Workplace Violence Experienced by Personal Care Workers in a District in Seoul, Republic of Korea: A Comparison Study with Office and Service Workers.

This study compared the level of workplace violence experienced by personal healthcare workers in a district in Seoul, Republic of Korea, with those experienced by workers in office or service jobs. We matched 150 personal care workers with 150 office workers and 150 service workers using a propensity score. Workplace violence was categorized into psychological violence and physical violence. Of the surveyed personal care workers, 53.3% reported experiencing psychological violence, and 42.0% reported experiencing physical violence. After adjusting for self-reported work-related symptoms, personal care workers had significantly higher odds of experiencing psychological violence than office workers (OR = 5.01; 95% CI: 2.80-8.97) or service workers (OR = 7.54; 95% CI: 3.93-14.47). The adjusted odds for physical violence were also significantly higher for personal care workers compared with those for office workers (OR = 5.83; 95% CI: 2.96-11.50) and service workers (OR = 6.00; 95% CI: 2.88-12.49). In terms of specific types of workplace violence, personal care workers were 7-10 times more likely to experience unwanted sexual attention, sexual harassment, and physical violence than office or service workers. We found that personal care workers were more prone to workplace violence than office or service workers, with gender-based or physical violence being the most common types. Considering the negative impact of workplace violence on workers' well-being and health services, policy updates and interventions focusing on personal care workers are needed to reduce workplace violence, safeguard workers' rights, and establish a secure working environment.

Highly Stable Potassium-Ion Battery Enabled by Nanoengineering of an Sb Anode.

We present the nanoengineering of Sb particles assisted by a conductive and stress-relieving network of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), in the proper design of anode materials with high specific capacity and excellent stability for potassium-ion batteries (KIBs). The nanosized Sb particles are prepared by the CQDs as functional tuners in the morphology and surface, which tune the size to nanolevel and provide fast ionic channels and a soft matrix to relieve the volume changes. As the additional conductive and stress-relieving network layer, PEDOT:PSS offers enhanced electron/ion pathways and maintains the integrity of the Sb@CQD composite electrode. In the KIB, the prepared Sb anode exhibits battery performance with a high specific capacity of 480 mA h g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 and a high-capacity retention of 95.4% over 350 cycles.

Binder-Free and High-Loading Cathode Realized by Hierarchical Structure for Potassium-Sulfur Batteries.

Potassium-sulfur batteries have attracted significant research attention owing to the naturally abundant resources of potassium and sulfur, and have promising applications in large-scale energy storage systems. However, the sluggish reaction kinetics of K+ , low reaction activity of sulfur species, shuttling effect of polysulfides, and large volume change impede the development of these batteries. Moreover, the conventional electrode fabrication method with binders and current collectors renders it difficult to improve the areal sulfur loading and energy density. In this study, a binder-free and freestanding sulfur cathode is prepared by phase inversion and sulfurization of polyacrylonitrile. This sulfur cathode, with a hierarchically porous network, enables a high reversible capacity of 1345 mAh g-1 and a stable cycling performance with a capacity decay of 0.15% per cycle. Importantly, areal capacities of 3.1 and 4.2 mAh cm-2 are achieved even at high sulfur loadings of 3 and 7 mg cm-2 , owing to the favorable electron/ion transport in the cathode. The facile preparation method and excellent electrochemical properties reported herein can pave the way for developing high-performance K-S batteries.

Recycling respirator masks to a high-value product: From COVID-19 prevention to highly efficient battery separator.

COVID-19 is a pandemic that has caused serious disruption in almost every day-to-day life around the world, and wearing a mask is essential for human safety from this virus. However, masks are non-recyclable materials, and the accumulation of masks used every day causes serious environmental issues. In this study, we investigate the recycling of mask materials for addressing the environmental problems and transforming as a high value-added material through chemical modification of masks. The recycled mask is applied as a separator for aqueous rechargeable batteries, and shows outstanding safety and electrochemical performance than the existing separator. This approach will lead to an advanced energy technology considering nature after overcoming COVID-19.

Fast-Charging Lithium-Sulfur Batteries Enabled via Lean Binder Content.

Next-generation energy storage devices such as lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) face several challenges including fast charging and high-power delivery. Thus, it is necessary to improve the stability of the electrodes with efficient electrochemical system. In this work, a durable sulfur cathode even at high rates is enabled via lean binder content. The binder consists of a chitosan cross-linked with a carboxylated nitrile-butadiene rubber (XNBR), which exhibits high affinity toward lithium polysulfide along with robust mechanical properties because of the synergistic effect of the polar chitosan and the elastomeric XNBR. Despite using extremely small content of binder (3 wt%), the LSB shows a highly stable long-term cycling performance with capacity retention decay values of 0.026% and 0.029% after 500 cycles at 5 and 10 C. Moreover, the cell shows an outstanding specific capacity of 228 mAh g-1 at an ultrahigh charge-discharge rate of 20 C. This approach may significantly improve the design of the sulfur cathode and pave a facile way to fabricate commercially viable next-generation energy storage devices.

Strongly Anchoring Polysulfides by Hierarchical Fe3O4/C3N4 Nanostructures for Advanced Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Li-S batteries have attracted considerable interest as next-generation energy storage devices owing to high energy density and the natural abundance of sulfur. However, the practical applications of Li-S batteries are hampered by the shuttle effect of soluble lithium polysulfides (LPS), which results in low cycle stability. Herein, a functional interlayer has been developed to efficiently regulate the LPS and enhance the sulfur utilization using hierarchical nanostructure of C3N4 (t-C3N4) embedded with Fe3O4 nanospheres. t-C3N4 exhibits high surface area and strong anchoring of LPS, and the Fe3O4/t-C3N4 accelerates the anchoring of LPS and improves the electronic pathways. The combination of these materials leads to remarkable battery performance with 400% improvement in a specific capacity and a low capacity decay per cycle of 0.02% at 2 C over 1000 cycles, and stable cycling at 6.4 mg cm-2 for high-sulfur-loading cathode.

Point-of-Care Platform for Early Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease.

We created a cost-benefit analysis and swift point-of-care (PoC) testing for early stage Parkinson's disease (PD) that delivers the possibility of providing sensitive, rapid, and user-friendly analysis in home diagnostics applications. α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is considered a meaningful biomarker for the diagnosis of early stage PD. The PoC platform for diagnosis of PD is simply constructed with a conductive polymer and an aptamer receptor on a screen-printed electrode and exhibits a remarkable low detection limit of 1 × 10-3 fM. The developed PoC platform will offer an opportunity for individuals to conveniently and periodically check the progress of the diseases and success through expansion as a checkup platform for other diseases.

Ultrasensitive Detection of Amyloid-ß Using Cellular Prion Protein on the Highly Conductive Au Nanoparticles-Poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene)-Poly(thiophene-3-acetic acid) Composite Electrode.

A highly sensitive electrochemical impedance sensor for amyloid beta oligomer (AßO) was fabricated using a cellular prion protein (PrPC) bioreceptor linked with poly(thiophene-3-acetic acid) transducer. An additional thin layer of poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) embedded with gold nanoparticles was employed to provide high electrical conductivity and a large surface area. The sensing performace was investigated in terms of sensitivity and detection range. The fabricated sensor exhibited extremely low detection limit at a subfemtomolar level with a wide detection range from 10-8 to 104 nM and its utility was established in mice infected with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The developed AßO sensor could be utilized for early diagnosis of AD.

Ferrocene-Encapsulated Zn Zeolitic Imidazole Framework (ZIF-8) for Optical and Electrochemical Sensing of Amyloid-ß Oligomers and for the Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease.

In this work, the ferrocene-encapsulated Zn zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF-8) was prepared by the self-assembly of Zn ions and 2-methylimidazole and used for the dual detection of amyloid-beta oligomers (AßO), which is the main neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Ferrocene is an optically and electrochemically active signal which was successfully encapsulated inside of the ZIF-8 and released by the competitive coordination between Zn ions and AßO after being treated with AßO. The released ferrocene content was monitored by ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometry and cyclic voltammetry. The dual determination of AßO played a synergetic role in the quick qualitative and precise quantitative analyses in a wide detection range of 10-5 to 102 µM and good feasibility in artificial cerebrospinal fluid.

The effects of a balloon-blowing exercise in a 90/90 bridge position using a ball on the pulmonary function of females in their twenties.

[Purpose] This study was conducted to investigate pulmonary function before and after the performance of a balloon-blowing exercise in a 90/90 bridge position using a ball among female university students in their twenties. [Participants and Methods] Participants were randomly assigned to the control group, which performed the bridge position using hip and knee flexion on a ball with a diaphragm respiratory exercise, or the experimental group, which performed a 90/90 bridge using a ball with a balloon exercise. The exercise programs were conducted 30 minutes a day, five times a week for four weeks. Pulmonary function was measured with a digital equipment before and after the exercise program period. [Results] The findings suggest that the training group resulted in significant changes in forced vital capacity, vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory volume at one second. There was no significant increase in maximal voluntary capacity or vital capacity, but the pre- and post-test values improved. To compare the two groups, an independent t-test was conducted to determine vital capacity, and the results showed statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups. [Conclusion] This study showed that a balloon-blowing exercise in a 90/90 bridge position using a ball can be used to improve pulmonary function.

Monitoring of early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease using the cellular prion protein and poly(pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid) modified electrode.

Amyloid-beta oligomers (AßΟ) are considered to be reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis of Alzheimer' disease (AD), and the cellular prion protein (PrPC) is identified as a receptor for AßO. We demonstrated a label and antibody-free electrochemical biosensor for the selective detection of AßO using an electrically conductive poly(pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid) (PPyCOOH) linking agent and PrPC receptor. In the fabrication of the biosensor, each step was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The developed PrPc/PPyCOOH biosensor exhibited extremely low detection limit of 10-4 pM with high sensitivity which is desirable for the early diagnosis of AD. The sensing performance was further confirmed by the mice infected with AD. The proposed sensor emerged as a promising tool for the early detection of AßO.

Epoxidized Natural Rubber/Chitosan Network Binder for Silicon Anode in Lithium-Ion Battery.

Polymeric binder is extremely important for Si-based anode in lithium-ion batteries due to large volume variation during charging/discharging process. Here, natural rubber-incorporated chitosan networks were designed as a binder material to obtain both adhesion and elasticity. Chitosan could strongly anchor Si particles through hydrogen bonding, while the natural rubber could stretch reversibly during the volume variation of Si particles, resulting in high cyclic performance. The prepared electrode exhibited the specific capacities of 1350 mAh/g after 1600 cycles at the current density of 8 A/g and 2310 mAh/g after 500 cycles at the current density of 1 A/g. Furthermore, the cycle test with limiting lithiation capacity was conducted to study the optimal binder properties at varying degree of the volume expansion of silicon, and it was found that the elastic property of binder material was strongly required when the large volume expansion of Si occurred.

The effects of place running exercises on the pulmonary function of normal adults.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine whether place running exercises increase the pulmonary function of normal adults. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty normal adults in their 20s were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). Over the course of four weeks, the experimental group participated in place running exercise for 30 minutes five times per week. The control group only participated in moto-med exercise for 30 minutes five times per week. Subjects were assessed pre- and post-test by measuring the tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, expiratory reserve volume, and vital capacity. [Results] Our findings show significant improvements to vital capacity in the experimental group. The experimental group had higher pulmonary function than the control group. In the investigation of the differences between the intervention group and the control group before and after the experiment, significant differences were found for expiratory reserve volume and vital capacity. [Conclusion] Finally, the experimental group showed a greater improvement in pulmonary function than the control group, which indicates that place running exercises are effective at increasing the pulmonary function of normal adults.

The effects of dynamic exercise using the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern on posture in healthy adults.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of dynamic exercise utilizing the proprioceptor neuromuscular facilitation pattern accompanied by abdominal drawing-in exercises on posture in healthy adults. [Subjects and Methods] The total number of subjects were 32; 16 were randomly placed in the training group, and the remaining 16 made up the control group. The subjects in the training group conducted 5 sets of dynamic exercises utilizing the proprioceptor neuromuscular facilitation patterns each day, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Using BackMapper, their trunk inclination, trunk imbalance, pelvic position, pelvic torsion, pelvic rotation and the position of their scapula were evaluated. [Results] When the training group's posture pre-test and post-test were compared in this study, there was a statistical significance in trunk inclination, pelvic position, pelvic torsion, pelvic rotation and the position of their scapula. [Conclusion] Dynamic exercise utilizing the proprioceptor neuromuscular facilitation patterns increased the posture that are the basis of trunk stabilization.

An analysis of pulmonary function in different lying positions in the 20's normal adults.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to study the changes in pulmonary functions in relation to lying positions of experimental participants. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty participants participated in this experiment. Measurements were taken in the supine position, the left side-lying position, the right side-lying position, and the prone position. Vital capacity (VC) was evaluated using a Fit mate. [Results] A comparison of four lying position showed significant differences in participants' VC. In comparison of four position, supine and left sidelying, and between supine and right sidelying, and between supine and prone, between left sidelying and prone. [Conclusion] In conclusion, changing the participants lying position produce changes in pulmonary functions. The greatest change occurred with a supine lying position. We presume that ventilation is affected by body structures. The results provide objective data for establishing the most suitable positions for stroke patients performing respiratory exercises.

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Assisted Process for Well-Dispersed Silicon/Graphene Composite as a Li ion Battery Anode.

The silicon (Si)/graphene composite has been touted as one of the most promising anode materials for lithium ion batteries. However, the optimal fabrication method for this composite remains a challenge. Here, we developed a novel method using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) to intercalate Si nanoparticles into graphene nanosheets. Silicon was modified with a thin layer of polyaniline, which assisted the dispersion of graphene sheets by introducing π-π interaction. Using scCO2, well-dispersed Si/graphene composite was successfully obtained in a short time under mild temperature. The composite showed high cycle performance (1,789 mAh/g after 250 cycles) and rate capability (1,690 mAh/g at a current density of 4,000 mA/g). This study provides a new approach for cost-effective and scalable preparation of a Si/graphene composite using scCO2 for a highly stable lithium battery anode material.

Solvent-assisted morphology confinement of a nickel sulfide nanostructure and its application for non-enzymatic glucose sensor.

Morphology-controlled synthesis of nickel sulfide (Ni3S2) was performed directly on Ni foam using thioacetamide as a sulfur ion source. Various morphologies of nickel sulfide were fabricated using a hydrothermal process by adjusting the solvent composition of ethanol and water. In the water-dominant condition, a dendrite structure was obtained; otherwise, a flaky structure was achieved. A hierarchical cauliflower-like structure was obtained at a solvent mixture composition of 1:1 and was used as non-enzymatic glucose sensor. The hierarchical Ni3S2 electrode showed a high level of electro-catalytic activity toward the oxidation of glucose (16,460µAmM(-1)cm(-2)) over a wide range of detection (0.0005-3mM) and a low detection limit (0.82µM) with excellent selectivity in the presence of several electroactive species.

Effects of pelvic adjustment on pelvic posture and angles of the lower limb joints during walking in female university students.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of pelvic adjustment on pelvic posture and lower limb joint angles during walking in female university students. [Subjects] Thirty healthy female university students were randomly assigned to an experimental group (pelvic adjustment group, n = 15) and a control group (stretching group, n = 15). [Methods] Pelvic adjustment was performed three times on the experimental group. The control group performed three sets of pelvic muscle stretching for 15 minutes. A back mapper and motion analysis equipment were used to measure pelvic posture and angles of lower limb joints for the experimental and control group. [Results] The values obtained before and after the intervention were compared. For the experimental group, the results were significantly different in terms of reduced differences in hip flexion between the left and right hips and in knee abduction between the left and right knees. Differences in pelvic position and pelvic torsion were also found in the experimental group. No significant differences in the control group were identified. [Conclusion] Pelvic adjustment affects pelvic position and torsion and this enhancement to pelvic stability decreases hip flexion and knee abduction during walking.

Cross-Linked Chitosan as an Efficient Binder for Si Anode of Li-ion Batteries.

We investigate the use of chitosan (CS) as a new cross-linkable and water-soluble binder for the Si anode of Li-ion batteries. In contrast to the traditional binder utilizing a hydrogen bond and/or van der Waals force-linked anode electrodes, CS can easily form a 3D network to limit the movement of Si particles through the cross-linking between the amino groups of CS and the dialdehyde of glutaraldehyde (GA). Chemical, mechanical, and morphological analyses are conducted by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, tensile testing, and scanning electron microscopy. The cross-linked Si/CS-GA anode exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 2782 mAh g(-1) with a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 89% and maintained a capacity of 1969 mAh g(-1) at the current density of 500 mA g(-1) over 100 cycles.

Synthesis of hierarchical NiCo2O4 hollow nanorods via sacrificial-template accelerate hydrolysis for electrochemical glucose oxidation.

Hierarchical NiCo2O4 hollow nanorods (HR) were directly grown on stainless steel via a sacrificial template accelerated hydrolysis and post calcination using ZnO nanorod as a template. The composition of the NiCo2O4 HR electrode was determined using X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphology of the NiCo2O4 HR is comprised of nanoflakes that were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The mixed-valence metal oxide and hollow structure provided high chemical reactivity and a large surface area for glucose oxidation in an alkaline solution. Under an optimal applied potential of +0.6 V, the developed NiCo2O4 HR electrode showed a broad detection range of 0.0003­1.0 mM, a sensitivity of 1685.1 µA mM−1 cm−2, and a low detection limit of 0.16 µM. These results represent a significant improvement over both NiO and Co3O4 HR. The developed NiCo2O4 HR electrode not only demonstrated excellent selectivity in the presence of several electro-active species, but also exhibited high stability following a 200 cycles voltammetry test.