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Aim: This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable new intensive care unit nursing classification tool, including direct and indirect nursing activities, by measuring the nursing intensity provided to patients. Background: Prior tools primarily examine patients' medical records or disease severity/interactions, systematically failing to reflect comorbidity risk factors. Design: The Delphi technique was used to test the content validity of the Korean Patient Classification System on Nursing Intensity for Critical Care Nurses (KPCSNIC). Methods: Data were collected from four hospitals in two provinces from 26 December 2017 to 30 January 2018. To verify construct validity, staff nurses classified 365 patients, comparing differences by medical department and type of stay. To verify interrater reliability, data collectors and the head nurses of three intensive care units classified 87 patients. Results: The KPCSNIC had 8 categories, 44 nursing activities and 105 criteria. Reliability was high (r =.84). Construct validity was verified by revealing differences according to medical department and type of patient. Using total scores, four KPCSNIC groups were identified. Conclusion: The KPCSNIC developed in this study can support staffing for nursing intensity by providing more specific evaluation criteria. Moreover, it reflects nursing intensity, including direct and indirect nursing activities. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? In order to secure the quality of nursing care, it is important to allocate an appropriate number of nurse staffing based on nursing demand and nursing time reflecting to the number and severity of patients, and shift of work.The patient acuity tools used in Korea are limited as they primarily examine patients' physiological characteristics based on medical records or quantify disease severity and interactions, systematically failing to reflect risk factors for comorbidities.The intensive care unit patient classification tool that is currently used underestimates clinical nursing intensity, as it does not realistically evaluate patient‐related disease factors and indirect nursing activities. What this paper adds? This study developed a new patient classification tool that reflects patients' clinical characteristics and classified them according to nursing intensity.In addition to direct nursing activities, indirect nursing activities that were invisible and difficult to measure can be scored using this tool. The implications of this paper: Since this tool enables quantitative measurement of nursing workload, data using this tool can be used as evidence for invoicing for nursing care fees, previously calculated as a percentage of inpatient fees per day.This study was conducted in a first‐grade hospital with a high level of nurse staffing. To secure the validity and reliability of the tool, additional research is needed, using the tool in a greater number and wider range of hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the patient and hospital characteristics related to nursing needs and nursing hours in acute hospital settings. Background: To determine appropriate staffing levels, accumulating empirical data through direct observation and surveys reflecting the actual situation is necessary. Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, we conducted direct observations of nurses in acute care hospitals from 1 May to 31 August 2020. Twenty‐six hospitals in five cities participated, and 747 nursing personnel collected 1,681 patients' data while performing nursing activities. The data of 1,605 nurses were analysed using descriptive statistics, t tests, analysis of variance and linear regression. Results: Hospital size, admission day, patients' dependence level, high fall risk and disease diagnoses were variables associated with nursing needs (F = 73.49, P <.001) and nursing hours (F = 57.7, P <.001). Comparing the correlates of nursing needs and nursing hours revealed that, unlike nursing needs, nursing hours were not significantly associated with surgery and certain diagnoses. Conclusion: This study confirmed the variables associated with nursing needs and nursing hours in acute hospitals; based on this, determining appropriate staffing levels, which is an important step in improving inpatients' health outcomes, is necessary. Implications for Nursing Management: In acute hospitals, an increased number of nurse staffing should be employed based on the number of newly hospitalized patients, patients with high dependence levels and specific diagnoses, and those at high risk of falling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression in the elderly is an important health factor that requires intervention in the form of social support resources. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review, while synthesizing available evidence on what kind of social support, such as social participation and social connection/network, is effective for depression in the elderly. We performed a quality assessment of the included studies using the revised Risk of Bias for Non-randomized Studies tool and a meta-analysis of studies published up to 14 May 2021. Of the 3449 studies, 52 were relevant to this study. The various types of social resource applications reported in these were classified into three types: social support, social participation, and social connection/network. The social support group had significantly lower depression compared to the control group (0.72 [0.65, 0.81], p < 0.00001, I2 = 92%). There was a significant decrease in depression in the social participation group compared to the control group (0.67 [0.56, 0.80], p < 0.00001, I2 = 93%) (2.77 [1.30, 5.91], p = 0.008, I2 = 97%) (0.67 [0.56, 0.80], p < 0.00001, I2 = 93%). Finally, the social connection/network group showed decreased depression compared to the control group (2.40 [1.89, 3.05], p < 0.00001, I2 = 24%) (0.83 [0.76, 0.90], p < 0.00001, I2 = 94%). The results of this systematic review confirmed the effects of various social support interventions in reducing depression among the elderly living in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop a new general wards patient classification tool based on the nursing intensity level that reflects patients' clinical characteristics and indirect nursing activities. Design: A cross‐sectional design was adopted. This methodological study developed a patient classification system to sort general ward patients based on the intensity of their nursing needs and verified the validity and reliability of this classification system. Methods: Thirteen experts verified the tools' content validity. Data collectors and head nurses classified 150 patients from two hospitals with four general wards and various nurse staffing levels. Inter‐rater reliability was analysed. Staff nurses classified 846 patients following the Korean patient classification system on nursing intensity scores that reflected patients' clinical status. Content validity was verified based on the classification results. Using K‐group cluster analysis, score ranges for four groups were identified. Results: The developed tool includes 8 domains, (symptom management, infection control, nutrition and medication, personal hygiene and secretion, activity, sleep and rest, guidance in nursing/emotional support, nursing activity planning and coordination, indirect activity), 24 subdomains, 66 nursing activities and 124 criteria. Inter‐rater reliability showed high agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the thermoelastic optical indicator microscopy (TEOIM) technique, we perform the visualization of the near-field distribution of a patterned frequencymodulation (FM) antenna. For the defect characterization, subtraction of images is done, whereas a background image is used for the defect-free antenna image. The electromagnetic fields distribution in the overall antenna structure is changed due to the defects, and this indicates the local impedance changes of the antenna pattern. The sensitivity of the proposed inspection technique is estimated to be in orders of a few milliwatts. In addition, a 3D visualization of the antenna transmission is realized to describe the field intensity and distribution dependences on the distance from the antenna surface. This type of investigation with a visualization opportunity may become an important tool for engineers and researchers, and it can successfully be a supplement for existing measurement techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a multi-channel electrical impedance-based crack localization technique of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs) under bending conditions. FRCCs have a self-sensing capability by adding conductive steel fibers into nonconductive cementitious composites, making it possible to measure electrical impedance without sensor installation. Moreover, FRCCs materials can be used as a structural member thanks to its own enhanced structural ductility as well as stiffness. In a structural health monitoring point of view, these characteristics make FRCCs suitable for monitoring structural hot spots, particularly where the crack is most likely to be initiated. Since the electrical impedance obtained from FRCCs is typically sensitive to environmental and operational conditions, false alarms are often triggered. The proposed technique can minimize the false alarms by using currently measured multi-path data as well as localize a crack within the sensing range. To examine the feasibility of crack localization in FRCCs, an instantaneous multi-channel electrical impedance acquisition system and a crack localization algorithm are developed. Subsequently, three-point bending tests are carried out under various temperature conditions. The validation test results reveal that cracks are successfully identified and localized even under varying temperature conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Memory metamaterials allowing persistent tuning of their unusual electromagnetic responses are an emerging group of artificial electromagnetic materials. Here, the memory metamaterial operating at microwave frequency based on the hybrid resonance of the metamaterial‐ferromagnetic system is reported. It is demonstrated that the hybrid resonance can be tuned reversibly as a function of frequency and amplitude of the input microwave signal. The principle underlying the persistent hybrid resonance tuning is the adaptive structural modification of the magnetic domain structure for the input microwave signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The visualization of carbon fibers polyether ether ketone (PEEK) composite material heating for a grounded coplanar waveguide and a stepped impedance low-pass filter by the thermal camera is performed. The purpose of such visualization is to characterize electromagnetic field influence on the diagonally anisotropic composite material and find out its application opportunity. COMSOL Multiphysics simulation has been done in order to understand heating principles and origin. Experimental results were in a good agreement with simulations and they showed that the characteristics of the microstrip structures can be modulated/tuned by simple rotation of the composite material. Finally, a tunable application by the carbon/PEEK composite material for the microstrip low-pass filter was developed due to the microwave absorption selectivity dependence on the composite material orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Characterization of anisotropic conductivity of thin carbon fiber/poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) composite was investigated by noncontact and nondestructive microwave probe pumping (MPP) technique. The microwave was pumped by a coaxial probe, and the pumped field intensity distribution was measured by a near-field scanning microwave microprobe (NSMM) and a thermography camera. From the measurement and simulation results, it was observed that intensity of the electromagnetic field was higher along the high conductive directions due to the larger eddy current along these directions. Additionally, electrical defect detection by pumping probe technique was investigated. It was observed that the field intensity drastically decreased around the electrical defect. We showed that through an anisotropic field distribution around the pumping probe, an electrical defect of a carbon fiber/PEEK composite can be detected by combination of MPP and NSMM techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the health care utilization in Korean women with cervical cancer and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Methods: This is a retrospective study. Data were collected using the insurance coverage data-base of Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010. Women who were treated for cervical cancer and cervical intraepithelial were included in this study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: In 2006, women treated for cervical cancer and CIN were 27,109 and 18,794, respectively. The number constantly increased from 2006 to 2010. In particular, the prevalence among women with cervical cancer aged 80 years or over was found to increase. Claims for health care services increased. Conclusion: Even though new cases of cervical cancer in Korea is decreasing, the number of women being treated and the costs are constantly increasing. Cervical cancer patients are at an increased risk of negative health outcomes. Therefore, screening for cervical cancer should be enforced to promptly treat women with abnormal Pap tests and thus minimize the risks. Every effort should be made to increase awareness about the importance of Human Papilloma Vaccination and regular screening on a personal as well as community and governmental levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the opto-electrical properties of Natronomonas pharaonis sensory rhodopsin II (NpSRII) by using a near-field microwave microprobe (NFMM) under external light illumination. To investigate the possibility of application of NFMM to biological macromolecules, we used time dependent properties of NPSRII before/after light activation which has three distinct states - ground-state, M-state, and O-state. The diagnostic ability of NFMM is demonstrated by measuring the microwave reflection coefficient ( S11) spectrum of NpSRII under steady-state illumination in the wavelength range of 350-650 nm. Moreover, we present microwave reflection coefficient S11 spectra in the same wavelength range for two fast-photocycling rhodopsins: green light-absorbing proteorhodopsin (GPR) and Gloeobacter rhodopsin (GR). In addition the frequency sweep shift can be detected completely even for tiny amounts of sample (∼10-3 OD of rhodopsin). Based on these results NFMM shows both very high sensitivity for detecting conformational changes and produces a good time-resolved spectrum. (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental and theoretical study is performed for bulk separation of H/CO mixture (70/30 volume %) by PSA process with zeolite 5A, a process widely used commercially in conjunction with the catalytic steam reforming of natural gas or naphtha. For the optimized adsorption conditions of PSA, the characteristics of adsorption/desorption characteristics have been studied through breakthrough and desorption experiments under various conditions. The purge-to-feed ratio is important to the H product purity only at a long adsorption step time. H could be concentrated from 70% in the feed to 99.99% at H recovery of 67.5%. The results of all five steps in PSA are successfully predicted by the LDF model considering an energy balance and nonlinear isotherm. For the model, the effective diffusivities (D,) are obtained separately from the uptake curves of H and CO. The Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm is used to correlate the experimental equilibrium data and is very well fitted to the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of Ca ion exchange in zeolite NaA powders were studied with varying its crystal size. It was reasoned that the rate of ion exchange at corners and edges of a crystal would be faster than that al the center portion of each crystal face. Therefore, as the degree of ion exchange advances, the front of ion exchange will loose its sharp edges and approaches to a near spherical shape. To lake into account of this phenomenon in the analysis of experimental on exchange rates, rate equations for sphere and cube were combined together in the following form, which may be called as the transition model. The transition time function, g(θ). was assumed to be expressed by g(θ) αθ and Ihe constants were found to be α 2.79, β 0.43 in this experiment. Using the transition model equation, the ion exchange rate of zeolite NaA powders would be represented belter than either by Ihe spherical or the cubic model alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An elevated level of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is considered an aggravating factor for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To develop an ER-stress attenuator that is effective against colitis, 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), a chemical chaperone that alleviates ER stress, was conjugated with acidic amino acids to yield 4-PBA-glutamic acid (PBA-GA) and 4-PBA-aspartic acid (PBA-AA) conjugates. The PBA derivatives were converted to 4-PBA in the cecal contents, and the conversion was greater with PBA-GA than that with PBA-AA. After oral administration of PBA-GA (oral PBA-GA), up to 2.7 mM PBA was detected in the cecum, whereas 4-PBA was not detected in the blood, indicating that PBA-GA predominantly targeted the large intestine. In 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis in rats, oral PBA-GA alleviated the damage and inflammation in the colon and substantially reduced the elevated levels of ER stress marker proteins in the inflamed colon. Moreover, PBA-GA was found to be as effective as the currently used anti-IBD drug, sulfasalazine. In conclusion, PBA-GA is a colon-targeted prodrug of 4-PBA and is effective against rat colitis probably via the attenuation of ER stress in the inflamed colon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amisulpride (ASP), an anti-psychotic agent, is a pharmacologically equivalent to sulpiride (SP). Because SP demonstrates anti-ulcer and anti-colitic activities, ASP with an aniline moiety was azo-coupled to salicylic acid to generate 5-(aminoethanoylsulfamoyl)-N-[(1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-yl)methyl]-2-methoxybenzamide (ASP-azo-ASA), with the expectation that it would act as a colon-specific mutual prodrug against colitis. Following a 24 h incubation, approximately 80% of ASP-azo-ASA was cleaved to form ASP and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in the cecal contents, whereas it remained stable in the small intestinal contents. Oral gavage of ASP-azo-ASA (oral ASP-azo-ASA) delivered 5-ASA to the cecum to levels comparable with those observed for sulfasalazine (SSZ; clinical colon-specific prodrug of 5-ASA) and without detectable concentrations of ASP in the blood, indicating efficient colonic delivery. Oral ASP-azo-ASA ameliorated 2, 4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid hydrate (DNBS)-induced colitis in rats more effectively than oral SSZ. Additionally, oral ASP-azo-ASA lowered the levels of inflammatory mediators in the inflamed distal colon more effectively than oral SSZ. Combined treatment with 5-ASA and ASP via the rectal route more effectively reversed colonic damage and inflammation than treatment with 5-ASA or ASP alone, confirming the mutual anti-colitic actions of 5-ASA and ASP. In conclusion, ASP-azo-ASA is an orally active mutual prodrug against rat colitis with limited systemic absorption of ASP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a simultaneous imaging method of the temperature and the magnetic field distributions based on the magneto optical indicator microscopy. The present method utilizes an optical indicator composed of a bismuth-substituted yttrium iron garnet thin film, and visualizes the magnetic field and temperature distributions through the magneto-optical effect and the temperature dependent optical absorption of the garnet thin film. By using a printed circuit board that carries an electric current as a device under test, we showed that the present method can visualize the magnetic field and temperature distribution simultaneously with a comparable temperature sensitivity (0.2 K) to that of existing conventional thermal imagers. The present technique provides a practical way to get a high resolution magnetic and thermal image at the same time, which is valuable in investigating how thermal variation results in a change of the operation state of a micrometer sized electronic device or material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high resolution imaging of the temperature and microwave near field can be a powerful tool for the non-destructive testing of materials and devices. However, it is presently a very challenging issue due to the lack of a practical measurement pathway. In this work, we propose and demonstrate experimentally a practical method resolving the issue by using a conventional CCD-based optical indicator microscope system. The present method utilizes the heat caused by an interaction between the material and an electromagnetic wave, and visualizes the heat source distribution from the measured photoelastic images. By using a slide glass coated by a metal thin film as the indicator, we obtain optically resolved temperature, electric, and magnetic microwave near field images selectively with a comparable sensitivity, response time, and bandwidth of existing methods. The present method provides a practical way to characterize the thermal and electromagnetic properties of materials and devices under various environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmittances of terahertz (THz) pulses through organic copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) films on Si were investigated under optical carrier excitation. As the external laser power increases, the difference between transmitted energies of THz pulses along the forward (CuPc/Si) and backward (Si/CuPc) directions increases. The transmitted energy in the backward direction is larger than six times that in the forward direction under a laser beam of 300 mW. The big difference between the transmitted energies was explained in terms of the density of photocarriers injected into the CuPc film and carrier transport characteristics correlated with the degree of disorder of CuPc molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]