Background: The abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM), a method of lumbar stabilization training, is an effective neuromuscular intervention for lumbar instability associated with low back pain (LBP). Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a 2-week period of the ADIM and tensor fasciae latae-iliotibial band (TFL-ITB) self-stretching on lumbopelvic rotation angle, lumbopelvic rotation movement onset, TFL-ITB length, and pain intensity during active prone hip lateral rotation. Methods: Twenty-two subjects with lumbar extension rotation syndrome accompanying shortened TFL-ITB (16 males and 6 females) were recruited for this study. The subjects were instructed how to perform ADIM training or ADIM training plus TFL-ITB self-stretching program at home for a 2-week period. A 3-dimensional ultrasonic motion analysis system was used to measure the lumbopelvic rotation angle and lumbopelvic rotation movement onset. An independent t-test was used to determine between-group differences for each outcome measure (lumbopelvic rotation angle, lumbopelvic rotation movement onset, TFL-ITB length, and pain intensity). Results: The results showed that ADIM training plus TFL-ITB self-stretching decreased the lumbopelvic rotation angle, delayed the lumbopelvic rotation movement onset, and elongated the TFL-ITB significantly more than did ADIM training alone. Pain intensity was lower in the ADIM training plus TFL-ITB self-stretching group than the ADIM training alone group; however, the difference was not significant. Conclusion: ADIM training plus TFL-ITB self-stretching performed for a 2-week period at home may be an effective treatment for modifying lumbopelvic motion and reducing LBP.

Five insecticides (Acrinathrin, Dinotefuran, Emamectin benzoate, Chlorfenapyr and fluxametamide) approved for tomato cultivation were evaluated in Frankliniella occidentalis populations collected from Chungcheong province (Cheongyang, Chungju and Gongju). Leaf dip bioassay was used to evaluate resistance levels (LC50). Bioassays on Acrinathrin demonstrated higher LC50 concentration in evaluated populations. In particular, the Chungju population was 745.61 times the recommended concentration of the insecticide. Other remarkable resistance levels were recorded for the Dinotefuran with 435.06 times and 196.29 times the recommended concentrations for the populations from Chungju and Gongju, respectively. Bioassays for Emamectin benzoate, Chlorfenapyr and Fluxametamide showed low resistance to insecticides in the evaluated populations.

Yellow flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis is mainly controlled using chemical control methods. But the continuous use of chemical pesticides in greenhouse may contribute to development of insecticide resistance. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the insecticidal activity of eleven insecticides against the WFT occurring in greenhouse pepper cultivation in the Gyeonggi province. The results showed no resistance in treatments with emamectin benzoate, fluxametamide, and flometoquin while high levels of resistance were recorded in treatments with acrinathrin, acetamiprid, and dinotefuran. The Anseong and Yeoju population was more resistant against spinetoram and chlorfluazuron, respectively, than populations from other regions.

Fluorine (F) recovery from wet process phosphoric acid (WPA) is essential for sustainable resource utilization and environmental protection. This work systematically investigates the F recovery mechanism by air stripping from three simulated systems: H3PO4- H2SiF6-H2O, H3PO4- HF-H2O, H3PO4- H2SiF6-HF-Al3+-H2O, and from two industrial systems: WPA and WPA-Al3+ under different stripping temperatures (60–110 ℃) and stripping times (0–120 min). The influence on the existence form of F, the content of Al3+ cations and the addition of active silica on the F removal rate in the phosphoric acid solution is studied by analyzing the changes in the contents of F, P and Si. The results indicate that the F in the form of H2SiF6 is more easily released from the phosphoric acid solution than that in the form of HF. While, the release of F is inhibited in the presence of the Al3+ in the solution due to the formation of Al-F complexes that are characterized by 19F NMR, 31Si NMR and FTIR techniques. Interestingly, the addition of active silica can promote the conversion of HF to H2SiF6 in the solution and significantly improve the release rate of F. The researching results can provide an important guidance for industrial practice of WPA.

Forward head posture (FHP) is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes neck pain. Several exercise interventions have been used in South Korea to improve craniovertebral angle (CVA) and relieve neck pain. There has been no domestic literature review study over the past 5 years that has investigated trends and effects of exercise intervention methods for CVA with neck pain. This domestic literature review aimed to evaluate the trends and effects of exercise interventions on CVA and neck pain in persons with FHP. A review of domestic literature published in Korean or English language between 2018 and 2022 was performed. Literature search was conducted on Google Scholar and Korea Citation Index by using the following keywords: “exercise,” “exercise therapy,” “exercise program,” “forward head posture,” and “neck pain.” Ten studies were included in this review. All of the studies showed positive improvements after intervention programs that included exercises. Notably, four of these studies demonstrated significant differences in results between the experimental and control groups. Among the 10 studies, nine measured visual analogue scale or numerical rating scale scores and reported significant reductions in pain following interventions, including exercise programs. Five of these studies showed significant differences in results between the experimental and control groups. Furthermore, six studies that used neck disability index exhibited a significant decrease in symptoms after implementing intervention programs that included exercise, and significant differences in results were found between the experimental and control groups. This domestic literature review provides consistent evidence to support the application of various exercise intervention programs to improve CVA and relieve neck pain from FHP. Further studies are warranted to review the effects of various exercise interventions on FHP reported not only in domestic but also in international literature.

As a promising anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), cobalt sulfide ( CoS2) has attracted extensive attention due to its high theoretical capacity, easy preparation, and superior electrochemical activity. However, its intrinsic low conductivity and large volume expansion result in poor cycling ability. Herein, nitrogen-doped carbon-coated CoS2 nanoparticles (N–C@ CoS2) were prepared by a C3N4 soft-template-assisted method. Carbon coating improves the conductivity and prevents the aggregation of CoS2 nanoparticles. In addition, the C3N4 template provides a porous graphene-like structure as a conductive framework, affording a fast and constant transport path for electrons and void space for buffering the volume change of CoS2 nanoparticles. Benefitting from the superiorities, the Na-storage properties of the N–C@CoS2 electrode are remarkably boosted. The advanced anode delivers a long-term capacity of 376.27 mAh g− 1 at 0.1 A g− 1 after 500 cycles. This method can also apply to preparing other metal sulfide materials for SIBs and provides the relevant experimental basis for the further development of energy storage materials.

Background: In modern society, the use of computers accounts for a large proportion of our daily lives. Although substantial research is being actively conducted on musculoskeletal diseases resulting from computer use, there has been a recent surge in interest in improving the working environment for prevention. Objects: This study aimed to examine the effects of posture correction feedback (PCF) on changes in neck posture and muscle activation during computer typing. Methods: The participants performed a computer typing task in two sessions, each lasting 16 minutes. The participant’s dominant side was photographed and analyzed using ImageJ software to verify neck posture. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to confirm the participant’s cervical erector spinae (CES) and upper trapezius muscle activities. The EMG signal was analyzed using the percentage of reference voluntary contraction and amplitude probability distribution function (APDF). In the second session, visual and auditory feedback for posture correction was provided if the neck was flexed by more than 15° in the initial position during computer typing. A 20-minute rest period was provided between the two sessions. Results: The neck angle (p = 0.014), CES muscle activity (p = 0.008), and APDF (p = 0.015) showed significant differences depending on the presence of the PCF. Furthermore, significant differences were observed regarding the CES muscle activity (p = 0.001) and APDF (p = 0.002) over time. Conclusion: Our study showed that the feedback system can correct poor posture and reduces unnecessary muscle activation during computer work. The improved neck posture and reduced CES muscle activity observed in this study suggest that neck pain can be prevented. Based on these results, we suggest that the PCF system can be used to prevent neck pain.

Background: Office workers experience neck or back pain due to poor posture, such as flexed head and forward head posture, during long-term sedentary work. Posture correction is used to reduce pain caused by poor posture and ensures proper alignment of the body. Several assistive devices have been developed to assist in maintaining an ideal posture; however, there are limitations in practical use due to vast size, unproven long-term effects or inconsistency of maintaining posture alignment. We developed a headphone and necklace posture correction system (HANPCS) for posture correction using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor that provides visual or auditory feedback. Objects: To demonstrate the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of neck and upper trunk flexion measurements using a HANPCS, compared with a three-dimensional motion analysis system (3DMAS). Methods: Twenty-nine participants were included in this study. The HANPCS was applied to each participant. The angle for each action was measured simultaneously using the HANPCS and 3DMAS. The data were analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = [3,3] with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The angular measurements of the HANPCS for neck and upper trunk flexions showed high intra- (ICC = 0.954–0.971) and inter-day (ICC = 0.865–0.937) values, standard error of measurement (SEM) values (1.05°–2.04°), and minimal detectable change (MDC) values (2.92°–5.65°). Also, the angular measurements between the HANPCS and 3DMAS had excellent ICC values (> 0.90) for all sessions, which indicates high concurrent validity. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the HANPCS is as accurate in measuring angle as the gold standard, 3DMAS. Therefore, the HANPCS is reliable and valid because of its angular measurement reliability and validity.

The GMT-Consortium Large Earth Finder (G-CLEF) is the first instrument for the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT). G-CLEF is a fiber feed, optical band echelle spectrograph that is capable of extremely precise radial velocity measurement. G-CLEF Flexure Control Camera (FCC) is included as a part in G-CLEF Front End Assembly (GCFEA), which monitors the field images focused on a fiber mirror to control the flexure and the focus errors within GCFEA. FCC consists of an optical bench on which five optical components are installed. The order of the optical train is: a collimator, neutral density filters, a focus analyzer, a reimager and a detector (Andor iKon-L 936 CCD camera). The collimator consists of a triplet lens and receives the beam reflected by a fiber mirror. The neutral density filters make it possible a broad range star brightness as a target or a guide. The focus analyzer is used to measure a focus offset. The reimager focuses the beam from the collimator onto the CCD detector focal plane. The detector module includes a linear translator and a field de-rotator. We performed thermoelastic stress analysis for lenses and their mounts to confirm the physical safety of the lens materials. We also conducted the global structure analysis for various gravitational orientations to verify the image stability requirement during the operation of the telescope and the instrument. In this article, we present the opto-mechanical detailed design of G-CLEF FCC and describe the consequence of the numerical finite element analyses for the design.

The development of functional carbon materials using waste biomass as raw materials is one of the research hotspots of lithium-sulfur batteries in recent years. In this work, used a natural high-quality carbon source—coffee grounds, which contain more than 58% carbon and less than 1% ash. Honeycomb-like S and N dual-doped graded porous carbon (SNHPC) was successfully prepared by hydrothermal carbonization and chemical activation, and the amount of thiourea used in the activation process was investigated. The prepared SNHPC showed excellent electrochemical energy storage characteristics. For example, SNHPC-2 has a large pore volume (1.85 cm3·g− 1), a high mesoporous ratio (36.76%), and a synergistic effect (S, N interaction). As the cathode material of lithium-sulfur batteries, SNHPC-2/S (sulfur content is 71.61%) has the highest specific capacity. Its initial discharge-specific capacity at 0.2 C is 1106.7 mAh·g−1, and its discharge-specific capacity after 200 cycles is still as high as 636.5 mAh·g−1.

Transition-metal phosphides (TMPs), a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), are limited in application because of its serious volume effect in the cycle. In this work, a simple electrospinning strategy was proposed to restrict the grain size of CoP nanocrystals by nano-confined effect of carbon nanofibers with ligands. The addition of ligands not only could realize the uniform dispersion of CoP nanocrystals, but also strengthen the bond between the metals and carbon nanofibers. As a result, the CoP/CNF composite exhibits excellent lithium storage performance, and its reversible specific capacity could reach 1016.4 mAh g− 1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g− 1. The research is anticipated to provide a new idea for the preparation of anode materials for lithium ion batteries.

Understanding molting process in subterranean termites is a critical step to implement successful control program as chitin synthesis inhibitor baits interfere molting process of termites. In the present study, we report detailed molting process in Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis Morimoto, 1968 that foraging workers start fasting period 5 days after they were collected and finished their entire molting process for the next 5 to 6 days. Ecdysis took less than an hour, specifically 9.2 ± 4.9 minutes from jack-knife posture to separation of the antenna and 36.6 ± 8.5 minutes from separation of the antenna to regain mobility. We believed relatively short time window of molting process in R. speratus kyushuensis may affect lengthy colony elimination time.

We report the use of face mask materials as a carbon precursor for the synthesis of multi- and single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in an open-loop chemical recycling process. Novel surgical mask precursors were suspended in toluene and injected into a chemical vapor deposition reactor previously optimized for CNT production using liquid injection. The CNTs were collected and characterized using resonant Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before being turned into fibrils that were tested for electrical conductance. Once confirmed and repeated for statistical accuracy, a CNT-based Ethernet cable was manufactured and tested using iPerf3 for uplink and downlink speeds exceeding broadband standards worldwide. Radial breathing modes from Raman spectroscopy indicate single walled CNTs (SWCNTs) with diameters ranging from 0.8 to 1.55 nm and this matches well with TEM observations of SWCNTs with 1.5 nm diameter. This work pushes the horizon of feedstocks useful for CNT and SWCNT production in particular; this work demonstrates upcycling of materials fated for disposal into materials with positive net value and plenty of real-world applications.

A field experiment was conducted at Chishaka, Wedza district in the province of Mashonaland East, Zimbabwe during the 2020/2021 cropping season to determine effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) yields, net returns, and residual soil fertility. A total of six treatments were evaluated in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with five replications. Treatments comprised T1 (control, 100% recommended chemical fertilizer), T2 (25% Cattle manure + 25% Chicken manure + 50% Ammonium nitrate), T3 (50% Compound S + 50% Chicken manure), T4 (50% Compound S + 25% Goat manure + 25% Chicken manure), T5 (farmer practice, 75% Compost + 25% Chicken manure), and T6 (50% Compost + 50% Chicken manure). All rates of organic manures were applied based on N equivalence. The soil was sandy loam with low soil organic carbon (1.28%), nitrogen (0.175%), and phosphorus (6.59 mg/kg) for all experimental plots. Results indicated that INM significantly improved soil and crop productivity. INM treatments T4, T3, and T2 recorded significantly maximum yield and yield components which were statistically at par. These treatments also gave the best strategy to improve major soil nutrients and maintain soil fertility. Similarly, the maximum net profit was obtained from combined application of treatments T4, T3, and T2. Treatment with 100% chemical fertiliser gave relatively lower yields and net benefit value than T4, T3, and T2. These results indicate that INM has the great potential to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers without decreasing soil fertility or crop yields. Therefore smallholder resource constrained farmers can adopt INM as a strategy, to enhance resource use efficiency and sustain soil health and crop productivity for improved livelihoods.

Background: Older adults use different ankle muscle activation patterns during difficult static balance conditions. It has been suggested that this is related to a decline in proprioception with age, resulting in reduced postural balance. However, the association between proprioception and ankle muscle activity during quiet standing has not been directly assessed. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effects of age and sensory condition on ankle muscle activity and the association between ankle proprioception and ankle muscle activity. Methods: We recruited 10 young women and 9 older women. Ankle proprioception was evaluated using joint position sense (JPS) and force sense (FS) divided by dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The electromyographic activity of the tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius (GCM) muscles was collected during quiet standing. Results: Older women activated GCM muscle more than young during quiet standing and when performing difficult tasks. Older women had more errors in JPS dorsiflexion and FS plantarflexion than did young. The GCM muscle activity is related to JPS dorsiflexion and FS plantarflexion. Conclusion: Lower proprioception of the GCM with age leads to increased muscle activity, resulting in reduced postural balance. There was no difference in TA proprioception or muscle activity among older women with frequent physical activity.

Background: During postural control, older adults are more dependent on proprioception than are young adults. Ankle proprioception, which plays an important role in maintaining postural balance, decreases with age. Published studies are insufficient to establish a significant age difference in postural sway resulting from the known age-related decrease in ankle proprioception and do not examine various detailed test conditions. Objects: The present study aimed to compare ankle proprioception between older and younger groups along dimensions of position vs. force proprioception and dorsiflexion vs. plantarflexion. The present study also aimed to compare postural sway between young and older women during quiet standing under two sensory conditions. Methods: We recruited seven young women aged 21–24 and seven older women aged 60–63. Ankle proprioception was assessed as the accuracy of the joint position sense (JPS) and the force sense (FS). Postural sway was assessed using center-of-pressure measurements recorded during quiet standing under two sensory positions: eyes open and eyes closed with head tilted back. Results: Older women had lower JPS in dorsiflexion and lower FS in plantarflexion than did younger women. We found no significant age differences in JPS in plantarflexion or in FS in dorsiflexion. We observed a main effect of group on postural sway in two sway parameters out of three. We observed significant differences in JPS with dorsiflexion, and in FS with plantarflexion. Conclusion: Proprioception for ankle plantar flexor decreased more significantly with aging than did that for ankle dorsiflexor, accounting for the impaired postural balance observed in older women.

To meet the increased performance and cost requirements of commercial supercapacitor, a N and O self-doped hierarchical porous carbon is fabricated via a green and simple self-activation route utilizing leaves of wild hollyhock as raw materials. Comparing to commercial activated carbon, the reported material exhibits some marked merits, such as simple and green fabrication process, low cost, and superior capacitance performance. The specific surface area of the obtained N and O codoped hierarchical porous carbon arrives 954 m2 g−1, and the content of the self-doped nitrogen and oxygen reaches 2.64 at.% and 7.38 at.%, respectively. The specific capacitance of the obtained material reaches 226 F g− 1 while the specific capacitance of the symmetric supercapacitor arrives 47.3 F g− 1. Meanwhile, more than 90.3% of initial specific capacitance is kept under a current density of 20 A g− 1, and no arresting degradation is observed for capacitance after 5000 times cycle, perfectly demonstrating the excellent cycle and rate capability of the obtained material. The obtained N and O co-doped hierarchical porous carbon are expected to be an ideal substitution for commercial activated carbon.

In this work, Ag3PO4/In2S3 nanocomposites with low loading of In2S3 (5-15 wt %) are fabricated by two step chemical precipitation approach. The microstructure, composition and improved photoelectrochemical properties of the asprepared composites are studied by X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photocurrent density, EIS and amperometric i-t curve analysis. It is found that most of In2S3 nanoparticles are deposited on the surfaces of Ag3PO4. The as-prepared Ag3PO4/ In2S3 composite (10 wt%) is selected and investigated by SEM and TEM, which exhibits special morphology consisting of lager size substrate (Ag3PO4), particles and some nanosheets (In2S3). The introduction of In2S3 is effective at improving the charge separation and transfer efficiency of Ag3PO4/In2S3, resulting in an enhancement of photoelectric behavior. The origin of the enhanced photoelectrochemical activity of the In2S3-modified Ag3PO4 may be due to the improved charge separation, photocurrent stability and oriented electrons transport pathways in environment and energy applications.