Health Risk Assessment of Residents' Exposure to Air Pollutants around the Sinpyeong-Jangrim Industrial Complex in Busan.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the health effects of heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air around the Sinpyeong-Jangrim Industrial Complex, Busan, and the necessity of reduction measures. We measured the concentrations of heavy metals and VOCs in PM2.5 in five areas with dense population around the Sinpyeong-Jangrim Industrial Complex. A health risk assessment was conducted, and the spatial risk distribution for the entire Saha-gu area was predicted using inverse distance weighting (IDW). Our results indicated that the carcinogens benzene, As, and Cr6+, and the non-carcinogen m,p-xylene, have the potential to adversely affect health. In particular, As was found to have the potential to express health effects at all measurement points. Additionally, based on the IDW results, the minimum values of benzene, arsenic, and m,p-xylene exceeded the threshold level, potentially affecting the health of residents across the entire Saha-gu area. In contrast, Cr6+ could potentially impact health only in some parts of Saha-gu as only its maximum value exceeded the threshold level. We demonstrated the importance of reducing air pollutant emissions from general industrial complexes. Our results will be useful in establishing more systematic mitigation measures to protect the health of residents near the Sinpyeong-Jangrim Industrial Complex and developing air pollutant management systems.

The experience of unmarried mothers raising their children in residential facilities: a phenomenological qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Birth outside of marriage has been gradually increasing in Korea. However, social perception of unmarried mothers is still negative, and a number of them are not accepted by their family. Therefore, the Korean government has implemented a policy to provide financial aid and communal residence to unmarried mothers who cannot raise children with their family, or afford residence. Unmarried young mothers who rely on this government policy have low economic independence and social adaptation skills. Additionally, they have a high chance of encountering numerous challenges in raising children due to their living conditions in residential facilities and social prejudice. This study was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experience of unmarried mothers raising children in residential facilities. METHODS: Data were collected through in-depth interviews with nine unmarried mothers living in residential facilities with their children. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted to analyze the data. RESULTS: The findings revealed that unmarried mothers struggled with various difficulties given the limitations of living in the facility, but attempted to navigate their uncertain future with the determination to be good mothers. Three main themes and eight sub-themes emerged: (1) adaptation to the identity of "unmarried mother", (2) willingly undertaking the heavy burden of childrearing, (3) indispensable but insufficient supports from facilities. Participants had childrearing responsibilities, and tried to be good mothers for their children while struggling to adapt to their new identities. However, their self-doubt as a "good mother" and the absence of the child's father made them feel sorry for their child. Their daily experiences raising children and simultaneously preparing for their own independence were exhausting. The supports from the facilities were helpful but unsatisfactory and led to various psychosocial difficulties such as anxiety, depression, fear, guilty, and anger in unmarried mothers. CONCLUSIONS: Besides information and resources for parenting and independence, active approaches are needed to improve the psychological stability of unmarried mothers raising their children in facilities, and sustain a long-term socioeconomic support system. Thoughtful services tailored to mothers and children are also needed, instead of standardized services.

Intervention Studies on the Enhancement of Self-Concept Among Adolescent Mothers: A Systematic Review.

Self-concept affects the overall process of pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting among adolescent mothers. The current systematic review explores intervention studies on the enhancement of self-concept among adolescent mothers, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. English and Korean literature published within the past 10 years was searched and five articles met the inclusion criteria. To improve self-concept among adolescent mothers, especially self-esteem, it was deemed necessary to strengthen a balanced capacity of physiological, psychological, sociocultural, and developmental aspects, based on a comprehensive assessment. To provide effective intervention, it was essential to reflect the cultural characteristics of adolescent mothers' native countries. Lectures were confirmed as a representative method of enhancing self-concept and participatory learning methods, such as group discussions, group activities, practical skills training, and supervision, were considered effective for enhancing self-esteem by strengthening not only knowledge but also the motivation of adolescent mothers. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60(3), 31-39.].

A case study of SARS-CoV-2 transmission behavior in a severely air-polluted city (Delhi, India) and the potential usage of graphene based materials for filtering air-pollutants and controlling/monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic.

Globally, humanity is facing its most significant challenge in 100 years due to the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for COVID-19. Under the enormous pressure created by the pandemic, scientists are studying virus transmission mechanisms in order to develop effective mitigation strategies. However, no established methods have been developed to control the spread of this deadly virus. In addition, the ease in lockdown has escalated air pollution which may affect SARS-CoV-2 transmission through attachment to particulates. The present review summarizes the role of graphene nanomaterials, which show antimicrobial behavior and have antiviral efficacy, in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Graphene and its derivatives have excellent antimicrobial efficacy, providing both physical and chemical mechanisms of damage. Coupled with their lightness, optimal properties, and ease of functionalization, they are optimal nanomaterials for coating onto fabrics such as personal protection equipment, face masks and gloves to control the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 effectively. Biosensors using graphene can effectively detect the virus with high accuracy and sensitivity, providing rapid quantification. It is envisioned that the present work will boost the development of graphene-based highly sensitive, accurate and cost-effective diagnostic tools for efficiently monitoring and controlling the spread of COVID-19 and other air-borne viruses.

Effects of an Urban Forest-Based Health Promotion Program on Children Living in Group Homes.

Children living in foster care group homes are more likely to have physical, mental, and social health problems due to parental abuse, neglect, and family breakdown. The purpose of the current study was to develop and apply the urban forest-based health promotion program on children living in group homes in Korea to investigate its effects on perceived health, psychological health, and connectedness to nature. Eight children (mean age = 12.13 [SD = 1.25] years) from three group homes participated in the study. The intervention was conducted individually for each group home once per week for 8 weeks. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. Participants showed significant improvement in restoration. Six themes were identified that reflect participants' experience and the effectiveness of the urban forest-based health promotion program. This program may be considered a possible intervention to promote children's psychosocial health and connectedness to nature. Continuous efforts are needed to further examine the program's effectiveness. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(6), 18-29.].

[Stressors and Stress Responses of Unmarried Mothers Based on Betty Neuman's Systems Model: An Integrative Review]. / 국내 미혼모의 ìŠ¤íŠ¸ë ˆìŠ¤ì›ê³¼ ìŠ¤íŠ¸ë ˆìŠ¤ 반응에 대한 í†µí•©ì  ê³ ì°°: ë² í‹° 뉴만의 체계 모델을 기반으로.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the structure of variables in studies related to unmarried mothers (UMs) based on Neuman's systems model, and the stressors and stress responses of UMs. METHODS: Whittemore and Knafl's methodology for integrative reviews was applied. The literature was searched using five electronic databases (KISS, KMbase, KoreaMed, NDSL, and RISS) and a total of 99 variables were collected from 15 studies published between 2009 and 2019. RESULTS: The main stressors for UMs were a sense of loss and burden caused by childbirth and childrearing. The main stress responses were parenting stress and depression, respectively. Within the basic structure of variables related to UMs, self-esteem played a crucial role by helping UMs adapt to their situation. Meanwhile, social support of UMs was significantly correlated with parenting stress, depression, and self-esteem. CONCLUSION: In order to understand UMs' stress, is necessary to explore their sense of loss, burden, and self-esteem. Furthermore, it is important to assess the level of parenting stress and depression of UMs and to provide effective interventions to alleviate these stressors. The results of this study provide useful knowledge that can be applied to nursing assessment and interventions for stress management in UMs.

Evaluating the Reliability and Validity of the Children's Vitality-Relaxation Scale.

This study developed the Children's Vitality-Relaxation Scale (CVRS) by revising the adult version of the Restoration Outcome Scale (ROS). The CVRS was translated and culturally adapted into Korean, and its reliability and validity were evaluated in a cross-sectional, descriptive design study. Data collected from 181 elementary school students in grades 4‒6 were used to test the validity and reliability of the CVRS. Exploratory factor analysis, Pearson's correlation, known-groups comparison, and Cronbach's alpha were used for analysis. The factor analysis indicated a two-factor structure, and all factor loadings were above 0.40. The CVRS was a seven-point Likert scale consisting of eight items, which were classified as "vitality" (four items) and "relaxation" (four items). The external construct validity with the PANAS, PSS, and SRI was acceptable. In the known-groups comparison, the CVRS score was significantly higher for boys than for girls, and the CVRS score for high-income students was higher than low-income students. The Cronbach's α for the scale was 0.84 and ranged from 0.72-0.87 for the subscales. Results showed that the CVRS is a valid and reliable scale with acceptable psychometric characteristics in Korean children. The scale can be used to measure children's affect in various settings.

Interventions to Reduce the Problems of Abused Children and Adolescents in Residential Facilities in South Korea: An Integrative Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review the literature on intervention studies for abused children and adolescent in residential facilities in South Korea (ACARF-K). The goal was to understand the problems they experience, to evaluate the content and effectiveness of interventions applied to them, and to develop evidence-based nursing intervention programs. METHODS: We used four electronic databases to search for relevant articles. 18 studies according to Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review method to synthesize the literature. RESULTS: The ACARF-K experienced problems in biophysical, psychological, and sociocultural domains related to attachment impairment. Effective intervention strategies were building trust through empathy and fulfillment of needs, encouraging ACARF-K to express themselves and helping them to clarify emotions in an unthreatening environment, and improving their self-concept through activities in which they experienced achievement. CONCLUSION: Interventions are needed to help restore attachment damage among ACARF-K. The interventions in this study utilized emotional, cognitive, relational, and behavioral therapeutic tools to improve their psychological and social capacities. Future intervention programs for ACARF-K should include these key elements.

Intrinsic kinetic parameters of Thermococcus onnurineus NA1 strains and prediction of optimum carbon monoxide level for ideal bioreactor operation.

This study determines and compares the intrinsic kinetic parameters (Ks and Ki) of selected Thermococcus onnurineus NA1 strains (wild-type (WT), and mutants MC01, MC02, and WTC156T) using the substrate inhibition model. Ks and Ki values were used to find the optimum dissolved CO (CL) conditions inside the reactor. The results showed that in terms of the maximum specific CO consumption rates (qCO(max)) of WT, MC01, MC02, and WTC156T the optimum activities can be achieved by maintaining the CL levels at 0.56mM, 0.52mM, 0.58mM, and 0.75mM, respectively. The qCO(max) value of WTC156T at 0.75mM was found to be 1.5-fold higher than for the WT strain, confirming its superiority. Kinetic modeling was then used to predict the conditions required to maintain the optimum CL levels and high cell concentrations in the reactor, based on the kinetic parameters of the WTC156T strain.

Microbial synthesis gas utilization and ways to resolve kinetic and mass-transfer limitations.

Microbial conversion of syngas to energy-dense biofuels and valuable chemicals is a potential technology for the efficient utilization of fossils (e.g., coal) and renewable resources (e.g., lignocellulosic biomass) in an environmentally friendly manner. However, gas-liquid mass transfer and kinetic limitations are still major constraints that limit the widespread adoption and successful commercialization of the technology. This review paper provides rationales for syngas bioconversion and summarizes the reaction limited conditions along with the possible strategies to overcome these challenges. Mass transfer and economic performances of various reactor configurations are compared, and an ideal case for optimum bioreactor operation is presented. Overall, the challenges with the bioprocessing steps are highlighted, and potential solutions are suggested. Future research directions are provided and a conceptual design for a membrane-based syngas biorefinery is proposed.

Effect of internal pressure and gas/liquid interface area on the CO mass transfer coefficient using hollow fibre membranes as a high mass transfer gas diffusing system for microbial syngas fermentation.

This study proposed a submerged hollow fibre membrane bioreactor (HFMBR) system capable of achieving high carbon monoxide (CO) mass transfer for applications in microbial synthesis gas conversion systems. Hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane fibres were used to fabricate a membrane module, which was used for pressurising CO in water phase. Pressure through the hollow fibre lumen (P) and membrane surface area per unit working volume of the liquid (A(S)/V(L)) were used as controllable parameters to determine gas-liquid volumetric mass transfer coefficient (k(L)a) values. We found a k(L)a of 135.72 h(-1) when P was 93.76 kPa and AS/VL was fixed at 27.5m(-1). A higher k(L)a of 155.16 h(-1) was achieved by increasing AS/VL to 62.5m(-1) at a lower P of 37.23 kPa. Practicality of HFMBR to support microbial growth and organic product formation was assessed by CO/CO2 fermentation using Eubacterium limosum KIST612.