Background and objectives The physicochemical properties, starch digestibility, and aroma profile of nonfried instant noodles with various glucomannan contents (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%) were investigated to evaluate the effects of glucomannan on overall quality. Findings The substitution of glucomannan did not induce significant changes in the cooking properties (such as cooking loss and rehydration) and microstructure of the nonfried instant noodles relative to those of the control. The springiness, gumminess, tensile strength, and adhesiveness of the cooked noodles were not significantly changed by the substitution of glucomannan, while the hardness of cooked noodles decreased from 2,726 to 1,850 g as the level of glucomannan increased. For in vitro starch digestive properties, the resistant starch content of noodles increased from 1.61% to 4.57% as the level of glucomannan increased. Electronic nose analysis revealed that the substitution of glucomannan altered the aroma profile of nonfried instant noodle compared with that of the control and commercial konjac noodles. Conclusions The substitution of glucomannan influenced texture (especially, hardness), aroma, and starch digestibility of nonfried instant noodles. Significance and novelty The substitution of glucomannan in nonfried instant noodles can be effective approach to improve the textural properties and health‐promoting benefit of nonfried instant noodles.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of a standardized educational program to improve nursing competency on newly graduated nurses in a children's hospital after developing and applying a pediatric nurse education program. The effectiveness of the program was confirmed by evaluating the clinical competency and field adaptation.Methods: In the first step, an education program was developed using the analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation (ADDIE) model. As a second step, a similar experimental study of a single group repeat measures design was conducted to evaluate the clinical competency and field adaptation over time after application of the program. Additionally, a focus group interviews were conducted to collect subjective data on the effects and improvement points of the program.Results: As a result of applying the program, there was a significant change in the clinical competence and the field adaptation of newly graduated nurses in a children’s hospital. The categories derived from the focus group interviews were “getting special guidance,” “better care,” “becoming a nurse at a children's hospital” and “winning together.”Conclusion: It was confirmed that the education program enhances the clinical competency of new nurses in children's hospitals. In addition, it provided the necessary data to understand the experiences of new nurses, help them adapt effectively, and establish appropriate interventions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the profile of graduates from accelerated second-degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs and to analyze the relative efficiency of nursing colleges using data envelopment analysis.Methods: An online survey link was emailed to the deans of nursing colleges, who were then asked to send the link to graduates of the respective colleges. The survey questionnaire included demographics, reasons for applying to the accelerated second-degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, employment after graduation, and nursing career satisfaction.Results: Sixty-two graduates of the accelerated second-degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing program responded to the survey. The mean age at admission was 24.28 (± 3.01) years. Reasons for applying to the accelerated second-degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing program were primarily increasing job security and using it as a stepping stone to another career. Nursing career job satisfaction was 4.81 (± 1.07) and more than 82% recommended this program. The data envelopment analysis found the average efficiency score to be 0.84 (± 0.20) and 4 nursing colleges to be relatively efficient.Conclusion: The accelerated second-degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing program can be considered to be an effective means to produce quality nurses with non-nursing bachelor degrees in a short time; however, outcomes of this program need to be systematically monitored to maintain quality level. Through this, competent nurses with knowledge of adjacent studies will be added to the nursing workforce.