Background: Stroke often results in impaired postural control and asymmetric weight distribution, which negatively affect balance and functional mobility. Previous research has demonstrated that balance training interventions incorporating proprioceptive stimulation and visual feedback can enhance postural stability in stroke survivors. However, there remains debate regarding the relative effectiveness of these two approaches. While proprioception-based training emphasizes sensory input from mechanoreceptors to improve postural control, visual feedback-based training leverages external cues to facilitate balance adjustments. Objectives: To investigation the effects of proprioception-based trunk exercise and visual-auditory feedback-based trunk exercise on sitting balance in patients with chronic stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 24 participants diagnosed with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to two groups: the proprioception-based trunk exercise group (PTG, n=10) and the visual-auditory feedback-based trunk exercise group (VTG, n=11). Both groups participated in a 6-week intervention program, five sessions per week, lasting 25 minutes per session. Outcome measures included the Limitation of Stability (LOS), the Korean version of the Trunk Impairment Scale (K-TIS), and the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS). Pre- and post-intervention assessments were analyzed using paired t-tests and independent t-tests to evaluate within-group and between-group differences. Results: Both PTG and VTG groups demonstrated significant improvements in LOS, K-TIS, and PASS scores following the intervention (P<.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the amount of change observed. Conclusion: The findings suggest that both proprioception-based and visualauditory feedback-based trunk exercises are effective in improving sitting balance in chronic stroke patients. The lack of a significant difference between the groups indicates that both approaches provide comparable benefits. Future research should explore long-term effects and investigate potential differences in various functional domains beyond sitting balance.

Background: Neck discomfort and movement limitations are common musculoskeletal problems among modern people. While cervical and thoracic joint mobilization are widely used interventions for cervical dysfunction, research comparing their immediate effectiveness in adults with asymmetrical cervical rotation is limited. Objectives: To compare the immediate effects of cervical versus thoracic joint mobilization in adults with adults with asymmetrical cervical rotation and discomfort. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty adults with left-right differences in cervical rotation of more than 5 degrees were randomly assigned to a cervical mobilization group (CMG, n=15) or thoracic mobilization group (TMG, n=15). Both groups received Grade III mobilization for 15 minutes. Range of motion (ROM), pain (VAS), and neck disability index (NDI) were measured before and after intervention. Results: Both groups showed significant increases in ROM after intervention (P<.001). Within-group analysis revealed that the TMG showed significant pain reduction (P<.01) and significant reduction in left-right rotation asymmetry (P<.001), while the CMG showed improvement in ROM but no significant changes in asymmetry or pain (P>.05). Neither group showed significant changes in NDI. Between-group comparisons showed no significant differences in any outcome measures. Conclusion: Both cervical and thoracic joint mobilization increased cervical range of motion in adults with asymmetrical cervical rotation discomfort. The TMG demonstrated significant within-group improvements in left-right rotation asymmetry and pain reduction, suggesting potential clinical benefits of thoracic mobilization for certain aspects of cervical dysfunction.

Background: Functional sarcopenia, a subcategory of sarcopenia, has recently been introduced. It is defined by muscle weakness and reduced physical performance, regardless of muscle mass reduction, and may potentially affect overall rehabilitation outcomes in patients. Objectives: This study aimed to classify stroke patients into two groups based on the presence or absence of functional sarcopenia and to compare changes in balance and gait ability after receiving the same rehabilitation intervention. Design: A quasi-experimental design. Methods: A total of 44 stroke patients participated in this study and were classified into functional sarcopenia (n=22) and non-functional sarcopenia groups. Physical function tests were used to assess balance (Timed Up and Go, Berg Balance Scale) and gait (10-Meter Walk Test, Functional Ambulation Category). All participants underwent a four-week convalescent rehabilitation program, receiving five sessions per week, with each session lasting four hours per day. Results: After four weeks of convalescent rehabilitation, both groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures (P<.05). However, when comparing the pre-post changes, no significant differences were found between the two groups in the changes of balance and gait outcomes (P>.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that stroke patients with functional sarcopenia can achieve a similar level of functional recovery as those without functional sarcopenia when provided with appropriate rehabilitation interventions.

Background: Recent research suggests that the most effective and proactive method for correcting excessive pronation, which contributes to the lowering of the medial longitudinal arch, is to enhance both intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles simultaneously. Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscle exercises on medial longitudinal arch height, plantar pressure distribution, and lactate levels in university students with flexible flatfoot. Design: Randomized controlled trial study. Methods: Twenty-two students with flexible flat foot participated in this study and were recruited by N University in Korea. The subjects were randomly divided into Intrinsic foot muscle strengthening group (IFG; n=11) that went through Intrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercise, Extrinsic foot muscle strengthening group (EFG; n=11) that went through extrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercise. SPSS was used for statistical analysis. Results: Both groups showed significant increases in medial arch height and first metatarsal bone pressure, while EFG also had increased pressure at the second to fourth metatarsal bones. No significant differences were found in lactate levels. Conclusion: Both intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercises can be suggested as effective interventions for improving medial longitudinal arch height and plantar pressure.

Background: Prolonged use of computers and mobile devices has contributed to postural abnormalities such as Rounded Shoulder Posture (RSP), which is characterized by muscle imbalances that can lead to pain and functional limitations. Correcting these imbalances through targeted stretching and strengthening exercises was expected to help improve postural alignment and muscle function. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a six-week integrated exercise program targeting the pectoralis minor (PM), upper trapezius (UT), and lower trapezius (LT) on postural alignment and muscle activation in female adults with RSP. Design: Single-group pre-post test study. Methods: Eighteen female university students (aged 20–22 years) with RSP participated in a six-week intervention consisting of PM stretching, UT stretching, and LT strengthening exercises. RSP severity was assessed using acromion-to-ground distance, PM length was measured with a caliper, and surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to evaluate UT and LT muscle activity. Normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and paired t-tests were conducted for statistical analysis (α=0.05). Results: After the intervention, significant improvements were observed in all measured variables. Acromion-to-ground distance decreased (P<0.001), PM length increased (P<0.001), UT activation decreased (P<0.01), and LT activation increased (P<0.01). Conclusion: The six-week integrated exercise program effectively improved postural alignment and muscle activation in women with RSP by addressing muscle shortening, overactivity, and weakness. These findings suggest that combined stretching and strengthening exercises can serve as a practical and effective approach for RSP correction. Future studies with longer durations and diverse populations are recommended to further validate these results and enhance clinical applicability.

Background: As the length of stay for rehabilitation and medical care services for occupational injury patients continues to increase, this study aims to explore alternative solutions that can support the corporation's efforts to develop rehabilitation treatment programs in response. Objectives: By analyzing the most frequent diseases among occupational injury patients over the past five years and comparing the average length of stay (LOS) for each disease by disease type, occupation, gender, and type of accident, it is expected that the necessity for developing rehabilitation treatment programs for occupational injury patients can be identified. Furthermore, when applying the developed treatment programs, a reasonable LOS can be derived. Design: Patient clinical data lab. Methods: From January 2017 to December 2021, data from 292,423 occupational injury patients who submitted their initial medical treatment applications to the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service (KWCWS) and received approval for their occupational injuries were de-identified. After data preprocessing, the cases were categorized by diagnosis, and statistical analysis was conducted using Excel ver. 21.0. Results: In the intensive rehabilitation treatment process, inpatient and outpatient care show a very strong correlation with r=0.8817, followed by the total number of treatment days (r=0.6431) and the number of treatment sessions (r=0.6441). Conclusion: It is necessary to establish application criteria for injury groups that significantly impact the average medical care days and medical care benefits of industrial accident patients. These criteria should consider factors such as exceeding the average length of medical care for specific injury groups (orthopedic/neurological), gender differences (female patient group), discrepancies in inpatient and outpatient medical care benefits, the proportion of high disability grades (Grade 1-3), common injury (accident) types, and the top 1/2/3 associated injury groups by occupation type. Based on these criteria, simultaneous management of the provision timing of rehabilitation service programs and the average medical care days for the 50 most common injury groups is required.

Background: Subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) is a prevalent cause of shoulder pain, often linked to abnormal scapular positioning and movement. Prior research suggests that scapular stabilization exercises (SSE) may improve SAIS symptoms, but there's a lack of research on the specific quantitative effects of SSE on scapular position and function. Objectives: To investigated the effects of SSE on scapular position and shoulder function in patients with SAIS. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty participants with SAIS, diagnosed using the Scapular Dyskinesis Test (SDT), were randomly assigned to either a scapular stabilization exercise group (SSEG, n=15) or a traditional rehabilitation training group (TRTG, n=15). Both groups received eight weeks of intervention. Outcome measures included the scapular index (SI), measured using digital vernier calipers, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Results: The SSE group showed statistically significant increases in scapular index (SI) and significant decreases in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) pain and disability scores. The TRTG showed no statistically significant changes in these measures. The SSE group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in SI and SPADI scores compared to the TRTG. Conclusion: These findings suggest that SSE may be a valuable treatment option for improving shoulder function and reducing pain in patients with SAIS. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the longterm effects of SSE.

This study aims to demonstrate the integration of character education with content and language integrated learning (CLIL) and evaluate its effects on the English language learning and character development of young learners who use EFL. Eight participants received character-integrated CLIL instruction over 16 class sessions. Employing a mixed-method approach, this study collected qualitative data primarily through observations, interviews, portfolios, self-assessments, and peerassessments, complemented by quantitative data from English tests and questionnaires. Findings revealed that character-integrated CLIL significantly enhanced learners’ oral language skills, confidence, and engagement in learning English. Additionally, it facilitated simultaneous development of language proficiency and subject knowledge, while promoting acquisition of positive character traits. The learner-centered environment supported by teacher scaffolding and authentic materials allowed learners to apply their knowledge to real-life situations. These results provide educators with a model for effectively integrating character education into language learning. They also highlight the broader potential of CLIL to foster holistic learner development.

The utilization of pig slurry (PS) as an organic fertilizer plays a pivotal role in nutrient recycling within agricultural systems. However, this practice concomitantly leads nitrogen (N) losses through ammonia (NH₃) volatilization and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of wood biochar on mitigating NH3 and N2O emissions and enhancing N retention from PS-applied soil, and plant biomass production during the vegetative growth of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). The experiment consisted of three treatments: 1) water (non-PS), 2) PS, and 3) PS combined with wood biochar (PS+WB). The PS+WB treatment resulted in the maintenance of elevated soil water content during the experimental period. The PS+WB treatment significantly enhanced soil nitrogen retention compared to PS alone, maintaining higher total N and NH₄⁺-N levels while reducing NO₃⁻ -N accumulation. Wood biochar application also leds to substantial reductions in NH₃ and N₂O emissions, mitigating environmental N losses. The PS+WB treatment resulted in an improvement of shoot biomass, crude protein content, and total digestible nutrients, indicating enhanced forage quality. The increased soil moisture content in PS+WB further contributed to plant growth benefits. These findings demonstrate that wood biochar is an effective amendment for improving nitrogen retention, reducing gaseous N emissions, and enhancing crop productivity in PS-amended soils.

Climatic change affects agricultural, environmental and livestock production. Forage productivity is highly dependent on the weather change. The Pyeongchang region has more difficulty in cultivation of Sorghum-Sudangrass hybrids (SSH) than other warm regions because of the cold weather. This experiment was carried out to analysis the agronomic characteristics, productivity, and nutritive value of three cultivars of Sorghum-Sudangrass hybrids in the Pyeongchang region from 2021 to 2022. Two harvests were taken in each year, and the agronomic characteristics, dry matter yield, and nutrient content of the whole SSH crops were determined. The plant height ranged between 281-291 cm and 165-172 cm in the first and second harvest, respectively. Plant height of Superdan (291±49 cm) was the highest in the first cut and Dairy mens Dream (172±30 cm) was the highest in the second cut time. Stem diameter ranged from 9.5 to 8.8 mm with Superdan having a higher level than the other two cultivars. The Dairy mens Dream variety produced significantly higher dry matter yield (15,695 kg/ha) than those of Superdan (14,584 kg/ha) and Supergreen (14,300 kg/ha) over a two-year experimental period. In terms of nutritional quality, the crude protein content, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber of SSH cultivars were analysed. There were no significant changes in the content of CP, ADF and NDF ranges among the cultivars. In addition, the Superdan cultivar had slightly higher CP content (10.17%) and was followed by Dairy mens Dream (9.84%) and Supergreen (9.54%) in the second cut time of 2-year average. Dairy mens dream had lower ADF and NDF values than other cultivars; however, no significant differences amongst cultivars in fiber content were observed. Therefore, these three cultivars displayed the potential growth characteristics, DM yield and nutritive values in Pyeongchang region. Hence, the SSH cultivars have a potential to withstand the climatic change and improve SSH productivity in the study area.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding DDGS and full-fat soybean in the finishing diet on the performance, carcass characteristics and unsaturated fatty acid composition of Hanwoo steers. Thirty Hanwoo steers (average age, 26.4 months; weight, 756.69 kg) were assigned into Control (no additive), DS (DDGS supplemented) and FS (full-fat soybean supplemented). The feeding rate of DDGS and full-fat soybean was set at 10% and 5% in the finishing diet, respectively, and the in vivo trial was conducted for 122 days. The final body weight was 779.81, 774.20 and 791.95 kg for Control, DS and FS, respectively, and the average daily gain was not different among treatments. The feed conversion ratio was lower in FS compared to Control. Carcass cold carcass weight, backfat thickness, M. longissimus dorsi area and marbling scores were not different among treatments, and moisture, crude protein, and crude fat content in carcass were not different. The melting point of sirloin ranged from 25 to 26℃ among treatments. The saturated fatty acid, C18:0, was lower in the FS than in Control. C18:1, the main unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) in carcasses, did not show any difference among treatments, but C18:2 was higher in DS than in Control. Total UFAs were higher in the FS than in Control. Based on the above results, DDGS feeding was effective in improving feed conversion ratio and C18:2 content, and full-fat soybean feeding was effective in improving feed conversion ratio and increasing UFA content.

This paper addresses a scheduling problem aimed at minimizing makespan in a permutation flow shop with two machines and an inspection process that must be conducted at least once every certain number of outcomes from the first machine. A mathematical programming approach and a genetic algorithm, incorporating Johnson's rule and a specific mutation process, were developed to solve this problem. Johnson's rule was used to generate an initial population, while the mutation process ensured compliance with the inspection constraints. The results showed that within a computation time limit of 300 seconds, the mathematical programming approach often failed to provide optimal or feasible solutions, especially for larger job sets. For instance, when the process times of both machines were similar and the inspection time was longer, the mathematical programming approach failed to solve all 10 experiments with just 15 jobs and only had a 50% success rate for 100 jobs. In contrast, the proposed genetic algorithm solved all instances and delivered equal or superior results compared to the mathematical programming approach.

This study assessed the effects of fescue toxicosis on ruminal metabolism and physiology in steers. Twelve ruminally cannulated Angus steers [body weight (BW) = 547 ± 9 kg] were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to six blocks. The steers were fed alfalfa cubes (1.5× NEm) and dosed (1 kg/d) with either endophyte-infected tall fescue seed (E+) or endophyte-free tall fescue seed (E-) via rumen cannula for 21 days. Ruminal dry matter (DM) content was tended to have a higher (p=0.052) in steers in E+ than in E- group. Total volatile fatty acid (VFA), acetate concentrations, as well as the acetate:propionate ratio, were higher (p=0.084, 0.095, and <0.001, respectively) in the E+ group, while propionate was lower (p<0.001). Ruminal pH and temperature were similar between treatment groups (p=0.62 and 0.95, respectively), but ruminal pressure was higher (p<0.001) in E-. Additionally, serum prolactin levels was lower (p<0.001) in the E+ group. These findings suggest that consumption of endophyte-infected tall fescue seed may impair ruminal VFA absorption, potentially due to changes in ruminal motility.

This study conducted to investigate potential differences in the activity of genes involved in volatile fatty acid (VFA) absorption, pH regulation, and energy metabolism in epithelial cells of forestomach administered either endophyte-infected (E+; 4.45 mg ergovaline/kg) or endophyte-free (E−) tall fescue seed. Twelve steers [body weight (BW) = 547 ± 9 kg] were fed alfalfa cubes at 1.5 × NEm and dosed 1 kg of ground tall fescue seed daily via rumen cannula for 21 days. On day 22, steers were slaughtered, and tissue samples were collected from the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. Gene expression analysis revealed that monocarboxylate transporters (MCT), isoform 1 and MCT4 expression levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the rumen epithelium of steers dosed with E+ seed, while MCT2 expression remained unchanged. Similarly, sodium hydrogen exchanger (NHE), isoform 2 expression was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the E+ seed, whereas NHE1 and NHE3 were unaffected by the seed treatment. Additionally, expression levels of down regulated in adenoma (DRA) and anion exchanger (AE), isoform 2 were lower (p<0.05) in the rumen epithelium of E+ steers, while putative anion transporter 1, sodium bicarbonate cotransporter, isoform 1, 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase, isoform 2, and sodium potassium ATPase pump, isoform 1 expression levels were not influenced by the seed treatment. Notably, gene expression in the reticulum, omasum, and abomasum epithelia was unaffected (p>0.05) by seed exposure. These findings suggest that endophyte-infected tall fescue seed may impair ruminal VFA absorption in its dissociated state (pH > 5.8) by downregulating MCT1 and MCT4, along with suppressing NHE2, DRA, and AE2. Therefore, this mechanism may partially explain the reduced weight gain associated with fescue toxicosis in cattle.

This study aimed to estimate the accumulated temperature requirements for phenological changes in Lilium. Eight cultivars of three lily types were cultivated in open field conditions for phenological observations based on floral organ development. Growing degree days (GDD) requirements for phenological changes were calculated and verified using Lilium LA hybrid ‘Serrada’ under greenhouse conditions. Lilium Oriental hybrids exhibited higher GDD requirements compared to Lilium FA and LA hybrids for their phenological development. Estimations of phenological change dates in greenhouse cultivation were accurate within 1–3 days. These results provide a reliable description for predicting lily development stages across diverse cultivation environments by quantifying the accumulated temperature requirements for key phenological events.

A 13-year-old female lion underwent a simple mastectomy for a rapidly growing abdominal mass, confirmed as mammary adenocarcinoma after histopathological examination. Mammary tumors are common in domestic cats but less frequently reported in African lions. This report presents the first documented case of mammary adenocarcinoma in an African lion in South Korea. The mass was successfully excised through stable anesthesia and surgery. This report adds to the limited literature on mammary tumors in large felids and discusses the need for tailored management strategies.

This research, grounded in the extended technology acceptance model, aimed to explore the relationships among factors influencing Korean EFL learners’ acceptance of ChatGPT for English learning in a voluntary usage context. To this end, a questionnaire was distributed to college students who had used ChatGPT for language learning, utilizing a convenience sampling method. A total of 400 responses were analyzed to test hypotheses using structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings revealed that learners’ perceived usefulness significantly predicted their intention to continue using ChatGPT, while perceived ease of use did not. Moreover, learners’ result demonstrability was found to be a predictor of perceived usefulness, whereas subjective norm was not. Both playfulness and output quality significantly influenced learners’ perceived ease of use. This study identified key factors that could enhance EFL learners’ acceptance of ChatGPT by improving perceptions of usefulness and ease of use, offering valuable insights for integrating ChatGPT into English education.

This study evaluates the determinants of Cambodia’s agricultural product exports from 2004 to 2023 across 35 major export destinations using the gravity model approach. During this period, China accounted for the largest share of export value, followed by Vietnam, France, Malaysia, and Thailand. Cambodia’s GDP and the GDP of its trading partners positively influenced the country’s agricultural exports. Moreover, the historical status of export destinations as former French colonies facilitated Cambodia’s export flows. In contrast, exchange rates and geographical distance negatively affected Cambodia’s agricultural trade. This study confirms the existence of significant untapped export potential between Cambodia and its trading partners. To optimize its agricultural exports, Cambodia can benefit from processing agricultural products before export. Therefore, the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) should actively support and promote investment in the agricultural processing industry to enhance the country’s international competitiveness. Additionally, the RGC and policymakers should strategically select export destinations through favorable trade negotiations and focus on the effective implementation of existing export policies.