기술의 발전이 야기한 부정적 현상 중 하나가 바로“비동의 포르노”의 확산이다. 비동의 포르노는 일반적으로‘타인의 성적 이미지를 그 타인 의 동의 없이 유포하는 것’으로 이해된다. 이와 같은 비동의 포르노 피 해자는 비동의 포르노로 인해 사적인 삶뿐 아니라 직업과 관련해서도 중 대하고 회복 불가능한 피해를 입게 된다. 이와 같은 현실로 인해 우리나 라를 포함한 많은 국가들이 비동의 포르노 행위를 범죄화하기에 이르렀 다. 미국의 경우에는 특히, 연방 및 주 차원에서 모두 비동의 포르노를 범죄화하기 위한 노력을 기울여 왔으며, 대부분의 주에서 비동의 포르노 를 범죄화하는 형벌조항을 두고 있는 현재에도 그 개선방안에 대한 논의 가 활발하게 이루어지고 있다. 본 논문의 목적은 바로 이와 같은 미국 법제에 대한 비교법적 연구를 통해, 우리나라의 비동의 포르노 규제법제에 대한 시사점을 도출하는 데 있다. 먼저, 미국 대부분의 주들은 비동의 포르노를 범죄화하는 형벌조항 을 두고 있다. 일반적으로 범죄 성립을 위한 객관적 요건으로는 i) 노출 상태나 성적 행위 중인 피해자의 사적 이미지를 ii) 그 피해자의 동의 없 이 iii) 유포하는 행위가, 그리고 주관적 요건으로는 이와 같은 객관적 요 건에 해당하는 사실에 대한 행위자의 일정한 심적 상태(mental state)가 요구된다. 특히, 비동의 포르노 범죄의 행위객체인‘노출 상태나 성적 행 위 중인 피해자의 사적 이미지’에서“노출 상태”와“성적 행위”가 의미 하는 바를 각 주들은 상세하게 규정하고 있는가 하면, 피해자가 직접 촬 영한 이미지(일명‘셀피’) 또한 이와 같은 행위객체에 포함되는 것으로 규정하고 있다. 비동의 포르노 범죄의 성립을 위한 주관적 요건과 관련 하여, 객관적 요건에 해당하는 사실에 대한 행위자의 심적 상태에 더하 여 가해 목적과 같은 특별한 목적이 있을 것을 요구하는 주도 있으나, 이에 대해서는 매우 강력하고도 설득력 있는 비판이 제기되고 있다. 미국의 비동의 포르노에 해당하는 행위를 규율하는 우리나라 형사법규 로는 특히,‘성적촬영물 무단반포등죄’를 규정하고 있는 성폭력처벌법 제14조 제2항과‘정보통신망이용 성적촬영물 무단반포등죄’를 규정하고 있는 동법 동조 제3항을 들 수 있다. 이와 같은 성폭력처벌법 제14조 제 2항과 제3항은 그간 비동의 포르노에 대한 처벌의 공백을 메우는 방향 으로 개정되어 왔다. 이와 같은 개정에도 불구하고 미국 형사법제에 대한 비교법적 검토 결과를 고려할 때, 비동의 포르노를 규제하는 우리나 라 형사법제에 대해서는 다음과 같은 개선방안이 제시될 수 있을 것이 다. 먼저, 성폭력처벌법 상‘성적촬영물 무단반포등죄’나 ‘정보통신망이 용 성적촬영물 무단반포등죄’의 행위객체가 되는 성적촬영물의 촬영대상 을 현행 성폭력처벌법보다 더 구체적으로 규정함으로써 전형적인 형사불 법성을 갖는 성적촬영물 유포행위만을 성폭력처벌법 제14조 제2항 및 제3항의 규율대상으로 해야 할 것이다. 다음으로, 행위자가 일단 정보통 신망을 이용하여 촬영대상자의 의사에 반해 성적촬영물을 유포하였다면, 그 행위자가 어떤 목적을 가졌는지와 무관하게‘정보통신망이용 성적촬 영물 무단반포등죄’로 가중처벌할 필요가 있다. 마지막으로, 촬영대상자 의 의사에 반해 성적촬영물을 유포하면서 그 촬영대상자 개인에 관한 정 보까지도 함께 제공한 경우를 가중처벌하는 것으로 현행 성폭력처벌법을 개정할 필요가 있다.

빅 데이터, 알고리즘, 인공지능, 블록체인, 메타버스 및 스마트계약과 같이 21세기의 기술혁신은 기존의 주주총회 개최방법의 효율성과 공정성 에 의문을 제기하게 만들었고, 경영진에게 새로운 역량이나 기술을 습득 하거나 보유할 것을 요구하고 있으며, 기업 내에서 기존에 의사결정을 내리던 자들에게 보다 효율적인 방식으로 기업을 운영할 수 있는 도구를 제공하고, 기업 내에서 누가 실질적인 의사결정권을 가져야 하는지를 결 정하는 균형추를 바꾸어 놓고 있으며, Corona-19 팬데믹은 가상주주총 회 도입 시기를 우리가 예상했던 것보다 훨씬 더 빠르게 앞당겨 놓았다. 기업지배구조의 기본 테마 중 하나는 기업의 경영진에게 부여되는 광 범위한 재량권과 주주들이 경영진에 대해 책임을 추궁할 수 있는 권한 간에 균형을 맞추는 일이다. 따라서 이글은 새로운 기술들이 어떻게 주 주총회를 주주민주주의의 시금석으로 부활시키고, 어떻게 주주들이 기업 경영에 관여할 수 있는 새로운 길을 열 수 있는지, 기업 내 구성원들의 역할 및 권한과 책임분배에서 어떤 역할을 수행할 수 있는지, 공동의사 결정 비용을 감소시키고 보다 효율적인 의결권 행사절차를 가능케 함으 로써 주주총회의 역할을 강화시킬 수 있는지 등에 대한 것들이다. 그런 데 가상주주총회에 대해 비판적 견해도 많지만 가상주주총회는 주주참여 와 접근성을 높이고, 주주와 이사 및 경영진 간의 상호작용을 활발하게 하며, 탄소 발자국을 줄일 수 있고, 비용을 절감할 수 있는 등 많은 장점 을 가지고 있다, 특히 개인투자자들이 적극적으로 주주총회에 참석하여 건설적인 의견을 제시할 경우, 효율적인 의사결정이 이루어질 수 있고, 이는 회사의 실적향상으로 이어질 수도 있으므로 형해화 되었다는 비판 을 받던 주주총회가 본연의 기능을 회복할 수 있을 것이라는 기대는 가 상주주총회가 갖는 최고의 장점이 아닐까 하는 생각이 든다. 그러나 이 제도가 우리나라에 온전하게 도입되기 위해서는 학계의 비 판적 견해와 갈라져 있는 견해들을 수렴하여 바람직한 해결책을 찾고, 특히 우리보다 앞서 많은 논의가 이루어지고 실무경험이 풍부한 외국의 사례들을 심도 있게 연구하여 바람직한 기업지배구조 개선을 위한 입법 방향을 제시할 수 있어야 할 것이다. 그리고 주식회사 구성원들 간에 보 다 활발한 상호작용이 이루어질 수 있는 메타버스 기술과 의결권 행사 데이터에 대한 위조와 변조가 현실적으로 어려워 보안성이 높기 때문에 의결권 행사의 신뢰성을 확보할 수 있는 블록체인 기술도 아울러 도입할 것을 제안한다.

2018년 음주운전차량에 윤창호 군이 사망하는 사고가 발생하고, 상습 음주운전에 대한 처벌을 강화하자는 국민들의 의견을 반영하여 도로교통 법 제148조의2 제1항이“제44조제1항 또는 제2항을 2회 이상 위반한 사람(자동차등 또는 노면전차를 운전한 사람으로 한정한다)은 2년 이상 5년 이하의 징역이나 1천만 원 이상 2천만 원 이하의 벌금에 처한다.”는 내용으로 일부개정이 있었다. 그런데 얼마 지나지 않아 2021. 11. 25. 헌법재판소에서 위 일부 개정된 도로교통법 중 제148조의2 제1항 중 “제44조 제1항을 2회 이상 위반한 사람”에 관한 부분이 헌법에 위반된 다는 위헌결정을 하였다. 헌법재판소는“제44조 제1항을 2회 이상 위 반”한 경우로 정하여 가중요건이 되는 과거 음주운전 금지규정 위반행위 와 처벌대상이 되는 재범 음주운전 금지규정 위반행위 사이에 아무런 시 간적 제한을 두지 않고, 죄질이 비교적 가벼운 유형의 재범 음주운전 행 위에 대해서까지 일률적으로 가중 처벌하도록 함으로써 형벌 본래의 기 능에 필요한 정도를 일탈하는 과도한 법정형을 규정한 것으로 책임과 형 벌 간의 비례원칙에 위반된다고 하였다. 그러나 음주운전의 행위태양 및 죄질의 경중에 차이가 있더라도 모두 반복된 음주운전 금지규정의 위반이라는 중요한 행위 반가치 지표적 측 면에서 다른 범죄들과 합리적으로 구별되는 동질의 범죄행위라고 볼 수 있으므로 개별적인 행위 태양을 고려하여 처벌규정을 더 세분화하지 않 았더라도 헌법이 요구하는 형벌체계에 어긋난다고 단정할 수 없다. 또한 비난가능성이 크지 않은 유형의 재범 음주운전의 경우를 위험한 반복적 음주운전행위와 동일하게 취급할 수 있다 하더라도 징역형 이외에 벌금 형이 있으므로 법관이 사실관계를 판단하여 양형을 통해 충분히 해결할 수 있는 부분이므로 이 사건 심판대상 조항의 가중처벌기준이 입법재량 을 현저히 일탈했다고 볼 수도 없다. 따라서 헌법재판소의 이 사건 위헌결정이 적절한지는 의문이다. 특히 상습 음주운전자에 대한 처벌조항이 강화되었음에도 여전히 도로교통법 (음주운전) 위반 발생건수가 감소되지 않고 있고, 국민들 사이에서 여전 히 음주운전 처벌강화에 대한 필요성이 언급되고 있으므로 이 사건 심판 대상조항을 위헌이라고 단정할 만한 국민들 사이의 법 감정에 변화도 존 재하다고 볼 수 없다. 이런 측면에서 헌법재판소가 이 사건 결정과 같은 위헌결정을 하고자 하였다면, 단순위헌결정이 아닌 법적 공백상태 및 형 벌규정의 위헌결정에 따른 소급적용으로 발생하는 재심 등의 여러 문제 를 고려하여 입법형성권을 존중하고 법적 안정성을 보장하기 위한 방편 으로서 헌법불합치 결정하는 것이 권력분립원칙에 더 부합한다고 할 것 이다.

미술품에 있어서 추급권(droit de suite, Artist’ Resale royalty righ t)이란 원 저작자인 미술작가가 자기 작품이 최초 판매된 이후 다시 재 판매될 때마다 거래의 당사자에게 일정한 보상금을 청구할 수 있는 권리 이다. 한-EU FTA 협정문(‘11.7.1 발효) 제10.10조에 따르면 예술가의 추 급권(Resale right; 재판매권)에 관한 관행 및 정책에 관한 정보를 교환 하고, 협정 발효 2년 내에 한국에 추급권 도입을 위한 타당성 및 실행가 능성을 검토하기 위한 논의를 개시할 것을 규정하고 있지만 아직 구체적 인 논의는 없다. 추급권을 법제화 하기 위해서는 추급권 도입시 예상되는 문제점 두 가 지 즉, ⅰ) 미술품 거래 시장에 참가하는 자들에게 부담을 지우게 되면 시장이 위축될 수 있다는 것과, ⅱ) 추급권을 도입한다고 하더라도 미술 시장의 특성상 거래 내역의 불투명성으로 인하여 실질적으로 추급권을 행사하는 것이 어려워 실효성을 담보할 수 없다는 것에 대한 해결방안을 제시할 수 있는 연구가 필요하다. 추급권 도입을 위한 이러한 문제에 대하여 본고에서는 후원의 관점에 서 해결방안을 찾아보고자 한다. 다른 저작물과 다른 미술품의 특징을 감안할 때 후원의 관점에서 추급권을 고려하게 되면 추급권 제도를 도입 하는데 있어서 가장 설득력 있는 논거가 될 수 있을 것이기 때문이다. 이에 미술품의 특징과 미술에서의 후원의 개념에 대해서 살펴보고 추급 권의 도입에 따른 문제에 대하여 후원의 관점에서 입법을 위한 제안을 하였다. 추급권 도입과 관련하여 가장 우선하여 정리되어야 하는 법적 쟁점은 추급권의 법적 성격에 관한 것인데, 추급권의 법적 성격은 인격권적 성 격을 가진다는 점에 기초한다는 것을 우선 밝혔다. 추급권의 도입에는 후원이라는 개념에서 비롯된 것임을 확인하고 이를 기초로 하여 미술품 의 특징인 강한 원본성으로 인하여 미술품을 구입하는 것도 미술품에 대 한 후원의 하나이므로 미술품 재판매에 추급권을 인정하는 것에는 후원 의 개념이 포함되어야 함을 추론하였다. 이러한 연구 결과를 바탕으로 추급권을 도입하기 위하여 필요한 추급 권의 보호기간, 추급권의 요율, 추급권의 당사자, 추급권의 대상 미술품, 정보제공청구권에 대하여 후원의 관점에서 해결방안을 제시하였다.

Fibrous supercapacitors (FSs), owing to their high power density, good safety characteristic, and high flexibility, have recently been in the spotlight as energy storage devices for wearable electronics. However, despite these advantages, FCs face many challenges related to their active material of carbon fiber (CF). CF has low surface area and poor wettability between electrode and electrolyte, which result in low capacitance and poor long-term stability at high current densities. To overcome these limits, fibrous supercapacitors made using surface-activated CF (FS-SACF) are here suggested; these materials have improved specific surface area and better wettability, obtained by introducing porous structure and oxygen-containing functional groups on the CF surface, respectively, through surface engineering. The FS-SACF shows an improved ion diffusion coefficient and better electrochemical performance, including high specific capacity of 223.6 mF cm2 at current density of 10 μA cm2, high-rate performance of 171.2 mF cm2 at current density of 50.0 μA cm2, and remarkable, ultrafast cycling stability (96.2 % after 1,000 cycles at current density of 250.0 μA cm2). The excellent electrochemical performance is definitely due to the effects of surface functionalization on CF, leading to improved specific surface area and superior ion diffusion capability.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are widely used in various fields because they make it easy to control porous structures according to combinations of metal ions and organic linkers. In addition, ZIF (zeolitic imidazolate framework), a type of MOF, is made up of transition metal ions such as Co2+ or Zn2+ and linkers such as imidazole or imidazole derivatives. ZIF- 67, composed of Co2+ and 2-methyl imidazole, exhibits both chemical stability and catalytic activity. Recently, due to increasing need for energy technology and carbon-neutral policies, catalysis applications have attracted tremendous research attention. Moreover, demand is increasing for material development in the electrocatalytic water splitting and metal-air battery fields; there is also a need for bifunctional catalysts capable of both oxidation/reduction reactions. This review summarizes recent progress of bifunctional catalysts for electrocatalytic water splitting and metal-air batteries using ZIF-67. In particular, the field is classified into areas of thermal decomposition, introduction of heterogeneous elements, and complex formation with carbonbased materials or polyacrylonitrile. This review also focuses on synthetic methods and performance evaluation.

We fabricated 3 types of ETL, mp TiO2, ZnO, and ZnO coated on mp TiO2(ZMT) to compare the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) and fill factor (FF) of Perovskite solar cells. The structure of the cells was FTO/ETL/Perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3)/spiro-MeOTAD/Ag. SEM morphology assessment of the ETLs showed that mp TiO2 was porous, ZnO was flat, and the ZMT porous surface was filled with a thin layer. Via XRD measurements, the crystal structures of mp TiO2 and ZnO ETL were found to be anatase and wurtzite, respectively. The XPS patterns showing energy bonding of mp TiO2, ZnO, and ZMT O 1s confirmed these materials to be metal oxides such as ETL. The electrical characteristics of the Perovskite solar cells were measured using a solar simulator. Perovskite solar cells with ZMT ETL showed showed PCE of 10.29 % than that of conventional mp TiO2 ETL devices. This was considered a result of preventing Perovskite from seeping into the ETL and preventing recombination of electrons and holes.

Porous mullite-corundum ceramics were prepared using organic foam impregnation method with alumina and silica as raw materials. The influence of alkaline treatment and surfactant modification on polyurethane foam were studied. Effects of sintering process and material composition on porous mullite-corundum ceramics were investigated. The results show that the hang-pulp quantity of polyurethane foam increases with alkaline treatment. After treatment with 3 wt% SDS solution, the hang-pulp quantity of polyurethane foam further improved. Open porosity of sample decreased with elevation of sintering temperature and holding time, and compressive strength of sample showed a trend opposite to the change of porosity. The open porosity of the sample was enhanced by the increase of m(Al2O3/SiO2); the compressive strength decreased with increase of m(Al2O3/SiO2). However, when m(Al2O3/SiO2) was 2.5, the compressive strength of the sample reached 6.23 MPa, and the open porosity of the sample was 80.7 %.

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are considered of great importance due to their high catalytic and antimicrobial activities. This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of CuNPs, and on their antibacterial/antifungal activities. A copper salt (copper sulfate pentahydrate) as precursor, starch as stabilizing agent, and ascorbic acid as reducing agent were used to fabricate CuNPs. The resulting product was characterized via different techniques such as X-ray diffractrometry (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to confirm its characteristic properties. Employing the Scherrer formula, the mean crystallite sizes of copper (Cu) and cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanocrystals were found to be 29.21 and 25.33 nm, respectively, as measured from the main X-ray diffraction peaks. The functional groups present in the resulting CuNPs were confirmed by FTIR. In addition, the engineered CuNPs showed antibacterial and antifungal activity against tested pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains.

Background: Bird dog exercise (BDE) is one of the lumbar stabilization exercises that rehabilitate low back pain by co-contraction of the local and global muscles. Previous studies have reported the effect of various type of BDEs (for example, practicing the exercises on various surfaces and changing the limb movement) for muscle co-contraction. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of knee joint flexion position of the raised lower limb on abdominal and back muscle activity during BDE in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: Thirteen males participated in this study (age: 32.54 ± 4.48 years, height: 177.38 ± 7.17 cm). Surface electromyographic (SEMG) data of the internal abdominal oblique (IO), external abdominal oblique (EO), lumbar multifidus (MF), and thoracic part of the iliocostalis lumborum (ICLT) were collected in two knee joint flexion positions (90° flexion versus 0° flexion) during BDE. The SEMG data were expressed as a percentage of root mean square mean values obtained in the maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Results: Greater muscle activity of the IO (p = 0.001), MF (p = 0.009), and ICLT (p = 0.021) of the raised lower limb side and the EO (p = 0.001) and MF (p = 0.009) of the contralateral side were demonstrated in the knee joint flexion position compared to the knee joint extension position. Greater local/global activity ratios of the abdominal muscle (i.e., IO and EO) of the raised lower limb (p = 0.002) and the back muscle (i.e., MF and ICLT) of the contralateral side (p = 0.028) were also noted in the knee joint flexion position. Conclusion: BDE with a knee joint flexion position might be recommended as an alternative lumbar stabilization exercise to enhance muscle activity in both the raised lower limb and the contralateral sides of the trunk for individuals with CLBP

A cold roll-bonding process using AA1050, AA5052 and AA6061 alloy sheets is performed without lubrication. The roll-bonded specimen is a multi-layer complex aluminum alloy sheet in which the AA1050, AA5052 and AA6061 sheets are alternately stacked. The microstructural evolution with the increase of annealing temperature for the roll-bonded aluminum sheet is investigated in detail. The roll-bonded aluminum sheet shows a typical deformation structure in which the grains are elongated in the rolling direction over all regions. However, microstructural evolution of the annealed specimen is different depending on the type of material, resulting in a heterogeneous microstructure in the thickness direction of the layered aluminum sheet. Complete recrystallization occurs at 250 oC in the AA5052 region, which is lower by 100K than that of the AA1050 region. Variation of the misorientation angle distribution and texture development with increase of annealing temperature also differ depending on the type of material. Differences of microstructural evolution between aluminum alloys with increase of annealing temperature can be mainly explained in terms of amounts of impurities and initial grain size.

Background: Individuals with calf muscle shortening may have decreased dynamic balance. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of mobilization with movement (MWM) and myofascial release (MFR) on kinematic changes in dynamic balance in individuals with calf muscle shortening. Methods: Thirteen participants were randomly assigned to the MWM or the mobilization with movement added myofascial release (MWM-MFR) group. The MWM group received treatment with only MWM, whereas the MWM-MFR group was treated with MWM and MFR. Pre- and post-intervention passive range of motion (PROM), maximum reaching lengths, and modified star excursion balance test (MSEBT) results were compared for all participants. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The results showed significant within-group differences in ankle PROM, but no significant between-group differences. The maximum reaching length in the MWM-MFR group in the posterolateral direction was significantly different before and after the intervention (p = 0.005). This group also showed significantly reduced ankle abduction in MSEBT during the posteromedial direction section 3 (p = 0.007) and posterolateral direction section 5 (p = 0.049) compared with the MWM group. Conclusion: Combined MWM and MFR intervention improves ankle stability in the coronal plane during the posteromedial and posterolateral forward mo

In this article, Pb2Ba1.7Sr0.3Ca2Cu3O10+δ superconductor material was synthesized using conventional solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated one dominant phase 2223 and some impurities in the product powder. The strongest peaks in the XRD pattern were successfully indexed assuming a pseudo-tetragonal cell with lattice constants of a = 3.732, b = 3.733 and c = 14.75 Å for a Pb-Based compound. The crystallite size and lattice strain between the layers of the studied compound were estimated using several methods, namely the Scherrer, Williamson-Hall (W.H), sizestrain plot (SSP) and Halder Wagner (H.W) approach. The values of crystallite size, calculated by Scherrer, W.H, SSP and H.W methods, were 89.4540774, 86.658638, 87.7555823 and 85.470086 Å, respectively. Moreover, the lattice strain values obtained by W.H, SSP and H.W methods were 0.0063240, 0.006325 and 0.006, respectively. It was noted that all crystallite size results are consistent; however, the best method is the size-strain plot because it gave a value of R2 approaching one. Furthermore, degree of crystallites was calculated and found to be 59.003321%. Resistivity analysis suggests zero-resistance, which is typical of superconducting materials at critical temperature. Four-probe technique was utilized to measure the critical temperature at onset Tc(onset), zero resistivity Tc(off set), and transition (width ΔT), corresponding to temperatures of 128 K, 116 K, and 12 K, respectively.

Background: Gluteus medius muscle is important for the stability of hip joint. The sufficient core stability can be contributed to the performance of gluteus medius muscle in standing position. In addition, the external support may affect core stability in standing position. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigated the effectiveness of the external support on the strength and muscle activity of hip abductor muscle during hip abduction in standing position in subjects without core stability. Methods: Fifteen subjects participated in this study. The subjects were evaluated by using the double-leg lowering with bent knees to measure the core stability. The strength and muscle activity of hip abductors was measured in standing position with the condition with and without external support using the tensiometer sensor and the surface electromyography. The paired t-test was used to investigate the difference between hip abductor strength and activity according to external support. The level of statistical significance was set at α = 0.05. Results: The hip abductor strength and muscle activity of gluteus medius muscle with external support were significantly greater than those without external support during hip abduction in standing position (p < 0.05). Conclusion: During hip abduction in standing position, the external support may be contributed to the improvement of the hip abductor strength and muscle activity of gluteus medius especially in the subjects without core stability.

Herein a rich, Se-nanoparticle modified Mo-W18O49 nanocomposite as efficient hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst is reported via hydrothermal synthesized process. In this work, Na2SeSO3 solution and selenium powder are used as Se precursor material. The structure and composition of the nanocomposites are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), EDX spectrum analysis and the corresponding element mapping. The improved electrochemical properties are studied by current density, and EIS analysis. The as-prepared Se modified Mo-W18O49 synthesized via Na2SeSO3 is investigated by FE-SEM analysis and found to exhibit spherical particles combined with nanosheets. This special morphology effectively improves the charge separation and transfer efficiency, resulting in enhanced photoelectric behavior compared with that of pure Mo-W18O49. The nanomaterial obtained via Na2SeSO3 solution demonstrates a high HER activity and low overpotential of -0.34 V, allowing it to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm2.

Background: Low back and neck pain are two of the most common medical problems in the adult population. It is estimated that between 70% and 80% adults experience an episode of low back pain at least once during their lifetime. Objects: This study aimed to compare the effects of various stretching exercises and muscle energy techniques used for treatment of iliopsoas, quadratus lumborum, and hamstrings of patients with low back pain. Methods: A total of 52 subjects were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 17), the muscle energy technology group (METG, n = 19), and the stretching exercise group (SEG, n = 16). Interventions were performed twice a week for 4 weeks. Outcomes were measured before and after 4 weeks of treatment in the three groups, using the Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Index, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire (FABQ), the Finger to Floor test (FTF), the Modified-Modified Schober Test (MMS), and the Trunk Flexion Range of Motion test. Results: This study showed significant reduction in the pre-test and post-test KODI, VAS, and FABQ scores in all the three groups (p < 0.05). The KODI, VAS, FABQ and FTF assessed in this study showed interactions between the groups and the measurement time point (p < 0.01). After intervention, the KODI, VAS, FABQ and FTF in the SEG and METG were significantly higher (p < 0.05), and there was no difference between the METG and SEG. MMS and HFROM test showed no difference between the three groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: KODI, VAS, FABQ and FTF showed significant improvement after basic physical therapy, muscle energy technique, and stretching exercise intervention. And there was no significant difference in the intervention effect between the muscle energy group and the stretching exercise group.

Background: The gastrocnemius tightness can easily occur. Gastrocnemius tightness results in gait disturbance. Thus, various interventions have been used to release a tight gastrocnemius muscle and improve gait performance. Moreover, focal muscle vibration (FMV) has recently been extensively researched in terms of tight muscle release and muscle performance. However, no study has investigated the effects of FMV application on medial gastrocnemius architectural changes. Objects: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of FMV on medial gastrocnemius architecture in persons with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Methods: Thirty one persons with <10° of passive ankle dorsiflexion participated in this study. We excluded persons with acute ankle injury within six months prior to study onset, a history of ankle fracture, leg length discrepancy greater than 2 cm, no history of neurological dysfunction, or trauma affecting the lower limb. The specifications of the FMV motor were as follows: a fixed frequency (fast wave: 150 Hz) and low amplitude (0.3–0.5 mm peak to peak) of vibration; the motor was used to release the medial gastrocnemius for 15 minutes. Each participant completed three trials for 10 days; a 30-second rest period was provided between each trial. Medial gastrocnemius architectural parameters [muscle thickness (MT), fiber bundle length (FBL), and pennation angle (PA)] were measured via ultrasonography. Results: MT significantly decreased after FMV application (p < 0.05). FBL significantly increased from its baseline value after FMV application (p < 0.05). PA significantly decreased from its baseline value after FMV application (p < 0.05). Conclusion: FMV application may be advantageous in reducing medial gastrocnemius excitability following a decrease in the amount of contractile tissue. Furthermore, FMV application can be used as a stretching method to alter medial gastrocnemius architecture.

Background: Lower back pain (LBP) is a major cause of disability and a common musculoskeletal disorder encountered at some point in life. Dysfunction of the lumbar vertebrae has been associated with decreased flexibility of the hamstrings, which exhibited a strong positive correlation with LBP. Hamstring tension affects lumbar pelvic rhythm. We aimed to activate pelvic stability with compression by Active Therapeutic Movement (ATM), muscle energy technique (MET) was applied to increase the flexibility of the hamstring. Objects: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of MET with ATM and general MET were applied to the hamstring of adults, who were in their twenties with nor without LBP, on their pelvic inclination and the length of their hamstring. Methods: A total of 32 subjects were briefed about the purpose of this study and agreed to participate voluntarily. Before the experiment, all subjects were pre-examined, and they were divided into an LBP group and a no lower back pain group accordingly. Thereafter, all subjects participated in both in a crossover manner. After at least one week, they switched to another group and participated in the same experiment. Results: The study results revealed that both groups demonstrated significant results in the modified active knee extension test (p < 0.01) and the sit and reach test (p < 0.01) performed to assess the hamstring flexibility; an interaction (p < 0.05) was noted. Moreover, a more significant difference was observed between the MET with ATM and the general MET. Although significant results were obtained for the pelvic inclination (p < 0.01), interaction was not noted. Conclusion: Conclusively, in this study, when the MET with ATM was applied to the two groups, there was a significant difference compared to the general MET for hamstring flexibility, but it was confirmed that there was no significant difference for the pelvic inclination.

Background: It is known that hand strength and fingertip force are used as an indicator of muscle strength and are also highly related to the various chronic symptoms and even lifespan. To use the individual fingertip force (IFF) as a quantitative index for clinical evaluation, the IFF should be measured and analyzed with various variables from various subjects, such as the normal range of fingertip force and the difference in its distribution by disease. Objects: We tried to measure and analyze the mean maximum IFF distribution during grasping a cylindrical object in healthy adults and patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Five Force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors were attached to the fingertips of 24 healthy people and 13 patients with SCI. They were asked to grip the object three times for five seconds with their maximum effort. Results: The mean maximum IFF of the healthy adult group’s thumb, index, and middle finger was similar statistically and showed relatively larger than IFF of the ring and small finger. It is a 3-point pinch grip pattern. All fingertip forces of patients with SCI decreased by more than 50% to the healthy group, and their IFF of the middle finger was relatively the largest among the five fingertip forces. The cervical level injured SCI patients showed significantly decreased IFFs compared to thoracic level injured SCI patients. Conclusion: We expect that this study results would be helpful for rehabilitation diagnosis and therapy goal decision with robust further study.

Background: Foot drop is a common symptom in stroke patients. Tape applications are widely used to manage foot drop symptoms. Previous studies have evaluated the effects of static and dynamic balance and gait on foot drop using kinesiology tape; however, only few studies have used dynamic tape application in stroke patients with foot drop. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of dynamic taping, which facilitates the dorsiflexor muscle, on static and dynamic balance and gait speed in stroke patients with foot drop. Methods: The study included 34 voluntary patients (17 men, 17 women) with stroke. The patients were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 17), wherein dynamic taping was used to facilitate the dorsiflexor muscle, or the control group (n = 17), wherein kinesiology taping was used. Before the taping application, velocity average, path-length average, Berg balance scale, and timed up and go test (TUG) were recorded to measure static and dynamic balance, whereas the 10-meter walk test (10MWT) was used to measure gait speed. After the taping application, these parameters were re-evaluated in both groups. Repeated measure analysis of variance was used. Statistical significance levels were set to α = 0.05. Results: Except for the 10MWT scores in the control group, significant differences were noted in all the parameters measured for static and dynamic balance and gait speed between the pre and post-test (p < 0.05). However, the parameters showed significant interaction effects between group and time in the TUG and 10MWT (p < 0.01). Conclusion: These results indicate that compared with kinesiology taping, dynamic taping used in chronic stroke patients with foot drop had a more significant effect on dynamic balance and gait speed.