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We propose a genetic algorithm for optimizing oil skimmer assignments, introducing a tailored repair operation for constrained assignments. Methods essentially involve simulation-based evaluation to ensure adherence to South Korea's regulations. Results show that the optimized assignments, compared to current ones, reduced work time on average and led to a significant reduction in total skimmer capacity. Additionally, we present a deep neural network-based surrogate model, greatly enhancing efficiency compared to simulation-based optimization. Addressing inefficiencies in mobilizing locations that store oil skimmers, further optimization aimed to minimize mobilized locations and was validated through scenario-based simulations resembling actual situations. Based on major oil spills in South Korea, this strategy significantly reduced work time and required locations. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed genetic algorithm and mobilized location minimization strategy in enhancing oil spill response operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate the factors that affected the mental health of Korean nurses caring for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients, causing posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Background: Infectious disease outbreaks like COVID‐19 affect the mental health not only of those who contract the disease but also of nurses caring for affected patients. Introduction: To address health issues effectively, it is essential to comprehend how to prevent them. Therefore, it is necessary to scrutinize the origins of COVID‐19–related health concerns and devise measures to prevent potential problems. Method: We used an online survey to collect data from 136 nurses caring for COVID‐19 patients during the initial stage of the pandemic. The data were analyzed using the one‐way analysis of variance and a simple logistic regression. Results: The findings confirmed a high prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder among nurses, with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Discussion: Our research has shown that it is important not to exacerbate the difficulties that nurses face after their activities. Therefore, it proposes for creating environmental structures that mitigate predictable challenges such as workload from various tasks, sleep disturbances, and hopelessness, rather than focusing on personal vulnerabilities. Conclusion: Timely attention to influencing factors can reduce the risk to nurses' mental health, so we need to plan preventive measures that reflect the influencing factors to prepare for future pandemics. Implications for nursing and health policy: Continuous monitoring of the mental health status of nurses responding to a global health crisis and the development of appropriate psychological support programs and policies for creating a conducive work environment are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provided a meditation training program for psychiatric hospital inpatient clients with alcohol use disorder and tested its efficacy as a treatment modality for mood dysregulation. Participants were 31 men who were assigned to experimental or control groups. Those who participated in the meditation training program for 8 weeks reported a significant decrease in psychosocial stress and negative mood states and an increase in positive mood states compared to the control group participants. The results demonstrated that meditation training was beneficial in decreasing stress and negative mood states and increasing positive mood states in people with alcohol use disorder. More meditation training programs for clients with alcohol use disorder are needed to control their mood dysregulation, which is one of the most important elements of managing negative mood states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim was to investigate the effect of -maternal smoking exposure assessed by urinary tobacco-specific nitrosamine metabolite 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-a1-butanol (NNAL) with adverse pregnancy outcomes.Methods: A total of 251 pregnant women were recruited. Urinary cotinine and NNAL were measured. Participants' sociodemographics were obtained by questionnaire and pregnancy outcomes were collected by charts review after delivery.Results: The prevalence of smoking was 8.4% (21 of 249), 1.2% (3 of 241), and 3.7% (9 of 241) in pregnant women according to questionnaire, cotinine, and NNAL, respectively. As compared with questionnaire positivity and cotinine levels, women with positive NNAL were independent determinants for spontaneous abortion (adjusted OR 12.357, 95% CI 2.053-74.368), preterm birth (adjusted OR 22.239, 95% CI 3.737-132.357), and small for gestational age (adjusted OR 6.915, 95% CI 1.385-34.524).Conclusions: Urinary NNAL might be a useful biomarker in detection of maternal smoking status in association with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Use of this marker in preconception and pregnancy counselling before planning pregnancy may allow prevention of several adverse pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]