• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.7
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• pp.1066-1076
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• 2021

Objective: To evaluate the performance of the 2018 Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center (KLCA-NCC) Practice Guidelines (hereafter, PG) for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI, compared to the Liver Imaging-Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) version 2018 (hereafter, v2018). Materials and Methods: From January 2013 to October 2015, treatment-naïve hepatic lesions (≥ 1 cm) on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI in consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B or cirrhosis were retrospectively evaluated. For each lesion, three radiologists independently analyzed the imaging features and classified the lesions into categories according to the 2018 KLCA-NCC PG and LI-RADS v2018. The imaging features and categories were determined by consensus. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to compare the per-lesion diagnostic performance of the 2018 KLCA-NCC PG and LI-RADS v2018 using the consensus data. Results: In total, 422 lesions (234 HCCs, 45 non-HCC malignancies, and 143 benign lesions) from 387 patients (79% male; mean age, 59 years) were included. In all lesions, the definite HCC (2018 KLCA-NCC PG) had a higher sensitivity and lower specificity than LR-5 (LI-RADS v2018) (87.2% [204/234] vs. 80.8% [189/234], p < 0.001; 86.2% [162/188] vs. 91.0% [171/188], p = 0.002). However, in lesions of size ≥ 2 cm, the definite HCC had a higher sensitivity than the LR-5 (86.8% [164/189] vs. 82.0 (155/189), p = 0.002) without a reduction in the specificity (80.0% [48/60] vs. 83.3% [50/60], p = 0.15). In all lesions, the sensitivity and specificity of the definite/probable HCC (2018 KLCA-NCC PG) and LR-5/4 did not differ significantly (89.7% [210/234] vs. 91.5% [214/234], p = 0.204; 83.5% [157/188] vs. 79.3% [149/188], p = 0.071). Conclusion: For the diagnosis of HCC of size ≥ 2 cm, the definite HCC (2018 KLCA-NCC PG) had a higher sensitivity than LR-5, without a reduction in specificity. The definite/probable HCC (2018 KLCA-NCC PG) had a similar sensitivity and specificity to that those of the LR-5/4.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.181-190
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• 2024

Background/Aims: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the first-line therapy for dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (BE). Therefore, cryotherapy has emerged as an alternative treatment option. This study aimed to compare the efficacies of these two techniques based on the rates of complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) and dysplasia (CE-D). Adverse events and recurrence have also been reported. Methods: An electronic search was conducted using the Medline (PubMed), Embase, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases until December 2022. Studies were included comparing cryotherapy and RFA for treating dysplastic BE with or without early esophageal neoplasia. This study was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results: Three retrospective cohort studies involving 627 patients were included. Of these, 399 patients underwent RFA, and 228 were treated with cryotherapy. There was no difference in CE-IM (risk difference [RD], -0.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.25 to 0.19; p=0.78; I²=86%) as well as in CE-D (RD, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.15 to 0.09; p=0.64; I²=70%) between the groups. The absolute number of adverse events was low, and there was no difference in the recurrence rate. Conclusions: Cryotherapy and RFA were equally effective in treating dysplastic BE, with or without early esophageal neoplasia.

• Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.152-162
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• 2024

Objective: Stroke is the second-leading cause of death globally. Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) represents 10-15% of ischemic strokes in Western countries and up to 47% in Asian countries. Patients with ICAS have an especially high risk of stroke recurrence. The aim of this meta-analysis is to reassess recurrent stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and other outcomes with stenting versus best medical management for symptomatic ICAS. Methods: The search protocol was developed a priori according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The OVID Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to August 14th, 2022. Results: This meta-analysis included four randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with a total number of 991 patients. The mean age of participants was 57 years. The total number of intracranial stenting patients was 495, and the number of medical treatment patients was 496. The included studies were published between 2011 and 2022. Two studies were conducted in the USA, and the other two in China. All included studies compared intracranial stenting to medical treatment for ICAS. Conclusions: In patients with ischemic stroke due to symptomatic severe intracranial atherosclerosis, the rate of 30-day ischemic stroke, 30-day intracerebral hemorrhage, one-year stroke in territory or mortality favored the medical treatment alone without intracranial stenting. The risk of same-territory stroke at last follow-up, disabling stroke at last follow-up, and mortality did not significantly favor either group. Intracranial stenting for atherosclerosis did not result in significant benefit over medical treatment.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.47-75
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• 2009

Recently, researches on Management Information Systems (MIS) have laid out theoretical foundation and academic paradigms by introducing diverse theories, themes, and methodologies. Especially, academic paradigms of MIS encourage a user-friendly approach by developing the technologies from the users' perspectives, which reflects the existence of strong causal relationships between information systems and user's behavior. As in other areas in social science the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) has rapidly increased in recent years especially in the MIS area. The SEM technique is important because it provides powerful ways to address key IS research problems. It also has a unique ability to simultaneously examine a series of casual relationships while analyzing multiple independent and dependent variables all at the same time. In spite of providing many benefits to the MIS researchers, there are some potential pitfalls with the analytical technique. The research objective of this study is to provide some guidelines for an appropriate use of SEM based on the assessment of current practice of using SEM in the MIS research. This study focuses on several statistical issues related to the use of SEM in the MIS research. Selected articles are assessed in three parts through the meta analysis. The first part is related to the initial specification of theoretical model of interest. The second is about data screening prior to model estimation and testing. And the last part concerns estimation and testing of theoretical models based on empirical data. This study reviewed the use of SEM in 164 empirical research articles published in four major MIS journals in Korea (APJIS, ISR, JIS and JITAM) from 1991 to 2007. APJIS, ISR, JIS and JITAM accounted for 73, 17, 58, and 16 of the total number of applications, respectively. The number of published applications has been increased over time. LISREL was the most frequently used SEM software among MIS researchers (97 studies (59.15%)), followed by AMOS (45 studies (27.44%)). In the first part, regarding issues related to the initial specification of theoretical model of interest, all of the studies have used cross-sectional data. The studies that use cross-sectional data may be able to better explain their structural model as a set of relationships. Most of SEM studies, meanwhile, have employed. confirmatory-type analysis (146 articles (89%)). For the model specification issue about model formulation, 159 (96.9%) of the studies were the full structural equation model. For only 5 researches, SEM was used for the measurement model with a set of observed variables. The average sample size for all models was 365.41, with some models retaining a sample as small as 50 and as large as 500. The second part of the issue is related to data screening prior to model estimation and testing. Data screening is important for researchers particularly in defining how they deal with missing values. Overall, discussion of data screening was reported in 118 (71.95%) of the studies while there was no study discussing evidence of multivariate normality for the models. On the third part, issues related to the estimation and testing of theoretical models on empirical data, assessing model fit is one of most important issues because it provides adequate statistical power for research models. There were multiple fit indices used in the SEM applications. The test was reported in the most of studies (146 (89%)), whereas normed-test was reported less frequently (65 studies (39.64%)). It is important that normed- of 3 or lower is required for adequate model fit. The most popular model fit indices were GFI (109 (66.46%)), AGFI (84 (51.22%)), NFI (44 (47.56%)), RMR (42 (25.61%)), CFI (59 (35.98%)), RMSEA (62 (37.80)), and NNFI (48 (29.27%)). Regarding the test of construct validity, convergent validity has been examined in 109 studies (66.46%) and discriminant validity in 98 (59.76%). 81 studies (49.39%) have reported the average variance extracted (AVE). However, there was little discussion of direct (47 (28.66%)), indirect, and total effect in the SEM models. Based on these findings, we suggest general guidelines for the use of SEM and propose some recommendations on concerning issues of latent variables models, raw data, sample size, data screening, reporting parameter estimated, model fit statistics, multivariate normality, confirmatory factor analysis, reliabilities and the decomposition of effects.

• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.249-263
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• 1998

The competence of newly graduated nurses is based on various clinical expriences gained when they were students. Therefore, instructors of nursing students, professors in nursing schools or directors in hospitals must play a critical role in assisting them to obtain various knowledge and experienced nursing skills. The purpose of this study was to investigate nursing care activities and nursing care hours practiced by nursing students in a general hospital. The subject students were total 214 nursing students, 2nd graders(sophomores) and 3rd graders(juniors) from 5 Junior Nursing Colleges in Seoul and they practiced at S general hospital to gain clinical experience. The data were collected for 4 days. The tools for this study were the direct nursing care activity list consisted of 15 nursing areas and the indirect nursing care activity list consisted of 9 nursing areas. The subject students were supposed to record their own score. The results of this study are ; 1. The nursing care hours per nursing student 1) The average total nursing care hours a day per each nursing student are 362.65 mins(6.04hr), the direct nursing care hours per each nursing stuent are 202.09 mins(direct nursing care rate 56.0%) and it is higher than the indirect nursing care hours, 159.75mins(indirect nursing care rate 44.0%). The direct nursing care rate of each student by a team approach in the evening shift(56.3%) is higher than that in the day shift(55.8%). 2) The hours of checking vital signs are the longest(47.35mins) among the direct nursing care activites and next is in order of counseling 8l emotional support, nurse rounds, and accompaning a patient during examination. The hours of reporting are the longest(32.39mins) among the indirect nursing care activites, and next is the activities related to education such as reviewing chart, looking up references, etc. 3) The freqency of checking vital signs practiced by nursing student is the highest(the average of 55.7 times) among the direct nursing care activities and next is in order of nurse rounds, assistance of feeding, and counseling & emotional support. The required time for nursing students to accompany their patient during examination is the longest(20.7mins) and next are in order of restriction on patient' activity, orientated by a head nurse, skin care, sitz bath, bathing & hair shampoo, and assisting with patients' exercise. 2. The nursing care hours per grader 1) The average hours of total nursing care per a nursing student are 369.2mins(6.2hrs) to 2nd graders, 355.9mins(5.9 hrs) to third graders. The direct nursing care rate per each nursing student to 3rd graders(59.3%) was higher than that to End graders(52.8%). 2) For 2nd graders, the highly marked nursing activities are teaching associated with direct nursing care activities such as drawing up papers, looking up references, reviewing charts, and being orientated by staff nurses. For 3rd graders, measurments, observations, and nurse rounds in indirect nursing care activities are taken highly 3) The most frequent practice of the nursing care activites is checking vital signs : 65 times to 3rd graders and 46.5 times to 2nd graders. Our suggestions based on the results of this study are : 1. It is recommanded to repeat the same designed study in a variety of clinical fields for further study. 2. It is recommanded to collect data not by self-record method but by observated method. 3. It is needed for nursing instructors in Nursing Schools and in hospitals to develop the guidelines and check-list of clinical practice courses.

• 대한공업교육학회지
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.143-163
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• 2014

This study developed a National Competency Standard(NCS) regarding the casino operations management based on the manual for developing National Competency Standard of 13 years and a revised classification system chart of the National Competency Standard. For the research method, this study developed a national competency standard of relevant jobs after going through review, consultation, modification, supplementation, and reporting procedures 10 times with development experts of the National Competency Standard, the industrial setting professionals, education and training experts, qualification(job analysis) experts, facilitators, and a working group of job verification committee based on the phased range and DACUM procedure of study. The major development results of this study are as follows. First, this study selected and defined duties based on the revised classification system chart of the National Competency Standard, then drew and developed total 8 ability units based on the applicable duties. Secondly, based on the developed ability units, total 27 ability unit factors were deduced and developed. Thirdly, a standard system by ability unit factor was developed based on the level of the national competency standard and revised classification system chart, then this study deduced and developed a supra-domain of the standard system by competency units using the standard tranquility value by these competency unit factors. Based on such development contents and guidelines for the national competency standard ability unit classification number, this study deduced and developed category numbers by relevant competency unit. Fourthly, total 27 relevant performance standard by competency units and knowledge, skill, and attitude were deduced and developed. Fifthly, this study deduced and developed a scope of application, work situation, evaluation guide, core competency, and development history in reference to the total 8 relevant competency units based on the duties.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.438-448
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• 2017

This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis that evaluated the results of research on the pain reduction effects of lidocaine gel for urethral catheterization in adults. A literature search was conducted using seven electronic databases, gray literature and other resources based on the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). A Risk of Bias (RoB) tool was applied to assess the quality of selected studies. Data were analyzed using the RevMan 5.3.-program. Sixteen randomized controlled trials involving 1904 adults were included. RoB was not observed in the funnel plot. Overall, lidocaine gel was effective for pain reduction during urethral catheterization (Standard Mean Difference[SMD] -0.96;95% CI: -1.43, -0.49). To explore the cause of heterogeneity (I2=95%, p<.001), subgroup analysis was conducted according to three catheter types (urinary catheter, flexible cystoscopy, and rigid cystoscopy) and the SMDs were -0.88 (95% CI:-1.51, -0.26), -0.31 (95% CI:-0.63, 0.01), and -1.93 (95% CI:-2.88, -0.97), respectively. A significant pain reduction effect was observed regardless of gender in urinary catheterization. However, in rigid cystoscopy, a significant pain reduction effect was observed only in male subjects. Pain reduction effects were observed when 10~11ml lidocaine gel was used during rigid cystoscopy and when lubrication was used during urinary catheterization, irrespective of application time. These findings suggest that lidocaine gel is a useful anesthetic lubricant for urinary catheterization and rigid cystoscopy in male adults.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.23-32
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• 2019

Objectives: Insomnia is not only the most common sleep-related disorder, but also is one of the most important. Knowledge of the comorbidities of insomnia is essential for proper treatment including pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to prevent disease chronification. This study aimed to determine sleep clinic patients' knowledge of insomnia. Methods: This study recruited 44 patients (24 males and 20 females; mean age $54.11{\pm}16.30years$) from the sleep clinic at National Center for Mental Health. All subjects were asked to complete a self-report questionnaire about their reasons for visiting a sleep clinic and about their knowledge of treatment and comorbidities of insomnia. Results: The reasons for visiting the sleep clinic were insomnia symptoms of daytime sleepiness, irregular sleeping time, nightmares, snoring, and sleep apnea, in that order. Of the responders, 72.7% had a comorbidity of insomnia, and 22.7% showed high-risk alcohol use. In addition, 70.5% of responders chose pharmacological treatment of insomnia as the first option and reported collection of information about treatment of insomnia mainly from the internet and medical staff. More than half (52.3%) of the respondents reported that they had never heard about non-pharmacological treatments of insomnia such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT-I) or light therapy. The response rate about comorbidities of varied, with 75% of responders reporting knowledge of the relation between insomnia and depression, but only 38.6% stating awareness of the relation between insomnia and alcohol use disorder. Of the total responders, 68.2% were worried about hypnotics for insomnia treatment, and 70% were concerned about drug dependence. Conclusion: This study showed that patients at a sleep clinic had limited knowledge about insomnia. It is necessary to develop standardized insomnia treatment guidelines and educational handbooks for those suffering from insomnia. In addition, evaluation of alcohol use disorders is essential in the initial assessment of sleep disorders.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.54-66
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• 2024

Background and Purpose: Dementia subtypes, including Alzheimer's dementia (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), pose diagnostic challenges. This review examines the effectiveness of ¹⁸F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET) in differentiating these subtypes for precise treatment and management. Methods: A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted using databases like PubMed and Embase to identify studies on the diagnostic utility of ¹⁸F-FDG PET in dementia. The search included studies up to November 16, 2022, focusing on peer-reviewed journals and applying the goldstandard clinical diagnosis for dementia subtypes. Results: From 12,815 articles, 14 were selected for final analysis. For AD versus FTD, the sensitivity was 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-0.98) and specificity was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.70-0.92). In the case of AD versus DLB, ¹⁸F-FDG PET showed a sensitivity of 0.93 (95% CI 0.88-0.98) and specificity of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.70-0.92). Lastly, when differentiating AD from non-AD dementias, the sensitivity was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.80-0.91) and the specificity was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.80-0.91). The studies mostly used case-control designs with visual and quantitative assessments. Conclusions: ¹⁸F-FDG PET exhibits high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating dementia subtypes, particularly AD, FTD, and DLB. This method, while not a standalone diagnostic tool, significantly enhances diagnostic accuracy in uncertain cases, complementing clinical assessments and structural imaging.