesthetics and comfort. The study’s findings are as follows: First, utilizing a 3D virtual-fitting program by identifying ‘creases’ and ‘garment pressure points’ in the jacket appearance, experiment patterns were refined and real jackets were produced. This approach addressed challenges in recruiting participants with specific body types and allowed for efficient research in terms of cost and time. Second, through real-fitting evaluations, basic-fit and slim-fit jackets labeled as <79-88-150> were developed for the S(P) size. we presented ‘size spec’ and ‘ease allowance’ for jackets by waist fit. Both fits received positive evaluations with approximately 53.5cm sleeve length, and 11.7cm shoulder length. The ease allowances for the basic-fit jacket were approximately 9.2cm at the bust circumference, 12.8cm at the waist circumference, and 6cm at the hip circumference. Similarly, the slim-fit jacket exhibited ease allowances of about 4.8cm at the bust circumference, 4cm at the waist circumference, and 4cm at the hip circumference, receiving positive evaluations for aesthetics and comfort.
This study aimed to assess and determine the optimal model for predicting the full bloom date of ‘Fuji’ apples across South Korea. We evaluated the performance of four distinct models: the Development Rate Model (DVR)1, DVR2, the Chill Days (CD) model, and a sequentially integrated approach that combined the Dynamic model (DM) and the Growing Degree Hours (GDH) model. The full bloom dates and air temperatures were collected over a three-year period from six orchards located in the major apple production regions of South Korea: Pocheon, Hwaseong, Geochang, Cheongsong, Gunwi, and Chungju. Among these models, the one that combined DM for calculating chilling accumulation and the GDH model for estimating heat accumulation in sequence demonstrated the most accurate predictive performance, in contrast to the CD model that exhibited the lowest predictive precision. Furthermore, the DVR1 model exhibited an underestimation error at orchard located in Hwaseong. It projected a faster progression of the full bloom dates than the actual observations. This area is characterized by minimal diurnal temperature ranges, where the daily minimum temperature is high and the daily maximum temperature is relatively low. Therefore, to achieve a comprehensive prediction of the blooming date of ‘Fuji’ apples across South Korea, it is recommended to integrate a DM model for calculating the necessary chilling accumulation to break dormancy with a GDH model for estimating the requisite heat accumulation for flowering after dormancy release. This results in a combined DM+GDH model recognized as the most effective approach. However, further data collection and evaluation from different regions are needed to further refine its accuracy and applicability.
This study was conducted to determine the optimal irrigation starting point by analyzing tree growth, physiological responses, fruit quality, and productivity in peach orchards. Seven-year-old ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’ peach trees were used in an experimental field (35°49′30.4″N, 127°01′33.2″E) located within the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science located in Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do. The irrigation starting point was set with four levels of –20, –40, –60, and –80 kPa from June to September 2022. While there were no significant differences in increase of trunk cross-section area and leaf area among treatments, shoot length and diameter decreased in the –80 kPa and –20 kPa treatments. The photosynthetic rate measured in August was highest for –60 kPa (17.7 μmol·m-2·s-1), followed by –40 kPa (15.6 μmol·m-2·s-1), –20 kPa (14.5 μmol·m-2·s-1) and –80 kPa (14.0 μmol·m-2·s-1). SPAD value measured in May and August was lower in the –80 kPa and –20 kPa treatments than in the –60 kPa and –40 kPa treatments. The harvest date reached three days earlier in the –20 kPa treatment compared to other treatments. The fruit weight was highest in the –60 kPa (379.1 g), followed by –40 kPa (344.0 g), –80 kPa (321.0 g) and –20 kPa (274.9 g). Firmness was the lowest in the –20 kPa treatment. The soluble solid content was highest in the –60 kPa treatment (13.3°Bx).The ratio of marketable fruits was highest in the –60 kPa treatment (50.7%) and lowest in the –80 kPa treatment (23.4%). In conclusion, we suggest that setting the irrigation starting point at –60 kPa could improve the fruit quality and yield in peach orchards.
This study was aimed to determine the changes in CO2 concentration according to the temperatures of daytime and nighttime in the CO2 supplemental greenhouse, and to compare calculated supplementary CO2 concentration during winter and spring cultivation seasons. CO2 concentrations in experimental greenhouses were analyzed by selecting representative days with different average temperatures due to differences in integrated solar radiation at the growth stage of leaf area index (LAI) 2.0 during the winter season of 2022 and 2023 years. The CO2 concentration was 459, 299, 275, and 239 μmol·mol-1, respectively at 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m. after the CO2 supplementary time (10:00-13:00) under the higher temperature (HT, > 18°C daytime temp. avg. 31.7, 26.8, 23.8, and 22.4°C, respectively), while it was 500, 368, 366, 364 μmol·mol-1, respectively under the lower temperature (LT, < 18°C daytime temp. avg. 22.0, 18.9, 15.0, and 13.7°C, respectively), indicating the CO2 reduction was significantly higher in the HT than that of LT. During the nighttime, the concentration of CO2 gradually increased from 6 p.m. (346 μmol·mol-1) to 3 a.m. (454 μmol·mol-1) in the HT with a rate of 11 μmol·mol-1 per hour (240 tomatoes, leaf area 330m2), while the increase was very lesser under the LT. During the spring season, the CO2 concentration measured just before the start of CO2 fertilization (7:30 a.m.) in the CO2 enrichment greenhouse was 3-4 times higher in the HT (>15°C nighttime temperature avg.) than that of LT (< 15°C nighttime temperature avg.), and the calculated amount of CO2 fertilization on the day was also lower in HT. All the integrated results indicate that CO2 concentrations during the nighttime varies depending on the temperature, and the increased CO2 is a major source of CO2 for photosynthesis after sunrise, and it is necessary to develop a model formula for CO2 supplement considering the nighttime CO2 concentration.
The effects of exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP, nitric oxide donor) on the growth, yield, photosynthetic characteristics, and antioxidant enzyme activity of kimchi cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. pekinensis (Lour.) Hanelt) was studied under the low temperature conditions. Kimchi cabbages were treated with SNP of three concentrations (7.5, 15, 30 mg·L-1) for three times at four-day intervals and exposed to low temperature (16/7°C) stress for seven days. SNP treatment induced increases of net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intracellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and transpiration rate (Tr) under the stress condition with the highest level after the third treatment. The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 were significantly lower in the treatment of SNP compared to the non-treated control. The activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), increased in treated plants by up to 38, 187, 24 and 175%, respectively compared to the non-treated control. SNP-treated and untreated plants had similar growth characteristics. Compared to the control group, SNP-treatment increased fresh weight and leaf area by 5%. Overall, our findings suggest that the application of sodium nitroprusside to the leaves contributes to reducing physiological damage and enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, thereby improving low temperature stress tolerance in kimchi cabbage.
Changes in contents of free sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids of legumes were analyzed for each phase of in vitro digestion. In addition, contents of resistant starch in raw and digested pulses were compared. Soybeans, kidney beans, cowpeas, and chickpeas were analyzed. An in vitro digestion model was used to analyze contents of nutrients using LC-MS and GC-MS. Stachyose in kidneybean, cowpea, and chickpea increased as the digestion phase progressed. In four types of legumes, raffinose slightly decreased or showed no significant difference between the Oral phase and the BBMV phase. Content of glucose, a monosaccharide, increased during the BBMV phase. During the digestion phase, levels of free amino acids and free fatty acids also increased. Content of resistant starch was reduced compared to that in the raw material. It was 0.01g/100 g food in soybean, 1.06 g/100 g food in red kidney bean, 0.77g/ 100g food in cowpea, and 0.76 g/100 g food in chickpea. It was confirmed that nutrients in the in vitro digestion model were liberated at each digestion phase with changes in the content of resistant starch. These results are expected to be used as fundamental data for obtaining bioavailability of nutrients.