This study was conducted to verify the reliability of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) data derived from Selected Ion Flow Tube-Mass Spectrometers (SIFT-MS) measurements. In the previous study, the measurement reliability was validated using simultaneous measurements by SIFT-MS and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GS-MS), but in order to ensure more accuracy, and additional analysis was conducted by diluting standard gases (2 ppm) consisting of 10 types of VOCs mainly measured in industrial complexes (concentrations ranged from 0 to 500 ppb). As a result of 2 experiments, the SIFT-MS showed linearity and produced a coefficient of determination of over 0.99 for all cases. SIFT-MS has secured high measurement reliability, and it is considered to be able to efficiently manage VOCs emitted in industrial complexes.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify and analyze the experience of passing and repealing the Nurses Act in Parliament. Methods: This qualitative study used content analysis. The data were collected through in-depth interviews October 16 to November 23, 2023. Results: The qualitative content analysis revealed five themes and 16 subthemes. The themes included: “Learning the Nurses Act through different channels”, “The Nurses Act’s passage, which strengthens the professionalism and legitimacy of the nursing profession”, “Looking back and feeling the joy and frustration of the process of getting it through the Congress and getting it repealed”, “An abandoned nursing practice due to bullying”, “Nevertheless, moving toward the re-enactment of the Nurses Act with hope”. Conclusion: Nurses expected the Nurses Act to recognize their expertise and clarify legal nursing practices; however, they were outraged and perplexed when the president vetoed the Nurses Act, and they felt sorry for the Nurses Act, which was turned into a political tool in the conflict between medical professions. Nevertheless, they hoped that the Nurses Act would be re-promoted through opinions and discussions with various professions and public awareness activities by developing nurses’ political capabilities and preparing a basis for the Nurses Act.

The odors emitted from wastewater treatment plants are not only a health and hygiene problem, but can also lead to complaints from residents and have wider social ramifications such as bringing about falling property values in the surrounding area. In this paper, based on the data measured at domestic and overseas wastewater treatment facilities, the concentrations of complex odors and odorous compounds were compared for each treatment/process: primary treatment, secondary treatment, and sludge treatment processes. Odor compounds that contribute greatly to complex odors were summarized for each process. In addition, the characteristics of odor wheels for each wastewater treatment process, which provide both chemical and olfactory information regarding odors, were reviewed. For domestic wastewater treatment facilities, the complex odor concentrations (unit, dilution factor) of the primary and secondary treatment processes were 4.5-100,000 (median, 32.1) and 2.5-30,000 (median, 10.7), respectively. However, the complex odor concentrations in the sludge treatment process were 3.0-100,000 (median, 118.7), which was more than three times higher than that in the wastewater treatment process. In the wastewater treatment process, those odor compounds making the greatest contributions to complex odors were sulfur-containing compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide DMS. In order to properly manage odors from wastewater treatment plants and minimize their impact, it is important to understand the status of odor emissions. Therefore, the compositions and concentrations of odors from wastewater treatment processes and odor wheel information, which are reviewed in this paper, are used to evaluate the potential risk of odor from wastewater treatment facilities in order to derive strategies to minimize odor emissions. Moreover, the information can be usefully used to introduce the best available technology to reduce odors emitted from wastewater treatment facilities.

Purpose: The study aim was to understand the experiences of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in labor union activities. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study and content analysis were conducted. The participants included nine ICU nurses who shared their experiences with labor union activities. The data were collected through in-depth interviews. Results: The experiences of ICU nurses with labor union activities encompassed five themes: “The Initial Step in Union Activities”, “Benefits Derived from Union Participation”, “Concerns Regarding Union Activities”, “The Non-Omnipotence of Unions”, and “Achieving Mutual Benefits through Union Activities”. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that ICU nurses strive to improve their work and the nursing environment through labor unions, despite facing negative perceptions of union involvement.

In order to determine the future direction of Busan City’s tree planting policy in accordance with changes in automobile fuel and air pollutants, this study selected representative tree species planted in Busan and identified the biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) emission rate and characteristics of each species. First, representative tree species were selected for each street tree species, forest tree species, and park tree species, and the emission rate and major components of BVOCs were investigated for each tree species. Furthermore, by comparing the ozone generation potential (POCP) for each tree species, tree species with a low emission rate were selected. According to the POCP comparison, P. yedoensis, G. biloba, Z. serrata and C. retusus were selected as roadside tree species, P. densiflora and C. obtusa as forest species, and A. palmatum, C. japonica, and Q. myrsinaefolia were deemed suitable for park species. However, in the case of P. occidentalis, Quercus, and M. glyptostroboides, the emission rates of BVOCs were found to be high. Despite this, these tree species were found to display excellent CO2 absorption and carbon storage. The concentration of NOx in the city center is likely to decrease due to the current trend of transitioning to eco-friendly cars worldwide, resulting in less cars that rely on fossil fuels. Therefore, in the current climate where NOx emissions are still high, planting tree species with a low BVOCs emission rate would be an optimal approach. On the other hand, if the NOx concentration in the city is found to be very low due to changes in automobile fuel use, planting tree species with excellent BVOCs emission capacity and CO2 absorption would be ideal.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify and describe the experiences of new nurses trained by clinical nursing educators. Methods: Data were collected through focus groups and in-depth interviews conducted between July 27 and August 12, 2021. The collected data was qualitatively analyzed through content analysis. Results: Six themes and 19 subthemes emerged. The themes included: “Worried about not adjusting to work”, “Not feeling at ease with the preceptor”, “Experiencing the benefits of working with the clinical nurse educator”, “Getting practical support from the clinical nurse educator”, “Receiving mental and emotional support from the clinical nurse educator”, and “Appreciating successful adjustment”. Conclusion: This study confirmed the importance of the educator’s role in helping new nurses adjust to the workplace and develop competence.

Yeosu National Industrial Complex is one of Korea’s representative petrochemical industrial complexes where crude oil refining and petrochemical companies are concentrated. According to the results of the 2021 chemical emissions survey, during the process of manufacturing, storage, and transportation at the Yeosu National Industrial Complex, various hazardous chemicals, including hazardous air pollutants, volatile organic compounds and odorous substances are being emitted into the air, affecting the surrounding environment and the health of residents. The Ministry of Environment is applying strengthened standards by designating the Yeosu National Industrial Complex as an air conservation special measure area and establishing odor management areas to manage the air environment. Nevertheless, odor complaints continue to be registered and related complaints increase when turnaround work is carried out. Since air emissions are not counted during periods of turnaround as normal operations are temporarily suspended, it was difficult to establish policies to reduce odor complaints because the source of emissions and emission quantities cannot be ascertained with certainty. In this study, the extensive Yeosu National Industrial Complex was subdivided into 4 areas using a mobile vehicle equipped with PTR-ToF-MS capable of real-time analysis without sample pretreatment being carried out. Measurements were repeated during the day, night, and dawn while moving around the internal boundary of the plant and the boundary of each region where turnaround activities were being carried out. As a result, the recorded measurement for acrylonitrile was the highest at 6340.0 ppb and propyne and propene were measured the most frequently at 128 times each. Based on these results, it will be possible to help reduce emissions through process improvement by efficiently operating air measurement networks and odor surveys that conduct regular measurements throughout the year and providing actual measurement data to the plant. Also, it will help reduce odor complaints and establish systematic air management policies.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of odor reduction when spraying inside the Bio-curtain (hereinafter referred to as curtain) according to the exhaust fan operating rate. Spraying is a main factor affecting the ability to odor reduction of curtains. The curtain (total area: 37.9m3) was constructed with two layers of light-shielding screens stretched over a rectangular parallelepiped structure installed around an exhaust fan (630 mm) on the side wall of a pig barn. Air samples for odor analysis were collected from inside the pig barn and outside the curtain. The main odorous compounds such as volatile fatty acids, phenols, indoles, and ammonia were measured. The odor reduction effectiveness was evaluated by total odor activity values (TOAVs) summed to the odor activity values of each odorous compounds. Depending on the exhaust fan operating rate, the reduced rate of TOAVs gradually decreased to the range between 15.67% and 68.80%. Because the contact time between the spraying liquid and the air velocity of the exhaust fan becomes shorter (or there is a reduction in liquid to gas flow ratio) as the exhaust fan operating rate increases. The results of this study can be used as basic data for research into spraying conditions to improve the odor reduction effectiveness of curtains.

Purpose: This study aims to explore the in-depth experiences of participating in a parent education program at the H Science Institute and understand the meaning and essence of their experiences. Methods: This study employed qualitative content analysis. Data were collected from June 20 to 30, 2023. Participants were a total of 28 people who could provide detailed experiences of participation in the parent education program at the H Science Institute. Focus-group interviews were conducted with 28 participants. Results: The qualitative content analysis revealed six themes: “Exploring the genuine path to become a parent”, “Precious experiences acquired through education that is not easily accessible”, “Discovering the transformed self through education”, “I believe that there had been a change in family relationships”, “Improvements are required in a few contents”, and “I look forward to the program with more extended outreach”. Conclusion: Efforts are required to understand the current status of parent education, verify its empirical effectiveness, and provide parents with awareness of the necessity to observe and control their minds.

Purpose: This study was conducted to assess the post-discharge experiences of caregiving mothers of pediatric patients with intestinal failure who were receiving home TPN treatment. Methods: This was a qualitative study utilizing Colaizzi’s phenomenological research method. The eight participants were mothers of pediatric outpatients from the short-gut syndrome clinic at a tertiary hospital in Seoul who were continuing home TPN treatment through a CVC. Data were collected from January to May 2022 through individual in-depth interviews, and analyzed. Results: Analysis of 127 meaningful statements from the mothers identified 12 themes and 36 sub-themes, organized into five categories: “Mixed emotions regarding hospital discharge”, “Problems after discharge”, “Stress in everyday life”, “Support from nurses and family members”, and “Looking to the future”. Conclusion: The study results provided insights into the meaning and value of the post-discharge experiences of mothers of pediatric patients with intestinal failure. These findings will be valuable in the development of interventions to provide education and other support measures for primary caregivers of children with intestinal failure.

Airborne bacteria in mushroom growing environments are a potential risk of contamination in commercial mushroom production. Controlling contamination in mushroom farms requires understanding the bacterial ecology in the cultivation environment. This study was conducted to investigate the concentration and species diversity of floating bacteria in a thermophilic mushroom cultivation room. Temperature, humidity, temperature, humidity, and bacterial concentration measurements were performed in April and May 2022 for a Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation house, in July and August 2023 for a Pleurotus sajor-caju and a Agaricus blazei cultivation house, and in June, July and August 2023 for a Pleurotus pulmonarius, Pleurotus sajor-caju and Calocybe indica cultivation house. The airborne bacterial concentration was 5.27 × 103~105 CFU/m3, 3.81 × 102 ~1.37 × 103 CFU/m3, and 2.55 × 102 ~1.37 × 102 CFU/m3 in the three cultivation houses, respectively. A total of 23 genera and 37 species of airborne bacteria were isolated from the three mushroom cultivation houses. 12 genera and 18 species were identified from P. ostreatus cultivation house. Furthermore, 4 genera and 4 species were found from A. blazei and C. indica cultivation house. In addition, 11 genera and 18 species were isolated from P. pulmonarius, P. sajor-caju and C. indica cultivation house. Among the bacteria isolated, the Bacilli class was the most common, followed by Gammaproteobacteria. Among the 37 bacterial species, it was determined that Bacillus cereus, B. licheniformis, Cedecea neteri, Exiguobacterium acetylicum and Raoultella terrigena could negatively affect humans or foodstuff. Cedecea neteri is also known to cause diseases among mushrooms.

In response to the expanding landscape of the biotechnology industry and the increasing demand for comprehensive drug development as well as the conduct of preclinical and clinical trials, there is a growing need for employment of diverse animal models, including both small and large animals. The focus of this study was on refining ex vivo culture techniques for bioluminescence imaging following administration of intradermal injections in large animals. To examine the feasibility of our approach, varying concentrations of the rFluc protein were administered to rats and live imaging was employed to validate the corresponding levels of expression. Subsequently, following administration of rFluc to mini-pigs, ex vivo analyses were performed on sample tissues to assess the levels of protein expression across different concentrations. In particular, optimal culturing conditions that facilitated the sustained expression of the protein in samples post-euthanasia were identified. Moreover, by employing small animal imaging devices, we were able to capture clear images of the sample plates, which provided evidence of the successful application of our experimental techniques. The findings from this research represent a significant effort toward refining bioluminescence imaging methods tailored for use with large animal models—an imperative facet of contemporary drug development and biomedical research.

Background: Various treatments are being tried for lumbar neuropathy. Among them, neural mobilization aims to reduce peripheral nerve sensitivity by stimulating them directly. Similarly, applying kinesiotape stimulates skin and joint receptors around the nerves, thereby affecting nerve function and movement. Objectives: To investigated the effect of low back pain on the neural mobilization and kinesiotaping. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty patients with chronic low back pain were randomly allocated to three groups: the neural mobilization exercise with kinesiotaping group (NEKTG, n=10), the neural mobilization exercise group (NEG, n=10), and the kinesiotaping group (KTG, n=10). Each group performed six intervention sessions over two weeks. The results were analyzed by measuring the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and straight leg raise (SLR) before and after the intervention in each group. Results: NEKTG, NEG, and KTG all indicated a significant decrease in the back pain index before and after the intervention. However, there were no differences observed between the three groups. The SLR angles before the experiment were identical across the three groups. The SLR angles before and after the intervention were as follows: the SLR angle significantly increased in NEKTG. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the SLR angle in NEKTG compared to both NEG and KTG. Conclusion: Neural mobilization combined with kinesiotaping provided better therapeutic effects regarding pain reduction and neurodynamic improvement compared to alone kinesiotaping and mobilization with chronic low back pain.

Background: Mobilization with movement (MWM) is an effective intervention for increasing range of motion (ROM) and function without pain. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to comprehensively characterize the functional effects of MWM applied to the ankle joint in patients with stroke. Design: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Methods: International electronic databases, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google scholar were included and identified after review by two investigators in July 2023 according to PRISMA guidelines. Data were synthesized using software provided by Cochran and analyzed using a random effects model with reweighting to account for heterogeneity between participants. Results: After excluding duplicate studies, 14 of the 19 articles screened through the abstracts were excluded, resulting in a total of five studies involving 109 participants with stroke. MWM showed significant differences in ankle ROM [overall effect (Z=3.27, P=0.00)], gait speed [overall effect (Z=3.33, P=0.00)], and cadence [overall effect (Z=2.49, P=0.01)]. Conclusion: The results of the meta-analysis confirmed that MWM is effective in improving ankle ROM and gait parameters in patients with stroke.

Background: The forward head posture acts as a factor that can cause various neurovascular and musculoskeletal dysfunctions. But searching for a study on quality of life for patient with forward head posture was challenging. Therefore, this study aims to find the factors that most affect the quality of life in patients with forward head posture. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations between the cranio-vertebral angle (CVA), neck disability index (NDI), pain, and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) thickness of patients with forward head posture and the quality of life of the patients and to figure out important factors that affect the quality of life of the patients with forward head posture. Design: Cress-sectional study. Methods: To measure the CVA, the angle at which the visible protrusion of C7 and the ear bead were connected was measured, and the neck disorder index was evaluated using the Korean version of NDI. The degree of pain of the subject was measured using a visual-analog scale (VAS). The SCM thickness was measured using an ultrasound imaging device, and the quality of life was evaluated using the Korean version of the World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire (WHOQL-BREF). Results: A significant predictive model showing 88% explanatory power for the dependent variable was confirmed, with an appropriate regression equation being found. The factor that most affected patients' quality of life in the forward head posture was confirmed by the SCM thickness. Conclusion: When applying an intervention to improve a patient's quality of life for patient with forward head posture, an intervention method that improves the SCM thickness should be recommended.

Background: Self-myofascial release using a foam roller has short-term effects for improving muscle function and joint range of motion (ROM) and reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after exercise. Objectives: The purpose of our study was to examine the muscle physiological changes for each set in self-myofascial release of the hamstring muscles using a foam roller in order to provide basic data for the most effective program composition for improving muscle tension, stiffness, and flexibility of the hamstring muscles. Design: A quasi-experimental clinical trial. Methods: To confirm the effect of self-myofascial release of the hamstring muscles using a foam roller, muscle tone and stiffness of the hamstring muscles were measured. As an intervention method, the study subject performed four sessions of self-myofascial release by moving a foam roller back and forth on the posterior thigh muscle of the right leg. Results: There were statistically significant changes in the stiffness of the biceps femoris and the flexibility of the hamstring muscles. Conclusion: Self-myofascial release with foam rolling is an effective intervention method for increasing hamstring flexibility and ROM, and it is recommended as effective to perform self-myofascial release for three to four sessions to maintain normal muscle tone and stiffness of the hamstring muscles.

Background: The reduction in physical activity in stroke patients weakens their health and lowers their quality of life. There is a need for the development of effective exercise programs to enhance the physical activity of chronic stroke patients. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a rehabilitation sports program using Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) on the body composition, physical function, and quality of life of stroke. Design: Single group study. Methods: This study was conducted on 9 chronic stroke patients. The exercise program, which applied PNF, was carried out in group sessions twice a week for 50 minutes each over 8 weeks. Participants were assessed before and after the exercise program using InBody, Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Grip Strength, 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), and completed the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests for pre- and post-exercise comparisons and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for evaluating the effects of the exercise program. Results: The results of this study showed differences in weight (P>.05), BMI(P>.05), body fat (P>.05), FMA-UE (P<.05), Grip Strength (P<.05), 10MWT (P<.05), TUG (P<.05), FRT (P<.05), SF-36 (P<.05). Conclusion: This suggests that the rehabilitation sports program using PNF can be used as an exercise program to enhance physical activity, improving physical function and quality of life in chronic stroke patients.

Background: Among the various rehabilitation methods for stroke patients, one method involves the use of vibration. Recently, vibration foam rollers, combining vibration with foam rolling, have been developed and are widely used. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of vibration foam rolling on ankle range of motion (ROM), and gait speed in patients with stroke. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty stroke patients volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned to the vibrating foam roller group (n=15) and the non-vibrating foam roller group (n=15). Active dorsiflexion ROM, and 10-meter walk (10MW) were used to evaluate ankle ROM, and gait speed before and after each exercise. The two groups performed a 30-minute foam roller exercise program. The non-vibrating foam roller group performed the same exercise program as the vibrating foam roller group, but without vibration. Results: The within-group change in active dorsiflexion ROM after the exercise was significant for both the vibrating foam roller group and the non-vibrating foam roller group (P<.05). The within-group change in 10MW after the exercise was significant for the vibrating foam roller group (P<.05), while it was not significant for the non-vibrating foam roller group (P>.05). Additionally, there was no significant difference in active dorsiflexion ROM and 10MW between the vibrating foam roller group and the non-vibrating foam roller group (P>.05). Conclusion: This study confirmed that a vibrating foam roller exercise program immediately improves ankle ROM and gait speed in stroke patients.

Background: Interventions for acute low back pain include exercise therapy such as stretching, aerobic exercise, and sling exercise. Another treatment method for back pain is soft tissue release. Soft tissue release is a relaxation method that improves balance while allowing tension tissues to relax as much as possible. Objectives: To investigated the effect of acute low back pain on the massage ball exercise. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The twenty-eight subjects were randomly allocated to the Massage ball exercise with TENS group (MBETG, n=14) and the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group (TG, n=14). For MBETG, massage ball exercise (BALLance Dr. Tanja Kühne method) was applied for 25 minutes followed by TENS for 15 minutes. The TG group applied TENS for 40 minutes. Each group conducted the intervention three sessions. The results were analyzed by measuring the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), surface electromyography (%MVIC), and Oswestry disability index (ODI) before and after the intervention in each group. Results: Significant reduction was observed for NPRS and ODI in the MBETG (P<.05). And Significant higher was observed for %MVIC of the Erector spinae in the MBETG (P<.05). The NPRS and ODI in the MBETG were decreaed than the TG (P<.05). Conclusion: Massage ball exercise to patients with acute back pain will be effective in reducing pain, increasing muscle activity, and improving functional disability.

In this study, we investigated the microstructure and piezoelectric properties of 0.96(K0.456Na0.536)Nb0.95Sb0.05-0.04 Bi0.5(Na0.82K0.18)0.5ZrO3 (KNNS-BNKZ) ceramics based on one-step and two-step sintering processes. One-step sintering led to significant abnormal grain (AG) growth at temperatures above 1,085 °C. With increasing sintering temperature, piezoelectric and dielectric properties were enhanced, resulting in a high d33 = 506 pC/N for one-step specimen sintered at 1,100 °C (one-step 1,100 °C specimen). However, for one-step 1,115 °C specimen, a slight decrease in d33 was observed, emphasizing the importance of a high tetragonal (T) phase fraction for superior piezoelectric properties. Achieving a relative density above 84 % for samples sintered by the one-step sintering process was challenging. Conversely, two-step sintering significantly improved the relative density of KNNS-BNKZ ceramics up to 96 %, attributed to the control of AG nucleation in the first step and grain growth rate control in the second step. The quantity of AG nucleation was affected by the duration of the first step, determining the final microstructure. Despite having a lower T phase fraction than that of the one-step 1,100 °C specimen, the two-step specimen exhibited higher piezoelectric coefficients (d33 = 574 pC/N and kp = 0.5) than those of the one-step 1,100 °C specimen due to its higher relative density. Performance evaluation of magnetoelectric composite devices composed of one-step and twostep specimens showed that despite having a higher g33, the magnetoelectric composite with the one-step 1,100 °C specimen exhibited the lowest magnetoelectric voltage coefficient, due to its lowest kp. This study highlights the essential role of phase fraction and relative density in enhancing the performance of piezoelectric materials and devices, showcasing the effectiveness of the two-step sintering process for controlling the microstructure of ceramic materials containing volatile elements.