This study uses silicone monomer, DMA, crosslinking agent EGDMA, and initiator AIBN as a basic combination to prepare hydrogel lenses using fluorine-based perfluoro polyether and iron oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles as additives. After manufacturing the lens using iron oxide nanoparticles and zinc oxide nanoparticles, the optical, physical properties, and polymerization stability are evaluated to investigate the possibility of application as a functional hydrogel lens material. As a result of this experiment, it is found that the addition of the wetting material containing fluorine changes the surface energy of the produced hydrogel lens, thereby improving the wettability. Also, the addition of iron oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles satisfies the basic hydrogel ophthalmic lens properties and slightly increases the UV blocking performance; it also increases the tensile strength by improving the durability of the hydrogel lens. The polymerization stability of the nanoparticles evaluated through the eluate test is found to be excellent. Therefore, it is judged that these materials can be used in various conditions as high functional hydrogel lens material.

Background: The serratus posterior inferior (SPI) muscle originates from the spinous process of T11-L2 and inserts at the lower border of the 9–12th ribs. This muscle is involved in thoracolumbar rotation and stability. Several positions can be used to improve trunk stability; the quadruped position is a good position for easily maintaining a neutral spine. In particular, during one arm lifting, various muscles act to maintain a neutral trunk position, and the SPI is one of these muscles. If trunk stability is weakened, uncontrolled trunk rotation may occur at this time. Tape can be used to increase trunk stability. There have been no studies on the effect of taping applied to the SPI muscle on thoracolumbar junction (TLJ) stability. Objects: This study compared the TLJ rotation angle between three different conditions (without taping, transverse taping, and SPI muscle direction taping). Methods: Thirty subjects were recruited to the study (18 males and 12 females). The TLJ rotation angle was measured during one arm lifting in a quadruped position (ALQP). Two taping methods (transverse and SPI muscle direction taping) were applied, and the TLJ rotation angle was measured in the same movement. Results: SPI muscle direction taping significantly reduced TLJ rotation compared to that without taping (p < 0.001) and with transverse taping (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the TLJ rotation angle between transverse taping and SPI muscle direction taping (p < 0.017). Conclusion: SPI muscle direction taping reduces the TLJ rotation angle during ALQP. Therefore, SPI muscle direction taping is one method to improve TLJ stability and reduce uncontrolled TLJ rotation during ALQP.

Background: Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) is an effective method for walking rehabilitation. Additionally, the body weight support (BWS) system reduces muscle fatigue while walking. However, no previous studies have investigated the effects of RAGT with BWS on isokinetic strength of quadriceps and hamstring muscles. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of torque, work, and power on the quadriceps and hamstring muscles during RAGT, using the BWS of three conditions in healthy subjects. The three different BWS conditions were BWS 50%, BWS 20%, and full weight bearing (FWB). Methods: Eleven healthy subjects (7 males and 4 females) participated in this study. The Walkbot_S was used to cause fatigue of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles and the Biodex Systems 4 Pro was used to measure the isokinetic torque, work, and power of them. After RAGT trials of each of the three conditions, the subjects performed isokinetic concentric knee flexion and extension, five at an angular velocity of 60°/s and fifteen at an angular velocity of 180°/s. One-way repeated analysis of variance was used to determine significant differences in all the variables. The least significant difference test was used for post-hoc analysis. Results: On both sides, there were significant differences in peak torque (PT) of knee extension and flexion between the three BWS conditions at an angular velocity of 60°/s and 180°/s conditions. A post-hoc comparison revealed that the PT in the BWS 50% was significantly greater than in the BWS 20% and the FWB and the PT in the BWS 20% was significantly greater than in the FWB. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the lower BWS during RAGT seems to lower the isokinetic torque, work, and power of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles because of the muscle fatigue increase.

Background: The CKCUES test evaluates the functional performance of the shoulder joint. The CKCUES test scores CKC exercises of the upper limbs to examine shoulder stability. Although the CKCUES test provides quantitative data on functional ability and performance, no study has determined the relationship between CKCUES scores and SA and TB muscle strength. Objects: The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between the CKCUES test scores and the strength of the SA and TB muscles in the CKCUES and unilateral CKCUES tests. Methods: Sixty-six healthy male volunteers participated in the study. A Smart KEMA strength sensor measured SA and TB muscle strength. Two parallel lines on the floor indicated the initial hand placement to start CKCUES tests. For 15 seconds, the subject raises one hand and reaches over to touch the supporting hand, then returns to the starting position. Results: The correlation between the CKCUES test scores and the strength of the SA was strong (r = 0.650, p < 0.001), and the TB was moderate (r = 0.438, p < 0.001). The correlation between the unilateral CKCUES test and the strength of the SA of the supporting side was strong (r = 0.605, p < 0.001), and swing side was strong (r = 0.681, p < 0.001). The correlation between the unilateral CKCUES test and the strength of the TB of the supporting side was moderate (r = 0.409, p < 0.001), and swing side was moderate (r = 0.482, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study showed that the CKCUES test had a strong association with isometric strength of SA and moderate association with that of TB. These findings suggest that the CKCUES test can evaluate the function of the SA. Moreover, the unilateral CKCUES test can evaluate unilateral shoulder function.

Background: Postural control deficit is a major characteristic in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Elastic ankle tapings are commonly used to facilitate postural control in patients with CAI as well as prevent relapse of a lateral ankle sprain. However, equivocal evidence exists concerning the effect of elastic ankle taping on postural control. Objects: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of elastic ankle tapings using kinesio taping (KT) and dynamic taping (DT) on static and dynamic postural control in patients with CAI. Methods: Fifteen subjects with CAI were participated in this study. The participants performed tests under three conditions (barefoot, KT, and DT). Static postural control was evaluated using the one-leg standing test (OLST) and dynamic postural control using the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare center of pressure (CoP) data and normalized mSEBT reach distances among the three conditions (with α = 0.05). Results: The CoP parameters (path length, ellipse area, and mean velocity) of the OLST significantly decreased on applying KT and DT compared with those when barefoot. The normalized reach distances in the anteromedial (AM), medial (M), and posteromedial (PM) directions of the mSEBT significantly increased with DT compared to that in the control condition. Further, the higher reach distances with KT compared with those in the control condition were obtained in the M and PM directions of the mSEBT. No significant differences were identified in any of the OLST and SEBT parameters between the two different taping applications. Conclusion: KT and DT improved static postural control during the OLST compared with the control condition. Moreover, these tapes improved dynamic postural control during the mSEBT compared to the control. Therefore, elastic ankle tapings are useful prophylactic devices for the prevention and treatment of ankle sprain in people with CAI.

Background: The scapulo-thoracic musculatures including serratus anterior (SA), upper trapezius and lower trapezius can provide shoulder stability and functional shoulder movement. Objects: The muscle activities of upper and lower SA were compared during three different scapular protraction exercises in healthy individuals in sitting position. Methods: Twenty-five healthy subjects were participated. Electromyography device was used to measure muscle activity of upper and lower SA and trapezius muscles. Each subject was asked to perform three different scapular protraction exercises (scapular protraction [SP], SP with self-resistance [SPSR], SPSR with hand-exerciser [SPSRH]) in random order. One-way repeated measures analysis of the variance and a Bonferroni post hoc test were used. Results: The muscle activity of lower SA muscle was significantly different among three conditions (SP vs. SPSR vs. SPSRH) (p < 0.01). The lower SA muscle activity was significantly greater during SPSRH compared to SP and SPSR, which required joint stability more than SP and SPSR (p < 0.01). Conclusion: SPSRH exercise can be recommended to facilitate the muscle activity of lower SA. In addition, the intramuscular variation in the upper and lower SA during scapular protraction exercise is required to consider the effective rehabilitation.

Background: While the formal test has been used to provide a quantitative measurement of core stability, studies have reported inconsistent results regarding its test-retest and intraobserver reliabilities. Furthermore, the validity of the formal test has never been established. Objects: This study aimed to establish the concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of the formal test. Methods: Twenty-two young adults with and without core instability (23.1 ± 2.0 years) were recruited. Concurrent validity was determined by comparing the muscle thickness changes of the external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse abdominal muscle to changes in core stability pressure during the formal test using ultrasound (US) imaging and pressure biofeedback, respectively. For the test-retest reliability, muscle thickness and pressure changes were repeatedly measured approximately 24 hours apart. Electromyography (EMG) was used to monitor trunk muscle activity during the formal test. Results: The Pearson’s correlation analysis showed an excellent correlation between transverse abdominal thickness and pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) pressure as well as internal oblique thickness and PBU pressure, ranging from r = 0.856–0.980, p < 0.05. The test-retest reliability was good, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC1,2) = 0.876 for the core stability pressure measure and ICC1,2 = 0.939 to 0.989 for the abdominal muscle thickness measure. Conclusion: Our results provide clinical evidence that the formal test is valid and reliable, when concurrently incorporated into EMG and US measurements.

Background: Muscle undergoes change continuously with aging. Sarcopenia, in which muscle mass decrease with aging, is associated with various diseases, the risk of falling, and the deterioration of quality of life. Obesity and sarcopenia also have a synergy effect on the disease of the older adults. Objects: This study examined the risk factors for sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and sarcopenia without obesity and developed prediction models. Methods: This machine-learning study used the 2008–2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys in the analysis. After data curation, 5,563 older participants were selected, of whom 1,169 had sarcopenia, 538 had sarcopenic obesity, and 631 had sarcopenia without obesity; the remaining 4,394 were normal. Decision tree and random forest models were used to identify risk factors. Results: The risk factors for sarcopenia chosen by both methods were body mass index (BMI) and duration of moderate physical activity; those for sarcopenic obesity were sex, BMI, and duration of moderate physical activity; and those for sarcopenia without obesity were BMI and sex. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of all prediction models exceeded 0.75. BMI could predict sarcopenia-related disease. Conclusion: Risk factors for sarcopenia-related diseases should be identified and programs for sarcopenia-related disease prevention should be developed. Data-mining research using population data should be conducted to enhance the effectiveness of early treatment for people with sarcopenia-related diseases through predictive models.

Background: The foot is a complex body structure that plays an important role in static and dynamic situations. Previous studies have reported that altered foot posture might affect knee joint strength and postural stability, however their relationship still remains unclear. Objects: The purpose of this study was to identify whether pronated foot posture has an influence on knee isokinetic strength and static and dynamic postural stability. Methods: Forty healthy young males aged 18 to 26 years were included. Foot posture was evaluated using the Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6), and the subjects were divided into two groups according to their FPI-6 scores: a neutral foot group (n = 20, FPI-6 score 0 to +5) and a pronated foot group (n = 20, FPI-6 score +6 or more). Biodex Systems 3 isokinetic dynamometer was used to evaluate knee isokinetic strength and hamstring to quadriceps ratio at three angular velocities: 60°/sec, 90°/sec, and 180°/sec. The static and dynamic postural stability in a single-leg stance under the eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions were measured with a Biodex Balance System. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in knee isokinetic strength and static postural stability (p > 0.05), but there was a significant difference in the medial– lateral stability index (MLSI) for dynamic postural stability under the eyes-closed condition (p = 0.022). The FPI-6 scores correlated significantly only with the dynamic overall stability index (OSI) and the MLSI (OSI: R = 0.344, p = 0.030; MLSI: R = 0.409, p = 0.009) under the eyesclosed condition. Conclusion: Participants with pronated foot had poorer medial–lateral dynamic stability under an eyes-closed condition than those without, and FPI-6 scores were moderately positively correlated with dynamic OSI and dynamic MLSI under the eyes-closed condition. These results suggest that pronated foot posture could induce a change in postural stability, but not in knee isokinetic strength.

Understanding sciences behind fall-related hip fractures in older adults is important to develop effective interventions for prevention. The aim of this review is to provide biomechanical understanding and prevention strategies of falls and related hip fractures in older adults, in order to guide future research directions from biomechanical perspectives. While most hip fractures are due to a fall, a few of falls are injurious causing hip fractures, and most falls are non-injurious. Fall mechanics are important in determining injurious versus non-injurious falls. Many different biomechanical factors contribute to the risk of hip fracture, and effects of each individual factors are known well. However, combining effects, and correlation and causation among the factors are poorly understood. While fall prevention interventions include exercise, vision correction, vitamin D intake and environment modification, injury prevention strategies include use of hip protectors, compliant flooring and safe landing strategies, vitamin D intake and exercise. While fall risk assessments have well been established, limited efforts have been made for injury risk assessments. Better understanding is necessary on the correlation and causation among factors affecting the risk of falls and related hip fractures in older adults. Development of the hip fracture risk assessment technique is required to establish more efficient intervention models for fall-related hip fractures in older adults.

Graphene, a new material with various advantageous properties, has been actively used in various fields in recent years. Applications of graphene oxide are increasing in combination with other materials due to the different properties of graphene oxide, depending on the number of single and multiple layers of graphene. In this study, single-layer graphene oxide and multi-layer graphene oxide are spray coated on polystyrene, and the physicochemical properties of the coated surfaces are characterized using SEM, Raman spectroscopy, AFM, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and contact angle measurements. In singlelayer graphene oxide, particles of 20 μm are observed, whereas a 2D peak is less often observed, and the difference in surface height increases according to the amount of graphene oxide. Adhesion increases with an increase in graphene oxide up to 0.375 mg, but decreases at 0.75 mg. In multi-layer graphene oxide, particles of 5 μm are observed, as well as a 2D peak. According to the amount of graphene oxide, the height difference of the surface increases and the adhesive strength decreases. Both materials are hydrophilic, but single-layer graphene oxide has a hydrophilicity higher than that of multi-layer graphene oxide. We believe that multi-layer graphene oxide and single-layer graphene oxide can be implemented based on the characteristics that make them suitable for application.

The effect of solidification rate on micro-segregation in investment casting of IN738LC superalloy was studied. In Ni-based superalloys, the micro-segregation of solute atoms is formed due to limited diffusion during cast and solidification. The microstructure of cast Ni-based superalloys is largely divided into dendrite core of initial solidification and interdendrite of final solidification. In particular, mosaic shaped eutectic γ/γ’ and carbides are formed in the interdendrite of the final solidification region in some cases. The micro-segregation phenomena formed in regions of dendrite core and interdendrite including eutectic γ/γ’ and carbides were analyzed using OM, SEM/EDS and micro Vickers hardness. As a result of analysis, the lack of (Cr, W) and the accumulation of Ti were measured in the eutectic γ/γ’, and the accumulation of (Cr, Mo) and the lack of Ti were measured in the interdendrite between dendrite and eutectic. Carbides formed in interdendritic region were composed of (Ti, W, Mo, C). The segregation applied to each microstructure is mainly due to the formation of γ’ with Ni3(Al,Ti) composition. The Ni accumulation accompanied by Cr depletion, and the Ti accumulated in the eutectic region as a γ’ forming elements. The Mo tends to diffuse out from the dendrite core to the interdendrite, and the W diffuse out from the interdendrite to the dendrite core. Therefore, the accumulation of Mo in the interdendrite and the deficiency of W occur in the eutectic region located in the interdendrite. Heat treatment makes the degree of the micro-segregation decrease due to the diffusion during solid solution. This study could be applied to the heat treatment technology for the micro-segregation control in cast Ni-based superalloys.

Various surface colors are predicted and implemented using the interference color generated by controlling the thickness of nano-level diamond like carbon (DLC) thin film. Samples having thicknesses of up to 385 nm and various interference colors are prepared using a single crystal silicon (100) substrate with changing processing times at low temperature by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The thickness, surface roughness, color, phases, and anti-scratch performance under each condition are analyzed using a scanning electron microscope, colorimeter, micro-Raman device, and scratch tester. Coating with the same uniformity as the surface roughness of the substrate is possible over the entire experimental thickness range, and more than five different colors are implemented at this time. The color matched with the color predicted by the model, assuming only the reflection mode of the thin film. All the DLC thin films show constant D/G peak fraction without significant change, and have anti-scratch values of about 19 N. The results indicate the possibility that nano-level DLC thin films with various interference colors can be applied to exterior materials of actual mobile devices.

In this study, binderless-WC, WC-6 wt%Co, WC-6wt% 1 and 2.5 B4C materials are fabricated by spark plasma sintering process (SPS process). Each fabricated WC material is almost completely dense, with a relative density up to 99.5 % after the simultaneous application of pressure of 60 MPa. The WC added Co and Co-B4C materials resulted in crystalline growth. The WC with HCP crystal structure has respective interfacial energy (basal facet direction: 1.07 ~ 1.34 J·m−2, prismatic direction: 1.43 ~ 3.02 J·m−2) that depends on the grain growth direction. It is confirmed that the continuous grain growth, biased by the basal facet, which has relatively low energy, is promoted at the WC/Co interface. As abnormal grain growth takes place, the grain size increases more than twice from 0.37 to 0.8 um. It is found through analysis that the hardness property also greatly decreases from about 2661.4 to 1721.4 kg/mm2, along with the grain growth.

Expensive PCBN or ceramic cutting tools are used for processing of difficult-to-cut materials such as Ti and Ni alloy materials. These tools have the problem of breaking easily due to their high hardness but low fracture toughness. To solve these problems, cutting tools that form various coating layers are used in low-cost WC-Co hard material tools, and research on various tool materials is being conducted. In this study, binderless-WC, WC-6 wt%Co, WC-6 wt%Co-1 wt% Mo2C, and WC-6 wt%Co-2.5 wt% Mo2C hard materials are densified using horizontal ball milled WC-Co, WC-Co-Mo2C powders, and spark plasma sintering process (SPS process). Each SPSed Binderless-WC, WC-6 wt%Co-1 wt% Mo2C, and WC-6 wt%Co- 2.5 wt% Mo2C hard materials are almost completely dense, with relative density of up to 99.5 % after the simultaneous application of pressure of 60 MPa and almost no significant change in grain size. The average grain sizes of WC for Binderless- WC, WC-6 wt%Co-1 wt% Mo2C, and WC-6 wt%Co-2.5 wt% Mo2C hard materials are about 0.37, 0.6, 0.54, and 0.43 μm, respectively. Mechanical properties, microstructure, and phase analysis of SPSed Binderless-WC, WC-6 wt%Co-1 wt% Mo2C, and WC-6 wt%Co-2.5 wt% Mo2C hard materials are investigated.

The formation of CaCO3 in microalgal culture is investigated and applied for effective separation of microalgae. The presence of several cationic ions in the culture medium mediates the formation of 3 types of mineral precipitates depending on the concentration of mineral precursors, Ca2+ and CO3 2−, amorphous nano-flakes, rhombohedral calcites, and spherical vaterites. While amorphous phased precipitates are formed for all concentrations of mineral precursor, only calcites are formed for 30 mM solutions of mineral precursor, and mixtures of calcites and vaterites are formed for 50 and 100 mM solutions of mineral precursor. The harvesting efficiency is also dependent on the concentration of the mineral precursor: from 90 % for 10 mM to 99 % for 100 mM after 60 mins’ of gravitational sedimentation. The formation of nano-flakes on the surface of microalgal cells induces the flocculation of microalgae by breaking the stable dispersion. The negatively charged surface of the microalgal cell is compatible not only with nano-flake attachment but also with the growth of calcitic crystals in which microalgal cells are embedded.

Well-crystallized vanadium pentoxide V2O5 thin films are fabricated on MgO single crystal substrates by using pulsed-laser deposition technique. The linear optical transmission spectra are measured and found to be in a wavelength range from 300 to 800 nm; the data are used to determine the linear refractive index of the V2O5 films. The value of linear refractive index decreases with increasing wavelength, and the relationship can be well explained by Wemple’s theory. The third-order nonlinear optical properties of the films are determined by a single beam z-scan method at a wavelength of 532 nm. The results show that the prepared V2O5 films exhibit a fast third-order nonlinear optical response with nonlinear absorption coefficient and nonlinear refractive index of 2.13 × 10−10 m/W and 2.07 × 10−15 cm2/kW, respectively. The real and imaginary parts of the nonlinear susceptibility are determined to be 3.03 × 10−11 esu and 1.12 × 10−11 esu, respectively. The enhancement of the nonlinear optical properties is discussed.

Chitosan powder is synthesized by a deasetylation process of chitin, obtained from processing of dried shrimp shell powder. Subsequently, chitosan (CS) membranes filled by montmorillonite (MMT) particles and phosphotungstic acid are prepared, and characterized by FT-IR and SEM. The morphology, obtained by SEM for the composite membrane, showed that MMT filler is successfully incorporated and relatively well dispersed in the chitosan polymer matrix. Water and methanol uptake for the CS/MMT composite membranes decrease with increasing MMT loadings, but IEC value increases. In all prepared CS/ MMT composite membranes, the CS membrane filled by 5 wt% MMT particles exhibits the best proton conductivity, while that with 10 wt% MMT loading exhibits the lowest methanol permeability; these values are 2.67 mS·cm−1 and 3.40 × 10−7 cm2·s−1, respectively. The best membrane selectivity is shown in the CS/MMT10 composite membrane; this shows that 10 wt% filled MMT is the optimum loading to improve the performance of the chitosan composite membrane. These characteristics make the developed chitosan composite membranes a promising electrolyte for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) application.

Background: Masticating is an activity that is free from temporal or spatial constraints, with an advantage that it can be combined easily with other treatment methods. While several studies have reported a positive effect of the intervention of chewing using the jaw on postural stability, only a few studies were conducted on stroke patients. Objectives: To investigated the effects of masticating chewing gum on the static and dynamic balancing of stroke patients. Design: Randomized cross-over study design. Methods: Nineteen stroke patients were randomly assigned to the chewing group or control group. BT4 was used to measure the static and dynamic balancing abilities. Pre-test measurements were taken before mastication of chewing gum, and post-test measurements were taken after 2 days. The stroke patients in the chewing group were guided to sit on a chair and chew gum for 3 min, and their balancing abilities were simultaneously measured. The balancing abilities of the control group patients were measured while they sat at rest without masticating chewing gum. Results: The chewing group showed significant increases in the measures of static balance (i.e., C90 area, trace length, X mean, and Y mean). In the between-group comparison, the measures of static balance were significantly higher in the chewing group than in the control group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that masticating chewing gum enhanced the static balancing ability of stroke patients. Thus, gum chewing should be considered a viable clinical intervention to control posture in stroke patients.

Background: Patients with dysphagia after stroke are treated with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), but its effect on masseter muscle thickness and bite force in the oral phase is not well known. Objectives: To investigated the effect of NMES on masseter muscle thickness and occlusal force in patients with dysphagia after stroke. Design: Two group, pre-post design. Methods: In this study, 25 patients with dysphagia after stroke were recruited and allocated to either the experimental or the control groups. Patients in the experimental group were treated with NMES to the masseter muscle at the motor level for 30 minutes and were additionally treated with traditional swallowing rehabilitation for 30 minutes. In contrast, patients in the control group were only treated with traditional swallowing rehabilitation for 30 minutes. Masseter muscle thickness was measured using ultrasonography before and after intervention, and bite force was measured using an bite force meter. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvement in masseter muscle thickness and bite force compared to the control group. Conclusion: NMES combined with traditional dysphagia rehabilitation is effective in improving masseter muscle thickness and bite force in patients with dysphagia after stroke.