Background: Passive or therapist-assisted stretching, followed by scapular stabilization exercises, has been shown to be effective. However, most previous studies have focused on stretching individual muscles or specific movement directions, often neglecting the role of active scapular stretching. Objects: This study aimed to compare changes in the muscle activity of the lower trapezius (LT), serratus anterior (SA), and upper trapezius (UT), as well as the scapular posterior tilt (SPT) angle before and after scapular circle (SC) stretching during SPT exercise. Methods: Twenty participants were recruited for this study. Electromyography electrodes were attached to the LT, SA, and UT. Muscle activity and the posterior scapular tilt angle were measured while performing the SPT exercises. After the SC stretch, the measurements were repeated in the same manner. The LT, SA, and UT electromyography activities and SPT angles were analyzed using paired t-tests. Results: LT activity was significantly higher in the SC stretch plus SPT exercise compared with in the SPT exercise alone (p = 0.018). There were no significant differences in SA activity between the SPT and SC stretch plus SPT exercise conditions (p = 0.812). UT activity significantly increased in the SC stretch plus SPT exercise compared with that in the SPT exercise (p = 0.001). The SPT angle was significantly enhanced during SPT exercise after the SC stretching compared to that without SC stretching (p = 0.009). The RSP improved by 2.32% compared to the initial posture when only the SPT was performed, and improved by 9.95% when the SPT was performed after the SC stretching. Conclusion: These results suggest that performing SC stretching prior to SPT exercise may effectively improve scapular alignment and posture, even when UT activation increases more than of the LT. Elevated UT activity highlights the need to address muscular balance in corrective exercise design.

Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a prevalent condition among Taekwondo athletes, often associated with pain, psychological factors, and impaired physical performance. However, few studies have investigated the relationship among ankle muscle strength, pain, kinesiophobia, and physical performance in Taekwondo athletes with CAI. Objects: This study aimed to examine the relationship between ankle muscle strength, pain, kinesiophobia, and physical performance in Taekwondo athletes with CAI. Methods: Forty Taekwondo athletes with CAI participated in the study. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and kinesiophobia was measured with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11). Physical performance was evaluated using the single-leg vertical jump (SLVJ) and single-leg hop for distance. The strength of the ankle muscles is measured using a Smart KEMA strength sensor. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to determine relationships among variables. Results: SLVJ showed a significant negative correlation with VAS (r = –0.506, p < 0.01) and a positive correlation with strength of the ankle inversion with dorsiflexion (IDF) (r = 0.356, p < 0.05). VAS was negatively correlated with strength of the ankle eversion with plantarflexion (r = –0.365, p < 0.05), IDF (r = –0.371, p < 0.05) and inversion with plantarflexion (r = –0.370, p < 0.05). No significant correlations were found between TSK-11 and physical performance, pain, or ankle muscle strength outcomes. Conclusion: Pain intensity and ankle muscle strength in specific ankle positions are associated with SLVJ in Taekwondo athletes with CAI. These findings suggest that the intensity of pain and the strength of the ankle evertor and invertor at specific ankle joint positions should be considered when evaluating Taekwondo athletes with CAI. Furthermore, managing pain and implementing strengthening exercises for the ankle evertor and invertor can be recommended to improve SLVJ.

Background: Stroke patients commonly suffer from balance impairments that limit functional activities, such as walking difficulties. Robot-assisted gait training is gaining attention as an effective rehabilitation strategy for balance and gait in stroke rehabilitation. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of progressive velocity robot-assisted gait training (PRG) on balance and gait abilities in stroke patients. Methods: All subjects were randomly divided into three groups: PRG (n = 12); comfortable speed robot-assisted gait training (CRG) (n = 12); and control group (n = 16). Subjects in PRG and CRG underwent robot-assisted gait training for 30 minutes, three times a week for six weeks. And the control group performed overground gait training using a treadmill at the same frequency and for the same amount of time as the experimental group. All Subjects were assessed for muscle strength, balance, gait and motor function pre- and post-intervention. Results: The study results showed that all subjects showed significant differences in all measurements post-intervention (p < 0.05). Additionally, PRG was found to significantly improve in Medical Research Council (MRC) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) compared to CRG, and CRG showed significant differences compared to the control group in MRC, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go test (TUG) (p < 0.05). PRG exhibited significant differences in all areas in the between-group comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that PRG may be effective strategy to improve balance and gait ability for with stroke.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent chronic condition that affects approximately 80% of individuals aged ≥ 65 years. Major problems include pain, dysfunction, reduced quality of life, balance ability, and muscle tone. Objects: This study examined the effects of multidirectional knee-strengthening exercises using elastic bands on knee pain, functional disability, quality of life, balance ability, and rectus femoris (RF) muscle tone in elderly patients aged ≥ 65 years with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Forty-eight patients aged ≥ 65 years with knee osteoarthritis participated in the study. The participants were assigned randomly to either the experimental group (n = 24) or the control group (n = 24). Both groups performed knee-strengthening exercises, but the experimental group incorporated elastic bands into their exercises. All interventions were conducted 3 times a week for 30 minutes per session over 4 weeks. The effects were assessed before and after the intervention using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Korean version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (K-WOMAC), Euro Quality of Life 5 Dimension (EQ-5D), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and RF muscle tone. Between-group differences before and after the intervention were analyzed using the independent t-test, and withingroup differences were examined using the paired t-test for pre-post intervention comparisons of the dependent variables. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in the NRS, K-WOMAC function, KWOMAC total score, EQ-5D, BBS, and RF muscle tone after the intervention (p < 0.05). In addition, the experimental group showed significant improvements in the NRS, K-WOMAC, BBS, and RF muscle tone compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Multidirectional knee-strengthening exercises using elastic bands can be an effective intervention to improve knee pain, functional disability, balance ability, and RF muscle tone in elderly patients aged ≥ 65 years with knee osteoarthritis.

Background: Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is a widely used eccentric strengthening exercise that reduces the risk of hamstring and anterior cruciate ligament injuries. During NHE, the ankles are fixed in a kneeling position, while the upper body falls forward as the knee extends, maximizing hamstring activation. However, compensatory movements, such as an increased hip joint angle, make optimal execution difficult. Assisted NHE (ANHE) using an elastic band facilitates controlled movement, maintains high hamstring activation, and allows intensity adjustments. Despite their benefits, research on exercise postures based on different elastic band application regions remains limited. Objects: This study aimed to compare trunk and hip extensors activation, the gluteus maximus vs. erector spinae (GM/ES) ratio, and subjective difficulty during NHE, chest-assisted NHE (C-ANHE), and pelvic-assisted NHE (P-ANHE). Methods: Twenty-two healthy males performed each exercise, starting from a kneeling position with the knee joint at 90° and extending 15° with isometric contraction. The muscle activations of the ES, GM, and the biceps femoris long head (BFlh) were measured using surface electromyography. The GM/ES ratio was calculated, and the Borg rating of perceived exertion (Borg RPE) (6–20) scale was examined. Results: ES (F = 141.38, p < 0.001), GM (F = 184.14, p < 0.001), and BFlh (F = 164.85, p < 0.001) activation differed significantly among the exercises. All muscles showed higher muscle activity during P-ANHE than during C-ANHE (p < 0.017). The GM/ES ratio was lower than 1 for all exercises but significantly higher in P-ANHE (0.66 ± 0.15) than in C-ANHE (0.57 ± 0.18) (p < 0.017). The Borg RPE score differed significantly among exercises (p < 0.001) and was higher in P-ANHE (15.10 ± 1.77) than in C-ANHE (11.86 ± 1.91) (p < 0.017). Conclusion: P-ANHE increased GM activation to a greater extent than C-ANHE, with moderate subjective difficulty. It is recommended as an ANHE variant for targeting the GM while considering ES activation.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between occupational conditions and foot morphology in industrial workers. Objects: A total of 118 workers from Cheonan and South Korea were recruited through a manufacturing plant for participation in this study. Methods: Musculoskeletal findings were evaluated by musculoskeletal symptoms disease questionnaire. We measured foot structure and foot plantar pressure-based variables using the Arch Finder System. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to investigate statistical examination. Results: Longer years of service revealed a weak negative correlation with foot width, medial arch height, and metatarsal width; workers with foot pain and laborious positions record high values of plantar pressure than those in office positions. Furthermore, strong bilateral correlations were observed between the foot morphological structure parameters of participants (r = 0.796–0.890). Conclusion: Occupational conditions, particularly duty duration and job type, influence plantar pressure and foot structure. Plantar pressure assessment may aid in the early identification and prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Background: With rapid advances in digital technology, tablet PC use among university students has increased significantly. While convenient, prolonged use often causes neck and shoulder discomfort due to poor posture, such as forward head posture and rounded shoulders. Although students commonly use tablets for writing, there is limited research on head movements during these tasks. Objects: To compare frontal plane head movements and tablet tilt angles between college students with and without neck pain during tablet PC use. Methods: Participants were divided into two groups based on neck pain presence (neck pain group and no pain group). Each participant sat at a table, adjusted the tablet stand angle independently, and placed the tablet accordingly. Participants wore earphones and dictated English sentences to ensure focused handwriting and the evaluator recorded all process. These video recordings of handwriting sessions were analyzed for frontal plane head movements using Kinovea software. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to reveal the group differences in tablet tilt angle, total head movement (THM), horizontal head movement (HHM), and vertical head movement (VHM). Results: There were no significant differences between the neck pain and no neck pain groups in tablet tilt angle or HHM (p > 0.05). In contrast, the neck pain group exhibited significantly greater THM (p < 0.001) and VHM (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate no significant relationship between neck pain and tablet tilt angle or HHM, but a significant association with increased VHM and THM. These findings provide basic knowledge for understanding movement patterns in individuals with neck pain.

Background: Decreased respiratory muscle strength in patients with stroke may cause breathing difficulties, and cardiopulmonary function and exercise capacity may decline, which may reduce balance and gait ability. Objects: This study aimed to determine the influence of improved respiratory muscle strength on the recovery of balance and gait ability at discharge in patients with stroke. Methods: This prospective observational study involved 21 patients clinically diagnosed with stroke. Multiple regression models with a forward selection procedure were used to investigate whether the improvement of respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure [MIP] and maximal expiratory pressure) can contribute to the recovery of balance (Trunk Impairment Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Brunel Balance Assessment, and five times sit-to-stand) and gait (10-meter walk test, timed up and go, and 6-minute walk test [6MWT]) ability. Results: In the forward selection regression analysis, MIP was an influencing factor, accounting for 36.2% of the variance in the 6MWT. Conclusion: This result suggests that an improvement in MIP influences the increase in distance in the 6MWT. Therefore, it is important to evaluate respiratory muscle strength. Inspiratory muscle strengthening can recommended improving endurance and functional walking ability in patients with stroke.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare gluteus medius (Gmed) and quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle activities and the Gmed/QL activity ratio, during five hip abduction exercises in individuals with Gmed weakness. Objects: Nineteen participants with clinically identified Gmed weakness performed five hip abduction exercises: side-lying hip abduction (SHA), side-bridge (SB), SB using sling (SB-sling), SB with hip abduction (SB-HA), and SB-HA using sling (SB-HA-sling). Surface electromyography recorded Gmed and QL, normalized to %maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to assess differences across conditions. Results: Significant differences were found in Gmed (F = 68.980, p = 0.001) and QL (F = 10.676, p = 0.001) activation across exercises. Gmed activity was highest in SB-HA (61.77 ± 14.46 %MVIC), while SHA produced the highest Gmed/QL activity ratio (1.70 ± 0.26), indicating more selective Gmed activation. SB and SB-sling showed lower Gmed activity and higher QL activation. SB-HA-sling resulted in moderate Gmed activation without significantly increasing QL activation. Conclusion: The SB-HA exercise is effective for co-activating Gmed and QL, while SHA and SB-HA-sling are better suited for selectively targeting Gmed with minimal QL compensation. These findings support exercise selection based on specific rehabilitation goals.

Background: Electrophototherapeutic resources are widely used in the treatment of shoulder injuries, despite some contradictory results. Objects: This scoping review aims to evaluate the existing electrophysical resources associated or not with physical exercise (EX), propose a dosage and to evaluate the methodological quality, for managing pain, range, and muscle strength in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Methods: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), non-RCTs (NRCTs) and systematic reviews of electrophototherapeutic interventions in people with SIS were included, with no restrictions on age, sex, year or language. The outcomes were pain intensity, range of motion, and muscle strength. The databases searched were PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, LILACS, PEDro, Google Scholar, Open Grey, LIVIVO, CAPES Catalogue of Theses and Dissertations, and citation search. The search was carried out on January 26, 2023 and updated on March 5, 2024. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed individually using the Cochrane risk of bias tools for randomized trials (RoB 2) and for non-randomized trials (ROBINS-I) and the AMSTAR-2 tools for systematic review studies. Results: Twenty studies were included (14 RCTs, one NRCT, and 5 review studies). The electrophototherapeutic resources used were photobiomodulation, high-intensity laser therapy (HILT), laser associated with light-emitting diode, Multiwave Locked System laser, extracorporeal shockwaves (ESWs), low-frequency electrical current stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound and radiotherapy. Ten clinical studies applied EX in their intervention, in addition to electrophototherapeutic resources. Conclusion: Photobiomodulation, HILT and ESWs have been shown to be effective in treating SIS, however, there was great heterogeneity in the quality of the studies included, with some risks of bias. The additional effects of electrophototherapeutic resources to EX for patients at different stages of SIS are still uncertain, and the dosimetric parameters were presented in tables in the text.

This study examines the effect of delayed quenching (DQ) temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of API X70 linepipe steels. Three types of steels were fabricated by varying the DQ conditions: Base (without DQ), LDQ (low-temperature delayed quenching at 700 °C), and HDQ (high-temperature delayed quenching at 740 °C). The microstructures were characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD), and their mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile and Charpy impact tests. The Base specimen exhibited the finest effective grain size and the highest bainite fraction, resulting in superior yield strength and impact toughness. In contrast, the LDQ specimen showed increased pearlite content and coarser grains, leading to the highest tensile strength due to work hardening, but reduced impact properties due to crack initiation at the pearlite regions. The HDQ specimen, with the highest ferrite fraction, showed the best ductility and acceptable strength, as well as improved lowtemperature toughness owing to increased resistance to cleavage propagation. EBSD analysis confirmed that finer grains and higher fractions of high-angle grain boundaries play a crucial role in enhancing impact energy and lowering the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT). These findings highlight the importance of optimizing DQ parameters to achieve a balanced combination of strength–toughness in high-strength linepipe steels.

Multivalent ions in natural aqueous solutions—such as seawater, brackish water, and freshwater—can negatively affect the performance of ion exchange membranes (IEMs) used in electrochemical energy and environmental devices. In this study, a pore-filling cation exchange membrane (CEM) permeable to multivalent ions was fabricated to minimize performance degradation caused by such ions. To achieve this, multilayer pore-filling CEMs were prepared by performing two impregnation processes using monomer electrolyte solutions of different compositions (varying deionized water content and monomerto- crosslinker ratios). As a result, a highly crosslinked electrolyte polymer formed on the internal side of the CEM, while a low-crosslinked polymer formed on the external side. Due to the presence of the low-crosslinked outer polymer layer, the multilayer pore-filling CEM exhibited a smaller increase in resistance caused by Mg2+ ions. Furthermore, based on the correlation between permselectivity and resistance measured in a 0.45 M NaCl + 0.05 M MgCl2 solution, which simulated the Mg2+ concentration in seawater, an optimal structure of multilayer pore-filling CEM was identified, and it exhibited a minimized increase in resistance and a permselectivity of over 90 %.

As demand grows for electric vehicles and advanced mobility technologies, developing materials for permanent magnets has become increasingly essential. Among them, SmCo-based permanent magnets are gaining attention due to their superior thermal stability compared to conventional NdFeB magnets, making them promising candidates for high-temperature motor applications. However, optimizing the magnetic properties of SmCo alloys remains challenging due to their complex phase structures and elemental interactions. In this study, we develop and optimize machine learning (ML) models to predict the saturation magnetization of SmCo permanent magnets using only composition-based descriptors. A dataset comprising various SmCo alloys was analyzed, with features extracted using Matminer and Pymatgen modules. We applied Random Forest (RF), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), and Support Vector Regression (SVR) models and compared their regression performance using R2 score and Root-mean-squared-error (RMSE). The RF model demonstrated the best generalization and prediction accuracy. To identify the most influential features, we used permutation feature importance. Further, we refined the feature set using a genetic algorithm (GA), ultimately selecting 9 key features that yielded the highest model performance (R2 = 0.963, RMSE = 4.22 emu/g). This study highlights the potential of combining machine learning with genetic optimization to accelerate the design of high-performance, thermally stable SmCo permanent magnets.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are promising photocatalysts with a broad light absorption range and high catalytic activity. However, conventional synthesis methods often involve toxic chemicals, limiting their environmental applicability. In this study, we developed an eco-friendly bio-templating method to synthesize hierarchical micro/nano-structured silver (MNAg) photocatalysts that uses plant leaves, including Nelumbo nucifera (lotus leaf), Rosa sp. (rose petal), and Limonium sinuatum (statice petal), as natural templates. By modifying the leaf surfaces with citrate functional groups, AgNPs were selectively formed along the microstructures of the templates, preserving their hierarchical morphology. MNAg photocatalysts were subsequently obtained through controlled calcination, and successfully retained the microscale structure of the original template. The surface morphology, chemical composition and crystalline structure of the MNAg were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), confirming the successful formation of hierarchical AgNPs. The optical behavior of the MNAg, characterized with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), demonstrated broadened absorption across the visible region, which is attributed to plasmonic coupling among the densely packed AgNPs, partially interconnected along the hierarchical surface. The photocatalytic performance of the MNAg materials was evaluated for methylene blue degradation under UV-Vis illumination. The MNAg derived from lotus leaves exhibited the highest photocatalytic efficiency. This study presents a sustainable route to hierarchical Ag photocatalysts, highlighting the potential of bio-inspired nanomaterials for environmental applications.

Since the first introduction of plastics, the issue of recycling has been repeatedly discussed. Plastics with limited biodegradability accumulate in the soil and ocean when deposited in landfills, causing environmental problems, and when incinerated emit a large amount of carbon. In particular, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is now an indispensable material in daily life, and the waste it generates is also significant. In response, we sought a way to use PET waste as a concrete additive. Typically, adding PET damages the physical strength of concrete, and to solve this problem, gamma ray irradiation was first applied to the PET. The overall peak intensity of the fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) absorption spectrum of gamma-ray-irradiated PET increased, and the surface hydrophilicity of the material increased. In addition, it was confirmed that surface roughness increased when PET was irradiated with gamma rays. The strength of concrete mixed with gamma-irradiated PET was measured, and the compressive strength increased compared to concrete mixed with non-gamma-irradiated PET, and in the case of fibrous PET, the flexural strength increased.

A high-pressure in-situ permeation measuring system was developed to evaluate the hydrogen permeation properties of polymer sealing materials in hydrogen environments up to 100 MPa. This system employs the manometric method, utilizing a compact and portable manometer to measure the permeated hydrogen over time, following high-pressure hydrogen injection. By utilizing a self-developed permeation-diffusion analysis program, this system enables precise evaluation of permeation properties, including permeability, diffusivity and solubility. To apply the developed system to high-pressure hydrogen permeation tests, the hydrogen permeation properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) materials containing silica fillers, specifically designed for gas seal in high-pressure hydrogen environments, were evaluated. The permeation measurements were conducted under pressure conditions ranging from 5 MPa to 90 MPa. The results showed that as pressure increased, hydrogen permeability and diffusivity decreased, while solubility remained constant regardless of pressure. Finally, the reliability of this system was confirmed through uncertainty analysis of the permeation measurements, with all results falling within an uncertainty of 11.2 %.

Efficient donor-acceptor (D-A) molecular scaffolds should be developed for the advancement of organic solar cells (OSCs). Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) studies provide an effective methodology to perform initial studies to design and investigate D-A molecular systems. Two fluorine-substituted bis-benzothiadiazoles (FBBTs) are designed and optimized using the DFT method. The results show better planarity for FBBT2, which is attributed to π-extension between the FBBT units. A series of D-A small molecules CB1-4 are designed utilizing FBBT2 to study the effect of systematically substituting carbazole donor and cyano-based acceptor groups on the optoelectronic properties of FBBT. DFT calculations are performed using the B3LYP functional. The designed D-A scaffolds exhibit systematic tuning of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), HOMO-LUMO gap (from 2.333 eV to 1.825 eV). The observed HOMO-LUMO gap follows the trend CB1 > CB2 > CB4 > CB3. The Voc (open-circuit voltage) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) for CB1-4 are presented with the PC71BM acceptor. The overall trend observed for the Voc follows the order CB1 < CB4 < CB2 < CB3. The PCE trend observed using the Scharber model follows the trend CB3 > CB4 > CB2 > CB1. The results show that end cap modeling of π-extended FBBT with cyano-based acceptor groups significantly improves the observed PCE and Voc.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) offer a viable alternative to partially or fully replace lithium ion batteries (LIBs) due to their lower cost and increased safety. This paper outlines the compositional optimizations, crystallographic evaluations, and electrochemical behavior of a novel mixed NASICON polyanionic compound, NaFe2PO4(SO4)2 (NFPS). X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) results showed that cobalt doping produces a higher concentration of oxygen defects compared to undoped samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis results revealed that the modified sample has more uniform pores and pore distribution. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) measurements showed that doping of Co2+ reduces the specific surface area of NFPS-Co0.08 compared to NFPS. This shortens the sodium ion diffusion pathway and promotes ion dynamics. The addition of Co2+ to the sample significantly improved its performance during galvanostatic charge-discharge tests. The electrochemical activity also is significantly enhanced by Co2+ doping. Na0.84Co0.08Fe2PO4(SO4)2 exhibits superior rate and cycling performance compared to pristine NFPS. After 80 cycles at 25 mA g-1, NFPS-Co0.08 retained discharge specific capacity of 60.8 mA h g-1, which is 1.24 times greater than that of NFPS.

The use of aluminum-based hybrid metal matrix composite (HMMC) materials, especially in engine components like pistons, is intended to improve wear resistance and overall performance. Crucial tribological indicators, such as wear and friction coefficients, underscore the significance of these materials. However, present aluminum alloys have limited wear because of clustered reinforced particles and relatively high coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE), resulting in inadequate anti-seizure properties during dry sliding conditions. This research introduces a novel “Hybrid Metal Matrix Composite of Al7068 Reinforced with Fly Ash-SiC-Al2O3”. Al7068 is employed for its superior strength-to-weight ratio and specific modulus, which is ideal for components exposed to cyclic loads and varying temperatures. The integration of fly Ash (FA), silicon carbide (SiC), and alumina (Al2O3) as reinforcements enhances wear resistance, diminishes particle clustering, improves stiffness, mitigates CTE discrepancies, and fortifies the composite against strain and corrosion, thereby enhancing its overall performance. The Stir-casting method was used with optimized reinforcement percentages (10 % total), and comprehensive evaluations through wear tests and mechanical property analyses determined the composite's optimal composition. The proposed HMMC variant with the most suitable reinforcement percentage exhibited enhanced engine piston functionality, reduced wear, low deformation of 0.20 mm, and a comparatively higher ultimate tensile strength of 190 megapascals (Mpa).

Purpose: Despite being preventable, diabetes is a major non-communicable disease with a steadily increasing premature mortality rate. Diabetes can cause various complications if not properly managed; therefore, it is necessary to consistently implement management strategies, such as diet and exercise. However, in reality, there are several difficulties. Among these, a lack of motivation, which is a psychological factor, is a major barrier. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze intervention studies based on motivational and self-determination theories for patients with type 2 DM to seek solutions and present future directions. Methods: We searched and analyzed studies utilizing motivational and self-determination theories from 2013 to 2023 using the PubMed database. Results: One study applied Motivational Theory only, whereas the other two applied self-determination theory only. Most studies have utilized theories other than motivational and self-determination theories. As an intervention method, there were many studies that used group sessions of 4~6 or more times and used communication devices such as cell phones to convey, check, or encourage implementation of the mediation content. Among the quantitative studies, only 10 applied Motivational Theory to measure physiological variables. Nine of these studies tested HbA1c levels and reported effective results. In addition, four studies measured physical activity (three reported that it was effective) and seven studies measured socio-psychological variables, reporting that it improved diabetes knowledge and self-efficacy and reduced depression. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it is beneficial to develop programs in the future by incorporating theories that have been confirmed to be significant, in addition to motivational and self-determination theories. Furthermore, the newly developed intervention program should be structured to increase implementation by providing four to six small group education sessions and forming networks between educators and subjects, as well as providing continuous management through communication tools such as social media and fostering a solid psychological foundation through religious and spiritual experiences so that patients can actively manage themselves(diet control and exercise management).