Background: For instance, forward head posture (FHP), characterized by the forward movement of the head relative to the spine, places significant stress on the neck and upper back muscles, disrupting the biomechanical balance of the body. Objects: The objective of this study was to probe the biomechanical effects of FHP on musculoskeletal health through a relative analysis of 26 adults diagnosed with FHP and 26 healthy controls. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the biomechanical impacts of FHP. Participants adjusted their head positions and underwent muscle strength tests, including electromyography assessments and the Biering-Sørensen test for trunk muscle endurance. Data analysis was conducted using Kinovea (Kinovea) and IBM SPSS software ver. 26.0 (IBM Co.) to compare muscle activities between groups with normal and FHPs. Results: The study shows that individuals with FHP have significantly lower muscle activity, endurance, and spinal extension in the erector spinae compared to those without, highlighting the detrimental effects of FHP on these muscles. Conclusion: This study underscores the impact of FHP on erector spinae function and emphasizes the need for posture correction to enhance musculoskeletal health and guide future research on intervention strategies.

Background: In Taekwondo athletes, ankle sprain is the most common risk factor for injury. Repeated ankle injuries lead to weakness and imbalance of the ankle muscles, resulting in chronic ankle instability (CAI). Both the ankle and toe muscles contribute to the inversion and eversion of the foot at the subtalar joint. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the ankle and toe joint positions when measuring ankle invertor and evertor strength. Objects: This study aimed to compare the muscle strength and ratio differences of the ankle invertor and evertor muscles in both the toe and ankle positions between the CAI and uninjured sides in Taekwondo athletes. Methods: Fifteen Taekwondo athletes participated in this study. The isometric strengths of both the ankle invertor and evertor were determined in different ankle and toe positions (dorsiflexion with toe extension, dorsiflexion with toe flexion, plantarflexion with toe extension, and plantarflexion with toe flexion). Paired t-tests were used to determine the differences between the ankle invertor and evertor in strength and ratio according to toe and ankle positions between the ankle CAI side and the uninjured side. Results: The results demonstrated that ankle evertor strength significantly decreased in all ankle and toe positions on the CAI side (p < 0.05). In addition, significant differences were observed in the ratios of the ankle invertor and evertor strengths in the dorsiflexion with toe flexion, plantarflexion with toe extension, and plantarflexion with toe flexion positions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that athletes, trainers, and clinicians should consider ankle and toe positions when measuring invertor and evertor strength and develop ankle rehabilitation protocols for Taekwondo athletes with CAI.

Background: Scapular dyskinesis (SD) is closely related to imbalance of the rotator cuff (RC) muscles. However, previous studies have only focused on isometric strength. To our knowledge, there has been no study examining potential differences in concentric and eccentric strength and functional strength ratio (FSR) of the RC muscles based on functional parameters related to throwing in with or without SD. Objects: This study aimed to determine whether there was a difference in the RC muscle strength and FSR between the dominant shoulder with SD and the non-dominant shoulder without SD in adolescent baseball players. Methods: Forty adolescent baseball players participated and classified types of SD based on movement patterns using the SD test by two examiners. The isokinetic concentric and eccentric peak torque of the internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) were measured and quantified as peak torque to body weight (PT/BW). Also, the FSR was obtained by calculating the strength ratios of eccentric IR to concentric ER (IRecc/ERcon) and eccentric ER to concentric IR (ERecc/IRcon), respectively. Results: There was a significant decrease in the IR and ER PT/BW in the dominant shoulder with SD compared to the non-dominant shoulder without SD (p < 0.05), regardless of contraction types. However, no significant difference was observed in the FSR in both IRecc/ERcon and ERecc/IRcon ratios. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the isokinetic concentric and eccentric PT/BW of the IR and ER muscles were significantly lower in the dominant shoulder with SD than in the nonthrowing shoulder without SD. Therefore, when establishing a strategy for addressing RC muscle weakness in adolescent baseball players with SD, it is essential to consider an approach that accounts for scapular kinematic recovery.

Background: Standing frames are a common intervention for children with cerebral palsy (CP), yet there is a lack of standardized dosing recommendations, impeding the enhancement of treatment outcomes in this population. Objects: This paper aims to optimize dosing strategies for standing frame programs in children with CP. It evaluates effective durations and frequencies for using standing frames to improve gait, hip joint integrity, functional activities, joint range of motion, and muscle tone. The goal is to provide evidence-based clinical recommendations to guide practitioners in treating pediatric CP patients. Methods: A comprehensive research was conducted across seven databases, yielding 23 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Strength of evidence was assessed using established tools. Clinical recommendations were formulated based on the amalgamation of existing evidence. Results: The paucity of evidence-based dosing recommendations for children with CP supported standing device is highlighted in this review. Key findings suggest that standing frames implemented 5 days per week demonstrate positive effects on gait (45 minutes/day, 3 times/ week), hip joint integrity (60 minutes/day), functional activities (60 minutes/day in 30° to 60° of bilateral hip abduction), joint range of motion (60 minutes/day), and muscle tone (30 minutes/day). Conclusion: This systematic review of the treatment regimens for children with CP is providing useful insights to the dosing strategies of standing frames. The evidence supports a 30–60 minutes per day and 3–5 days a week intervention with specified durations for optimal outcomes. In enhancing the effectiveness of standing frames, as well as promoting evidencebased practices in the management of children with CP, these clinical recommendations offer guidance for practitioners.

Background: Weakness of gluteus medius (Gmed) is related with musculoskeletal disorders. Individuals who experience weakness in the Gmed may activate the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) as a compensatory mechanism. Application of isometric hip extension (IHE) with Thera-band may affect the activities of the Gmed, gluteus maximus (Gmax), and TFL, and the activity ratio of Gmed/TFL during side-lying hip abduction (SHA). Objects: To determine the influences of IHE during SHA on Gmed, Gmax, and TFL activities in participants with Gmed weakness. Methods: Three types of SHA exercises were performed: 1) traditional SHA in the frontal plane (SHA-T), 2) SHA with IHE applying Thera-band in the frontal plane (SHA-IHE), 3) and SHA with isometric hip flexion (IHF) applying Thera-band in the frontal plane (SHA-IHF). Results: SHA-IHE significantly showed higher Gmed and Gmax activities than SHA-T and SHA-IHF. SHA-IHF significantly showed higher activity of TFL than SHA-T or SHA-IHE. The activity ratio of Gmed/TFL was significantly higher in the SHA-IHE, SHA-T, and SHA-IHF, in that order. Conclusion: The SHA-IHE resulted in higher activities of Gmed, Gmax and a higher muscle ratio of Gmed/TFL.

Background: The peroneus longus (PL) and peroneus brevis (PB) function as the primary muscles of eversion, a movement closely associated with tibial external rotation for ankle mortise stability. Ankle motion and tibial rotation vary based on different ankle and knee positions. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the PL, PB, and biceps femoris (BF) muscle activation and eversion strength during side-lying isometric eversion exercise based on different ankle positions (neutral [N] and plantarflexion [PF]) and knee positions (90° flexion [KF] and extension [KE]). Methods: Thirty healthy adults with an Ankle Joint Functional Assessment Tool score of ≥ 22 were recruited (mean age = 24.8 ± 3.1 years). Maximal isometric eversion strength and submaximal muscle activation of the PL, PB and BF were measured during isometric eversion exercise in side-lying. A 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to investigate differences in muscle activation and strength. Results: The PL and PB muscle activation showed significant main effects with the knee and ankle positions (p < 0.05); activation was greater in the KE and PF positions than in the KF and N positions. The BF muscle activation showed a significant interaction effect with knee and ankle positions, which was greater in knee extension and ankle plantarflexed (KEPF) position than in knee flexion and ankle plantarflexed (KFPF) position (p < 0.05). Eversion strength showed a significant main effect only in ankle position (p < 0.05) and was greater in the N position than in the PF position. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the KEPF position can be recommended to facilitate contraction of the PL and PB during side-lying eversion exercise. Furthermore, the effects of the knee-ankle positions should be considered for measuring ankle eversion strength and implementing the isometric submaximal side-lying eversion exercise.

Forward Head Posture (FHP) involves the anterior positioning of the head relative to the shoulders, often associated with muscular imbalances. It is known that individuals with FHP experience shortening of craniocervical extensors and cervical flexors. However, contrary to the understanding of flexion in the craniocervical extension subaxial region, a study has reported flexion in the craniovertebral spinal vertebrae among individuals with FHP. The aim of this study was to examine the consistency of biomechanical study results conducted for FHP. The relevant studies were investigated in PubMed and Google Scholar databases using the keywords “forward head posture OR cervical sagittal alignment OR cervical spine AND biomechanics OR kinetic analysis OR kinematic analysis.” During the research selection process, only nine studies relevant to the purpose of our study were identified. Out of these nine studies, four conducted kinematic analysis related to FHP formation, while six conducted kinetic analysis. During the comparison of these studies, five inconsistencies were identified. Biomechanical studies on FHP reveal conflicting findings, suggesting potential variability in the biomechanics of FHP formation across individuals. However, drawing definitive conclusions requires further exploration through additional biomechanical investigations on FHP in the future.

Stroke is one of the most common disabilities experienced by the elderly in the community. However, stroke progresses to a chronic level, patients are discharged from medical institutions and eventually no longer receive therapeutic interventions at home. In this systematic review, we compared home-based rehabilitation (HBR) with comparison for patients with stroke. Literature published in Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), PubMed, and Google Scholar were reviewed. A total of 1,158 studies were initially retrieved. After reading the full texts, 11 articles were included in the systematic review. Quality assessment of the included studies was conducted using Risk of Bias (RoB) 2.0, and Egger’s regression test was used to evaluate publication bias. Data analysis was performed using the R studio software (R Studio). According to the quality assessment using RoB 2.0, three studies were evaluated as low risk, two as of some concern, and three as high risk. The overall effect size was moderate (0.309). The value of the balance function was a small effect size (0.201), while the value of the gait function was a moderate effect size (0.353). The values were small and moderate effect (0.154, 0.411) for the chronic and subacute conditions, respectively. According to the Egger’s regression test, no publication bias was observed. The findings of this study indicate that HBR resulted in the greatest improvement in gait function in patients with subacute stroke compared to those with chronic stroke. Therefore, the application of this intervention to patients with stroke in the community is recommended.

In this study, we report significant improvements in lithium-ion battery anodes cost and performance, by fabricating nano porous silicon (Si) particles from Si wafer sludge using the metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) process. To solve the problem of volume expansion of Si during alloying/de-alloying with lithium ions, a layer was formed through nitric acid treatment, and Ag particles were removed at the same time. This layer acts as a core-shell structure that suppresses Si volume expansion. Additionally, the specific surface area of Si increased by controlling the etching time, which corresponds to the volume expansion of Si, showing a synergistic effect with the core-shell. This development not only contributes to the development of high-capacity anode materials, but also highlights the possibility of reducing manufacturing costs by utilizing waste Si wafer sludge. In addition, this method enhances the capacity retention rate of lithium-ion batteries by up to 38 %, marking a significant step forward in performance improvements.

In this study, the magnetocaloric effect and transition temperature of bulk metallic glass, an amorphous material, were predicted through machine learning based on the composition features. From the Python module ‘Matminer’, 174 compositional features were obtained, and prediction performance was compared while reducing the composition features to prevent overfitting. After optimization using RandomForest, an ensemble model, changes in prediction performance were analyzed according to the number of compositional features. The R2 score was used as a performance metric in the regression prediction, and the best prediction performance was found using only 90 features predicting transition temperature, and 20 features predicting magnetocaloric effects. The most important feature when predicting magnetocaloric effects was the ‘Fe’ compositional ratio. The feature importance method provided by ‘scikit-learn’ was applied to sort compositional features. The feature importance method was found to be appropriate by comparing the prediction performance of the Fe-contained dataset with the full dataset.

AR (alkali resistant)-glass fibers were developed to provide better alkali resistance, but there is currently no research on AR-glass fiber manufacturing. In this study, we fabricated glass fiber from AR-glass using a continuous spinning process with 40 wt% refused coal ore. To confirm the melting properties of the marble glass, raw material was put into a (platinum) Pt crucible and melted at temperatures up to 1,650 °C for 2 h and then annealed. To confirm the transparent clear marble glass, visible transmittance was measured and the fiber spinning condition was investigated by high temperature viscosity measurement. A change in diameter was observed according to winding speed in the range of 100 to 700 rpm. We also checked the change in diameter as a function of fiberizing temperature in the range of 1,240 to 1,340 °C. As winding speed increased at constant temperature, fiber diameter tended to decrease. However, at fiberizing temperature at constant winding speed, fiber diameter tended to increase. The properties of the prepared spinning fibers were confirmed by optical microscope, tensile strength, modulus and alkali-resistance tests.

Today, the principles of green chemistry are being fundamentally applied in the chemical industry, such as the nitrobenzene industry, which is an essential intermediate for various commercial products. Research on the application of response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize nitrobenzene synthesis was conducted using a sulfated silica (SO4/SiO2) catalyst and batch microwave reactor. The nitrobenzene synthesis process was carried out according to RSM using a central composite design (CCD) design for three independent variables, consisting of sulfuric acid concentration on the silica (%), stirring time (min), and reaction temperature (°C), and the response variable of nitrobenzene yield (%). The results showed that a three-factorial design using the response surface method could determine the optimum conditions for obtaining nitrobenzene products in a batch microwave reactor. The optimum condition for a nitrobenzene yield of 63.38 % can be obtained at a sulfuric acid concentration on the silica of 91.20 %, stirring time of 140.45 min, and reaction temperature of 58.14 °C. From the 20 experiments conducted, the SO4/SiO2 catalyst showed a selectivity of 100 %, which means that this solid acid catalyst can potentially work well in converting benzene to nitrobenzene.

Al-Mg-Si alloys are light weight and have excellent corrosion resistance, and are attracting attention as a liner material for high-pressure hydrogen containers in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Because it has excellent plastic hardening properties, it is also applied to car body panel materials, but it is moderate in strength, so research to improve the strength by adding Si-rich or Cu is in progress. So far, the authors have conducted research on the intergranular fracture of alloys with excessive Si addition from the macroscopic mechanical point of view, such as specimen shape. To evaluate their impact tensile properties, the split-Hopkinson bar impact test was performed using thin plate specimens of coarse and fine grain alloys of Al-Mg-X (X = Cr,Si) alloy. The effect of the shape of the specimen on the characteristics was studied through finite element method (FEM) analysis. As a result, it was found that the intergranular fracture of the alloy with excessive Si depended on the specimen width (W)/grain size (d), which can be expressed by the specimen size and grain size. As W/d decreases, the intergranular fracture transforms into a transgranular fracture. As the strain rate increases, the fracture elongation decreases, and the fracture surface of the intergranular fracture becomes more brittle. It was confirmed that intergranular fracture occurred in the high strain rate region even in materials with small grain sizes.

In this work, a series of BaTiO3-based ceramic materials, Ba(Al0.5Nb0.5)xTi1-xO3 (x = 0, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08), were synthesized using a standard solid-state reaction technique. X-ray diffraction profiles indicated that the Al+Nb co-doping into BaTiO3 does not change the crystal structure significantly with a doping concentration up to 8 %. The doping ions exist in Al3+ and Nb5+ chemical states, as revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The frequencydependent complex dielectric properties and electric modulus were studied in the temperature range of 100~380 K. A colossal dielectric permittivity (>1.5 × 104) and low dielectric loss (<0.01) were demonstrated at the optimal dopant concentration x = 0.04. The observed dielectric behavior of Ba(Al0.5Nb0.5)xTi1-xO3 ceramics can be attributed to the Universal Dielectric Response. The complex electric modulus spectra indicated the grains exhibited a significant decrease in capacitance and permittivity with increasing co-doping concentration. Our results provide insight into the roles of donor and acceptor co-doping on the properties of BaTiO3-based ceramics, which is important for dielectric and energy storage applications.

In order to maximize the function and increase the compatibility of silicone hydrogel lens, this study compared and analyzed the properties of Amino modified silicone oil using mini and microemulsion technique, respectively. Optical and physical properties were evaluated by spectral transmittance, refractive index, water content, oxygen transmittance and contact angle measurements to evaluate the performance of the manufactured hydrogel lens. The spectral transmittance results revealed the copolymerization method lens showed 31 % of the visible light area, which did not satisfy the basic optical properties. However, the lens using the mini and microemulsion materials showed more than 90 % of the visible light area, satisfying the optical characteristics. In addition, all physical properties were superior to a basic hydrogel lens. The mini and microemulsion techniques effectively improved the stability and function of the ophthalmic hydrogel lens and are considered a promising ways of manufacturing an ophthalmic hydrogel contact lens with increased compatibility and stability.

Purpose: This study explored teachers’ experiences of practicing character education focusing on Juingonggwanbeop in elementary schools. The goal was to provide universal Juingong-gwanbeop character education programs for schools. Methods: This study used one-on-one in-depth interviews to collect data from teachers working at different elementary schools regarding their character education experiences. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: 5 themes and 16 sub-themes were derived from the analysis. The five themes included “Starting Juingong-gwanbeop character education for various reasons”, “Feeling joy when seeing students changing through Juingong-gwanbeop character education”, “Difficulties in managing Juingong-gwanbeop character education”, “Development and dissemination of standardized Juingong-gwanbeop character education programs”. Conclusion: The findings showed that both students and teachers experienced positive changes and growth in their school lives through Juingong-gwanbeop character education. The participants expressed a strong desire to develop universal programs and materials for teachers who have not been exposed to Juingong-gwanbeop.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experiences of instructors who participated in and operated a parent education program utilizing the Juingong-gwan practice at the H Science Institute, and to understand the meaning and essence of this program. Methods: This study employed a qualitative content analysis. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with six instructors who participated in the parental education program at H Science Institute. Data were collected over three months from July to September 2023. Results: Seven main themes were identified from the instructors’ experiences in the parent education program at the H Science Institute. The main themes include “Participation with various motivations,” “The essense of parent education: team discussions,” “Feeling compassion and responsibility,” “Challenges in creating lectures,” “Realizing the possibility of mutual change,” “Growth and Transformation through instructor and helper roles,” and “Hope to spread awareness.” Conclusion: This study confirmed that the parent education program utilizing the Juingong-gwan practice at H Science Institute promotes positive changes for both parents and instructors. It also suggests the need for program development, including the use of online platforms, the introduction of step-by-step advanced courses, the provision of follow-up programs, and the expansion of programs that support both teachers and parents.

Purpose: The study aim was to explore the meaning of male nursing students’ experiences in women’s health nursing practicum through photovoice and focus group interviews. Ways to improve the conditions and quality of practicum education for women’s health nurses were explored. Methods: The participants were eight senior male nursing students who had completed a women’s health nursing practicum. They captured topic-specific photos depicting their experiences in a women’s health nursing practicum through the photovoice method and conducted focus group interviews using the PHOTO strategy to explore the meanings behind the photos. The final data were analyzed using a content analysis. Results: The male nursing students’ experiences in the women’s health nursing practicum produced five themes: “The untraveled Way.”, “Role conflicts amid indifference.”, “Opportunities that never come.”, “Unable to overcome gender barrier.”, and “The time of perseverance and hope.”, These five themes were accompanied by 13 sub-themes. Conclusion: Though initially apprehensive, the study participants engaged in women’s health nursing practices with excitement and anticipation. Despite experiencing discrimination and role conflict due to gender differences, they discovered opportunities for growth through a simulation practicum. Anticipating personal development from their experiences, they desired a future in which male nurses would be recognized solely as nurses, without gender distinctions. Efforts are required to enhance awareness and organizational culture and prevent discrimination based on gender differences. Comprehensive endeavors are necessary for enhancing the quality of clinical practice education by developing and validating women’s health nursing practicum programs covering diverse topics.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of helper nurses deployed in COVID-19 dedicated wards, seeking a deeper understanding of the significance inherent in their experiences. Methods: Sixteen nurses with over one month of experience working as helper nurses in dedicated COVID-19 wards were selected as participants. Individual interviews were conducted between July and August 2023 using a semistructured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the methods described by Elo and Kyngäs (2007). Results: The analysis revealed two categories comprising six themes derived from helper nurses’ experiences. These categories include “Confronting Professional Challenges” and “Growing as a More Professional Nurse”. Conclusion: Further studies are necessary to explore helper nurses’ experiences of infectious disease disaster situations. Nurses experience role conflicts, knowledge gaps, and burnout. Therefore, developing protocols for tasks and education is essential in highly uncertain situations and when new responsibilities arise. Establishing systematic support systems for stress reduction and enhancing social support among nurses is crucial. Therefore, additional research is required to understand the growth and impact of helper nurses.

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of post-traumatic growth in breast cancer survivors by applying grounded theory methods. Methods: Participants were seven breast cancer survivors who had been diagnosed with stage I or higher breast cancer, had completed acute treatment, and were members of an internet self-help group for breast cancer survivors. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews from July 11, 2022 to May 4, 2023. The interview contents were transcribed and analyzed using Corbin and Strauss’s grounded theory method. A total of 18 sub-categories and 9 categories were identified through the open coding process. Results: As a result of axial coding based on the paradigm model, the central phenomenon of post-traumatic growth experiences of breast cancer survivors was revealed as ‘Finding true life after the pain of death’. The core category was identified as ‘Promise a life without regrets’, which consisted of a four-step process: reflection period, recovery period, transition period, achievement period. Breast cancer survivors experienced restoration of their inner selves, strengthening of positive thinking through the process of resetting their life values and goals, and pursuit a stable and satisfying life. Conclusion: To help breast cancer survivors grow after trauma, the importance of accepting changes in their bodies and maintaining a positive perspective was highlighted.