• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.39-69
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• 2012

With the advent of communication technologies including electronic collaborative tools and conferencing systems provided over the Internet, virtual collaboration is becoming increasingly common in organizations. Virtual collaboration refers to an environment in which the people working together are interdependent in their tasks, share responsibility for outcomes, are geographically dispersed, and rely on mediated rather than face-to face, communication to produce an outcome. Research suggests that new sets of individual skill, knowledge, and ability (SKAs) are required to perform effectively in today's virtualized workplace, which is labeled as individual virtual competence. It is also argued that use of online social networking sites may influence not only individuals' daily lives but also their capability to manage their work-related relationships in organizations, which in turn leads to better performance. The existing research regarding (1) the relationship between virtual competence and task performance and (2) the relationship between online networking and task performance has been conducted based on different theoretical perspectives so that little is known about how online social networking and virtual competence interplay to predict individuals' task performance. To fill this gap, this study raises the following research questions: (1) What is the individual virtual competence required for better adjustment to the virtual collaboration environment? (2) How does online networking via diverse social network service sites influence individuals' task performance in organizations? (3) How do the joint effects of individual virtual competence and online networking influence task performance? To address these research questions, we first draw on the prior literature and derive four dimensions of individual virtual competence that are related with an individual's self-concept, knowledge and ability. Computer self-efficacy is defined as the extent to which an individual beliefs in his or her ability to use computer technology broadly. Remotework self-efficacy is defined as the extent to which an individual beliefs in his or her ability to work and perform joint tasks with others in virtual settings. Virtual media skill is defined as the degree of confidence of individuals to function in their work role without face-to-face interactions. Virtual social skill is an individual's skill level in using technologies to communicate in virtual settings to their full potential. It should be noted that the concept of virtual social skill is different from the self-efficacy and captures an individual's cognition-based ability to build social relationships with others in virtual settings. Next, we discuss how online networking influences both individual virtual competence and task performance based on the social network theory and the social learning theory. We argue that online networking may enhance individuals' capability in expanding their social networks with low costs. We also argue that online networking may enable individuals to learn the necessary skills regarding how they use technological functions, communicate with others, and share information and make social relations using the technical functions provided by electronic media, consequently increasing individual virtual competence. To examine the relationships among online networking, virtual competence, and task performance, we developed research models (the mediation, interaction, and additive models, respectively) by integrating the social network theory and the social learning theory. Using data from 112 employees of a virtualized company, we tested the proposed research models. The results of analysis partly support the mediation model in that online social networking positively influences individuals' computer self-efficacy, virtual social skill, and virtual media skill, which are key predictors of individuals' task performance. Furthermore, the results of the analysis partly support the interaction model in that the level of remotework self-efficacy moderates the relationship between online social networking and task performance. The results paint a picture of people adjusting to virtual collaboration that constrains and enables their task performance. This study contributes to research and practice. First, we suggest a shift of research focus to the individual level when examining virtual phenomena and theorize that online social networking can enhance individual virtual competence in some aspects. Second, we replicate and advance the prior competence literature by linking each component of virtual competence and objective task performance. The results of this study provide useful insights into how human resource responsibilities assess employees' weakness and strength when they organize virtualized groups or projects. Furthermore, it provides managers with insights into the kinds of development or training programs that they can engage in with their employees to advance their ability to undertake virtual work.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.314-321
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify factors affecting mental health and behavioral problems among high school students through the lens of a Social Cognitive Career Theory. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out with 384 high school students in Seoul, Korea. A self-administrative questionnaire was used. It consisted of items on person background variables, career-related variables including career barriers, learning experiences, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and career indecision, and mental health and behavioral problems. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed using the SPSS 21.0 program. Results: The results showed that perceived stress (t=5.12, p<.001), perceived health status (t=-4.08, p=.002), and school record (t=5.46, p<.001) were statistically significant variables. Also, career barriers (t=10.57, p<.001) was a significant factor influencing mental health and behavioral problems. Conclusion: These findings indicate that among career-related variables, career barrier needs to be considered for preventive and therapeutic approach to mental health and behavioral problems in adolescents. Furthermore, the results suggest that career-related stress level should be assessed in high school students on a regular basis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.7
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• pp.824-831
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• 2009

Purpose : We aimed to investigate the efficacy of and functional recovery after intracerebral transplantation of different doses of mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) in immature rat brain with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Methods : Postnatal 7-days-old Sprague-Dawley rats, which had undergone unilateral HI operation, were given stereotaxic intracerebral injections of either vehicle or mMSCs and then tested for locomotory activity in the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th week of the stem cell injection. In the 8th week, Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the learning and memory dysfunction for a week. Results : In the open field test, no differences were observed in the total distance/the total duration (F=0.412, P=0.745) among the 4 study groups. In the invisible-platform Morris water maze test, significant differences were observed in escape latency (F=380.319, P<0.01) among the 4 groups. The escape latency in the control group significantly differed from that in the high-dose mMSC and/or sham group on training days 2-5 (Scheffe's test, P<0.05) and became prominent with time progression (F=6.034, P<0.01). In spatial probe trial and visible-platform Morris water maze test, no significant improvement was observed in the rats that had undergone transplantation. Conclusion : Although the rats that received a high dose of mMSCs showed significant recovery in the learning-related behavioral test only, our data support that mMSCs may be used as a valuable source to improve outcome in HIE. Further study is necessary to identify the optimal dose that shows maximal efficacy for HIE treatment.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.232-236
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• 2008

Purpose: Laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer was introduced in the past decade because it was considered less invasive than open surgery, and this results in less postoperative pain, faster recovery and an improved quality of life. Several studies have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of this procedure. We examined the outcome of performing laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer over the last two year. Materials and Methods: From April 2004 to December 2006, 329 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma underwent a laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy with lymph node dissection. The data was retrospectively reviewed in terms of the clinicopathologic findings, the perioperative outcomes and the complications. Results: The total patient group was comprised 196 men (59.6%) and 133 women (40.4%). The mean BMI was 23.6 and the mean tumor size was 2.7 cm. The mean number of harvested lymph node was 22.7, and this was 18.6 before 30 cases and 23.1 after 30 cases, and the difference was significant (P=0.02). The mean operation time was 180.9 min, and this was than 287.9 min before 30 cases and 170.2 min after 30 cases. After 30 cases, there was a significant improvement of the operation time (P<0.01). The mean incision length after 30 cases was shorter than that before 30 cases (P<0.01). Postoperative complications occurred in 24 (7.3%) of 329 patients and there was no conversion to open surgery. Conclusion: Even though the LADG was accompanied by a difficult learning curve, we successfully performed 329 LADG procedures over the past 2 years and we believe that LADG is a safe, feasible operation for treating most early gastric cancers (EGC).

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.230-242
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• 2016

IS-Geo (International School for Geoscience Resources) was established with a purpose of developing domestic and international human resources within the field of geological resources, andit has been achieving its training goals well since its inception. This study conducted training needs analysis and training performance assessment to assure the objectivity of the performance outcome of IS-Geo. For the training needs analysis, Borich's equation and Locus for Focus method were used. A survey was utilized for the training performance assessment to analyze the satisfaction and the transfer of training based on gender, age, education, and attendance of the trainees. The results of this study showed that training needs of training course in the fields of geology, mineral resources, petroleum and marine, and geologic environment have been deducted, and the urgent need of training course development has been determined by locus for focus. As a result of performance assessment of training course, the fields of mineral resources and geologic environment's course showed a higher satisfaction with the learning achievement than the course of geology fields.

• Journal of Gifted/Talented Education
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.319-346
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• 2016

In this study, by examining the characteristics of boys and girls which would appear in the performance process of Goldberg machine activities, it would be attempted to provide the implications for the development and teaching methods of gifted and talented programs. The object of study was organized into separate 2 groups of boys and girls by each, composed of a total of 16 people among 5th graders of the gifted class in elementary school, located in Gyeonggi province. The final assignment was to make the Goldberg machine in order to have the beads get to the target spot latest, in which the analysis was implemented qualitatively by participating in and observing the performance process of students. After dividing the Goldberg machine activities into the steps of planning, production, outcome, assessment and reflection, their analysis results are as follows: First, in the planning stage, the girls explained minutely the process of Goldberg machine in writing, whereas the boys represented it visually simply. Second, in the production stage, the boys showed the task commitment by trying to realize the machine as designed initially, but the girls showed their appearance to represent it simply and easily. Third, in the sophistication and efficiency of the machine production, the boys were superior to the girls, and in the creativity and diversity of the use of materials, the girls were more excellent. Fourth, in the assessment and reflection, the boys evaluated it individually, and the girls showed their appearance to evaluate it by reflecting others'thinking. Hence, when developing and teaching the gifted and talented programs, it would be required that the teaching and learning contents be recomposed by considering the gender, or that the various class strategies be sought. Further, the broader and more systematic studies, on the performance process of gifted students based on the gender, should be carried out.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.225-231
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• 2008

Purpose: Laparoscopic gastric resection (LGR) is increasingly being used instead of open gastric resection (OGR) as the standard surgical treatment for gastric submucosal tumors. Yet there are few reports on which technique shows better postoperative outcomes. This study was performed to compare these two treatment modalities for gastric submucosal tumors by evaluating the postoperative outcomes. We also provide an analysis of the learning curve for LGR. Materials and Methods: Between 2003.4 and 2008.8, 103 patients with a gastric submucosal tumor underwent either LGR (N=78) or OGR (n=25). A retrospective review was performed on a prospectively obtained database of 103 patients. We reviewed the data with regard to the operative time, the blood loss during the operation, the time to the first soft diet, the postoperative hospital stay, the tumor size and the tumor location. Results: The clinicopatholgic and tumor characteristics of the patients were similar for both groups. There was no open conversion in the LGR group. The mean operation time and the bleeding loss were not different between the LGR group and the OWR group. The time to first soft diet (3.27 vs. 6.16 days, P<0.001) and the length of the postoperative hospital stay (7.37 vs. 8.88 days, P=0.002) were shorter in the LGR group compared to the OGR group. The tumor size was bigger in the OGR group than that in the LGR group (6.44 vs. 3.65 cm, P<0.001). When performing laparoscopic gastric resection of gastric SMT, the surgeon was able to decrease the operation time and bleeding loss with gaining more experience. We separated the total cases into 3 periods to compare the operation time, the bleeding losses and the complications. The third period showed the shortest operation time, the least bleeding loss and the fewest complications. Conclusion: LGR for treating a gastric submucosal tumor was superior to OGR in terms of the postoperative outcomes. An operator needs some experience to perform a complete laparoscopic gastric resection. Laparoscopic resection could be considered the first-line treatment for gastric submucosal tumors.

• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.43-65
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• 2010

Facing a complex environment driven by a decade, many companies are adopting new strategic frameworks such as Customer Relationship Management system to achieve sustainable profitability as well as overcome serious competition for survival. In many business areas, CRM system advanced a great deal in a matter of continuous compensating the defect and overall integration. However, pharmaceutical companies in Korea were slow to accept them for usesince they still have a tendency of holding fast to traditional way of sales and marketing based on individual networks of sales representatives. In the circumstance, this article tried to empirically address current status of CRM system as well as the effects of the system on the performance of pharmaceutical companies by applying BSC method's four perspectives, from financial, customer, learning and growth and internal process. Survey by e-mail and post to employers and employees who were working in pharma firms were undergone for the purpose. Total 113 cases among collected 140 ones were used for the statistical analysis by SPSS ver. 15 package. Reliability, Factor analysis, regression were done. This study revealed that CRM system had a significant effect on improving financial and non-financial performance of pharmaceutical companies as expected. Proposed regression model fits well and among them, CRM marketing information system shed the light on substantial impact on companies' outcome given profitability, growth and investment. Useful analytical information by CRM marketing information system appears to enable pharmaceutical firms to set up effective marketing and sales strategies, these result in favorable financial performance by enhancing values for stakeholderseventually, not to mention short-term profit and/or mid-term potential to growth. CRM system depicted its influence on not only financial performance, but also non-financial fruit of pharmaceutical companies. Further analysis for each component showed that CRM marketing information system were able to demonstrate statistically significant effect on the performance like the result of financial outcome. CRM system is believed to provide the companies with efficient way of customers managing by valuable standardized business process prompt coping with specific customers' needs. It consequently induces customer satisfaction and retentionto improve performance for long period. That is, there is a virtuous circle for creating value as the cornerstone for sustainable growth. However, the research failed to put forward to evidence to support hypothesis regarding favorable influence of CRM sales representative's records assessment system and CRM customer analysis system on the management performance. The analysis is regarded to reflect the lack of understanding of sales people and respondents between actual work duties and far-sighted goal in strategic analysis framework. Ordinary salesmen seem to dedicate short-term goal for the purpose of meeting sales target, receiving incentive bonus in a manner-of-fact style, as such, they tend to avail themselves of personal network and sales and promotional expense rather than CRM system. The study finding proposed a link between CRM information system and performance. It empirically indicated that pharmaceutical companies had been implementing CRM system as an effective strategic business framework in order for more balanced achievements based on the grounded understanding of both CRM system and integrated performance. It suggests a positive impact of supportive CRM system on firm performance, especially for pharmaceutical industry through the initial empirical evidence. Also, it brings out unmet needs for more practical system design, improvement of employees' awareness, increase of system utilization in the field. On the basis of the insight from this exploratory study, confirmatory research by more appropriate measurement tool and increased sample size should be further examined.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.314-327
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• 1999

In this study, domains, contents, and effects of pre-existed intervention programs for individuals with arthritis were meta-analyzed to develop arthritis health promotion program based on Holistic Model. The developed program includes strategies of cognition, environment, and behavior. and also generates positive changes in the physical, psychological, and social demensions. Then needs assessment on conveniently selected 153 women who visited a university hospital in Seoul or in Inchon are conducted to identify the objective domains of arthritis health promotion program According to the study results. target health problems of the arthritis health promotion program were shown as pain, disability, depression, and role impediment in social domain. These objectives could be achieved by including the strategies of changing cognition, the strategies of changing behavior through learning the skill related to the health promoting behavior. and the strategies of changing environment in the health promotion program. That is, it is analyzed that the contents of program are not exclusive one another in physical. psychological. and social demensions, and also are not exclusive one another in aspect of cognition, behavior, and environment. The necessary methods to achieve the desired objectives for the developed arthritis health promotion program and evaluation subjects are as follows : (1) In the arthritis health promotion program, knowledge on management of arthritis, efficacy related to arthritis management, skill for pain management, skill for exercise, establishment of positive self-concept, enhancement of positive thinking, stress management. skill for problem solving, skill for setting goals. skill for requesting help, and skill for communication are all included. Through the improvement of all those strategies, intermediate objectives, such as “joint protection, and maintenance of pain management behavior”, “maintenance of regular exercise”, and “promotion of coping skill in psychosocial dimension” are achieved. (2) These intermediate objectives are also the methods for achieving objectives in next stage. It implies that through the intermediate objectives. the final objectives such as “minimization of physical symptoms and signs”, “maximization of psychological function”, and “maximazation of role performance in social domain” could be achieved. Each of these final objectives reflects the different dimension of quality of life, respectively. When these objectives are achieved, the quality of life that client perceives is improved. Therefore, through evaluation of these final objectives, the level of achieving final outcome of arthritis health promotion such as quality of life is determined.

• Journal of Engineering Education Research
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.73-86
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• 2007

The purpose of this study is to suggest directions to improve engineering education and the assessment system of our country. For this object, the present situation of engineering education and assessment system in Korea have been reviewed and next, for those of study, the research papers and publications about the environment of college education are analyzed. Finally, an improved assessment system is suggested. It has already passed out for 6 years since execute the accreditation for engineering education in our country now, but essential point for step in accreditation for engineering education is how the evaluator can make the outcomes of studying. This is not a new terminology that is deformed according to special quality of college of engineering which prefer out-come based of study than process based of study to mean accomplishment in engineering education. The evaluation that estimate program is a skill, but an assessment method is not the meaning of individual student accomplishment also, it is the measure of validity estimation that should be estimate ability of students who complete program by proper authority. However, a new evaluation strategy that assess student outcome by person who consider the objectivity and validity, reliability should be develop for decision making of ABEEK. It is an original, private discussion for assessment strategy about the method for student learning outcomes assessment.