• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.306-313
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• 2024

The genus Chirostoma is endemic from the Mesa Central of Mexico. It is conformed of 18 species and six subspecies. Five species are in some category of risk, because of this, Chirostoma jordani is an excellent model species to implement biotechnologies like gametes cryopreservation. Aim of present study was to evaluate fertilizing capacity of cryopreserved C. jordani sperm, as alternative to conservation and assisted reproduction in this specie and genus. Males and females were collected from wild Atlangatepec dam stock, Tlaxcala State, Mexico. Seminal quality was evaluated in fresh and cryopreserved semen with three cryoprotective agents (CPAs): 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 10% methanol (MeOH), 14% ethylene glycol (EG) and it was determined its post-thaw fertilizing capacity. Sperm motility percentage decreased during cryopreservation process (p < 0.05). There were not significant differences in post-thaw motility percentage between EG (53.5 ± 1.9%) and MeOH (53.3 ± 1.3%), but DMSO (50.3 ± 0.5%) was significantly different (p < 0.05). Results showed that 0.2 μL fresh semen were enough to fertilize 100% oocytes (n = 60). 10 μL DMSO and 5 μL MeOH and EG cryopreserved semen were necessary to fertilize oocytes 100% (n = 60) (p < 0.05). Cryopreservation and fertilization protocol for C. jordani sperm was efficient and it could be used for its assisted reproduction.

• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.291-301
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• 2024

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of prospective payment systems (PPSs) on cholecystectomy. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, examining studies published until December 2023. The review process focused on identifying research across major databases that reported critical outcomes such as length of stay (LOS), mortality, complications, admissions, readmissions, and costs following PPS for cholecystectomy. The studies were specifically selected for their relevance to the impact of PPS or the transition from fee-for-service (FFS) to PPS. The study analyzed six papers, with three eligible for meta-analysis, to assess the impact of the shift from FFS to PPS in laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy procedures. Our findings indicated no significant changes in LOS and mortality rates following the transition from FFS to PPS. Complication rates varied and were influenced by the diagnosis-related group categorization and surgeon cost profiles under episode-based payment. There was a slight increase in admissions and readmissions, and mixed effects on hospital costs and financial margins, suggesting varied responses to PPS for cholecystectomy procedures. The impact of PPS on cholecystectomy is nuanced and varies across different aspects of healthcare delivery. Our findings indicate a need for adaptable, patient-centered PPS models that balance economic efficiency with high-quality patient care. The study emphasizes the importance of considering specific surgical procedures and patient demographics in healthcare payment reforms.

• Journal of Internet Technology
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.1535-1545
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• 2019

Recently, the diverse kinds of applications in multimedia computing have been developed for visual surveillance, healthcare, smart cities, and security. Video conferencing is one of core applications among multimedia applications. The Quality of Service of video conferencing is a major issue, because of limited network traffic. Video conferencing allow a large number of users to converse with each other. However, the huge amount of packets are generated in the process of transmitting and receiving the photographed images of users. Therefore, the number of packets in video conferencing needs to be reduced. Video conferencing can be conducted in virtual reality by sending only the control signals of virtual characters and showing virtual characters based on the received signals to represent the users, instead of the photographed images of the users, in real time. This paper proposes a method that determines representative photographed images by analyzing the collected photographed images of users, using KMedoids algorithm and a decision tree, and expresses the users based on the analyzed images. The decision tree used for video conferencing are generated automatically using the proposed method. Given that the behaviors in the decision tree is added or changed considering photographed images, it is possible to reproduce the decision tree by photographing the behavior of the user in real-time. In an experiment conducted, 63 consecutively photographed images were collected and a decision tree generated by using the silhouette images of the photographed images. Indices of the silhouette images were utilized to express a subject and one index was selected using a decision tree. The proposed method reduced the number of comparisons by a factor of 3.78 compared with the traditional method that uses correlation coefficient. Further, each user's image could be outputted by using only the control image table of the image and the index.

• Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.75-88
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• 2024

This study aims to assess the maturity of Korean open access (OA) journals using the OA infrastructure provided by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, and develop necessary strategies for future improvement. The assessment model consists of three dimensions, 12 items, and 24 sub-items. The importance of the three dimensions (A: OA policy establishment and disclosure, B: OA sustainability, and C: Journal openness quality) was differentiated by the Analytic Hierarchy Process, and the maturity stages were divided into five levels (Entry, Growth1, Growth2, Maturity1, and Maturity2). The assessment was carried out twice for 100 academic journals. The results indicated that the proportion of journals at or above the Growth1 level increased by 11% to reach 83% during the second assessment phase, which could be owing to the learnings of the first assessment. Following expert consultations on the assessment results, three support measures were identified to activate OA. The first includes OA promotion and education activities, which involve creating standard regulations and guidelines, and advancing educational activities for societies that are either preparing for or currently implementing OA. The second involves providing support for technical aspects, such as identifiers, XMLization, and copyright management, through peer review and OA publishing platforms. The third includes collaborative activities to enhance journal evaluations and the recognition criteria for researchers' achievements in OA journals, and fostering cooperation with national and research and development institutions for financial support.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.318-335
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• 2024

Objectives: Despite the growing market share of online grocery shopping, there is a need to understand customer perceived value due to the ongoing advancements in information technology. This study explores the connections between attributes, consequences, and values. Additionally, it conducts a cross-country comparison of consumers' online grocery shopping behaviors to gain a deeper understanding of consumer market segments and any potential variations among them. Methods: Data was collected through an online questionnaire survey conducted from May 1 to 15, 2024, targeting 400 consumers in Seoul, Korea, and Shanghai, China, who have experience with online grocery shopping. The survey utilized the Means-End Chain theory and association pattern technique hard laddering. Data collation and analysis were conducted using the IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0 program. The LadderUX software was employed to analyze the links between attributes, consequences, and values and create the consumer purchasing process's implication matrix and hierarchical value map (HVM). Results: The study identified key attributes that influence online grocery shopping decisions, including delivery service, price, freshness, and quality. Korean consumers demonstrated a higher sensitivity to price (19.0%) and delivery service (17.0%). In contrast, Chinese consumers prioritized delivery service (15.0%) and after-sales service (14.8%). Commonly cited consequences included time saving (12.6% for Koreans, 11.3% for Chinese), whereas prevalent values encompassed convenience (36.8% for Koreans, 19.6% for Chinese) and economic value (26.6% for Koreans, 14.7% for Chinese). The HVM underscored these insights, highlighting diverse consumer preferences and country-specific nuances. Conclusions: The findings highlight the current state of online food consumption and consumers' value systems, revealing variations among countries. These findings offer empirical insights that can be used to create customized global marketing strategies that resonate with various consumer preferences and market dynamics.

• Smart Media Journal
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.26-38
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• 2024

This paper discusses the use of GPT and GPT API for prompt engineering in the development of the interactive smart device lock screen application "Smart Lock," aimed at enhancing literacy among young children and lower-grade elementary and middle school students during critical language development periods. In an era where media usage via smartphones is widespread among children, smartphone-based media is often cited as a primary cause of declining literacy. This study proposes an application that simulates conversations with parents as a tool for improving literacy, providing an environment conducive to literacy enhancement through smartphone use. Generative AI GPT was employed to create literacy-improving problems. Using pre-generated data, situational dialogues with parents were presented, and prompt engineering was utilized to generate questions for the application. The response quality was improved through parameter tuning and function calling processes. This study investigates the potential of literacy improvement education using generative AI through the development process of interactive applications.

• Smart Media Journal
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.9-15
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• 2024

Software testing is essential in the software development process. Modified Condition / Decision Coverage (MC/DC) is a test case derivation technique that enhances the stability and reliability of software by effectively verifying complex conditions and decision structures. We propose the MCC Test Cases (MTC) generator in this study. This generator generates Multiple Condition Coverage (MCC) test cases using binary numbers to confirm the maximum coverage value of MC/DC testing. The proposed MTC generator utilizes some conditions from the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)-II specification. It converts them into a Comma-Separated Values (CSV) file and then validates the coverage results through the VectorCAST program. So, MC/DC testing was performed using the MCC test case to confirm the maximum coverage value when performing MC/DC tests for each condition of the TCAS-II specification. This research is helpful for the verification of MC/DC test cases by confirming the maximum coverage value when performing MC/DC tests. Moreover, having more test cases increases the likelihood of discovering defects. Therefore, it can improve the efficiency of software test coverage verification, as well as the quality and stability of software.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.233-242
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• 2024

This study evaluates the potential of various coagulants to enhance the efficiency of total phosphorus removal facilities in a sewage treatment plant. After analyzing the existing water quality conditions of the sewage treatment plant, the coagulant of poly aluminium chloride was experimentally applied to measure its effectiveness. In this process, the use of poly aluminium chloride and polymers in various ratios was explored to identify the optimal combination of coagulants. The experimental results showed that the a coagulants combination demonstrated higher treatment efficiency compared to exclusive use of large amounts of poly aluminium chloride methods. Particularly, the appropriate combination of poly aluminium chloride and polymers played a significant role. The optimal coagulant combination derived from the experiments was applied in a micro flotation method of real sewage treatment plant to evaluate its effectiveness. This study presents a new methodology that can contribute to enhancing the efficiency of sewage treatment processes and reducing environmental pollution. This research is expected to make an important contribution to improving to phosphorus remove efficiency of similar wastewater treatment plant and reducing the ecological impact from using coagulants in the future.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.210-226
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• 2024

Old-growth mixed-conifer forests in Bhutan are characterized by remarkable tree species compositional heterogeneity. However, our knowledge of tree species assemblages and their structural attributes in these forests has been limited. Therefore, forest classification has been reliant on a single dominant species. This study aimed to distinguish tree species assemblages in an old-growth mixed conifer forest in Western Bhutan and to describe their natural compositional and stand structural characteristics. Furthermore, the regeneration status of species was investigated and the quantity and quality of accumulated coarse woody debris were assessed. Ninety simple random sampling plots were surveyed in the study site between 3,000 and 3,600 meters above sea level. Tree, standing deadwood, regeneration, and coarse woody debris data were collected. Seven tree species assemblages were distinguished by Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Indicator Species Analysis, representing five previously undescribed tree species associations with unique set of consistent species. Principal Component Analysis revealed two transitional pathways of species dominance along an altitudinal gradient, highly determined by relative topographic position. The level of stand stratification varied within a very wide range, corresponding to physiognomic composition. Rotated-sigmoid and negative exponential diameter distributions were formed by overstorey species with modal, and understorey species with negative exponential distribution. Overstorey dominant species showed extreme nurse log dependence during regeneration, which supports the formation of their modal distribution by an early natural selection process. This allows the coexistence of overstorey and understorey dominant species, increasing the sensitivity of these primary ecosystems to forest management.

• Informatization Policy
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.88-105
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• 2024

Many companies are adopting Information System (IS) operation outsourcing to focus on their core competencies and enhance operational efficiency. However, most of them employ a headcount-based pricing model, which often leads to exhaustive negotiations over contract costs without objective criteria or systematic frameworks. This headcount-based outsourcing contract environment results in low motivation/incentives for both client companies and IT service providers to improve productivity, efficiency, and quality, which poses challenges in securing a competitive advantage. This study introduces the development process of an IS operation outsourcing pricing model, which was collaboratively developed and agreed upon for implementation in actual contracts by an IT service company of a conglomerate. Also, the study underscores the activities undertaken to secure IT service competitiveness based on this model so as to deliver a practical guide for companies seeking to transition their outsourcing contract methods.