This study is a continuation of previous research (Bae & Kim, 2024) that identified ways to improve the fit of commercially available domestic and international leotards for women in their 30–40s through a survey and evaluation of wearing conditions. The previous study revealed that women in this age group struggle to find well-fitting leotards, despite knowing their body measurements. This issue arises because most apparel industries produce garments for women in their 20s, and grading differences do not sufficiently address the increases in bust, waist, and abdominal girth typical of women in their 30s and 40s. Therefore, this study developed leotard patterns that improve fit and comfort based on the physical characteristics of women in their 30s and 40s. Body surface data of the participants were collected using 3D body scanning technology, forming the basis for pattern design. Experimental garments were created to evaluate compression and determine the suitable pattern reduction rate based on material elasticity. Thus, a pattern reduction rate that offers suitable wearing comfort was proposed. Leotard patterns were developed from experimental results in the most popular styles: camisole and sleeved types. The final leotard patterns were presented after synthesizing results from wearers’ evaluations, compression assessments, and expert appearance evaluations. The final leotards were deemed appropriate for women in their 30s and 40s, demonstrating improvements in comfort, movement stability, compression, and appearance.

Galaxy evolution studies require the measurement of the physical properties of galaxies at different redshifts. In this work, we build supervised machine learning models to predict the redshift and physical properties (gas-phase metallicity, stellar mass, and star formation rate) of star-forming galaxies from the broad-band and medium-band photometry covering optical to near-infrared wavelengths, and present an evaluation of the model performance. Using 55 magnitudes and colors as input features, the optimized model can predict the galaxy redshift with an accuracy of σ(Δz/1+z) = 0.008 for a redshift range of z < 0.4. The gas-phase metallicity [12 + log(O/H)], stellar mass [log(Mstar)], and star formation rate [log(SFR)] can be predicted with the accuracies of σNMAD = 0.081, 0.068, and 0.19 dex, respectively. When magnitude errors are included, the scatter in the predicted values increases, and the range of predicted values decreases, leading to biased predictions. Near-infrared magnitudes and colors (H, K, and H −K), along with optical colors in the blue wavelengths (m425–m450), are found to play important roles in the parameter prediction. Additionally, the number of input features is critical for ensuring good performance of the machine learning model. These results align with the underlying scaling relations between physical parameters for star-forming galaxies, demonstrating the potential of using medium-band surveys to study galaxy scaling relations with large sample of galaxies.

Background: Multiple fractures, particularly femoral fractures, are increasingly prevalent and associated with high mortality rates and significant functional impairments. This highlights the urgent need for effective rehabilitation strategies, such as robot-assisted training, to enhance recovery and improve quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of robotassisted rehabilitation for multiple femoral fractures. Design: Single-subject design. Methods: A 15-day A-B-A' single-subject design was employed. A man in his 30s with multiple fractures underwent standard rehabilitation during the baseline (A) and regression baseline (A') phases, with robotic therapy introduced during the intervention phase (B). Daily assessments of mobility and balance were analyzed using the two-standard deviation method. Results: Robotic therapy led to significant improvements: the TUG test time decreased from 16.21±0.64 seconds (A) to 10.63±0.46 seconds (B) and 9.64±0.35 seconds (A'). The 10 MWT time improved from 6.31±0.64 seconds (A) to 5.41±0.17 seconds (B) and 5.01±0.12 seconds (A'). LOS increased from 364.01±35.83 cm² (A) to 484.67±29.97 cm² (B) and 518.03±18.82 cm² (A'). Plantar pressure imbalance (59.2% right, 40.8% left in A) was corrected to nearly equal distribution in B (49.4%/50.6%) and A' (50.8%/49.2%). Conclusion: Robotic rehabilitation therapy improves balance and weightbearing capacity in patients with multiple fractures, suggesting its effectiveness as an early intervention following bone union.

Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is very common disease. Strength exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise were used to improvement of function for CAI. Isokinetic strength and balance are related to functional movement of lower extremity. Objectives: The purpose was to analyze the effect of muscle strengthening exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise on isokinetic strength and balance in young adults with CAI. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The subjects were 30 young adults with CAI. The subjects randomly divided into three groups: strengthening exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise. They performed each exercise for 20 minutes, three times a week for four weeks. They measured isokinetic strength of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor of 60°/sec and 120°/sec, static and dynamic balance before and after exercise. Results: The isokinetic strengths of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor of 60°/sec and 120°/sec were significantly higher in the strengthening exercise group than in the balance exercise group. The static and dynamic balance was significantly higher in the balance exercise group than in other two groups. Conclusion: Strengthening exercise, balance exercise, proprioceptive exercise can improve the muscle strength for CAI. Strengthening exercise and balance exercise can more improve balance than proprioceptive exercise for CAI.

Background: When shorter muscles are restored to normal, non-specific low back pain, which is the mechanism that causes pain along with muscle relaxation, disappears. Among the stretching methods, self-stretching is a good exercise method not only for treatment but also for preventive purposes. Objectives: To find out what is the most effective method of self-stretching, which is often used in treatment and preventive arbitration, which can reduce muscle activity and increase spinal flexibility in patients with non-specific back pain. Design: Randomized controlled trials. Methods: Three self-stretching exercise methods for erector spinae are randomly assigned to 13 people each, and three self-stretching exercise methods are performed for each study subject. Surface electromyography using, was performed to measure the erector spinae muscle activity. flexibility was measured through Trunk flexion test in a standing position. Muscle activity and flexibility were measured before and after stretching. Results: The difference in muscle activity and flexibility in the three groups, including cat stretching, seated stretching, and Reclining stretching, all showed statistically significant differences. There was no statistically significant difference in comparison between the three groups of stretch muscle activity. However, a statistically significant difference was shown in the comparison of the variability between the three groups of flexibility. In a post-mortem analysis comparing the amount of change in flexibility, the flexibility of the seated stretching in the chair increased significantly compared to the cat stretching group. Conclusion: It can be confirmed that the stretching method of the erector spinae, cat stretching, seated stretching, and Reclining stretching, all have positive effects on muscle activity and flexibility.

Background: problem-based learning (PBL) is effective in learning majors in health care colleges. Objectives: To analyzed the effectiveness of self-efficacy, academic resilience, and self-directed learning in physical therapy students after PBL. Design: Questionnaire design. Methods: 44 participated in a study using a Mandal-art chart for PBL in a first-year medical terminology class. Surveys assessing self-efficacy, academic resilience, and self-directed learning were conducted before and after the semester. The study evaluated changes in these competencies through structured questionnaires. Cronbach's α was calculated to confirm the reliability of each questionnaire scale. A paired t-test was conducted to compare pre and post PBL class levels of self-efficacy, academic resilience, and self-directed learning, and the correlations between the measurement variables were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results: Self-efficacy, academic resilience, and self-directed increased statistically significantly after the PBL class compared to before the class. A significant positive correlation was observed between self-efficacy and academic resilience, as well as between self-efficacy and self-directed learning. Additionally, academic resilience and self-directed learning also showed a significant positive correlation. Conclusion: PBL enhances self-efficacy, resilience, and self-directed learning, which show positive correlations and interact to improve physical therapy education outcomes.

Background: Recent cases of spinal cord infarction combined with cerebral infarction have demonstrated improved walking ability through pharmacological treatment and rehabilitation. However, studies on the efficacy of multidisciplinary approaches remain limited. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate rehabilitation strategies and establish a foundation for clinical practice, focusing on physical and occupational therapy for patients with spinal cord and cerebral infarctions. Design: A case study. Methods: A 70-year-old woman with combined spinal cord and cerebral infarction underwent 20 weeks of rehabilitation. Functional outcomes were assessed using Grip Strength, Manual Muscle Test (MMT), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Manual Function Test (MFT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 10-Meter Walking Test (10MWT), and Korean Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI). Results: Over 20 weeks, Grip Strength improved to 6 kg (left) and 13 kg (right), MMT increased from 97 to 103 points, and TIS improved from 2 to 10 points. MFT scores increased to 18 (left) and 25 (right). BBS improved from 1 to 23 points, and the 10MWT time decreased to 19.84 seconds. K-MBI scores rose from 12 to 39 points. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach, including robotic therapy, significantly improved functional recovery, facilitating reintegration into daily life.

Background: Stroke patients often exhibit excessive kyphosis of the spine and a forward head posture (FHP), which negatively impacts their daily activities. These postural abnormalities not only negatively affect functional movement but also exacerbate musculoskeletal problems. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the effect of backward walking on FHP in stroke patients. Design: Single-case experimental design (A-B-A’ design). Methods: The study was conducted over a total of 8 weeks, comprising 24 sessions: 3 baseline sessions (A), 18 intervention sessions (B), and 3 regression baseline sessions (A'). No backward walking intervention was performed during baseline (A) and regression baseline (A’). To determine changes in FHP, the craniovertebral angle (CVA) was measured at all sessions. Results: The CVA increased in the intervention (B) and regression baseline (A’) compared to the baseline (A). Conclusion: Backward walking was effective in improving FHP, and the effect was maintained after intervention (B) in patients with stroke. Therefore, backward walking was effective in improving the postural alignment of stroke patients.

Background: In patients with low back pain (LBP), weakened core muscles and impaired proprioception contribute to decreased spinal stability and LBP recurrence. Objectives: To investigate the effects of abdominal bracing exercises (BE) and kinetic link training (BEKLT) on pain, balance, and proprioception in LBP patients. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Sixteen adults with LBP were randomly assigned to a BE group or a BEKLT group. Both groups completed a four-week intervention (three sessions per week). Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), proprioception with the lumbar reposition sense test, and balance with the BT4 system. Results: Both groups showed significant reductions in VAS and proprioception error (P<.05), with no inter-group differences. In dynamic balance (limits of stability), the BE group improved in rearward, left, and right angles, while the BEKLT group improved in forward, rearward, and left angles (P<.05). A significant difference was observed in the forward leaning angle between groups (P<.05). For static balance, both groups showed significant reductions in trace length and C90 area (P<.05), with no inter-group differences. Conclusion: The findings suggest that both BE and BEKLT are effective interventions for reducing pain and improving proprioception and balance in LBP, with BEKLT providing additional benefits for dynamic balance.

This study aims to examine whether social support has a mediating effect on the relationship between optimism and learning flow as a strategy to promote learning flow in nursing students. The subjects of the study were first-, second-, third-, and fourth year students enrolled in the department of nursing at a four-year university located in city G. Data collection was conducted from September to October 2024. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Baron and Kenny's regression analysis. The results of the correlation analysis between the variables in this study are as follows. Optimism and social support (r=.372, p<.001), social support and learning flow (r=.445, p<.001), and optimism and learning flow (r=.437, p<.001) all showed positive correlations. The results of the mediating effect of social support on the relationship between optimism and learning flow according to Baron and Kenny's regression analysis are as follows. In step 1, optimism showed a positive effect on social support (β=.372. p<.001). In step 2, optimism showed a positive effect on learning flow (β=.437. p<.001). In step 3, social support showed a partial mediating effect between optimism and learning flow (β=.315. p<.001, β=.328. p<.001). Overall, these findings suggest that strategies that promote optimism and social support are needed to enhance learning flow among nursing students.

The number of women with physical disabilities using wheelchairs is increasing, but research on clothing development for them remains insufficient. Therefore, this study conducted interviews with women in their 20s who have physical disabilities to investigate their wearing conditions and provide foundational data for tailoring clothing to their needs. The interview results showed that the primary considerations when purchasing clothing were in the order of size, design, ease of putting on and taking off clothes, and fabric. When purchasing clothing offline, they expressed that trying on clothes was uncomfortable, indicating that fitting rooms were often too small to accommodate a wheelchair. Conversely, in online shopping, they mentioned that the images of models typically standing made it difficult to assess the fit while seated. Regarding ready-to-wear for non-disabled individuals, interviewees were generally satisfied but expressed discomfort with the pants length, size, and fasteners. They found it difficult to put on and take off pants in daily life and the restroom. They did not use the front or back pockets of pants, and while Velcro fasteners were convenient, their lack of durability made them stand out from non-disabled individuals. The preferred type of suit pants was black, straight pants made of stretchy, wrinkle-free fabric. Awareness and experience with purchasing ready-to-wear for people with disabilities were almost non-existent. The results of this study are expected to serve as foundational data for the future development of various clothing items for women with physical disabilities.

Hydrogen production via photoelectrochemical water splitting relies on the effectiveness of the photoelectrodes. Preparing low-dimensional structures of oxide semiconductors is a promising approach to fabricating effective photoelectrodes, by enhancing the surface-to-volume ratios of the photocatalytic materials. In this study, we performed a comparative investigation of the photoelectrochemical characteristics of p-type oxide semiconductor cupric oxide (CuO) photocathodes based on CuO thin film and nanorods. The CuO thin film was prepared via a facile method involving sputtering a Cu metallic film and subsequent thermal oxidation, while the CuO nanorods were grown via a seed-mediated hydrothermal synthesis method using a CuO nanoparticle seed layer. The structural, optical, and photoelectrochemical properties of the prepared CuO thin film and nanorods were comparatively examined. Our results confirmed that the CuO nanorod photocathode has a higher photocurrent density and better photoconversion efficiency than the CuO thin film photocathode for photoelectrochemical water splitting, implying a promising route to the fabrication of CuO-based photoelectrodes.

Two spider species of the genus Pholcus Walckenaer, 1805, Pholcus muju sp. nov. and Pholcus yeongheung sp. nov. in the family Pholcidae C. L. Koch, 1850 are newly described from Korea. These two new species belonging to phungiformes-group in the genus can be distinguished from their congeners by the shape and structure of genital organs of both males and females. They are found on rock walls in mountainous mixed forests. This work provides diagnoses, detailed descriptions, and taxonomic photographs for these new species.

This study investigated whether calcium (Ca) addition improved the recovery of neodymium (Nd) and dysprosium (Dy) from Nd-Fe-B magnet scrap using magnesium (Mg)-based liquid metal extraction (LME). Traditional LME processes are limited to temperatures up to 850 °C due to oxidation issues, reducing the efficiency of rare earth element (REE) recovery, especially for Dy. By adding 10 wt.% Ca to Mg and increasing the processing temperature to 1,000 °C, we achieved nearly 100% Nd and approximately 38% Dy recovery, compared to 91% and 28%, respectively, with pure Mg at 850 °C. However, excessive Ca addition (20 wt.%) decreased the recovery efficiency due to the formation of stable intermetallic compounds. These results highlight the critical role of Ca in optimizing REE recycling from Nd-Fe-B magnet scrap.

식품첨가물 카민과 코치닐 추출물은 붉은 색을 띄는 색 소로, 주로 코치닐 곤충에서 유래하며 카민산이 주요 성 분으로 사탕, 어묵과 같이 널리 소비되는 식품에 일반적 으로 사용되고 있다. 최근 카민산은 특정 단백질과 관련된 알레르기 반응과 연관이 있는 것으로 보고되고 있다. 본 연 구는 highperformance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD)와 C18 UG120 컬럼을 사용하 여 카민산을 정량시험법을 개발하고 밸리데이션을 수행하 였다. HPLC 최적 분석조건은 이동상 (A)물-트리플루오로 아세트산(trifluoroacetic acid, TFA) 0.1% 및 (B)아세토니트 릴-TFA 0.1%, 유속 1.0 mL/min, 컬럼온도 30oC에서 수행하 였으며, 검량선(0.2-50 mg/L) 범위에서 우수한 결정계수 (r2≥0.9999)를 보였다. 또한, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)를 활용한 정성 분석을 통해 limit of detection (LOD) 0.05 mg/k, limit of quantification (LOQ) 0.15 mg/kg을 보였다. 또한, 일내 및 일간 밸리데이 션에서 정확도(87.3-97.1%, 회수율)와 정밀도(0.48-8.90%, 상대표준편차)이었으며, 측정 불확도 또한 추정하였다. 개 발된 분석법은 다양한 식품 유형에 적용 가능하며, 카민과 코치닐 추출물의 모니터링을 통해 카민산과 관련된 잠재적 인 문제가능성을 확인하는 데 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료 된다.

Efficient and safe maritime navigation in complex and congested coastal regions requires advanced route optimization methods that surpass the limitations of traditional shortest-path algorithms. This study applies Deep Q-Network (DQN) and Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms to generate and refine optimal ship routes in East Asian waters, focusing on passages from Shanghai to Busan and Ulsan to Daesan. Operating within a grid-based representation of the marine environment and considering constraints such as restricted areas and Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS), both DQN and PPO learn policies prioritizing safety and operational efficiency. Comparative analyses with actual vessel routes demonstrate that RL-based methods yield shorter and safer paths. Among these methods, PPO outperforms DQN, providing more stable and coherent routes. Post-processing with the Douglas-Peucker (DP) algorithm further simplifies the paths for practical navigational use. The findings underscore the potential of RL in enhancing navigational safety, reducing travel distance, and advancing autonomous ship navigation technologies.

Rapid morphological changes in fish larvae during growth make adult classification criteria ineffective for identifying larval fishes. Therefore, species identification of fish larvae requires understanding morphological changes during growth stages within and between species. However, for many fish larvae, the lack of morphological trait information, along with physical damage or protein degradation that occurs during specimen collection and preservation in the wild, creates obstacles for morphology-based identification. A fish larva (10.0 mm SL) collected from the coastal waters of the western Korean Peninsula in August 2019 exhibited morphological characteristics and melanophore distribution patterns closely matching those of an unidentified species of the family Platycephalidae (sp.5). Its MT-CO1 amplicon sequences identified it as Cociella crocodilus, through genetic similarity with MT-CO1 reference sequences and phylogenetic analyses of related species. This study provides significant insights into the early life stages of Cociella crocodilus, marking the first identification of this species at the larval stage.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a significant cereal crop from the Gramineae family, serves as a vital source of protein, essential minerals, B-group vitamins, and dietary fiber. However, its productivity is often hindered by issues such as poor seed germination, which can adversely affect yield and crop quality. This study investigated the effects of different silicon concentrations and priming durations on wheat germination and seedling growth. Analysis of variance revealed that silicon treatment significantly influenced key parameters of germination and growth, including germination percentage (GP), germination index (GI), vigor index (VI), radicle length (RL), plumule length (PL), and seedling dry weight (SDW). Priming with silicon at a concentration of 1 mM resulted in notable improvements, increasing GP, GI, VI, RL, and PL by 10.6%, 65.5%, 29.4%, 18.6%, and 28.6%, respectively, after 6 hours of priming. Certain germination traits demonstrated strong positive correlations, particularly GP and GI (r = 0.96) and VI and RL (r = 0.94), after 4 hours of priming. These improvements in seed germination and seedling development may result from enhanced water uptake, stimulated cell division, and increased hydrolytic enzyme activity, which facilitate the mobilization of seed reserves and accelerate the growth of embryonic tissues.

Agriculture plays a critical role in Uganda’s economy, contributing to 24% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and serving as the primary source of livelihood for a large portion of the population. Organic horticulture presents a promising pathway for sustainable development, offering economic opportunities through access to niche markets both locally and internationally. However, effective management for pests and diseases remains a major challenge in organic horticulture. This review addresses pest and disease issues affecting non-traditional export crops in Uganda, such as pepper, bitter gourd, and aubergine. Additionally, it provides an overview of botanical pesticides currently used in Uganda, along with approved organic fungicides (e.g., lime sulfur, copper) and insecticides (e.g., paraffinic oils, pyrethrum). This review explores physical and chemical properties, target pests, benefits, drawbacks, and active ingredients of these substances. The ultimate aim is to offer Ugandan farmers expanded options for managing pests and diseases in organic horticulture.

목적: 본 연구의 목적은 원주지역의 초등학생 전 학년 원시안을 조절마비제 점안 전후의 굴절이상 정도를 비교하여 지역 내 굴절상태의 기초자료로 활용하고자 한다. 방법 : 나이에 따라 8세 17안, 9세 13안, 10세 6안, 11세 1안, 12세 9안, 13세 4안 모두 50안의 원시안으로 남자 13안, 여자 37안을 대상으로 하였다. 원시 정도에 따른 굴절력은 경도 원시 +0.25~+0.75 D, 중등도 원시 +1.00~+1.75 D, 고도 원시 +2.00 D 이상으로 그룹 분류하여 굴절검사를 진행하였다. 결과 : 나이별 원시안의 MR과 CR의 비교에서는 8세 어린이들의 CR의 원시도가 MR 보다 0.46±0.47 D 높게 측정되었으며(t=3.23, p<0.050), 나이가 가장 많은 13세 어린이들은 CR의 원시도가 MR보다 가장 많은 1.06± 0.63 D 정도 차이가 나타났다(t=1.89, p<0.059). 12세 어린이들은 0.44±0.30 D 정도의 차이가 나타났으며, 전체 나이 중 가장 적은 차이를 보였다(t=2.76, p<0.050). 그리고 원시 굴절 정도에 따라 MR과 CR 정도를 비교하였더 니 8세 어린이들의 경도 원시의 CR 값이 MR 값보다 0.55±0.55 D 정도 높게 측정되었다(t=2.54, p<0.050). 12 세 어린이들의 경도 원시의 CR 값은 MR 값보다 0.35±0.22 D 정도 높게 측정되었다(t=2.12, p<0.050). 결론 : 원주지역 원시안 초등학생을 대상으로 현성 굴절검사와 조절마비 굴절검사를 비교하였더니 12세 어린이 들에게서 가장 적은 MR과 CR의 굴절력 차이가 관찰되었고, 나이가 가장 많은 13세 어린이에게서 가장 많은 굴절 력 차이가 나타났다. 또한 원시 굴절 정도에 따른 비교에서는 경도 원시에서 고도 원시로 갈수록 더 많은 굴절 차 이가 나는 것을 확인할 수 있었다.