• Title/Summary/Keyword: Prospective study

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Cash Retention and Firm Value of Entertainment Enterprises (엔터테인먼트 기업의 현금보유가 기업가치에 미치는 영향에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Nam-Gon;Kim, Jee-Hyun
    • Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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    • v.15 no.6
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    • pp.55-70
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    • 2021
  • This study investigates the following important financial questions using entertainment enterprises: 1) how does cash reserve affect a firm's financial value? 2) what factors influence the level of cash retention of a firm? For empirical tests, we use accounting and financial data of entertainment companies listed in the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets for a long-term time period covering from 2000 to 2018. The main findings of this paper are as follows: First, entertainment companies maintain higher level of cash holdings compared to non-entertainment companies. Second, the cash holdings of entertainment enterprises have positive influence on firms' financial value. Third, among various firm characteristics known for affecting the cash holdings level, leverage and profitability exhibit strong relationships in entertainment enterprises. Entertainment firms with lower leverage and higher profitability tend to reserve more cash inside them. These findings suggest that entertainment companies are highly valued by stock market participants as having prospective opportunities, thus, firms with sufficient cash holdings tend to have higher firm value. In addition, these findings imply that cash in entertainment enterprises functions as a substitute for debts and the cash holdings are less likely driven by agency problems.

Safety and efficacy of target controlled infusion administration of propofol and remifentanil for moderate sedation in non-hospital dental practice

  • Douglas Lobb;Masoud MiriMoghaddam;Don Macalister;David Chrisp;Graham Shaw;Hollis Lai
    • Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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    • v.23 no.1
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    • pp.19-28
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    • 2023
  • Background: Fearful and anxious patients who find dental treatment intolerable without sedative and analgesic support may benefit from moderate sedation. Target controlled infusion (TCI) pumps are superior to bolus injection in maintaining low plasma and effect-site concentration variability, resulting in stable, steady-state drug concentrations. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of moderate sedation with remifentanil and propofol using TCI pumps in non-hospital dental settings. Methods: A prospective chart review was conducted on 101 patients sedated with propofol and remifentanil using TCI pumps. The charts were completed at two oral surgeons and one general dentist's office over 6 months. Hypoxia, hypotension, bradycardia, and over-sedation were considered adverse events and were collected using Tracking and Reporting Outcomes of Procedural Sedation (TROOPS). Furthermore, patient recovery time, sedation length, drug dose, and patient satisfaction questionnaires were used to measure sedation effectiveness. Results: Of the 101 reviewed sedation charts, 54 were of men, and 47 were of women. The mean age of the patients was 40.5 ±18.7 years, and their mean BMI was 25.6 ± 4.4. The patients did not experience hypoxia, bradycardia, and hypotension during the 4694 min of sedation. The average minimum Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and heartbeats were 75.1 mmHg and 60.4 bpm, respectively. 98% of patients agreed that the sedation technique met their needs in reducing their anxiety, and 99% agreed that they were satisfied with the sedation 24 hours later. The average sedation time was 46.9 ± 55.6 min, and the average recovery time was 12.4 ± 4.4 min. Remifentanil and propofol had mean initial effect-site concentration doses of 0.96 µ/.ml and 1.0 ng/ml respectively. The overall total amount of drug administered was significantly higher in longer sedation procedures compared to shorter ones, while the infusion rate decreased as the procedural stimulus decreased. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, no patients experienced adverse events during sedation, and all patients were kept at a moderate sedation level for a wide range of sedation times and differing procedures. The results showed that TCI pumps are safe and effective for administering propofol and remifentanil for moderate sedation in dentistry.

Evaluation of Usefulness and Fabrication of Femur Phantom on Quality Control of Bone Mineral Density Using 3D Printing Technology (3D 프린팅기술을 이용한 골밀도 정도관리 대퇴골 팬텀 제작 및 유용성 평가)

  • Da-Yeong, Hong;Jeong, Lee;Jun-Ho, Lee;Jae-Won, Mun;Han-Saem, Oh;Yu-Won, Jeong;Seong-Hyun, Jin;Jong-Min, Hong;In-Ja, Lee
    • Journal of radiological science and technology
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    • v.46 no.1
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    • pp.1-8
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    • 2023
  • As the demand for bone mineral density testing increases in Korea, which is close to an aging society, it is necessary to evaluate the repeatability of equipment such as femur phantom other than l-spine for more accurate diagnosis. However, in clinical practice, it is often not possible to proceed such evaluation due to insufficient quality control conditions. Therefore, this study is to evaluate the usefulness of the femur phantom after fabricating the same using 3D printing technology. The femur phantom was output using GlowFill filament and FDM 3D printing type. Each phantom was repeatedly scaned 20 times to compare whether the existing l-spine phantom and the fabricated femur phantom were suitable as a phantom for quality control. Each time the seven researchers took three times, the location of the femur phantom was readjusted, and then scanned to confirm the error between the researchers. As a result of conducting repeatability evaluation using femur phantom, the coefficient of variation rate was 2%, which was within the minimum precision tolerance of 2.5%. The reproducibility between the researcher was also found to be suitable as the average coefficient of variation was 0.031 and the coefficient of variation rate was 3.1%, which was within the minimum precision error range of 5%. In conclusion, it is considered that the prospective attitude and usefulness of the femur phantom fabricated by 3D printing in clinical practice will be sufficient.

Studies on Cropping System of Upland Crop for the Sustainable Agriculture. (환경 농업 실천을 위한 밭작물 작부체계의 적용 조사)

  • Kang, Y.K.
    • Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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    • v.3 no.1
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    • pp.20-29
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    • 2001
  • This study was carried out to find out basic data of the various cropping systems controlling the soil environment by analysing the historical literature, the changes of cropping system and the expected income of cropping system of the upland crop. The results were summerized as follows ; 1. According to the literature of 'Gumyangjoprok' and 'Sanlimgyungjae', published on 15 to 16 century in Korea, the cropping system of barley, soybean, red bean, and millet, etc. was done together both the 'kunkyong' and 'kanjong'. 2. Since 1970s the staple food grains had been self-sufficient and the setting up of the rice seedbed became faster. However, the cropping system of the rice after barley was rapidly fallen from 83.7% to 4.0% in 1990s. Furthermore, the food production and the rate of arable land utilization were also rapidly fallen. 3. The most prospective cropping system is considered the soybean after barley, and root & tuber crops considering with the soil environment. 4. The expecting income of cropping system ranged from 940,000won to l,970,000won per 10a but that of barley after soybean cropping for 610,000won, and that of barley-after mung bean cropping for 613,000won. 5. The maintenance and the preservation of agricultural environment shall become positive by practicing the Integrated Nutrients Management(INM), and the Integrated Pest Management(IPM) with control using of fertilizer and pesticide presenting the excessive loads to the soil environment.

The Quality of Life after Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis in 118 Lower Limb Lymphedema Patients

  • Jin Geun Kwon;Yeongsong Kim;Min Young Jang;Hyunsuk Peter Suh;Changsik John Pak;Vaughan Keeley;Jae Yong Jeon;Joon Pio Hong
    • Archives of Plastic Surgery
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    • v.50 no.5
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    • pp.514-522
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    • 2023
  • Background This is a prospective study on 118 patients who underwent lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) due to secondary lower limb lymphedema between January 2018 and October 2020 to evaluate patients' quality of life (QOL) using the Quality of Life Measure for Limb Lymphedema (LYMQoL) questionnaire. Methods The outcome measurement included the LYMQoL leg scoring system tool evaluating the function, appearance, symptom, mood, and overall outcome. In addition, correlation analysis was performed for three factors: based on International Society of Lymphology (ISL) stages, disease duration, and amount of volume reduction. Results The LYMQoL tool overall satisfaction score significantly increased at all intervals from 4.4 ± 0.2 preoperative to 6.5 ± 0.3 postoperative at 12 months (p < 0.001). Significant findings were seen for each domain scores compared preoperatively and at 12 months: function score (18.6 ± 0.5 to 15.4 ± 0.6), appearance score (17.8 ± 0.5 to 16.0 ± 0.6), symptom score (11.8 ± 0.3 to 8.9 ± 0.4), and mood score (14.5 ± 0.4 to 11.4 ± 0.5; p < 0.05). The correlation analysis between improvement of the overall score and the ISL stage (p = 0.610, correlation coefficient [r] = -0.047), disease duration (p = 0.659, r = -0.041), and amount of limb volume reduction (p = 0.454, r = -0.070) showed no statistical significance. Conclusion The QOL of secondary lower limb lymphedema patients was significantly improved after LVA regardless of the severity of disease, duration of disease, and amount of volume reduction after LVA. Understanding the patient-reported outcome measurement will help the surgeons to manage and guide the expectations of the patients.

Eliciting Curiosity from Indifference: Action Research of an Elementary Science Teacher Educator Aimed at Stimulating Preservice Elementary School Teachers' Curiosity and Interest Physics (무관심에서 호기심으로 -초등예비교사의 물리에 대한 호기심과 흥미 향상을 위한 초등과학 교사교육자의 실행연구-)

  • Jiwon Lee
    • Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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    • v.43 no.6
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    • pp.533-547
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    • 2023
  • This study is an action research aimed at improving the instruction of a teacher educator who teaches science teaching methods to elementary preservice teachers. After identifying the cause of their low levels of curiosity and interest in physics, teaching plans addressing this problem were explored, applied to classes, and reflected upon. Through this process, ways to improve teaching practice in science classes for elementary preservice teachers and pique their scientific curiosity and interest were proposed. A spiral implementation structure that repeats implementation and reflection a total of three times was designed for the prospective preservice teachers who participated in elementary science textbook research physics classes. Self-reports, student participation data, and results from both peer and self-evaluations were collected and analyzed. The reasons for the preservice teachers' low levels of curiosity and interest in science were identified as their inability to recognize and express information gaps and their low levels of willingness to resolve this. Practice expressing information gaps, raising the level of knowledge to be able to recognize information gaps, and a strategy to have the will to resolve information gaps were introduced into the class. To the extent that changes can be made by improving unit classes, elementary preservice teachers can express their curiosity and interest in science through this process.

Research study on cognitive IoT platform for fog computing in industrial Internet of Things (산업용 사물인터넷에서 포그 컴퓨팅을 위한 인지 IoT 플랫폼 조사연구)

  • Sunghyuck Hong
    • Journal of Internet of Things and Convergence
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    • v.10 no.1
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    • pp.69-75
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    • 2024
  • This paper proposes an innovative cognitive IoT framework specifically designed for fog computing (FC) in the context of industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The discourse in this paper is centered on the intricate design and functional architecture of the Cognitive IoT platform. A crucial feature of this platform is the integration of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), which enhances its operational flexibility and compatibility with a wide range of industrial applications. An exemplary application of this platform is highlighted through the Predictive Maintenance-as-a-Service (PdM-as-a-Service) model, which focuses on real-time monitoring of machine conditions. This model transcends traditional maintenance approaches by leveraging real-time data analytics for maintenance and management operations. Empirical results substantiate the platform's effectiveness within a fog computing milieu, thereby illustrating its transformative potential in the domain of industrial IoT applications. Furthermore, the paper delineates the inherent challenges and prospective research trajectories in the spheres of Cognitive IoT and Fog Computing within the ambit of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

The influence of Nursing Students' Attitudes Toward the Use of Corporal Punishment on Children and Recognition of Children's Right on the Intention to Report Child Abuse (간호대학생의 아동체벌에 대한 태도와 아동 권리인식이 아동학대 신고의도에 미치는 영향)

  • Lee Joo Yeon
    • The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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    • v.9 no.6
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    • pp.347-354
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    • 2023
  • This study is a descriptive survey research aimed at examining the relationship between nursing college students' attitudes toward child corporal punishment, their Recognition of children's rights, and their intention to report child abuse. It also seeks to identify factors influencing the intention to report child abuse. Data were collected from April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023, using a structured questionnaire administered to 194 nursing college students. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS/WIN 26.0 software and included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, Scheffe's test, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and Multiple Regression analysis. The research results showed a significant negative correlation between attitudes towards child corporal punishment and awareness of children's rights, and a positive correlation between awareness of children's rights and the intention to report child abuse. Attitudes towards child corporal punishment and the intention to report child abuse collectively explained 19% of the variance in the intention to report child abuse. Therefore, it is necessary to develop educational programs that allow prospective nurses, who have a legal obligation to report child abuse, to experience cases of child abuse, enhance their sensitivity to child abuse, and improve their intention to report child abuse.

Accurate Measurement of Agatston Score Using kVp-Independent Reconstruction Algorithm for Ultra-High-Pitch Sn150 kVp CT

  • Xi Hu;Xinwei Tao;Yueqiao Zhang;Zhongfeng Niu;Yong Zhang;Thomas Allmendinger;Yu Kuang;Bin Chen
    • Korean Journal of Radiology
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    • v.22 no.11
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    • pp.1777-1785
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    • 2021
  • Objective: To investigate the accuracy of the Agatston score obtained with the ultra-high-pitch (UHP) acquisition mode using tin-filter spectral shaping (Sn150 kVp) and a kVp-independent reconstruction algorithm to reduce the radiation dose. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 114 patients (mean ± standard deviation, 60.3 ± 9.8 years; 74 male) who underwent a standard 120 kVp scan and an additional UHP Sn150 kVp scan for coronary artery calcification scoring (CACS). These two datasets were reconstructed using a standard reconstruction algorithm (120 kVp + Qr36d, protocol A; Sn150 kVp + Qr36d, protocol B). In addition, the Sn150 kVp dataset was reconstructed using a kVp-independent reconstruction algorithm (Sn150 kVp + Sa36d, protocol C). The Agatston scores for protocols A and B, as well as protocols A and C, were compared. The agreement between the scores was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman plot. The radiation doses for the 120 kVp and UHP Sn150 kVp acquisition modes were also compared. Results: No significant difference was observed in the Agatston score for protocols A (median, 63.05; interquartile range [IQR], 0-232.28) and C (median, 60.25; IQR, 0-195.20) (p = 0.060). The mean difference in the Agatston score for protocols A and C was relatively small (-7.82) and with the limits of agreement from -65.20 to 49.56 (ICC = 0.997). The Agatston score for protocol B (median, 34.85; IQR, 0-120.73) was significantly underestimated compared with that for protocol A (p < 0.001). The UHP Sn150 kVp mode facilitated an effective radiation dose reduction by approximately 30% (0.58 vs. 0.82 mSv, p < 0.001) from that associated with the standard 120 kVp mode. Conclusion: The Agatston scores for CACS with the UHP Sn150 kVp mode with a kVp-independent reconstruction algorithm and the standard 120 kVp demonstrated excellent agreement with a small mean difference and narrow agreement limits. The UHP Sn150 kVp mode allowed a significant reduction in the radiation dose.

Quantitative Evaluation of Gastrocnemius Medialis Stiffness During Passive Stretching Using Shear Wave Elastography in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Prospective Preliminary Study

  • Lu Yin;Lijuan Du;Yuanzi Li;Yang Xiao;Shiquan Zhang;Huizi Ma;Wen He
    • Korean Journal of Radiology
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    • v.22 no.11
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    • pp.1841-1849
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    • 2021
  • Objective: To prospectively investigate the feasibility of shear wave elastography (SWE) as a new quantitative and objective method for evaluating the stiffness of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle during passive stretching in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Materials and Methods: SWE of the GM muscle was performed in 28 patients with PD [13 female and 15 male; mean age ± standard deviation (SD): 63.0 ± 8.5 years] and 12 healthy controls (5 female and 7 male; mean age ± SD: 59.3 ± 6.4 years) during passive ankle rotation. A Young's modulus-ankle angle curve was constructed. The GM slack angle and baseline Young's modulus (E0) were compared between the markedly symptomatic and mildly symptomatic sides of patients with PD, and healthy controls. Additionally, the correlation between the GM slack angle and the severity of rigidity, and the observer reproducibility of SWE in determining the GM slack angle were evaluated. Results: The GM slack angle was smaller on both the markedly and mildly symptomatic sides in patients with PD than in healthy controls (mean ± SD of -29.13° ± 3.79° and -25.65° ± 3.39°, respectively, vs. -21.22° ± 3.52°; p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). Additionally, in patients with PD, the GM slack angle on the markedly symptomatic side was smaller than that on the mildly symptomatic side (p = 0.003). The E0 value was lower on both the markedly and mildly symptomatic sides in patients with PD than in healthy controls (mean ± SD of 10.11 ± 2.85 kPa and 10.08 ± 1.88 kPa, respectively, vs. 12.23 ± 1.02 kPa; p = 0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, no significant difference was found between the markedly and mildly symptomatic sides in patients with PD (p = 0.634). A negative linear relationship was observed between the GM slack angle and lower limb rigidity score on the markedly symptomatic side in patients with PD (r = -0.719; p < 0.001). The intraclass correlation coefficients for observer reproducibility of SWE ranged from 0.880 to 0.951. Conclusion: The slack angle determined by SWE may be a useful quantitative and reproducible method for evaluating muscle stiffness in patients with PD.