• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.217-231
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• 1998

The effectiveness of intrauterine insemination (IUI) combined with controlled ovanan hyperstimulation (COH) in the treatment of infertility with various etiologies was compared in a total of 152 cycles. Patients received a maximum of three IUI cycles for the treatment. Severe male ($<2\times10^6$ motile sperm) or age factor (> 39 y) patients were excluded in this study. Pregnancy was classified as clinical if a gestational sac was seen on ultrasound. The overall clinical pregnancy rate was 7.9% per cycle (12/152) and 9.7% per patient (12/124). The pregnancy rates were 0% in unstimulated natural (0/18), 7.5% in CC (3/40), 8.2% in CC+hMG (4/49), 5.9% in GnRH-a ultrashort (1/17), 5.9% in GnRH-a long (1/17) and 27.3% in dual suppression cycles (3/11), respectively. The pregnancy rate was higher in dual suppression cycle than other stimulated cycles, but this was not significant. The multiple pregnancy rates were 25.0% (2 twins and 1 triplet). No patient developed ovarian hyperstimulation. Abortion rates were 66.7% in CC (2/3) and 100% in ultrashort cycles (1/1). The livebirth rate was 5.9% per cycle (9/152) and 7.3% per patient (9/124). There were no differences in age, duration of infertility, follicle size, total ampules of gonadotropins and days of stimulation between pregnant and non-pregnant groups. However, significant(P<0.05) differences were observed in the level of estradiol $(E_2)$ on the day of hCG injection ($3,266.6{\pm}214.2$ vs $2,202.7{\pm}139.4$ pg/ml) and total motile sperm count ($212.1{\pm}63.4$ vs $105.1{\pm}9.9\times10^6$) between pregnant group and non-pregnant group. These results suggest that IUI combined with successful ovarian stimulation tends to improve the chance of pregnancy as compared to IUI without COH and a total motile sperm count may be considered predictive of the success for pregnancy.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.247-252
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• 2016

Objective: Heparin can modulate proteins, and influence processes involved in implantation and trophoblastic development. This study aimed to assess the improvement of clinical pregnancy and implantation rates after local intrauterine injection of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Methods: A randomised case/control design was followed in women scheduled for ICSI. The study arm was injected with intrauterine LMWH during mock embryo transfer immediately following the ovum pickup procedure, while the control arm was given an intrauterine injection with a similar volume of tissue culture media. Side effects, the clinical pregnancy rate, and the implantation rate were recorded. Results: The pregnancy rate was acceptable (33.9%) in the LMWH arm with no significant reported side effects, confirming the safety of the intervention. No statistically significant differences were found in the clinical pregnancy and implantation rates between both groups (p= 0.182 and p= 0.096, respectively). The odds ratio of being pregnant after intrauterine injection with LMWH compared to the control group was 0.572 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-1.22), while the risk ratio was 0.717 (95% CI, 0.46-1.13; p= 0.146). No statistical significance was found between the two groups in other factors affecting implantation, such as day of transfer (p= 0.726), number of embryos transferred (p= 0.362), or embryo quality. Conclusion: Intrauterine injection of LMWH is a safe intervention, but the dose used in this study failed to improve the outcome of ICSI. Based on its safety, further research involving modification of the dosage and/or the timing of administration could result in improved ICSI success rates.

• Asia Pacific Journal of Business Review
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.37-62
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• 2017

To analyze the effects of R&D expenditure on the firm value of Korean firms, we classified portfolios based on R&D activity levels. After that, we conducted a time-series analysis to assess excess returns from the portfolios. To carry out such an analysis, an empirical analysis of excess returns in the capital market was performed by using the monthly earning rate of stocks from 2000 to 2013. The purpose of this research is to provide basic data on investment to stakeholders in the capital market by analyzing the effects of R&D on the firm value and to overcome scholarly limitations by offering a new model of analysis. The criteria for classifying the portfolios were based on R&D expenditure levels. The analysis models follow the Fama-French Three-Factor Model and the Carhart Four-Factor Model. The analyses results are as follows. Extrapolating monthly profit rates based on R&D expenditure levels, portfolios with low R&D expenditures showed higher earning rates than those with high R&D expenditures. This suggests that high R&D expenditures did not translate into high earning rates. The investor depreciates the R&D expenditures related profitability and the possibility of success in the market, leading to falls in stock prices and a failure to give a positive effect on the firm value. Our research differs from the previous investigations as we carried out an empirical analysis based on the actual investors' attitudes about R&D expenditures and how these can generate excess earnings. Our research results show that the data related to R&D expenditure are not reflected fully in the market.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.189-198
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• 1998

Since the male sterilization (vasectomy) has been performed on a large scale as an accepted family planning in Korea on 1980s and this, in turn, has been followed by an increase in the number of patients requesting vasovasostomy. We studies 1000 consecutive cases of vasovasostomy performed from January 1975 to July 1995 in Pusan National University Hospital. In this report, we are going to present serial studies of vasovasostomy through which we attempted to find out what factors are of impotence in influencing the successful outcome of vasovasostomy operation. We inquired the operative results data through the questionnaire and telephone interview with survey of medical records. A total of 259 cases was excluded due to the loss of follow-up. The overall patency and pregnancy rates of 741 cases were 86.9% and 51.1%, respectively. The age of man at the time of anastomosis ranged from 23 to 57 years old with an average of 34.9. The most frequent reason for requesting vasovasostomy was the desire to have more children (43.4%). The average obstructive interval was 60.6 months with range from 1 to 264 months. If the obstructive interval had been less than 5 years patency rate was 92.4% and pregnancy rate 64.8%, but 6 years or more 84.1% and 48.5% (p<0.01, p<0.01). Patency and pegnancy rates according to intraoperative vas fluid were 93.1% and 62.8% for presence and 83.7% and 53.1% for absence (p<0.01, p<0.05). Patency and pregnancy rates according to histologically proven sperm granuloma at vasectomy site were 87.7% and 49.2% for presence and 86.9% and 50.6% for absence (p>0.05, p<0.05). Patency and pregnancy rates were not significantly different between microscopic standard vasovasostomy (88.4%, 64.3%) and modified vasovasostomy (89.5%, 56.3%)(p>0.05, p>0.05). Both patency and pregnancy rates according to level of anastomosis were 89.8% and 59.8% in cases of straight vas and 91.5%, 60.1% in cases of convoluted vas (p>0.05, p>0.05). Patency and pregnancy rates according to the kind of suture materials were 91.5% and 56.2% for absorbable, 91.0% and 64.2% for non-absorbable and 93.3% and 53.3% for absorbable plus non-absorbable, respectively (p>0.05, p<0.05). Thus it is suggested that the important factor influencing the success rate of vasovasostomy is the interval of obstruction and vasal ooze with surgical skills.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.779-791
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• 2023

This study aimed to assess the effects of embryonic developmental stage, quality grade, and fresh or frozen/thawed conditions on the pregnancy rate and sex ratio of live offspring in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) cows. The quality and developmental stage of in vivo-derived (IVD) transferred embryos were evaluated using the standard criteria of the International Embryo Technology Society. The recipient cows were synchronized using conventional (estradiol benzoate and progesterone) protocols before embryo transfer. Embryos were transferred to 297 cows, and pregnancy was monitored for 60-70 days after embryo transfer. The pregnancy rates of fresh and frozen/thawed embryos were 56.90% and 52.49%, respectively. Pregnancy rates varied according to embryo quality (56.18% for grade 1 vs. 36.67% for grade 2). Pregnancy rates also varied by developmental stage and cryopreservation (67.86% vs. 63.49% for stage 4-1, 64.00% vs. 54.72% for 5-1, and 50.00% vs. 47.83% for 6-1, in fresh embryos vs. frozen/thawed embryos, respectively). For stage 7-1, the pregnancy rates were 72.73% for fresh embryos and 20.00% for frozen/thawed embryos. In 66 fresh embryos, the sex ratio of live offspring was 5:5, whereas it was 4(female):6(male) for frozen/thawed embryos among the 95 frozen/thawed embryos. The miscarriage rate was approximately 3% higher for frozen/thawed embryos than for fresh embryos (18.1% for fresh vs. 21.1% for frozen). Seasonal fertility rates were 33.3% in spring, 55.67% in summer, 52.8% in autumn, 60.0% in winter. The following male-to-female ratios were observed in different seasons: 6.7:3.3 in spring, 4.0:6.0 in summer, 5.5:4.5 in autumn, and 3.3:6.7 in winter. The current data revealed no significant differences in pregnancy rates between fresh and frozen/thawed IVD embryos. However, there was a lower pregnancy rate with advanced-stage frozen/thawed embryos (stage 7-1). The current study provides comprehensive results for the better optimization of embryo transfer in Hanwoo cattle to obtain the desired fertility rate, pregnancy rate, and sex ratio of calves. These results provide important insights into the factors that influence the viability and success of IVD embryo transfer in Hanwoo cows and may have practical applications for improving breeding programs and reducing production costs.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.19-26
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• 2020

Background and Objective Endoscopic airway dilation is the primary treatment for pediatric subglottic stenosis (SGS) due to its feasibility and non-invasiveness. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors for the failure of endoscopic airway dilation in pediatric patients with SGS. Materials and Methods This study reviewed medical records of 38 pediatric patients had endoscopic dilation from a single and tertiary referral center, retrospectively. The success of the endoscopic dilation procedure was defined as no dyspneic symptom without tracheostomy or laryngotracheal reconstruction. Demographic profiles, underlying disease, and Myer-Cotton SGS severity grade were recorded. Success rates and risk factors for the failure of treatment were analyzed. Results The SGS patients with severity grade I was most common. After mean 1.8 numbers of procedures, there were 23 patients (60.5%) in the success group and 15 patients (39.5%) in the failure group. Age, sex, underlying diseases, and SGS severity grade were not significantly different between two groups. In patients who had multiple endoscopic procedures, the failure group showed SGS deteriorated after procedures in 66.7%, compared to 11.1% of the success group. In multivariable analysis, a long-term intubation (≥1 month) was identified as an independent risk factor for failure of endoscopic dilation procedure. Conclusion Although endoscopic dilation procedure is safe and effective for the management, repetitive endoscopic dilation may not give clinical benefit in patient with long-term intubation. Other airway procedures must be considered in those group of patients.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.405-414
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• 2021

Purpose. This study was conducted to evaluate clinical usefulness by evaluating the marginal bone resorption and survival rate of an implant with a taper straight type SLA surface domestically available on the market recently. Materials and methods. 40 implants satisfying the including criteria were observed for one year of 125 implants of 83 adult men and women who had KISPLANT^® implanted from August 2016 to December 2019 at the Department of Periodontology, Chonnam National University Dental Hospital. The marginal bone level was measured on periapical radiographs taken initially and 1 year later and we analyzed implant survival and success rates. A t-test was used for the analysis of the association between the marginal bone resorption and the severity of periodontitis, supportive periodontal therapy, the inserted site, the cause of extraction, immediate placement, and systemic disease. Results. After 1 year of loading, the mesial bone resorption was 0.74 ± 1.07 mm, and the distal bone resorption was 0.53 ± 1.04 mm. The marginal bone resorption of 2 mm or more occurred at 3 implants out of 40 implants after 1 year, so the success rate of implant was 92.5% and survival rate was 100%. There was a significant difference in mesial marginal bone resorption according to the inserted site and no significant differences were found between marginal bone resorption and the other factors. Conclusion. As a result of marginal bone resorption, success rate, and survival rate in this study, we found little marginal bone resorption and high survival and success rate. It can be concluded that they represent excellent clinical results.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.82 no.3
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• pp.242-250
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• 2019

Background: Data on noninvasive ventilation (NIV) use in intensive care units (ICUs) are very limited in South Korea. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed in 20 ICUs of university-affiliated hospitals from June 2017 to February 2018. Adult patients (age>18 years) who were admitted to the ICU and received NIV treatment for acute respiratory failure were included. Results: A total of 156 patients treated with NIV were enrolled (mean age, $71.9{\pm}11.6years$). The most common indications for NIV were acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF, n=89) and post-extubation respiratory failure (n=44). The main device for NIV was an invasive mechanical ventilator with an NIV module (61.5%), and the majority of patients (87.2%) used an oronasal mask. After the exclusion of 32 do-not-resuscitate patients, NIV success rate was 68.5% (85/124); ICU and hospital mortality rates were 8.9% and 15.3%, respectively. However, the success rate was lower in patients with de novo respiratory failure (27.3%) compared to that of patients with AHRF (72.8%) or post-extubation respiratory failure (75.0%). In multivariate analysis, immunocompromised state, de novo respiratory failure, post-NIV (2 hours) respiratory rate, NIV mode (i.e., non-pressure support ventilation mode), and the change of NIV device were significantly associated with a lower success rate of NIV. Conclusion: AHRF and post-extubation respiratory failure were the most common indications for NIV in Korean ICUs. Overall NIV success was achieved in 68.5% of patients, with the lowest rate in patients with de novo respiratory failure.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.165-171
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• 2024

This study aims to investigate the appropriate volume of artificial ventilation and success rate when Basic - emergency medical Technician administer bag valve mask(BVM) artificial ventilation to patients experiencing respiratory failure or respiratory arrest using a respiratory rate measurement device. The research was conducted from December 11th to 12th, 2023, targeting 20 Basic - emergency medical Technicians enrolled at D University. Ten participants were selected for the experimental group, receiving BVM ventilation training with the use of a respiratory rate measurement device, while the other ten were assigned to the control group, receiving BVM ventilation training without the use of a respiratory rate measurement device. The experiment involved providing artificial ventilation for 2 minutes. The results of the study indicated that the control group did not provide accurate tidal volume (p=.025). The experimental group demonstrated a higher success rate of ventilation over the 2-minute period, while the control group showed a significant difference (p=.001). Subjective perception of tidal volume and objectively measured tidal volume also exhibited a significant difference in the control group (p=.010). Therefore, training with a respiratory rate measurement device can align the subjective perception of tidal volume with objective measurements, increase the success rate of ventilation, and potentially contribute to improving survival rates in patients experiencing respiratory failure or respiratory arrest during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

• Information Systems Review
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.135-156
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• 2017

An intelligent personal assistant (IPA) is a software agent that assists people to perform basic tasks or services for an individual by commonly providing information via natural language. In spite of the versatile capabilities of the IPA to answer a user's simple information-based queries, such as the weather and driving directions, the actual usage rates for IPA services are limited to date. In this research, to evaluate the factors affecting the intention to use IPA, we develop an empirical model based on technology acceptance model, innovation diffusion theory, and IS success model. Afterward, we collect 203 questionnaires from actual users of IPAs. Finally, the structural equation model validates the causal relationship between the constructs of the model. Consequently, the innovation characteristics of IPA drawn from innovation diffusion theory, namely, relative advantage, compatibility, observability, all exerted a positive influence on perceived usefulness. Furthermore, information quality, a quality characteristic of IPA obtained from DeLone and McLean's IS success model, presented a positive effect on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Finally, the perceived intelligence of IPA displayed a positive influence on perceived usefulness and ease of use. This characteristic was also a major factor that can increase the intention to use the IPA. Given these research findings, this study is significant for identifying factors that may influence the intention to use the IPA by providing strategic guidelines to relevant business operators and establishing an integrated model.