Background: Lateral instability of the ankle is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal ankle injuries. The peroneus longus (PL) and peroneus brevis (PB) contribute to ankle stability. In early rehabilitation, isometric exercises have been selected for improvement of ankle stability. To effectively train the peroneal muscles during eversion, it is important to consider ankle and body posture. Objects: This study aimed to compare activation of the PL, PB, and biceps femoris (BF) muscles during eversion in different ankle postures (neutral [N], plantarflexed [PF]) and body postures (sitting and side-lying). Methods: Thirty healthy individuals with no history of lateral ankle sprains within the last 6 months were included in the study. Maximal isometric strength of eversion and muscle activation were measured simultaneously. Muscle activation at submaximal eversion was divided by the highest value obtained from maximal isometric eversion among the four postures (percent maximal voluntary isometric contraction [%MVIC]). To examine the differences in muscle activation depending on posture, a 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted. Results: There were significant interaction effects of ankle and body postures on PL muscle activation and evertor strength (p < 0.05). The PL muscle activation showed a significantly greater difference in the side-lying and PF conditions than in the sitting and N conditions (p < 0.05). Evertor strength was greater in the N compared to the PF condition regardless of body posture (p < 0.05). In the case of PB and BF muscle activation, only the main effects of ankle and body posture were observed (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Among the four postures, the side-lying-PF posture produced the highest muscle activation. The side-lying-PF posture may be preferred for effective peroneal muscle exercises, even when considering the BF muscle.
Background: Sleep accounts for approximately one-third of a person’s lifetime. It is a relaxing activity that relieves mental and physical fatigue. Pillows of different sizes, shapes, and materials have been designed to improve sleep quality by achieving an optimal sleep posture. Objects: This study aimed to determine which pillow provides the most comfortable and supports the head and neck during sleep, which may enhance sleep quality. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy adults (19 males and 9 females) with an average age of 29 years participated in this cross-sectional study. This experiment was conducted while the participants laid down for 5 minutes in four different pillow conditions: (1) no pillow (NP), (2) neck support foam pillow (NSFP), (3) standard microfiber filled pillow (SFP), and (4) hybrid foam pillow (HFP). The head-neck peak pressure, cranio-vertebral angle in supine (CVAs), cranio-horizontal angle in supine (CHAs), chin-sternum distance (CSD), and muscle tone of sternocleidomastoid were analyzed using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: The head-neck peak pressure was the highest in the NSFP condition, followed by the NP, SFP, and HFP conditions. The CVAs, CHAs, and CSD of the SFP were lower than those of the other pillows. Muscle tone was the highest in the NP condition, followed by the of NSFP, HFP, and SFP conditions. The participants subjective comfort level in both the supine and side-lying postures was highest in the HFP condition, followed by the SFP and NSFP conditions. Conclusion: This study can be used to establish the importance of pillow selection for highquality sleep. The results of this study, suggest that a hybrid pillow with a good supportive core and appropriate fluffiness can maintain comfort and correct cervical spine alignment during sleep.
Background: Using wearable passive back-support exoskeletons in workplace has attracted attention as devices that support the posture of workers, enhance their physical capabilities, and reduce physical risk factors. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a wearable passive back-support exoskeleton on the activity of the erector spinae muscles during lifting tasks at various heights. Methods: Twenty healthy adult males were selected as subjects. Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess the activity of the erector spinae muscles while performing lifting tasks at three distinct heights (30, 40, and 50 cm), with and without the application of the Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton. EMG data were gathered before and after the application of the orthosis. Results: The use of the Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton resulted in a significant decrease in muscle activity when lifting a 10 kg object from heights of 30 and 40 cm (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in muscle activity when lifting from a height of 50 cm compared with that at lower heights (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of a wearable passive back-support exoskeleton led to a decrease in the activity of the erector spinae muscles during lifting tasks, irrespective of the object's height. Our results suggest that the orthosis we tested may help decrease risk of lower back injuries during lifting.
정보제공의무란 계약 목적물에 대한 정보를 보유하고 있는 그 소유자가 계 약의 체결 여부에 영향을 미칠 수 있는 목적물에 대한 중요한 정보를 제공할 의무이다. 이러한 정보제공의무 위반의 경우, 계약이 원시적 불능 상태임에도 그러한 정보를 제공하지 않은 경우라면 민법 제535조가 적용되는 경우이므로 신뢰이익 손해를 배상하여야 한다. 그리고 상대방이 정보제공의무 위반을 이 유로 계약을 취소하는 경우 또는 정보제공의무 위반 사실은 있으나 그 계약을 유지하고자 하는 경우에도 그 손해에 대하여 535조를 유추적용하여 신뢰이익 손해배상을 청구하는 것이 합리적인 경우가 있다. 정보제공의무 위반에 따라 계약이 체결된 경우 계약의 목적물에 대한 중요 한 정보를 제공받았더라면, 일반적으로 계약을 체결하지 않거나 더 낮은 금액 을 반대급부로 하여 계약을 체결하였을 것이 예상될 수 있다. 이 경우 그 신뢰 이익 손해는 정보제공을 받지 못하여 계약을 이행하기 위하여 지출한 비용, 다른 수익 기회를 놓친 손해 그리고 하자 손해가 있다. 이러한 손해 중에서도 특히 정보제공을 받지 못하여 계약이 유지되고 있는 동안 동종의 다른 계약을 체결할 기회가 발생한 경우, 그에 따른 손해를 증명하여 배상받는 것이 계약 당사자 간에 손해를 가장 합리적이고 명확하게 배분하는 방법이 될 수 있다.
헌법 제51조가 선언하고 있는 ‘의회기불연속의 원칙(또는 입법기불연속의 원칙)’이라 함은 해당 입법기 동안 국회에 제출된 법률안을 포함한 모든 의 안은 의원의 임기 만료와 함께 모두 폐기되고 해당 의회기에서 완료되지 못 한 의안은 선거를 통하여 새롭게 구성되는 의회에서 모든 절차를 처음부터 다시 거쳐야 한다는 원칙을 의미한다. 의회기불연속의 원칙은 입법부인 국회 는 독임제 국가기관이 아니라 다수의 국회의원으로 구성되는 합의제 국가기 관이므로 전(前) 입법기 국회와 현(現) 입법기 국회는 법적 구성 내지 성격이 상이할 뿐만 아니라 주권자인 국민이 민주적 선거제를 통하여 국회의원과 국회에 부여한 민주적 정당성의 내용도 서로 다르다는 점 때문에 의안처리 와 관련하여 인정되는 원칙이라 할 수 있다. 의회기불연속의 원칙을 이와 같이 이해한다면, 국회가 통과시킨 법률안이 최종적으로 법률로 완성되기 이전에 입법기가 만료된 경우 해당 법률안은 의회기불연속의 원칙상 입법기 종료와 함께 자동적으로 폐기되고 대통령은 해당 법률안에 대하여 이의가 있는지 여부와 상관 없이 해당 법률안에 대하 여 재의요구를 할 수 없다. 입법기 만료 이후 대통령이 해당 법률안에 대하 여 재의요구를 하더라도 헌법적으로 무의미한 국법행위에 해당되어 재의요 구에 따른 법적 효과는 발생하지 아니한다. 또한 주민청구조례안에 대하여 주민청구조례안을 수리한 당시의 지방의회의원의 임기가 끝나더라도 다음 지방의회의원의 임기까지는 의결되지 못한 것 때문에 폐기되지 아니함을 규 정한 주민조례발안에 관한 법률 관련 조항은 헌법 제51조가 규정하고 있는 의회기불연속의 원칙에 위배된다.
Geopolymer, also known as alkali aluminum silicate, is used as a substitute for Portland cement, and it is also used as a binder because of its good adhesive properties and heat resistance. Since Davidovits developed Geopolymer matrix composites (GMCs) based on the binder properties of geopolymer, they have been utilized as flame exhaust ducts and aircraft fire protection materials. Geopolymer structures are formed through hydrolysis and dehydration reactions, and their physical properties can be influenced by reaction conditions such as concentration, reaction time, and temperature. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of silica size and aging time on the mechanical properties of composites. Commercial water glass and kaolin were used to synthesize geopolymers, and two types of silica powder were added to increase the silicon content. Using carbon fiber mats, a fiber-reinforced composite material was fabricated using the hand lay-up method. Spectroscopy was used to confirm polymerization, aging effects, and heat treatment, and composite materials were used to measure flexural strength. As a result, it was confirmed that the longer time aging and use of nano-sized silica particles were helpful in improving the mechanical properties of the geopolymer matrix composite.
In this study, we report the microstructural evolution and shear strength of an Sn-Sb alloy, used for die attach process as a solder layer of backside metal (BSM). The Sb content in the binary system was less than 1 at%. A chip with the Sn-Sb BSM was attached to a Ag plated Cu lead frame. The microstructure evolution was investigated after die bonding at 330 °C, die bonding and isothermal heat treatment at 330 °C for 5 min and wire bonding at 260 °C, respectively. At the interface between the chip and lead frame, Ni3Sn4 and Ag3Sn intermetallic compounds (IMCs) layers and pure Sn regions were confirmed after die bonding. When the isothermal heat treatment is conducted, pure Sn regions disappear at the interface because the Sn is consumed to form Ni3Sn4 and Ag3Sn IMCs. After the wire bonding process, the interface is composed of Ni3Sn4, Ag3Sn and (Ag,Cu)3Sn IMCs. The Sn-Sb BSM had a high maximum shear strength of 78.2 MPa, which is higher than the required specification of 6.2 MPa. In addition, it showed good wetting flow.
As the limitations of Moore’s Law become evident, there has been growing interest in advanced packaging technologies. Among various 3D packaging techniques, Cu-SiO2 hybrid bonding has gained attention in heterogeneous devices. However, certain issues, such as its high-temperature processing conditions and copper oxidation, can affect electrical properties and mechanical reliability. Therefore, we studied depositing only a heterometal on top of the Cu in Cu-SiO2 composite substrates to prevent copper surface oxidation and to lower bonding process temperature. The heterometal needs to be deposited as an ultra-thin layer of less than 10 nm, for copper diffusion. We established the process conditions for depositing a Co film using a Co(EtCp)2 precursor and utilizing plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD), which allows for precise atomic level thickness control. In addition, we attempted to use a growth inhibitor by growing a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) material, octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODTS), on a SiO2 substrate to selectively suppress the growth of Co film. We compared the growth behavior of the Co film under various PEALD process conditions and examined their selectivity based on the ODTS growth time.
In this study, we introduce a novel TiN/Ag embedded TiO2/FTO resistive random-access memory (RRAM) device. This distinctive device was fabricated using an environmentally sustainable, solution-based thin film manufacturing process. Utilizing the peroxo titanium complex (PTC) method, we successfully incorporated Ag precursors into the device architecture, markedly enhancing its performance. This innovative approach effectively mitigates the random filament formation typically observed in RRAM devices, and leverages the seed effect to guide filament growth. As a result, the device demonstrates switching behavior at substantially reduced voltage and current levels, heralding a new era of low-power RRAM operation. The changes occurring within the insulator depending on Ag contents were confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. Additionally, we confirmed the correlation between Ag and oxygen vacancies (Vo). The current-voltage (I-V ) curves obtained suggest that as the Ag content increases there is a change in the operating mechanism, from the space charge limited conduction (SCLC) model to ionic conduction mechanism. We propose a new filament model based on changes in filament configuration and the change in conduction mechanisms. Further, we propose a novel filament model that encapsulates this shift in conduction behavior. This model illustrates how introducing Ag alters the filament configuration within the device, leading to a more efficient and controlled resistive switching process.
This work focuses on the fabrication of excellent magnetic structures for trapping breast cancer cells. Micromagnetic structures were patterned for trapping cancer cells by depositing 30 nm of permalloy on a silicon substrate. These structures were designed and fabricated using two fabrication techniques: electron beam lithography and laser direct writing. Two types of magnetic structures, rectangular wire and zig-zagged wire, were created on a silicon substrate. The length of each rectangular wire and each straight line of zig-zagged wire was 150 μm with a range of widths from 1 to 15 μm for rectangular and 1, 5, 10 and 15 μm for zigzag, respectively. The magnetic structures showed good responses to the applied magnetic field despite adding layers of silicon nitride and polyethylene glycol. The results showed that Si + Si3N4 + PEG exhibited the best adhesion of cells to the surface, followed by Si + Py + Si3N4 + PEG. concentration of 5-6 with permalloy indicates that this layer affected silicon nitride in the presence of Polyethylene glycolPEG.
Ni-CNT nanocomposites were synthesized via the electrical explosion of wire (EEW) in acetone and deionized (DI) water liquid conditions with different CNT compositions. The change in the shape and properties of the Ni-CNT nanopowders were determined based on the type of fluids and CNT compositions. In every case, the Ni nanopowder had a spherical shape and the CNT powder had a tube shape. However, the Ni-CNT nanopowders obtained in DI water exhibited irregular shapes due to the oxidation of Ni. Phase analysis also revealed the existence of nickel oxide when using DI water, as well as some unknown peaks with acetone, which may form due to the metastable phase of Ni. Magnetic properties were investigated using a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) for all cases. Nanopowders prepared in DI water conditions had better magnetic properties than those in acetone, as evidenced by the simultaneous formation of super paramagnetic NiO peaks and ferromagnetic Ni peaks. The DI water (Ni:CNT = 1:0.3) sample revealed better magnetic results than the DI water (Ni-CNT = 1:0.5) because it had less CNT contents.
Composite laminates are used in a wide range of applications including defense, automotive, aviation and aerospace, marine, wind energy, and recreational sporting goods. These composite beams still exhibit problems such as buckling, local deformations, and interlaminar delamination. To overcome these drawbacks, a novel viscoelastic autoclave bonding with tapered epoxy reinforcement polyurethane films is proposed. In existing laminates, compression face wrinkling and interlaminar delamination is caused in the sandwich beam. The unique viscoelastic autoclave spunbond interlayer bonding is designed to prevent face wrinkling and absorb and distribute stresses induced by external loads, thereby eliminating interlaminar delamination in the sandwich beam. Also, the existing special reinforcement causes stress concentrations, and the core is not effectively connected, which directly affects the stiffness of the beam. To address this, a novel tapered epoxy polyurethane reinforcement adhesive film is proposed, whose reinforcement thickness gradually tapers as it enters the core material. This minimizes stress concentrations at the interface, preventing excessive adhesive squeeze-out during the bonding process, and improves the stiffness of the beam. Results indicate the proposed model avoids the formation of micro cracks, interlaminar delamination, buckling, and local deformations, and effectively improves the stiffness of the beam.
The present study was carried out to investigate the concentration and species diversity of airborne fungi in thermophilic mushroom cultivation houses. Fungal concentration measurements were performed in April and May 2022 for a Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation house, in July and August 2023 for a Pleurotus sajor-caju and Agaricus blazei cultivation house, and in June, July and August 2023 for a Pleurotus pulmonarius, Pleurotus sajor-caju and Calocybe indica cultivation house. The airborne fungal concentration was 2.95 × 102 CFU/m3~105CFU/m3, above 105CFU/m3, and 1.12 × 103 CFU/m3~ 9.17 × 103 CFU/m3 in the three cultivation houses, respectively. A total of 8 genera and 22 species of airborne fungi were isolated from three mushroom cultivation houses. 5 genera and 7 species were identified from P. ostreatus cultivation house. Furthermore, 4 genera 6 species were found from A. blazei and C. indica cultivation house. In addition, 5 genera and15 species were isolated from P. pulmonarius, P. sajor-caju and C. indica cultivation house. Among the fungi isolated, the class of Eurotiomycetes was the most common. Among the 22 fungal species, Aspergillus flavus, A. ochraceus A. sydowii, A. tubingensis, A. westerdijkiae, Penicillium brevicompactum, P. citrinum, and P. steckii have been reported as harmful species to mushrooms, food, and human.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease by John Cunningham virus (JC virus) infection in oligodendrocytes. The radiographic and clinical features, along with the identification JC in cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction, are sufficient for the diagnosis of PML in immunodeficiency. However, it is difficult to suspect PML without the patient history of immunodeficiency. A 32-year-old man presented with headache for a month without any medical history. Based on clinical and image features, the differential diagnoses included demyelinating lesion and neoplasms. Microscopically, biopsy specimen showed multifocal demyelinating and degenerative white matter, consistent with PML. Oligodendrocytes cells with increased nuclei and plum-colored inclusions were admixed with perivascular lymphocytic and histiocytic infiltration, and loss of myelin. Atypical astrocytes had large or multiple nuclei. After brain biopsy, human immunodeficiency virus infection was confirmed by serum chemiluminescent immunoassay. It is unlikely that PML would be considered without the information of immunosuppression. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of the histological features of PML.
This study was conducted to verify the reliability of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) data derived from Selected Ion Flow Tube-Mass Spectrometers (SIFT-MS) measurements. In the previous study, the measurement reliability was validated using simultaneous measurements by SIFT-MS and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GS-MS), but in order to ensure more accuracy, and additional analysis was conducted by diluting standard gases (2 ppm) consisting of 10 types of VOCs mainly measured in industrial complexes (concentrations ranged from 0 to 500 ppb). As a result of 2 experiments, the SIFT-MS showed linearity and produced a coefficient of determination of over 0.99 for all cases. SIFT-MS has secured high measurement reliability, and it is considered to be able to efficiently manage VOCs emitted in industrial complexes.
Purpose: This study aimed to identify and analyze the experience of passing and repealing the Nurses Act in Parliament. Methods: This qualitative study used content analysis. The data were collected through in-depth interviews October 16 to November 23, 2023. Results: The qualitative content analysis revealed five themes and 16 subthemes. The themes included: “Learning the Nurses Act through different channels”, “The Nurses Act’s passage, which strengthens the professionalism and legitimacy of the nursing profession”, “Looking back and feeling the joy and frustration of the process of getting it through the Congress and getting it repealed”, “An abandoned nursing practice due to bullying”, “Nevertheless, moving toward the re-enactment of the Nurses Act with hope”. Conclusion: Nurses expected the Nurses Act to recognize their expertise and clarify legal nursing practices; however, they were outraged and perplexed when the president vetoed the Nurses Act, and they felt sorry for the Nurses Act, which was turned into a political tool in the conflict between medical professions. Nevertheless, they hoped that the Nurses Act would be re-promoted through opinions and discussions with various professions and public awareness activities by developing nurses’ political capabilities and preparing a basis for the Nurses Act.
The odors emitted from wastewater treatment plants are not only a health and hygiene problem, but can also lead to complaints from residents and have wider social ramifications such as bringing about falling property values in the surrounding area. In this paper, based on the data measured at domestic and overseas wastewater treatment facilities, the concentrations of complex odors and odorous compounds were compared for each treatment/process: primary treatment, secondary treatment, and sludge treatment processes. Odor compounds that contribute greatly to complex odors were summarized for each process. In addition, the characteristics of odor wheels for each wastewater treatment process, which provide both chemical and olfactory information regarding odors, were reviewed. For domestic wastewater treatment facilities, the complex odor concentrations (unit, dilution factor) of the primary and secondary treatment processes were 4.5-100,000 (median, 32.1) and 2.5-30,000 (median, 10.7), respectively. However, the complex odor concentrations in the sludge treatment process were 3.0-100,000 (median, 118.7), which was more than three times higher than that in the wastewater treatment process. In the wastewater treatment process, those odor compounds making the greatest contributions to complex odors were sulfur-containing compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide DMS. In order to properly manage odors from wastewater treatment plants and minimize their impact, it is important to understand the status of odor emissions. Therefore, the compositions and concentrations of odors from wastewater treatment processes and odor wheel information, which are reviewed in this paper, are used to evaluate the potential risk of odor from wastewater treatment facilities in order to derive strategies to minimize odor emissions. Moreover, the information can be usefully used to introduce the best available technology to reduce odors emitted from wastewater treatment facilities.
Purpose: The study aim was to understand the experiences of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in labor union activities. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study and content analysis were conducted. The participants included nine ICU nurses who shared their experiences with labor union activities. The data were collected through in-depth interviews. Results: The experiences of ICU nurses with labor union activities encompassed five themes: “The Initial Step in Union Activities”, “Benefits Derived from Union Participation”, “Concerns Regarding Union Activities”, “The Non-Omnipotence of Unions”, and “Achieving Mutual Benefits through Union Activities”. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that ICU nurses strive to improve their work and the nursing environment through labor unions, despite facing negative perceptions of union involvement.
In order to determine the future direction of Busan City’s tree planting policy in accordance with changes in automobile fuel and air pollutants, this study selected representative tree species planted in Busan and identified the biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) emission rate and characteristics of each species. First, representative tree species were selected for each street tree species, forest tree species, and park tree species, and the emission rate and major components of BVOCs were investigated for each tree species. Furthermore, by comparing the ozone generation potential (POCP) for each tree species, tree species with a low emission rate were selected. According to the POCP comparison, P. yedoensis, G. biloba, Z. serrata and C. retusus were selected as roadside tree species, P. densiflora and C. obtusa as forest species, and A. palmatum, C. japonica, and Q. myrsinaefolia were deemed suitable for park species. However, in the case of P. occidentalis, Quercus, and M. glyptostroboides, the emission rates of BVOCs were found to be high. Despite this, these tree species were found to display excellent CO2 absorption and carbon storage. The concentration of NOx in the city center is likely to decrease due to the current trend of transitioning to eco-friendly cars worldwide, resulting in less cars that rely on fossil fuels. Therefore, in the current climate where NOx emissions are still high, planting tree species with a low BVOCs emission rate would be an optimal approach. On the other hand, if the NOx concentration in the city is found to be very low due to changes in automobile fuel use, planting tree species with excellent BVOCs emission capacity and CO2 absorption would be ideal.
Purpose: This study aimed to identify and describe the experiences of new nurses trained by clinical nursing educators. Methods: Data were collected through focus groups and in-depth interviews conducted between July 27 and August 12, 2021. The collected data was qualitatively analyzed through content analysis. Results: Six themes and 19 subthemes emerged. The themes included: “Worried about not adjusting to work”, “Not feeling at ease with the preceptor”, “Experiencing the benefits of working with the clinical nurse educator”, “Getting practical support from the clinical nurse educator”, “Receiving mental and emotional support from the clinical nurse educator”, and “Appreciating successful adjustment”. Conclusion: This study confirmed the importance of the educator’s role in helping new nurses adjust to the workplace and develop competence.