• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.85 no.3
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• pp.618-630
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• 2024

Purpose To compare the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ethanol ablation (EA) followed by RFA in treating mixed cystic and solid thyroid nodules. Materials and Methods We included 243 nodules from 243 patients who underwent RFA for mixed cystic and solid benign nodules. The nodules were divided into two groups (RFA alone and EA + RFA). We evaluated volume reduction rate (VRR), therapeutic success rate, improvement in symptomatic and cosmetic issues, complications, and adverse effects. Results The RFA group included 204 patients, and the EA + RFA group included 39 patients. The long-term success rates in the RFA only and EA + RFA groups were 90.2% and 97.4%, respectively. The mean VRR at the last follow-up in the RFA and EA + RFA groups were 81.6% and 87.2%, respectively. Therapeutic results were similar in both groups at the last followup. Cosmetic and symptomatic problems markedly improved in both groups. No major complications were observed. Conclusion Both RFA alone and EA + RA are safe and effective methods for treating mixed cystic and solid thyroid nodules, although EA + RFA is slightly more effective.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.147-159
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• 2024

Lack of streamflow observations makes model calibration difficult and limits model performance improvement. Satellite-based remote sensing products offer a new alternative as they can be actively utilized to obtain hydrological data. Recently, several studies have shown that artificial intelligence-based solutions are more appropriate than traditional conceptual and physical models. In this study, a data-driven approach combining various recurrent neural networks and decision tree-based algorithms is proposed, and the utilization of satellite remote sensing information for AI training is investigated. The satellite imagery used in this study is from MODIS and SMAP. The proposed approach is validated using publicly available data from 25 watersheds. Inspired by the traditional regionalization approach, a strategy is adopted to learn one data-driven model by integrating data from all basins, and the potential of the proposed approach is evaluated by using a leave-one-out cross-validation regionalization setting to predict streamflow from different basins with one model. The GRU + Light GBM model was found to be a suitable model combination for target basins and showed good streamflow prediction performance in ungauged basins (The average model efficiency coefficient for predicting daily streamflow in 25 ungauged basins is 0.7187) except for the period when streamflow is very small. The influence of satellite remote sensing information was found to be up to 10%, with the additional application of satellite information having a greater impact on streamflow prediction during low or dry seasons than during wet or normal seasons.

• 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.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.505-518
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• 2023

The key to invasive pest management lies in preemptive action. However, most current research using species distribution models is conducted after an invasion has occurred. This study modeled the potential distribution of the globally notorious sweet potato pest, the sweet potato weevil(Cylas formicarius), that has not yet invaded Korea using MaxEnt. Using global occurrence data, bioclimatic variables, and topsoil characteristics, MaxEnt showed high explanatory power as both the training and test areas under the curve exceeded 0.9. Among the environmental variables used in this study, minimum temperature in the coldest month (BIO06), precipitation in the driest month (BIO14), mean diurnal range (BIO02), and bulk density (BDOD) were identified as key variables. The predicted global distribution showed high values in most countries where the species is currently present, with a significant potential invasion risk in most South American countries where C. formicarius is not yet present. In Korea, Jeju Island and the southwestern coasts of Jeollanam-do showed very high probabilities. The impact of climate change under shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios indicated an expansion along coasts as climate change progresses. By applying the 10th percentile minimum training presence rule, the potential area of occurrence was estimated at 1,439 km² under current climate conditions and could expand up to 9,485 km² under the SSP585 scenario. However, the model predicted that an inland invasion would not be serious. The results of this study suggest a need to focus on the risk of invasion in islands and coastal areas.

• Journal of Korean Elementary Science Education
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.433-445
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• 2024

This study aims to compare and analyze the educational contents of the material area in the elementary science curriculums of North and South Korea. The research subjects are materials and motion and energy (partial) areas of the revised science curriculum of South Korea in 2022 and materials around us and science in daily life (partial) areas of the nature and education program of North Korea in 2013. This study compared the elements of the educational content of the material domain between North and South Korea according to the grade. Furthermore, the reflection of the material domain goals of North and South Korea at the international level was analyzed using the evaluation framework of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2023 for the material content domains for fourth-grade elementary schools. Four teachers who majored in elementary science education and one expert in science education participated in the analysis. The results are as follows. First, in terms of the properties of matter, the content covered in the curriculum of North and South Korea differed in application period by grade and in the scope and level of content. Second, regarding material change, North Korea did not cover acids and bases but included methods for speeding up dissolution. Third, North Korea reflected the goal of the TIMSS 2023 properties of materials more highly than South Korea. Fourth, similar to the results for the analysis on the properties of materials, North Korea reflected the goal of the TIMSS 2023 for changes of materials more highly than did South Korea. In conclusion, the elements and timing of application of the material contents differed between North and South Korea, and the degree of reflection of goals at the international level was found to be higher for North Korea. In the future, this study hopes that cooperation and research on the development of integrated science and curriculum will occur along with the revitalization of educational exchange between North and South Korea from the perspective of the preparation for unification beyond the ideological conflict between them.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.162-182
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• 2024

Since the adoption of the World Heritage Convention, sites associated with dark histories have been inscribed as World Heritage sites over the past fifty years. However, in 2018, the review of nomination dossiers for these sites was temporarily suspended to prevent additional discomfort or the conflicts these inscriptions might cause. Despite concerns raised by experts about nominations of these sites, the increasing demands from State Parties led to the adoption of the Guiding Principles for the Preparation of Nominations Concerning Sites of Memory Associated with Recent Conflicts. These Guiding Principles have made it possible to inscribe such sites as World Heritage sites. The Guiding Principles play a crucial role in outlining the nature and criteria for inscription, the components required in the nomination dossier, and mechanisms for notifying a contestation in cases of differing interpretations of the site. Their primary aim is to minimize further conflicts that may arise from the inscription of sites of memory. They affirm that such sites can contribute to achieving the objectives of the World Heritage Convention and represent a significant step in addressing heritage interpretation in the World Heritage system. The amendment of the Operational Guidelines to incorporate a contestation mechanism has arguably established a more transparent and open inscription process. However, the Guiding Principles also have limitations. Among the ten criteria set by the World Heritage Convention, sites related to conflicts or dark histories can use Criterion (vi). This criterion focuses on the site's outstanding universal value linked to historical events or associations, regardless of physical evidence. If a State Party chooses not to use Criterion (vi), the application of the Guiding Principles cannot be expected. Furthermore, while the Guiding Principles require a heritage interpretation strategy in the nomination dossier, the lack of detailed guidance may confuse nominating countries. Sites of memory associated with recent conflicts are not just places that need protection and remembrance due to their association with dark histories. They have also evolved to become spaces for reconciliation and healing. The inscription of these sites as World Heritage sites is not just a recognition of their historical significance, but also a platform for discussing the impact of past conflicts on modern society. It opens up a dialogue on how current generations can address these issues. With the adoption of the Guiding Principles, we hope that inscribed sites will not only promote reconciliation and healing but also serve as a starting point for addressing present and future challenges.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.189-200
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• 2024

Background and Objectives: Concerns remain that early aspirin cessation may be associated with potential harm in subsets at high risk of ischemic events. This study aimed to assess the effects of P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy after 3-month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) vs. prolonged DAPT (12-month or longer) based on the ischemic risk stratification, the CHADS-P2A2RC, after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: This was a sub-study of the SMART-CHOICE trial. The effect of the randomized antiplatelet strategies was assessed across 3 CHADS-P2A2RC risk score categories. The primary outcome was a major adverse cardiac and cerebral event (MACCE), a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Results: Up to 3 years, the high CHADS-P2A2RC risk score group had the highest incidence of MACCE (105 [12.1%], adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.927; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.358-6.309; p=0.006) followed by moderate-risk (40 [1.4%], adjusted HR, 1.786; 95% CI, 0.868-3.674; p=0.115) and low-risk (9 [0.5%], reference). In secondary analyses, P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy reduced the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) types 2, 3, or 5 bleeding without increasing the risk of MACCE as compared with prolonged DAPT across the 3 CHADS-P2A2RC risk strata without significant interaction term (interaction p for MACCE=0.705 and interaction p for BARC types 2, 3, or 5 bleeding=0.055). Conclusions: The CHADS-P2A2RC risk score is valuable in discriminating high-ischemic-risk patients. Even in such patients with a high risk of ischemic events, P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy was associated with a lower incidence of bleeding without increased risk of ischemic events compared with prolonged DAPT.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.5-13
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• 2024

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of salinity stress on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Crepidiastrum sonchifolium. The plant was treated with NaCl at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, and 200mM for 6 weeks. After treatment, the whole plant was collected, and 70% ethanol extracts were prepared. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was highest in the order of NaCl treatment concentrations of 0, 100, and 50mM, while the 200mM treatment group showed the lowest radical scavenging. The total phenol and total flavonoid contents showed very similar results to the antioxidant activity depending on the NaCl concentration, confirming that the phenolic compounds of the plant can contribute to the antioxidant capacity against salinity stress. In addition, the investigation of the effect of NaCl-treated C. sonchifolium extract on the inhibition of NO production in the LPS-stimulated mouse macrophage cell line (Raw 264.7) revealed that NO production significantly decreased in the 1,000㎍/mL treatment group across all NaCl concentration groups. But, the high concentration (1,000㎍/mL) treatment of the 100mM and 200mM NaCl treatment groups was found to have a negative effect on cell survival. These results suggest that radical scavenging activity is highest in healthy plants and that they produce antioxidants to respond to NaCl salinity stress up to 100mM. However, a high NaCl concentration of 200mM has a negative effect on the physiological activity of the plants. Compared with the results of the previously reported growth index, it is thought that the growth and physiological activity of plants can be positively affected in an NaCl treatment environment of 50mM or less.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.77
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• pp.29-46
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• 2024

Research Purpose : This study originated from a request for education and counseling to reassess the role of middle-aged lay women in the church. The research purpose is to analyze the significance, transformation, and impact of learning participation by investigating how individuals' needs are addressed through a lifelong education program designed as a pilot course. The study aims to examine how middle-aged women who have actively participated in church activities, reflect on their faith, ministry, and life through the church's lifelong education program. Research content and method : The study examines the process in which middle-aged women who have actively collaborated in church activities reflect on their faith, ministry, and lives through church lifelong education programs. The research method involves qualitative research focused on observation journals and interviews. Participants are selected through preliminary interviews based on having over 13 years of church ministry experience and an interest in lifelong education. Data is collected primarily through stories experienced in ministry. The research results are categorized into motivation for participation, learning experiences, and the meaning of participation. Firstly, the motivation for participation was seeking better self through identity restoration and challenges. Secondly, learning experiences were moments of healing and restoration in redesigning oneself. Thirdly, the meaning of participation was relational restoration and expansion. Ultimately, it was found that coaching through church lifelong education facilitated the recovery and transformation of participants' faith and ministry. Conclusion and Recommendation : Church lifelong education through coaching restored and brought about change in the faith and ministry of the research participants. To summarize the meaning of the experience of participating in lifelong learning, it involves: first, 'recognizing the meaning and possibility of one's own development,' second, 'healing and restoration of self-esteem,' third, 'restoration and expansion of relationships,' and finally, 'the discovery of one's true self.' Middle-aged women who have lived a role-centered life rather than focusing on individual faith have a strong desire to live as their complete selves. Therefore, a program should be developed that provides time for individuals to reflect on and diagnose their lives, while also seeking new visions. Therefore, we propose follow-up research with the hope that a variety of coaching-related church lifelong education will be developed and provide practical assistance to numerous lay ministers.

• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.47-66
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• 2023

The purpose of this study was to develop an educational smart app for classes by reconstructing some of the teaching-learning contents of the clothing preparation planning within the 'clothing preparation planning and selection' curriculum unit. To this end, a teaching-learning process plan was planned for the classes, a smart app was developed for classes, and feedback from home economics teachers and app development experts was received for the developed app. The main composition of the developed app consists of five steps. The first step is to set up a profile using a real photo, ZEPETO or Galaxy emoji, or iPhone Memoji. In the second step, students make a list of clothes by figuring out the types, quantities and conditions of their exisitng wardrobe items. Each piece of clothing is assigned an individual registration number, and stduents can take pictures of the front and back, along with describing key attributes such as type, color, season-appropriateness, purchase date, and current status. Step three guides students in deciding which garments to retain and which to discard. Building on the clothing inventory from the previous step, students classify items to keep and items to dispose of. In Step 4, Deciding How to Arrange Clothing, students decide how to arrange clothing by filling out an alternative scorecard. Through this process, students can learn in advance the subsection of resource management and self-reliance, laying the foundationa for future learning in 'Practice of Rational Consumption Life'. Lastly, in the fifth stage of determining the disposal method, this stage is to develop practical problem-oriented classes on how to dispose of the clothes to be discarded in the thirrd stage by exploring various disposal methods, engaging in group discussions, and sharing opinions. This study is meaningful as a case study as an attempt to develop a smart app for education by an instructor to align teaching plans and educational content with achievement standards for the class. In the future, upgrades will have to be made through user application.