Background: Muscle activities of gluteus maximus (GM) and hamstring (HAM) have important roles in the stability and mobility of the hip joint during various functional activities including bridge and prone hip extension exercises. Objects: The purpose of this study is to investigate muscle activities of GM, multifidus (MF) and HAM during three different bridge exercises in healthy individuals. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects were participated. Electromyography device was used to measure muscle activities of GM, MF and HAM. Each subject was asked to perform three different bridge exercises with hip abduction (0°, 15°, 30°) in random order. One-way repeated measures analysis of the variance and a Bonferroni post hoc test were used. Statistical significance was set at α = 0.01. Results: The muscle activity of GM was significantly different among three conditions (hip abduction 0°, 15°, 30°) (adjusted p-value [Padj] < 0.01). The muscle activity of GM was significantly greater during bridge exercise with hip abduction 30° compared to 0° and 15° (Padj < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the muscle activity of MF and HAM muscle (Padj > 0.01). The ratio of muscle activity (ratio = GM/HAM) during bridge exercise with hip abduction 30° was significant greater compared to the hip abduction angles 0° and 15° (Padj < 0.01). Conclusion: Bridge exercise with hip abduction 30° can be recommended to selectively facilitate the muscle activity of GM and improve the ratio of muscle activity between GM and HAM.

Background: Neck pain is a major health problem in developed countries and has a lifetime prevalence of 50%. Major problems include a reduced cervical range of motion, muscle stiffness, dysfunction, postural changes, and decrease in psychosocial level. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effects of applying the upper trapezius inhibition dynamic taping to patients with chronic neck pain on their neck pain, functional level, cervical range of motion, psychosocial level, and neck posture. Methods: The study design was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 40 patients with neck pain participated in this study and were randomly assigned to a Dynamic Taping group (n = 20) or Sham Taping group (n = 20). In both groups, basic intervention cervical pain control therapy and shoulder stabilization exercise program were performed. In addition, dynamic taping and sham taping were applied to participants in the Dynamic Taping and Sham Taping groups to inhibit the trapezius muscle, respectively. All interventions were performed three times a week and a total of 12 times for 4 weeks, and the participants’ neck pain, functional impairment level, cervical range of motion, psychosocial level, and neck posture were measured and compared before and after the intervention. Results: Both groups showed significant differences in neck pain, functional level, cervical range of motion, psychosocial level, and neck postural before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were significant differences between the two groups regarding the functional level and neck posture (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Inhibition dynamic taping of the upper trapezius muscle suppression is an effective method with clinical significance in reducing pain in individuals with chronic neck pain and improving the functional level, cervical range of motion, psychosocial level, and neck posture.

Generally, Au electrodes are the preferred top metal electrodes in most perovskite solar cells (PSCs) because of their appropriate work function for hole transportation and their resistance to metal-halide formation. However, for the commercialization of PSCs, the development of alternative metal electrodes for Au is essential to decrease their fabrication cost. Ag electrodes are considered one of the most suitable alternatives for Au electrodes because they are relatively cheaper and can provide the necessary stability for oxidation. However, Ag electrodes require an aging-induced recovery process and react with halides from perovskite layers. Herein, we propose a bilayer Au/Ag electrode to overcome the limitations of single Au and Ag metal electrodes. The performance of PSCs based on bilayer electrodes is comparable to that of PSCs with Au electrodes. Furthermore, by using the bilayer electrode, we can eliminate the aging process, normally an essential process for Ag electrodes. This study not only demonstrates an effective method to substitute for expensive Au electrodes but also provides a possibility to overcome the limitations of Ag electrodes.

Transition metal carbides (TMCs) are used to process difficult-to-cut materials due to the trend of requiring superior wear and corrosion properties compared to those of cemented carbides used in the cutting industry. In this study, TMC (TiC, TaC, Mo2C, and NbC)-based cermets were consolidated by spark plasma sintering at 1,300 oC (60 oCmin) with a pressure of 60 MPa with Co addition. The sintering behavior of TMCs depended exponentially on the function of the sintering exponent. The Mo2C-6Co cermet was fully densified, with a relative density of 100.0 %. The Co-binder penetrated the hard phase (carbides) by dissolving and re-precipitating, which completely densified the material. The mechanical properties of the TMCs were determined according to their grain size and elastic modulus: TiC-6Co showed the highest hardness of 1,872.9 MPa, while NbC-6Co showed the highest fracture toughness of 10.6 MPa*m1/2. The strengthened grain boundaries due to high interfacial energy could cause a high elastic modules; therefore, TiC-6Co showed a value of 452 ± 12 GPa.

Breakthrough analysis has widely been explored for the dynamic separation of gaseous mixtures in porous materials. In general, breakthrough experiments measure the components of a flowing gas when a gaseous mixture is injected into a column filled with an adsorbent material. In this paper, we report on the design and fabrication of a breakthrough curve measurement device to study the dynamic adsorptive separation of hydrogen isotopologues in porous materials. Using the designed system, an experiment was conducted involving a 1:1 mixture of hydrogen and deuterium passed through a column filled with zeolite 13X (1 g). At room temperature, both hydrogen and deuterium were adsorbed in negligible amounts; however, at a temperature of 77 K, deuterium was preferentially adsorbed over hydrogen. The selectivity was different from that in the existing literature due to the different sample shapes, measurement methods, and column structures, but was at a similar level to that of cryogenic distillation (1.5).

The development of advanced materials to improve the efficiency of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting paves the way for widespread renewable energy technologies. Efficient photoanodes with strong absorbance in visible light increases the effectiveness of solar energy conversion systems. MoS2 in a two-dimensional semiconductor that has excellent absorption performance in visible light and high catalytic activity, showing considerable potential as an agent of PEC water splitting. In this study, we successfully modulated the MoS2 morphology on indium tin oxide substrate by using the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition method, and applied the PEC application. The PEC photocurrent of the vertically grown MoS2 nanosheet structure significantly increased relative to that of MoS2 nanoparticles because of the efficient transfer of charge carriers and high-density active sites. The enhanced photocurrent was attributed to the efficient charge separation and improved light absorption of the MoS2 nanosheet structure. Meanwhile, the photocurrent property of thick nanosheets decreased because of the limit imposed by the diffusion lengths of carriers. This study proposes a valuable photoelectrode design with suitable nanosheet morphology for efficient PEC water splitting.

Fly ash is a by-product of coal fired electrical power plants and used as a material for cement and concrete; particularly, imported fly ash is mainly applied for cement production. Main objectives of this article are to replace domestic fly ash with an imported source. To verify the possibility of domestic fly ash as a material for cement from the aspect of chemical composition and physical properties, we manufactured various kinds of cement, such as using only natural raw material, shale, and partial replacement with domestic and imported fly ash. When we used the domestic and imported fly ash, there were no specific problems in terms of clinker synthesis or cement manufacturing in relation to the natural material, shale. In conclusion, domestic fly ash has been confirmed as an alternative raw material for cement because 7 days and 28 days compressive strength values were better than those of reference cement using natural raw material, on top of the process issue.

To improve light absorption ability in the visible light region and the efficiency of the charge transfer reaction, Pd nanoparticles decorated with reduced TiO2 nanotube photocatalyst were synthesized. The reduced TiO2 nanotube photocatalyst was fabricated by anodic oxidation of Ti plate, followed by an electrochemical reduction process using applied cathodic potential. For TiO2 photocatalyst electrochemically reduced using an applied voltage of -1.3 V for 10 min, 38% of Ti4+ ions on TiO2 surface were converted to Ti3+ ion. The formation of Ti3+ species leads to the decrease in the band gap energy, resulting in an increase in the light absorption ability in the visible range. To obtain better photocatalytic efficiency, Pd nanoparticles were decorated through photoreduction process on the surface of reduced TiO2 nanotube photocatalyst (r10-TNT). The Pd nanoparticles decorated with reduced TiO2 nanotube photocatalyst exhibited enhanced photocurrent response, and high efficiency and rate constant for aniline blue degradation; these were ascribed to the synergistic effect of the new electronic state of the TiO2 band gap energy induced by formation of Ti3+ species on TiO2, and by improvement of the charge transfer reaction.

Bullets flying with a light from the back are called “tracers”. Tracers are ignited by the combustion gas of the propellant and emit bright light that allows the shooter to visually trace the flight path. Therefore, tracers mark the firing point for allies to assist shooters to hit target quickly and accurately. Conventional tracers are constructed with a mixture of an oxidizing agent, raw metal, and organic fuel. Upon ignition, the inside of the gun can be easily contaminated by the by-products, which can lead to firearm failure during long-term shooting. Moreover, there is a fire risk such as forest fires due to residual flames at impact site. Therefore, it is necessary to develop non-combustion type luminous material; however, this material must still use the heat generated from the propellant, so-called “thermoluminescence (TL)”. This study aims to compare the TL emission of Dy3+, La3+ and Ho3+ doped MgB4O7 phosphors prepared by solid state reaction. The crystal structures of samples were determined by X-ray diffraction and matched with the standard pattern of MgB4O7. Luminescence of various doses (200 ~ 15,000 Gy) of gamma irradiated Dy3+, La3+ and Ho3+ (at different concentrations of 5, 10, 15 and 20 %) doped MgB4O7 were recorded using a luminance/color meter. The intensity of TL yellowish (CIE x = 0.401 ~ 0.486, y = 0.410 ~ 0.488) emission became stronger as the temperature increased and the total gamma-ray dose increased.

In this investigation, Bi2MoO6 deposited graphene nanocomposite (BMG) was synthesized using a simple microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis method. The synthesized BMG nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and photocurrent analysis. The study revealed that the catalysts prepared have high crystalline nature, enhanced light responsive property, high catalytic activity, and good stability. XRD results of BMG composite exhibit a koechlinite phase of Bi2MoO6. The surface property is shown by SEM and TEM, which confirmed a homogenous composition in the bulk particles of Bi2MoO6 and nanosheets of graphene. The catalytic behavior was investigated by the decomposition of Rhodamine B as a standard dye. The results exhibit excellent yields of product derivatives at mild conditions under ultrasonic/visible light-medium. Approximately 1.6-times-enhanced sono-photocatalytic activity was observed by introduction of Bi2MoO6 on graphene nanosheet compared with control sample P25 during 50 min test.

Background: Since chronic ankle instability (CAI) can adversely affect postural control, core stability exercises have been investigated to improve postural control. However, only a few studies have focused on kinetic chain exercises. Objectives: To investigate the effects of open kinetic chain (OKC) and closed kinetic chain (CKC) core stability exercises on static and dynamic balance abilities and vertical jump height in CAI patients. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The 18 participants enrolled in this study were randomly divided into the OKC group (n=9) and CKC group (n=9). Static and dynamic balance abilities and vertical jump height were measured before and after the intervention. The intervention program comprising OKC or CKC core stability exercises depending on the groups was conducted for 30 min twice a week for 6 weeks in 12 sessions. Results: In the OKC group, static measured with the eyes open or closed and dynamic balance abilities were significantly improved after the intervention (P<.05). In the CKC group, dynamic balance ability was significantly increased (P<.05). A significant difference was observed in static balance ability measured with the eyes open between the two groups (P<.05). Vertical jump height was significantly increased after the intervention in both groups (P<.05). Conclusion: OKC and CKC core stability exercises improve static and dynamic balance abilities and vertical jump height in CAI patients. Specifically, the OKC core stability exercise was more effective in enhancing static balance ability than the CKC core stability exercise.

Background: Forward head posture leads to resulting in posture instability and changes in spine alignment. To treat this condition, numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of joint mobilization. However, only a few studies have reported on the intervention location of joint mobilization or its effects on heart rate variability. Objectives: To investigated the effects of joint mobilization intervention at the lower cervical spine on pain, head posture, and heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with a forward head posture. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty patients with forward head postures who met the study inclusion criteria were recruited. A randomization program was used to divide the subjects into experimental and control groups. Each group consisted of ten subjects. The intervention was performed for four weeks, three sessions per week, 15 min per day, and non-simultaneously throughout the 12-week study period. Results: A significant decrease in neck pain was shown in both the experimental and control groups. In contrast, significant changes in craniovertebral angle (CVA), cranial rotation angle (CRA), and HRV were found only in the experimental group. Conclusion: The mobilization of the cervical spine is an effective intervention for improving pain, head posture, and HRV.

Background: Volleyball is a team sport that requires a lot of movement and explosive movement. Volleyball players have different roles depending on their position. The reason is that the spiker or center is tall and the libero or setter is relatively small compared to other positions. Objectives: To investigate a difference in basic physical fitness according to the positions of volleyball players and to examine the correlation between basic physical fitness items. Design: Correlational research designs. Methods: A total of 33 male professional volleyball players were recruited for each position by position: 15 spikers, 7 centers, 5 setters, and 6 liberos. Muscle endurance, power, agility, and balance ability were measured as basic physical fitness items. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in agility according to each position (P<.05), and a positive correlation was indicated in muscle endurance and power (P<.05). Conclusion: A training program can be developed based on the correlation between training and basic physical fitness according to the positions of volleyball players.

Background: Short foot exercise, which is an intrinsic foot muscle exercise proposed by the foot core system, is used to improve the strength of intrinsic foot muscles and sensory input and function of the foot. However, there is a lack of studies that assessed the improvement in foot function after short foot exercise in patients undergoing rehabilitation after a modified Broström operation of the ankle joint. Objectives: To investigate the effects of short foot exercise on intrinsic foot muscle cross-sectional area and balance ability in patients who had undergone a modified Broström operation of the ankle joint. Design: A single blind, randomized controlled trial. Methods: Sixteen patients who were undergoing ankle rehabilitation exercises following the modified Broström operation were randomized into two groups. General physical therapy, short foot exercises, and ankle rehabilitation programs were performed in the experimental group (n=8), whereas general physical therapy and ankle rehabilitation programs were performed in the control group (n=8). For outcome measures, the intrinsic muscles of the foot were imaged using the Sonimage HS1 musculoskeletal ultrasound system. The Y-balance test and RS-foot scan system were used to confirm dynamic balance ability and static balance ability. Results: The cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis and dynamic balance ability significantly improved in the experimental group that underwent short foot exercise compared to the control group (P<.05). In contrast, static balance ability was not significantly different between the two groups (P>.05). Conclusion: Short foot exercise successfully increased the cross-sectional area of the abductor muscle and improved dynamic balance after a modified Broström operation

Background: Although rectus femoris (RF) eccentric training and static stretching (SS) have been reported effectively on lumbar flexibility, and muscle architecture, most studies are results using machines and long-term effects. Therefore, we want to investigate the effect of Reverse Nordic Hamstring Exercise (RNHE), a self-eccentric training, by immediately comparing it with SS. Objectives: To compare the RNHE and SS of RF to show the effects of lumbar flexibility, and fascicle length (FL). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 30 study subjects were randomly allocated into an experimental group(Reverse Nordic Hamstring Exercise) and a control group(Static Stretching). Before and after the intervention, the subject performed fingertip to floor test (FFT) to evaluate the flexibility of the lumbar spine and measured FL through the SONON 300L (Healcerion Inc., Seoul, South Korea). Results: There was a significant effect on lumbar flexibility within both groups (P<.05), also there were clear results between the two groups (P<.05). FL showed a significant increase in RNHE (P<.05), but not in SS, and there was a no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: RNHE is effective in improving lumbar flexibility, and FL of RF muscle.

Background: The circuit exercise program is a continuous method that combines complex training types and is an exercise method that is performed to improve performance by improving basic physical strength such as strength, agility, endurance and muscular endurance. Objectives: To examine the effect of exercise program on pulmonary function of professional volleyball players. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: 22 professional volleyball players were divided into two groups of 11 each. A high intensity interval exercise program and circuit exercise program were performed twice a week for 45 minutes for 4 weeks. Results: The changes in pulmonary function in professional volleyball players were significantly different pre and post the intervention in both groups and the interval exercise program group showed a more significant difference before and after the intervention in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second/Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/FVC) (P<.05). In addition, there was also a significant difference in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC between two groups (P<.05). Conclusion: The interval exercise program group was effective in improving pulmonary function for professional volleyball players.

Background: Physical therapists provide treatment with patient counseling. Therefore, communication with the patient is essential. There was insufficient research on the relationship between communication competence and job satisfaction of physical therapists. Objectives: To examine the relationship between communication ability and job satisfaction of physical therapists. Design: Descriptive surveys. Methods: The subjects were 89 physical therapists who working in hospitals and clinics. Communication competence were measured using global interpersonal communication competence scale (GICC-45). Job satisfaction were measured with the job satisfaction questionnaire used by Park. Results: As a result of comparison by employment status, there was a significant difference (P<.05). In comparison between working positions, there was a significant difference between staff and manager compared to assistant manager (P<.05). In comparison between working hours, there was a significant difference between more than 40 hours per week compared to less than 40 hours per week (P<.05). Communication competence and job satisfaction was found to have a significant positive correlation (P<.05). Specifically, communication ability were found to have a significant positive correlation with job pride, organization factor, autonomy and payment, working condition, welfare and stability (P<.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that the higher the communication competence of the physical therapist, their job satisfaction was higher.

Background: To restore the trunk function of stroke patients who tend to experience trunk weakness, a single exercise intervention is usually applied. However, problems with the trunk remain even after such an intervention. To overcome this challenge, combining other intervention methods with an exercise is suggested during training. Objectives: To investigate the effect of breathing based abdominal draw-in technique on the thickness of the transversus abdominis muscle and trunk control in stroke patients. Design: Randomized controlled study. Methods: After designating a group that will perform the abdominal draw-in technique as Experimental Group I and another group that will perform the breathing based abdominal draw-in technique as Experimental Group II, the thickness of the transversus abdominis muscle and the trunk impairment scale (TIS) of the subjects were measured as pre-tests before the interventions and as post-tests after the six week intervention period. Results: In the within group comparison, there was a significant change in the thickness of the transversus abdominis muscle for both groups while the subjects performed the abdominal draw-in technique; a significant change was also noted in their TIS (P<.05) (P<.01). However, in the inter-group comparison, a significant difference was found only in the TIS between the two groups (P<.05). Conclusion: After the application of the breathing based abdominal draw-in technique, an efficient contractile response was observed even in the muscles around the abdomen of the subjects, which indicates that this technique is an intervention method that can more effectively improve trunk control.

Background: Patients who underwent rotator cuff repair (RCR) require management to control pain and prevent re tear and stiffness. Thoracic mobilization has been applied for the improvement of vertebra and shoulder movements and pain reduction. Also, core stability exercise is an intervention necessary for rehabilitation after shoulder surgery. Objectives: To examine the short term benefits of thoracic mobilization and core stability exercise for patients after RCR. Design: Randomized controlled trial with multi arm parallel group and single blind assessor. Methods: 30 participants after RCR were recruited. Participants were categorized into conventional physical therapy (CPT) group, thoracic mobilization (TM) group, and core stability exercise (CSE) group according to the randomization program. Each treatment, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimuli (TENS), TM, and CSE was applied to each group. 3 physical therapists only conducted evaluations; VAS (visual analogue scale), ROM (range of motion), and Korean version of Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Results: VAS and SPADI were statistically reduced, and ROM was statistically improved in all 3 groups. In between three group comparisons of changes in outcome variables, there was not a significant difference in VAS, but there was a significant difference in ROM and SPADI. In the post hoc test, ROM and SPADI showed a significant difference in TM and CSE compared to CPT. Conclusion: TM according to Maitland concept and CSE had beneficial effects compared to CPT in patients after RCR.

In this study, we have investigated a selective emitter using a UV laser on BBr3 diffusion doping layer. The selective emitter has two regions of high and low doping concentration alternatively and this structure can remove the disadvantages of homogeneous emitter doping. The selective emitters were fabricated by using UV laser of 355 nm on the homogeneous emitters which were formed on n-type Si by BBr3 diffusion in the furnace and the heavy boron doping regions were formed on the laser regions. In the optimized laser doping process, we are able to achieve a highly concentrated emitter with a surface resistance of up to 43 Ω/□ from 105 ± 6 Ω/□ borosilicate glass (BSG) layer on Si. In order to compare the characteristics and confirm the passivation effect, the annealing is performed after Al2O3 deposition using an ALD. After the annealing, the selective emitter shows a better effect than the high concentration doped emitter and a level equivalent to that of the low concentration doped emitter.