Disposable masks manufactured in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have caused environmental problems due to improper disposal methods such as landfilling or incineration. To mitigate environmental pollution, we suggest a new process for recycling these disposable masks for ultimate application as a conductive material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In our work, the masks were chemically processed via amine functionalization and sulfonation, followed by carbonization in a tube furnace in the Ar atmosphere. The residual weight percentages, as evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), of the chemically modified masks were 30.6% (600 °C, C-600), 24.5% (750 °C, C-750), and 24.1% (900 °C, C-900), respectively, thereby demonstrating the possibility of using our proposed method to recycle masks intended for disposal. The electrochemical performance of the fabricated carbonized materials was assessed by fabricating silicon/graphite (20:80) anodes incorporating these materials as additives for use in LIBs. Using a coin-type half-cell system, cells with the aforementioned carbonized materials exhibited initial capacities of 553 mAh/g, 607 mAh/g, and 571 mAh/g, respectively, which are comparable to those of commercial Super P (591 mAh/g). Cell cycled at the rate of 0.33 C with C-600, C-750, and C-900 as additives demonstrated capacity retention of 53.2%, 47.4%, and 51.1%, respectively, compared with that of Super P (48.3%). In addition, when cycled at rates from 0.2 to 5 C, the cells with anodes containing the respective additives exhibited rate capabilities similar to those of Super P. These results might be attributable to the unique surface properties and morphologies of the carbonized materials derived from the new recycling procedure, such as the size and number of heteroatoms on the surface.

Synthesis of extremely competent materials is of great interest in addressing the energy storage concerns. Manganese oxide nanowires ( MnO2 NWs) are prepared in situ with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and graphene oxide (GO) using a simple and effective hydrothermal method. Powder XRD, Raman and XPS analysis are utilized to examine the structural characteristics and chemical state of composites. The initial specific discharge capacity of pure MnO2 NWs, MnO2 NWs/ MWCNT and MnO2 NWs/rGO composites are 1225, 1589 and 1685 mAh/g, respectively. The MnO2 NWs/MWCNT and MnO2 NWs/rGO composites showed stable behavior with a specific capacity of 957 and 1108 mAh/g, respectively, after 60 cycles. Moreover, MnO2 NWs/rGO composite sustained a specific capacity of 784 mAh/g, even after 250 cycles at a current density of 1 A/g showing outstanding cycling stability.

Background: Cerebral palsy presents significant challenges in motor function for affected children. While conventional bottom-up approaches are common in physical therapy, there is increasing interest in the efficacy of the top-down approach. Objectives: To investigated the impact of applying the top-down approach in physical therapy for a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy, focusing on functional improvement and quality of life. Design: A single-case study. Methods: The patient was a 15-year-old boy with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy who was entering middle school. Cerebral palsy treatment approach of the top-down method (jumping rope) was used to guide and direct physical therapy. Results: The child improved in muscle strength of lower extremity, gross motor function, participation and self-esteem, but the pattern of his gait seemed to be more severe on tiptoe. When the child participated in a jumping rope class, he was able to do more than 10 jumps. Conclusion: The effectiveness of the top-down approach in enhancing functional outcomes and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy. It highlights the potential of this approach in pediatric physical therapy, warranting further research validation.

Background: Most studies targeting stroke patients have confirmed improvements in balance and walking using immersive and non-immersive virtual reality training programs. However, to date, there are not many studies targeting brain activation enhancement for the two training programs. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a virtual reality training program on the EEG of stroke patients according to differences in immersion. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 20 stroke patients, with 10 in an immersive virtual reality training programs group (IVRG) and 10 in a non-virtual reality training programs group (NVRG) were randomly assigned to exercise three times a week for 6 weeks. EEG was measured for 2 minutes using DSI-24. Results: The intra-group difference in relative alpha waves of brain waves was not significant for both groups, and the between-group difference was not significant. Differences in EEG relative beta waves in the experiment group were significant in the Fp1, Fp2, Cz, C3, C4, P3, and O2 in the experiment group, and significant in the Cz and O2 in the control group. As a result of comparing the differences between each group before and after, there was a significant difference in the Fp1 area. Conclusion: Virtual reality training programs based on differences in immersion were found to have a positive effect on EEG. Therefore, it is believed that a virtual reality training program based on differences in immersion can be provided as a clinical intervention method for EEG.

Background: The Nordic hamstring exercise is effective as a representative exercise for strengthening eccentric contraction that can activate the hamstring at high levels, improve eccentric contraction strength and ability, and significantly reduce injury rates. Objectives: To investigated a comparison with the lunge exercise to determine the effect of the Nordic hamstring exercise on muscle activity and balance ability in a sample of adult amateurs and football players. Design: Randomized controlled trials. Methods: The subjects of the study were stratified samples of 28 professional and amateur football players and two groups (Nordic hamstring group and lunge group) of 14 people each were studied. Surface electromyography using, was performed to measure the hamstring muscle activity, and the good morning exercise was selected as the measurement exercise. For balance ability, the surface area ellipse and length were measured with BioRescue, while for static balance, the posture of closing the eyes and single-limb standing was measured, and for dynamic balance the one-legged squat was measured. Results: The %MVIC of the semitendinosus and the biceps femoris improved in the Nordic hamstring exercise group and showed statistically significant increase (P<.05). The static and dynamic balance improved in the Nordic hamstring exercise group and showed statistically significant decrease (P<.05). Conclusion: The Nordic hamstring exercise can be useful as an exercise to improve the hamstring muscle activity and balance ability of professional and amateur football players.

해사영어는 선박 운항, 해양 안전, 선내 의사소통 및 선외 교신을 위해 설계된 특수한 영어 언어체계이다. 국제해사기구 STCW(선원의 훈련, 자격증명 및 당직근무의 기준에 관한 국제협약)에 따르면 국제항해에 종사하는 항해사가 되기 위해서는 SMCP를 포함한 해사영어 대한 충분한 이해가 수반되어야 한다. 본 연구는 음성인식, 번역, 단어 기입 등 유형의 해사영어시험을 통하여 학생들 의 해사영어 활용 능력을 측정하고 플랫폼 사용에 따른 시험 점수 향상 정도, 나아가 초임항해사로 나가기 위하여 요구되는 해사영어 시험 플랫폼 활용 시간 등을 조사하고자 하였다. 실험은 먼저 초기 시험을 통해 학생들의 일반영어능력과 SMCP 활용 능력에 대한 연 관성을 조사한 후, 중간 시험 및 최종 시험을 통해 플랫폼 활용에 대한 점수 향상 정도, 응시시간 변화 등 요인을 측정하였다. 초기 시 험을 통해 개인 요인(예: 토익 점수, 본인 스스로에 대한 영어능력 평가)에 따른 그룹 간 해사영어시험 점수에 유의한 차이가 있음을 확인하였으며, 중간시험 및 최종시험을 통해 플랫폼 활용이 유의한 시험점수 향상으로 이어졌음을 확인하였다. 해당 연구는 해사 교육 분야에 다양하게 적용할 수 있는 학습 플랫폼 활용 효능을 조사하였으며 향후 해사영어 교육 외 그 범위를 넓혀 활용될 수 있을 것으 로 사료된다.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the formative characteristics of women’s costumes among the Regency era’s elite in the television drama Bridgerton (2020). Its methodology investigates the socio-cultural background and literature on clothing in the Regency era. It also analyzes the formative elements of Daphne’s costumes (of the Bridgerton family) and Penelope’s costumes (of the Featherington family) representing the upper class. The study reveals that women’s costumes had a tubular silhouette consisting of a low neckline, high waistline, and short puffed sleeves. The series expressed well the Regency-era costumes, which were influenced by Neoclassicism and characterized by silk materials, shawls, gloves, belts, a reticule, and hairstyles. Among the formative elements, the Bridgerton and Featherington families’ costumes showed distinct differences in color, materials, patterns, accessories, and hairstyles. Daphne’s costumes were intelligent and elegant in pastel-toned blues and had small patterns. She carried small accessories and had a natural curled hairstyle. In contrast, Penelope wore decorative and splendid styles in intense colors and large patterns. Her accessories were large and colorful, and she had a strong curled hairstyle. These costumes express the Bridgerton family as aristocratic and the Petringer family as flashy, thereby distinguishing the two families. These research results will be presented as basic data for producing drama costumes in the 19th century to help complete the drama.

Along with other heavy metals, arsenic (As) is one among the substances most harmful to living organisms including humans. Owing to its morphological similarity to phosphorus, the uptake of As is influenced by photosynthesis and the phosphorus uptake pathway. In this study, we varied arsenic exposure and light intensity during nutrient solution cultivation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to determine the effect of these two factors on arsenic uptake, lettuce growth, and electron transfer in photosystem II. In the treatment exposed to 30 μmol L-1 of arsenic, the shoot arsenic concentration increased from 4.73 mg kg-1 to 18.97 mg kg-1 as the light intensity increased from 22 to 122 μmol m-2 s-1. The water content and ET2o/RC of the shoots were not affected by arsenic at low light intensity; however, at optimal light intensity, they decreased progressively with arsenic exposure. Increased light intensity stimulated the growth of plant roots and shoots; contrarily, the difference in growth decreased as the concentration of As exposure increased. The results of this study suggest that the effect of As on plant growth is dependent on light intensity; in particular, an increase in light intensity can increase the uptake of As, thereby affecting plant growth and As toxicity.

Hypertension is characterized by excessive renin-angiotensin system activity, leading to blood vessel constriction. Several synthetic compounds have been developed to inhibit renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). These drugs often have adverse side effects, driving the exploration of plant protein-derived peptides as alternative or supplementary treatments. This study assessed the phenolic compound and amino acid content and the antioxidant and antihypertensive activity of 5 South Korean staple crops. Sorghum had the highest phenolic compound content and exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Millet grains, particularly finger millet (38.86%), showed higher antihypertensive activity than red beans (14.42%) and sorghum (17.16%). Finger millet was found to contain a large proportion of branched-chain, aromatic, and sulfur-containing amino acids, which are associated with ACE inhibition. In particular, cysteine content was positively correlated with ACE inhibition in the crops tested (r=0.696, p<0.01). This study confirmed that the amino acid composition was more correlated with the antihypertensive activity of grains than the phenolic compound content. Finger millet mainly contained amino acids, which have higher ACE inhibitory activity, resulting in the strongest antihypertensive activity. These findings underscore the antihypertensive potential of select crops as plant-based food ingredients, offering insight into their biological functions.

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate process of exfoliating and functionalizing boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) extracted from hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), and meticulously explores their potential application within epoxy composites. The extensive research methodology encompasses a sequence of treatments involving hydrothermal and sonication processes aimed at augmenting the dispersion of BNNSs in solvents. Leveraging advanced analytical techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and FTIR spectroscopy, the study rigorously analyzes a spectrum of changes in the BNNS’s properties, including layer count variations, interlayer interactions, crystal structure modifications, and the introduction of functional groups. The research also rigorously evaluates the impact of integrating BNNSs, specifically glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)-functionalized BNNSs, on the thermal conductivity of epoxy composites. The conclusive findings exhibit notable enhancements in thermal properties, predominantly attributed to the enhanced dispersion of fillers and enhanced interactions within the epoxy matrix. This pioneering work illuminates the wide potential of functionalized BNNSs for significantly enhancing the thermal conductivity of epoxy composites, paving the way for advanced materials engineering and practical applications.

The present study describes Philodromus paiki sp. nov., which was previously misidentified as P. fuscomarginatus (De Geer, 1778), P. poecilus (Thorell, 1872), and P. spinitarsis Simon, 1895 in Korea, as a new species with diagnosis, detailed descriptions, and taxonomic photographs. Additionally, P. spinitarsis is also described to correct previous misidentifications of Korean records of the species.

Abstract Purpose : To investigate the prevalence and risk factors for dry eye syndrome (DES) in university students. Methods : A cross-sectional survey of university students was conducted through a combination of online smartphone surveys using Google Forms and face-to-face questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of questions about risk factors for dry eye disease and the 5-item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5). Results : A total of 288 university students participated in the study. The average age was 22.5±2.1 years, w ith 54.2% female a nd 4 5.8% m ale. The m ean of t he D EQ-5 s core w as 7.37±4.65, and the prevalence of DES by DEQ-5 was 47.2%. Female gender (p=0.012), digital screen use for more than 8 hours per day (p=0.018), digital screen use for more than two hours without a break (p=0.035), contact lens wear (p=0.016), refractive surgery (p=0.020), less than 6 hours of sleep per night (p=0.0169, and allergic conjunctivitis (p=0.016) were relevant associated risk factors for DES. Conclusion : The prevalence of DES in young adults may be underestimated in comparison to middle-aged and older adults. The severity of DES depends on several factors, including genetic and environmental factors, so identifying risk factors would help with proper prevention and early diagnosis. Key words : DEQ-5, Dry eye syndrome, Risk factor

Abstract Purpose : To investigate the effect of the amount of astigmatism on distance and near vertical heterophoria in adults aged 20~40 years. Methods : Thirty subjects (31.25±10.21 years) were participated, and refraction was performed using I-Profilerplus and a phoropter, and horizontal heterophoria (HH) and vertical heterophoria (VH) teats were conducted at distance and near using a Torrington chart. Results : HH and VH were approximately 0.80 △ (p=0.001) and 0.20 △ (p=0.002) greater at near than at distance, respectively. Spherical refractive errors did not correlate with HH and VH at distance and near. There was no correlation between astigmatism and HH at either distance or near (p=0.141, p=0.318, respectively), but VH at distance and near was significantly correlated with astigmatism (both, p < 0.001), the amount of VH increased with increasing the amount of astigmatism. Conclusion : We found that the amount of astigmatism affected the VH at both distance and near and that the amount of VH increased with increasing astigmatism. These findings suggest that it is important to assess both astigmatism and VH in clinical practice, and that correction of astigmatism may help to reduce symptoms of VH. Key words : Astigmatism, Horizontal heterophoria, Refractive error, Vertical heterophoria

Abstract Purpose : The distribution of axial length and ocular dimensions was investigated, and each correlation according to gender and age was investigated. Methods : Among 847 eyes of 438 patients, 207 eyes in 20s, 210 eyes in 30s, 216 eyes in 40s, and 214 eyes in 50s were measured for axial length with IOL-Master 700. Refractive error was measured with KR-800. Corneal curvature radius and corneal eccentricity were measured with Keratograph 4. Results : Axial length (male: 24.57±1.22mm, female: 24.03±1.12mm) and horizontal corneal eccentricity (male: 0.58±0.11, female: 0.54±0.12) tended to increase in decreased age, male and myopia. Mean corneal curvature radius (male: 7.82±0.25mm, female: 7.71±0.25 mm), and horizontal corneal curvature radius (male: 7.91±0.26 mm, female: 7.79±0.26mm), nasal corneal eccentricity (male: 0.68±0.14, female: 0.66±0.15), and temporal corneal eccentricity (male: 0.45±0.14, female: 0.44±0.13) tended to increase in decreased age and male. Mean corneal eccentricity (male: 0.57±0.12, female: 0.54±0.12), vertical corneal curvature radius (male: 7.71±0.27 mm, female: 7.65±0.24 mm), vertical corneal eccentricity (male: 0.56±0.15, female: 0.54±0.15), and inferior corneal eccentricity (male: 0.52±0.19, female: 0.46±0.22) tended to increase in male. The correlation with axial length and corneal curvature radius showed a high correlation in emmetropia and the horizontal. Horizontal and temporal corneal eccentricity showed a low correlation. Conclusion : Axial length, corneal curvature radius, and corneal eccentricity (excluding vertical) were higher in males. As age increased, axial length, and corneal curvature radius decreased. Among the 4 quadrants of corneal eccentricity, only the temporal s ide showed a significant correlation with axial length. Key words : Age, Axial length, Corneal curvature radius, Corneal eccentricity, Gender Authors ORCID:†

Abstract Purpose : The aim of this study was to identify knowledge and lifestyle habits for glaucoma prevention and to present basic data for future glaucoma prevention education. Methods : From April to September 2023, 447 people in their 20s to 60s were selected and an online survey was conducted. The questionnaire consisted of a total of 30 questions, including 6 questions about the subject's general characteristics, 14 questions about knowledge and awareness of glaucoma, and 10 questions about lifestyle habits related to intraocular pressure. Results : 89.7% responded that they had heard of glaucoma, and 31.1% of respondents knew the difference between glaucoma and cataracts. 34.5% responded that early detection is difficult, 33.3% that complete treatment is difficult, 23.5% that even normal intraocular pressure can cause glaucoma, and 36.0% that the incidence of glaucoma is increasing day by day. The level of awareness and knowledge was higher with age, in women than men, in those with a family history, in professional occupations, with metabolic diseases, and with high myopia. Lifestyle habits related to intraocular pressure were higher with age, among women, when smartphone use was less than 3 hours, and among housewives and professionals. The relationship between glaucoma knowledge and awareness and intraocular pressure-related lifestyle habits was statistically significant (r=0.248, p<0.001). Conclusion : Although the level of basic knowledge about glaucoma was high, the level of specific knowledge was low compared to the increase in the incidence of glaucoma over the past 10 years. Key words : Glaucoma, Healthy Life Practices, Intraocular pressure

굴파리과에 기생하는 종으로 알려진 Bitomus (갗고치벌속)는 한국에 4종 보고되어있다. Bitomus는 Fischer (1987, 1994)에 의해 개정되었 고, Papp (1978, 1981)에 의해 한국에서 보고되었다. Bitomus는 움직이지 않게 연결된 마치 껍질과 같은 2-3번째 또는 4번째 복부마디로 다른 속들 과 구별된다. 본 조사연구 결과로 Bitomus indicus를 국내 최초로 보고한다. 기술과 진단형질도판을 수록한다.

Abstract Purpose : To determine the perceptions of soft contact lens wearers regarding contact lens wear and care, and their knowledge of adverse effects of contact lens wear by self-assessment. Methods : An online survey using smartphone was conducted by Naver and Google questionnaires among university students who have experience wearing soft contact lenses. Results : Two hundred twenty-eight soft lens wearers were participated in the study. The average age was 20.9±1.7 years (female 72.8%; male 27.2%) were university students. Approximately 25.4% of respondents did not receive training and practices for safe soft lens wear and 14.1% evaluated themselves as poor at wearing and caring for soft lenses. The most uncomfortable symptom of soft lens wear was dryness at 76.3%, and 36.0% experienced soft lens-related adverse events. The higher type of adverse event was conjunctivitis, and the most common self-reported cause of contact lens-related adverse events was improper lens care and non-compliance to lens wear regimens. Conclusion : Based on the self-assessment of soft lens care that resulted from this survey, we believe that a more proactive approach to intervention by contact lens practitioners is still needed to prevent the risk of adverse events and improve soft lens wearer behavior. Key words : Compliance, Contact lens-related adverse events, Self-assessment, Soft contact lens Authors ORCID:†

본 연구에서는 한국산 미기록속인 이마줄불청객파리속(신칭)과 미기록종인 작은눈이마줄불청객파리(신칭)를 처음으로 보고한다. 우리는 이 종이 포식성 거미의 섭식과정에 관여하는 phoretic relationship의 습성을 갖는 것을 확인하였다. 이 종의 성충에 대한 기재문과 사진 및 DNA바 코드 서열을 제공한다.

Abstract Purpose : This study investigated the impact of knowledge and awareness of perception of harmful rays on the use of blue light blocking lenses among university students majoring in optometry. Methods : This study targeted 65 optometry students who responded to an online survey from September 2023 to October 2023. The survey used a survey tool with a total of 15 questions, including knowledge and awareness of perception of harmful rays and demands for guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 19.0. Results : The overall knowledge score about UV rays and blue light was 14.00±3.10 for optometry students and 12.30±3.50 for general university students, showing that the optometry students had higher knowledge (p<0.001). In the case of use of UV-blocking lenses, 70.8% of optometry students were found to be using them, which was higher than 51.5% of general university students. The use of glasses to block blue light was found to be 41.5% of optometry students and 36.9% of general university students. The correlation between perception of the importance of blocking harmful rays and the need for guidelines for the correct selection of blue light blocking lenses was r=0.528 (p<0.001). Conclusion : Optometry students' knowledge and perception of harmful rays were found to be higher than those of general university students, and it appears to have an impact on the use of harmful ray-blocking lenses. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen education and establish guidelines for the correct selection of harmful ray blocking lenses.

This study investigated the effects of exposure frequency, depth of processing, and activity repetition types on vocabulary learning. In total, 78 South Korean fifth-grade students were divided into four conditions. Students in each condition were asked to read a passage with four of the eight target words (exposure: four times) and the other four words (exposure: once) for three days, and to perform the vocabulary activities assigned to each condition. According to the results, exposure frequency and activity repetition type had significant effects on vocabulary learning. Activity repetition type also had a significant interaction effect with exposure frequency and depth of processing. Notably, presenting a word 12 times (4x3) in reading intervals had a more positive impact on vocabulary learning than presenting it three times (1x3), particularly when different vocabulary activities were repeated. Meanwhile, when the same activity was repeated, an activity with a higher depth of processing was more effective for vocabulary learning.