• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.87 no.4
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• pp.524-531
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• 2024

Background: Endothelial activation and stress index (EASIX) reflects endothelial dysfunction or damage. Because endothelial dysfunction is one of the key mechanisms, a few studies have shown the clinical usefulness of original and age-adjusted EASIX (age-EASIX) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of age-EASIX in predicting intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19 in South Korea. Methods: Secondary analysis was performed using clinical data retrospectively collected from 22 nationwide hospitals in South Korea between January 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021. Patients were at least 19 years old and admitted to the ICU for severe COVID-19, demanding at least high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy. EASIX [lactate dehydrogenase (U/L)×creatinine (mg/dL)/platelet count (10⁹ cells/L)] and age-EASIX (EASIX×age) were calculated and log₂-transformed. Results: The mean age of 908 critically ill patients with COVID-19 was 67.4 years with 59.7% male sex. The mean log₂ age-EASIX was 7.38±1.45. Non-survivors (n=222, 24.4%) in the ICU had a significantly higher log₂ age-EASIX than of survivors (8.2±1.52 vs. 7.1±1.32, p<0.001). Log₂ age-EASIX was significantly associated with ICU mortality (odds ratio, 1.541; 95% confidence interval, 1.322 to 1.796; p<0.001) and had a better area under the receiver operating characteristic curve than of the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score in predicting ICU mortality (0.730 vs. 0.660, p=0.001). Conclusion: Age-EASIX is significantly associated with ICU mortality and has better discriminatory ability than the SOFA score in predicting ICU mortality.

• Journal of the Korean Society for information Management
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.1-32
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• 2024

This study aims to explore the utilization of kiosks, a case of self-service technology in library services, by applying task-technology fit theory to reveal the factors that affect the satisfaction and continued use of library kiosk services and to conduct a review of library non-face-to-face services. We organized the kiosk characteristic factors through a literature review and established a research model mediated by related theories. We collected 229 valid questionnaire data from users with experience using library kiosks and analyzed them using SPSS 26.0 and SmartPLS 4.0 programs. The analysis results confirmed that the fit of library services and self-service technology was significantly influenced by the usefulness and enjoyment of kiosk technology characteristics and the kiosk-friendly environment of the usage environment attributes. In addition, we found the fit between library services and self-service technology to significantly affect library kiosk usage satisfaction and intention to continue using the kiosk, so this study proposed a plan for library kiosk services utilizing the significant factors. In addition, to effectively use the kiosks as a non-face-to-face library service, we suggest operating them in line to provide library information materials, install them in various locations within the library to increase accessibility, and provide education on how to use them for learning and to raise positive awareness of the kiosks for the digitally disadvantaged.

• Journal of the Korean Society for information Management
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.461-485
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• 2024

This study empirically analyzes the impact of role stress, user misconduct, and job satisfaction on turnover intention by categorizing turnover intention into workplace turnover intention and occupational turnover intention among academic librarians working at national, public, and private universities across South Korea. Data were collected through a survey conducted from September 13 to September 20, 2023, yielding 447 responses, which were subsequently analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis. The results revealed that role ambiguity and severe user misconduct (physical threats) positively influenced both workplace turnover intention and occupational turnover intention, while age negatively influenced both. The study found that librarians who experience unclear responsibilities and physical threats are more likely to have a strong intention to leave both their workplace and occupation. As differential factors, role overload and the location of the workplace in the metropolitan area were found to be significant. Role overload positively influenced only occupational turnover intention, while the metropolitan location negatively influenced only workplace turnover intention. These findings suggest that excessive workload increases doubt about the occupation itself, leading to consideration of occupational turnover and that librarians working outside the metropolitan area exhibit higher workplace turnover intention. Both intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction negatively influenced workplace and occupational turnover intention. These results indicate that differentiated strategies tailored to specific types of turnover intention are warranted to effectively manage turnover intention among academic librarians.

• Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.411-419
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• 2023

Objective: Optochiasmatic cavernoma is an extremely rare cerebral lesion. They account for approximately 1% of all cavernomas of the central nervous system. Reports on this pathology are limited. Abrupt visual deterioration is a common symptom of the disease. Treatment strategy and visual outcomes after different treatment approaches remain a subject for discussion. Methods: Patients operated in a period 2005-2021 were analyzed in this study. All patients preoperatively underwent computed tomography (CT) scan, CT-angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Visual function of the patients was assessed pre-op, post-op and at the follow-up. Duration of visual dysfunction was noted as well. Surgical details were also extracted from medical notes. All patients were followed up, and control MRI was performed one month after operation. We assessed surgical series of optochiasmatic cavernomas published for last 10 years. Further comparative analysis with our data was performed. Results: Five patients were included into this study. There were four men and one woman. Mean age comprised 33.8 years (range 20-48 years). Most patients were admitted to our hospital due to visual disturbances (80%). Visual function improved in four patients. Visual function was unchanged in one patient, lacking visual distur-bancies pre-op. Complication developed in one patient. Conclusions: Optochiasmatic cavernomas are encountered extremely rare. Despite the use of contemporary diagnostic options, differential diagnosis remains challenging. Full diagnostic work-up is mandatory. After the diagnosis is made, surgical treatment should be considered first. Total microsurgical or endoscopic transsphenoidal removal of the optochiasmatic cavernoma is a relatively safe and effective treatment method facilitating improvement of visual function.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.15-30
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• 2024

This study examined the current status of the number of ships and marine officers in the coastal shipping in order to successfully solve the problem of the shortage of manpower. Then it forecast the number of costal ships by ship size and the demand of coastal marine officers by applying the crew quota of the Ship Personnel Act. In addition, The supply of manpower was predicted using the Markov model, reflecting the number of turnover and retirements by year, as well as the number of new entrants and incomer from ocean-going shipping. As a result of forecasts, the demand for coastal marine officers is forecast to increase from 6,057 in 2023 to 7,079 in 2030, and the supply is forecast to decrease from 5,771 in 2023 to 5,130 in 2030, showing that the manpower of shortage is worsening. This study analyzed the problem of the shortage of lower-level licensed coastal marine officers and objectively forecast the demand and supply of manpower through quantitative analysis. In order to resolve the manpower shortage, it was proposed to expand the training and supply of 5th and 6th grade low-level licensed coastal marine officers. This study will be able to provide useful data to solve the problem of shortage of manpower for coastal shipping.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.147-161
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• 2023

As global challenges, particularly climate change, become more pressing, there is a growing global awareness of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) management. Given the crucial role played by the logistics industry in the complex network of the global supply chain, various societal stakeholders are emphasizing the necessity for logistics entities to practice ESG management. Despite the comprehensive ESG guidelines established by Korea for all enterprises, a notable limitation arises from its inadequate consideration of the distinctive features inherent to logistics enterprises, especially those of a smaller and medium scale. Accordingly, this study conducts a thorough examination of existing ESG guidelines, sustainable management approaches in large-scale logistics enterprises, and prior research to identify potential ESG management diagnostic criteria relevant to small and medium-sized logistics enterprises, including aspects such as Public(P), Environmental(E), Social(S), and Governance(G). To streamline the diagnostic criteria, taking into account the unique characteristics of small and medium-sized logistics enterprises, this study conducts a survey involving 60 logistics company personnel and experts from academic and research domains. The collected data undergoes Principal Component Analysis (PCA), revealing that the four dimensions of information disclosure can be consolidated into a single dimension. Additionally, environmental criteria reduce from 16 to 3 items, societal considerations decrease from 22 to 7 items, and governance structures distill from 20 to 5 items. This empirical endeavor is deemed significant in presenting tailored ESG management diagnostic criteria aligned with the specificities of small and medium-sized logistics enterprises. The findings of this study are expected to serve as a foundational resource for the development of guidelines by relevant entities, promoting the wider adoption of ESG management practices in the sphere of small and medium-sized logistics enterprises in the near future. population coming from areas other than Gwangyang, where Gwangyang Port is located.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.127-145
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• 2023

As the importance of strengthening port security is increasing, it is necessary to conduct a perceptual study on port facility users who pay for port security services first. This study aims to identify improvements in the port security function of Busan Port and contribute to the future development of port security in Korea. A total of 125 questionnaires were collected from port facility security fee collectors at Busan Port. Based on the collected data, exploratory factor analysis, traditional IPA, and modified IPA were conducted. In conclusion, first, the physical function of port security is the most important and should be continuously maintained and strengthened. Second, improving the professionalism of port security personnel is most urgent, and the port security education system needs to be improved. Finally, it is necessary to gradually develop the port security information service function in consideration of future development possibilities.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.193-203
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• 2024

This study examined the effect of a dietary protein level and age on growth performance, total excreta, and nitrogen balance in laying hen during the growing period for 18 weeks. A total of 96 Hy-Line Brown laying hens were divided into two treatments according to the experimental diets, with each group consisting of six replicates. The experimental diets included: 1) an adequate metabolizable energy and crude protein diet formulated to meet the age and breed specification for Hy-Line Brown containing 21, 18, 16, and 14% dietary CP during 0 to 6, 6 to 12, 12 to 15, 15 to 18 weeks, respectively (CON); 2) 2% CP deficiency from CON diet containing 19, 16, 14, 12% dietary CP during 0 to 6, 6 to 12, 12 to 15, 15 to 18 weeks, respectively (LP). Growth performance, total excreta, and nitrogen balance were investigated for 18 weeks every 3 weeks, and two-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis of data. The LP group had lower total excreta and N intake than CON group in the whole period of the experiment (p < 0.001). Moreover, birds in the LP group showed lower N excretion than the CON group (p < 0.05). However, the CON group exhibited higher BW, ADG than the LP group (p < 0.001). Application of low-protein diet to laying hens during the growing period reduced N excretion, which contribute to the sustainable development of the laying hen industry by minimizing environmental pollution.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.219-226
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• 2024

Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) is emphasized to enhance ecosystem conservation and increase its ecological value. However, effective implementation of PES and policy execution requires insufficient ecosystem monitoring and research. Therefore, this study analyzed the effectiveness of PES implemented in Janghang Wetland to propose habitat management strategies. The study included monitoring migratory birds and analyzing key species' food sources. The dominant avian species observed in Janghang Wetland include Larus crassirostris, Anas platyrhynchos, Anser albifrons with their primary food sources analyzed as Gramineae plants such as Bromus japonicus, Elymus sibiricus, Brassicaceae plants such as Rorippa palustris. Furthermore, this study found that PES facilitates rice seed supply within Janghang Wetland, benefiting birds including Grus vipio, Anser fabalis, A. albifrons. To sustainable manage Janghang Wetland, improving food supply systems and exploring decentralized supply methods for G. vipio and Gooses (Anser fabalis, A. albifrons) are necessary. Additionally, managing boundaries between agricultural and developmental areas to improve ecological connectivity is essential. This study reaffirmed the ecological importance of Janghang Wetland as a crucial habitat for migratory species. The result will be significant as foundational data that can be used for future policy-making and support sustainable conservation efforts.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.3-12
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• 2024

This study examined affective representation by analyzing physiological responses measured using wearable devices and affective ratings in response to emotional videos. To achieve this aim, a published dataset was reanalyzed using multidimensional scaling to demonstrate affective representation in two dimensions. Cross-participant classification was also conducted to identify the consistency of emotional responses across participants. The accuracy and misclassification in each emotional condition were described by exploring the confusion matrix derived from the classification analysis. Multidimensional scaling revealed that the represented objects, namely, emotional videos, were positioned along the rated valence and arousal vectors, supporting the core affect theory (Russell, 1980). Vector fittings of physiological responses also showed the associations between heart rate acceleration and low arousal, increased heart rate variability and negative and high arousal, and increased electrodermal activity and negative and low arousal. Using the data of behavioral and physiological responses across participants, the classification results revealed that emotional videos were more accurately classified than the chance level of classification. The confusion matrix showed that awe, enthusiasm, and liking, which were categorized as positive, low arousal emotions in this study, were less accurately classified than the other emotions and were misclassified for each other. Through multivariate analyses, this study confirms the core affect theory using physiological responses measured through wearable devices and affective ratings in response to emotional videos.