• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.498-511
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• 2023

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of chest computed tomography (CT)-based qualitative and radiomics models for predicting residual axillary nodal metastasis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for patients with clinically node-positive breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 226 women (mean age, 51.4 years) with clinically node-positive breast cancer treated with NAC followed by surgery between January 2015 and July 2021. Patients were randomly divided into the training and test sets (4:1 ratio). The following predictive models were built: a qualitative CT feature model using logistic regression based on qualitative imaging features of axillary nodes from the pooled data obtained using the visual interpretations of three radiologists; three radiomics models using radiomics features from three (intranodal, perinodal, and combined) different regions of interest (ROIs) delineated on pre-NAC CT and post-NAC CT using a gradient-boosting classifier; and fusion models integrating clinicopathologic factors with the qualitative CT feature model (referred to as clinical-qualitative CT feature models) or with the combined ROI radiomics model (referred to as clinical-radiomics models). The area under the curve (AUC) was used to assess and compare the model performance. Results: Clinical N stage, biological subtype, and primary tumor response indicated by imaging were associated with residual nodal metastasis during the multivariable analysis (all P < 0.05). The AUCs of the qualitative CT feature model and radiomics models (intranodal, perinodal, and combined ROI models) according to post-NAC CT were 0.642, 0.812, 0.762, and 0.832, respectively. The AUCs of the clinical-qualitative CT feature model and clinical-radiomics model according to post-NAC CT were 0.740 and 0.866, respectively. Conclusion: CT-based predictive models showed good diagnostic performance for predicting residual nodal metastasis after NAC. Quantitative radiomics analysis may provide a higher level of performance than qualitative CT features models. Larger multicenter studies should be conducted to confirm their performance.

• Human Ecology Research
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.355-369
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• 2014

The in-law relationship traditionally plays a major role in Korean marriages and families because parents-in-law prefer to stay with their son under the same roof. The recent spike in the number of intercultural matches in South Korea may be provoking changes in the traditional family experience. The object of this qualitative study was to explore the contextual factors causing conflicts between mothers-in-law and their daughters-in-law in multicultural families. Six mother and daughter in-law dyads from rural areas of South Korea were recruited and interviewed. We found that the mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law had had different motives for the marriage at first. Five major themes emerged from the analysis of the dyadic interviews: the conflicts of the participants were embedded in the alternative family formation, in financial strains and the power structure, barriers in communication, cultural insensitivity and conflicts between value systems, as well as in role conflicts due to differing role expectations and hegemony. In conclusion, the authors of this study suggest that increasing cultural sensitivity and communication skills in immigrant daughter-in-law an Korean mother-in-law relationships will be crucial for a healthy in-law relationship. The need for the availability of Multicultural Family Centers' services in the community was highlighted. In order for mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law to form positive relationships, it is important to facilitate a variety of easily accessible educational programs in the community focusing on fostering the mother-in-law's understanding of the daughter-in-law's perspective.

• The Journal of Fisheries Business Administration
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.15-29
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• 2011

The Fish Stock Rebuilding Plan (FSRP) is evaluated as one of the most effective fisheries policies domestically and internationally. FSRP is a comprehensive fisheries policy, including target stock size, rebuilding period, application of management measures, and participation of fishermen. The performance outcomes of FSRPs have been partially evaluated for recommendation for stock rebuilding in Korea, while they are fully evaluated in other countries that have implemented FSRPs. The performance evaluation system for FSRP is very needed to enhance its effectiveness as one of fisheries policies. That is, the system where problems can be reconsidered, achieving targets can be evaluated, and the plan can be modified should be implemented. This study classified the performance evaluation of FSRP into the economic evaluation as a quantitative analysis and the policy evaluation as a qualitative analysis. In the economic evaluation, the sustainability of fishery resources, the stability of fishing business, the efficiency of fishery production, and efficient utilization of fishery resources can be considered. As analytical methods for the economic evaluation, the bioeconomic model, efficiency estimation model, the dynamic MEY model can be utilized. The qualitative evaluation is to assess the qualitative performances of FSRPs, including interviews and surveys with fishermen and fisheries experts. In the survey, many different items can be included by evaluation factors which are related to policies such as timeliness, transparency, effectiveness, etc. In addition, the study suggested the performance evaluation system and procedures for objective and efficient evaluation of FSRPs. In order to practically apply the developed performance evaluation model, the pilot project is needed. That is, from the application of pilot project, detailed research methods, effective procedures, and evaluation factors can be investigated.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.574-587
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• 2015

This quantitative study helps develop a measurement tool for consumer experiences inside and outside of a fashion brand store in a large shopping center along with a previous qualitative study that utilized a consumer interview. An expert group interview was conducted to verify the result of the previous qualitative study. Subjects were selected through convenient sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was developed to collect the data. We used 666 questionnaires for data analysis. To analyze data, reliability analysis, factor analysis, correlation analysis and measurement equivalence verification were conducted with a statistical package of SPSS 21.0 and Amos 18.0. We used 27 questions in 8 factors for consumer experience inside of the fashion brand store: fashion product, VMD, salesperson responsiveness, salesperson specialty, salesperson's special treatment, salesperson's respect for customers, and positive/negative emotion. We used 27 questions concerning seven factors for the consumer experience outside of a fashion brand store that encompasses a large shopping center: experience with brand and product category diversity, experience with promotion and event, esthetic experience, experience with culture and entertainment, experience with recreational behavior, experience with reputation and sense of pride, and experience with customers.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.34-48
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• 2004

The purpose of this study is to explore emotion aspects of consumers purchasing clothing through cable television home shopping. Qualitative research method is used to widely understand how emotion aspects of consumers have effected on their purchasing behavior. The results of depth interviews may be classified into 13 feelings factors satisfaction, pleasure/delight, respect, attraction, fresh, convenience, unburdened, emptiness, displeasure/temper, anxiety, tedious, distrust, regret. The content of information acquiring from the process of clothing purchase decision making is analysed. In the problem recognition stage, purchase motivation were physical space (around people) and imaginary space(by how clothing goods are introduced to consumers thorough TV monitor). In the information search stage, purchasing action patterns to search information were situational pattern and habitual pattern. In alternative evaluation stage, the considering best important factors to choice clothes were quality, price, design, and color. In purchase stage, consumers said they felt anxiety, because of characteristics of purchase way that they should pay first and then received the ordered goods a fews days later. In post-purchase behavior stage, if consumers satisfied goods purchased through TV home shopping, they recommended it to around others, but unsatisfied with ordered goods, they tried to refund, exchange with anther one, or write it on homepage of the home shopping company.

• Journal of Technology Innovation
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.193-219
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• 2016

We examine how combinations of key factors affecting healthcare user innovation vary by innovation stages from idea generation through R&D to commercialization and venturing using a fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) of thirty Korean cases in the healthcare field. Our empirical analysis shows that well-functioning innovation network and easy resource acquisition facilitate ideation of radical user innovation. However, technological capability and governmental support are crucial to make a shift to R&D as well as commercialization stages. Differently, incremental user innovation depends heavily on technological capability of users. Our analysis can provide policy makers as well as corporate innovation mangers with a strategic framework for boosting user innovation along three stages.

• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.151-158
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• 2011

Tunnel sections on the expressway are different from rest of sections on the expressway in terms of velocity, the number of passing cars, and vehicle density which, in particular, affect drivers' behavior before and after drivers pass through the tunnel. However, literature review reveals that former studies are too focused on quantitative indicator to consider qualitative aspects. Thus, this study tried to find out qualitative factors affecting speed reduction in tunnel sections based on questionnaire surveys and its analysis in tunnel sections selected by taking consideration of diverse conditions. Analysis showed that factors concerning tunnel configuration (lane width, shoulder width, and tunnel length) related to very long tunnels increasingly popular recently had some effects on reduced speed inside of tunnels. It appeared that visual environment such as visibility of tunnel entrance had an impact in speed reduction and vehicle speed tended to change according to lighting illumination level inside of tunnels. It is expected that continual investment would be made in technological development related to expressway tunnel design and service improvement based on this study.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.284-290
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• 2020

Background: Prevalence rates of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use among firefighters are remarkably high and substantially higher than similar occupational groups and the general U.S. population. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of fire service personnel regarding cancer and its associations with tobacco and SLT use. Methods: This descriptive study used a qualitative approach. Key informant interviews were conducted in 39 career firefighters and fire service administration from across the U.S. Discussion were recorded, transcribed verbatim and transferred to NVivo software for narrative analysis. Topics explored included cancer perceptions, attitudes and beliefs, and cultural factors related to SLT use behaviors. Results: Major themes that emerged among fire service personnel included concerns about cancer and its risk factors including firefighting tasks, such as fire overhaul operations, and from their lifestyle behaviors, such as alcohol and tobacco use. Firefighters also suggested a number of reasons for their increased SLT use, such as fire department tobacco-free policy and fire service culture. Conclusion: The current study provides a rich foundation for future research, prevention, and intervention efforts for the fire service and research communities regarding tobacco and SLT use and cancer risk. Additional research on firefighters' cancer beliefs deserves future research in order to improve messaging about the risks of cancer due to firefighting.

• Journal of Korean Society of Transportation
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.191-200
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• 2009

This study develops composite indicators that is capable of estimating QOS (Quality of Service) of pedestrians by enhancing estimation for Level of Service in present transporting spaces for pedestrians that merely concerns quantitative indicators such as pedestrian flow rate, pedestrian stoppage. This paper conducts survey questionnaire to collect data. It utilizes AHP(Analytic Hierarchy Process) and ANP(Analytic Network Process). The main results show that: first, ANP is better analytic methods than AHP due to the fact that pedestrians feel repetition when they judge level of service. Second, qualitative factors such as pedestrian behaviors, maintenance, scenary for pedestrians and environments should be considered. Importance of qualitative factors is higher in residential area than other areas. I expect that using qualitative indicators and quantitative indicators is appropriate in order to estimate pedestrians' QOS.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.55-70
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the influencing factors of the patient leaning phenomenon in tertiary hospitals. Based on the results of this study, we intended to find implications for improving the problems of the delivery system imbalance in tertiary hospitals caused by patient leaning phenomenon. Methodology/Approach: Qualitative studies were conducted, using focus group interviews and in-depth interviews. The focus group interviews were conducted for 12 users of tertiary hospitals by 2 groups. And in-depth interviews were conducted for 6 tertiary hospital managers. This was considered to be the most effective approach to gather diverse and in-depth information about the influencing factor of patient leaning phenomenon in tertiary hospitals. Findings: In focus group interviews, the reason for choosing tertiary hospitals was the reliability of the hospital(physician, reputation, etc.). And the effect of the policy to strengthen coverage of National Health Insurance and private medical insurance was relatively small. In other words, we found that the individual's desire to receive medical services suitable for one's health status and disease condition was the biggest factor, rather than the cost and policy factors. Practical Implications: We suggested that the appropriate medical care provision should be strengthened according to the role and function of medical institutions. In addition, the education system needs to be reorganized to activate the referral program, expand community medical capabilities, and foster quality primary medical care.