Tungsten oxide(WO3) films with uniform surface morphology are fabricated using a spin-coating method for applications of electrochromic(EC) devices. To improve the EC performances of the WO3 films, we control the heating rate of the annealing process to 10, 5, and 1 oC/min. Compared to the other samples, the WO3 films fabricated at a heating rate of 5 oC/min shows superior EC performances for transmittance modulation(49.5 %), response speeds(8.3 s in a colored state and 11.2 s in a bleached state), and coloration efficiency(37.3 cm2/C). This performance improvement is mainly related to formation of a uniform surface morphology with increased particle size without any cracks by an optimized annealing heating rate, which improves the electrical conductivity and electrochemical activity of the WO3 films. Thus, the WO3 films with a uniform surface morphology prepared by the optimized annealing heating rate can be used as a potential candidate for performance improvement of the EC devices.

TiN and CrN thin films are among the most used coatings in machine and tool steels. TiN and CrN are deposited by arc ion plating(AIP) method. The AIP method inhibits the reaction by depositing a hard, protective coating on the material surface. In this study, the characteristics of multi-layer(TiN/CrN/TiN(TCT), CrN/TiN/CrN(CTC)) are investigated. For comparison, TiN with the same thickness as the multilayer is formed as a single layer and analyzed. Thin films formed as multilayers are well stacked. The characteristics of micro hardness and corrosion resistance are better than those of single layer TiN. The TiN/CrN peak is confirmed because both TCT and CTC are formed of the same component(TiN, CrN), and the phase is first grown in the (111) direction, which is the growth direction. However, the adhesion and abrasion resistance of the multilayer films are somewhat lower.

Fatigue crack growth retardation of 304 L stainless steel is studied using a neutron diffraction method. Three orthogonal strain components(crack growth, crack opening, and through-thickness direction) are measured in the vicinity of the crack tip along the crack propagation direction. The residual strain profiles (1) at the mid-thickness and (2) at the 1.5 mm away from the mid-thickness of the compact tension(CT) specimen are compared. Residual lattice strains at the 1.5 mm location are slightly higher than at the mid-thickness. The CT specimen is deformed in situ under applied loads, thereby providing evolution of the internal stress fields around the crack tip. A tensile overload results in an increased magnitude of the compressive residual stress field. In the crack growth retardation, it is found that the stresses are dispersed in the crack-wake region, where the highest compressive residual stresses are measured. Our neutron diffraction mapping results reveal that the dominant mechanism is by interrupting the transfer of stress concentration at the crack tip.

This study deals with the microstructure and tensile properties of 700 MPa-grade high-strength and seismic reinforced steel bars. The high-strength reinforced steel bars (600 D13, 600 D16 and 700 D13 specimens) are fabricated by a TempCore process, while the seismic reinforced steel bar (600S D16 specimen) is fabricated by air cooling after hot rolling. For specimens fabricated by the TempCore process, the 600 D13 and 600 D16 specimens have a microstructure of tempered martensite in the surface region and ferrite-pearlite in the center region, while the 700 D13 specimen has a microstructure of tempered martensite in the surface region and bainite in the center region. Therefore, their hardness is the highest in the surface region and shows a tendency to decrease from the surface region to the center region because tempered martensite has a higher hardness than ferrite-pearlite or bainite. However, the hardness of the 600S D16 specimen, which is composed of fully ferritepearlite, increases from the surface region to the center region because the pearlite volume fraction increases from the surface region to the center region. On the other hand, the tensile test results indicate that only the 700 D13 specimen with a higher carbon content exhibits continuous yielding behavior due to the formation of bainite in the center region. The 600S D16 specimen has the highest tensile-to-yield ratio because the presence of ferrite-pearlite and precipitates caused by vanadium addition largely enhances work hardening.

Shape memory alloys(SMAs) have revolutionized the material engineering sciences as they exhibit exclusive features i.e. shape memory effect(SME) and super-elasticity. SMAs are those alloys that when deform return to their predeformed shape upon heating, they also restore their original shape by removing the load. Research on properties of newly advent of several types of ferrous based shape memory alloys(Fe-SMAs), shows that they have immense potential to be the counterpart of Nitinol(NiTi-SMA). These Fe-SMAs have been used and found to be effective because of their low cost, high cold workability, good weldability & excellent characteristics comparing with Nitinol(high processing cost and low cold workability) SMAs. Some of the Fe-SMAs show super-elasticity. Fe-SMAs, especially Fe-Mn-Si alloys have an immense potential for civil engineering structures because of its unique properties e.g. two-way shape memory effect, super elasticity and shape memory effect as well as due to its low cost, high elastic stiffness and wide transformation hysteresis comparative to Nitinol. Further research is being conducted on SMAs to improve and impinge better attributes by improving the material compositions, quantifying the SMA phase transition temperature etc. In this research pre-existing Fe-SMAs are categorised and collected in a tabulated form. An analysis is performed that which category is mostly available. Last 50 years data of Fe-SMA publications and US Patents is collected to show its importance in terms of increasing research on such type of alloys to invent different compositions and applications. This data is analysed as per different year groups during last 50 years and it was analysed as per whether the keywords exist in title of an article or anywhere in the article. It was found that different keywords related to Fe-SMAs/categories of Fe-SMAs, almost don’t exist in the title of articles. However, these keywords related to Fe- SMAs/categories of Fe-SMAs, exist inside the article but still there are not too many publications related to Fe-SMAs/categories of Fe-SMAs.

Microalgae produce not only lipids for biodiesel production but also valuable biochemicals which are often accumulated under cellular stress mediated by certain chemicals. While the microcarriers for the application of drug delivery systems for animal cells are widely studied, their applications into microalgal research or biorefinery are rarely investigated. Here we develope dual-functional magnetic microcapsules which work not only as flocculants for microalgal harvesting but also potentially as microcarriers for the controlled release of target chemicals stimulating microalgae to enhance the accumulation of valuable chemicals. Magnetic microcapsules are synthesized by layer-by-layer(LbL) coating of PSS-PDDA on Fe3O4 nanoparticle-embedded CaCO3 microparticles followed by removing CaCO3 sacrificial templates. The positively charged magnetic microcapsules flocculate microalgae by electrostatic interaction which are sequentially collected by the magnetophoretic separation. The microcapsules with a polycationic outer layer provide efficient binding sites for negatively charged microalgae and by that means are further utilized as a chemical-delivery and flocculation system for microalgal research and biorefineries.

The manganese-, nickel-, and aluminum-doped cobalt ferrite powders, Mn0.2Co0.8Fe2O4, Ni0.2Co0.8Fe2O4, and Al0.2CoFe1.8O4, are fabricated by the sol-gel method, and the crystallographic and magnetic properties of the powders are studied in comparison with those of CoFe2O4. All the ferrite powders are nano-sized and have a single spinel structure with the lattice constant increasing in Mn0.2Co0.8Fe2O4 but decreasing in Ni0.2Co0.8Fe2O4 and Al0.2CoFe1.8O4. All the Mössbauer spectra are fitted as a superposition of two Zeeman sextets due to the tetrahedral and octahedral sites of the Fe3+ ions. The values of the magnetic hyperfine fields of Ni0.2Co0.8Fe2O4 are somewhat increased in the A and B sites, while those of Mn0.2Co0.8Fe2O4 and Al0.2CoFe1.8O4 are decreased. The variation of Mössbauer parameters is explained using the cation distribution equation, superexchange interaction and particle size. The hysteresis curves of the ferrite powders reveal a typical soft ferrite pattern. The variation in the values of saturation magnetization and coercivity are explained in terms of the site distributions, particle sizes and the spin magnetic moments of the doped ions.

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of upper thoracic mobilization on cervical alignment in stroke patients with forward head posture. The subject's of this study were two stroke patients with forward head posture and a cervical curve angle (four-line Cobb's method; FLCM) less than 40°. The intervention, central posterior-anterior (PA) mobilization, was applied to the T1-T4 vertebrae (upper thoracic spine) following the Maitland concept. This mobilization was applied three times per week for four weeks. In the results, the cervical curve angle (FLCM) increased for both subject 1 and 2. However, Jochumsen method score was decreased in subject 1, while it was increased in subject 2. These results demonstrate that upper thoracic mobilization had the positive effect on the cervical curve angle but not on Jochumsen method score. These findings suggest that PA mobilization on the upper thoracic spine could correct cervical curve angle measured by FLMC in stroke patients with FHP.

This study was conducted to examine the effect of joint mobilization on forward head posture and to propose an effective method to improve correct body posture and balance. A total of eight patients from a Maitland-applied group (n=8) received mobilization therapy to increase the mobility of the cervical joint, with Maitland's movement grade III intensity for 30 seconds of treatment and 30 seconds of rest, for ten intervals, three times a week for four weeks. The craniovertebral angle (CVA) changes before and after the intervention with the Maitland technique were measured as 56.85 ± 2.31° before, 63.23 ± 2.23° two weeks after, and 64.98 ± 1.27° four weeks after joint intervention. There were significant CVA changes before and after the Maitland technique (P <.05). The results of this study suggest that the Maitland technique is useful for improving the head vertebral angle in patients with forward head posture

The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate effect of neck stabilization exercise and Swiss ball exercise on the recovery from the fatigue of neck muscles induced. The turtleneck posture was set artificially by using Smartphone with healthy adults. Repetitively measured ANOVA was executed to examine the changes in the muscle fatigue of sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, and splenius capitis among three-time intervals (at the time of general resting, work and after intervention) in the three intervention groups (neck stabilization exercise group, Swiss ball exercise group, and ordinary rest group). There were no significant differences in the changes of fatigue of sternocleidomastoid muscle among all three intervention groups at the time of general resting, work and after intervention (p>.05). Although there was no significant difference in the changes in the fatigue of upper trapezius and splenius capitis muscles between the intervention groups at the time of general resting and work (p>.05), there was the significant difference between the three intervention groups at the time of work and after intervention (p>.05). This study suggest that Swiss ball exercise is more effective in reducing the muscular fatigue of the neck and shoulder at a turtleneck posture than neck stabilization exercise.

This study aimed to determine the effect of McKenzie lumbar support on pulmonary function in Stroke patients. Twenty subjects (n=20) were divided into two groups: a McKenzie lumbar support group (MLS group=10), a control group (n=10). Pulmonary function was performed to assess its effectiveness. A spirometer was used to measure the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF). The intervention was conducted for four weeks. In the MLS group, FEV1, FVC, and PEF were increased after McKenzie lumbar support. (p<0.05), while no significant differences in the variables were found in the control group (p>0.05). There were no significant differences in variables between the MLS group and the control group (p>0.05). Our findings suggest that applying Mckenzie lumbar support may be an alternative maneuver to improve pulmonary function in stroke patients.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Silver Spike Point (SSP) on functional constipation. The subjects were 14 female students who attended a university located in Gyeonggi province and consent to participate in this study. The inclusion criteria were the fulfillment of two or more diagnostic criteria of Rome III or scoring four or more points in Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS). The CAS score was significantly decreased in the experimental group (from 14.29±1.38 to 6.86±2.91) (p<.05), however, there was no significant change in the control group (from 14.29±1.49 to 14.14±1.21). The present study suggests that SSP intervention is effective in mitigating constipation.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of walking on crural muscle tone and stiffness in individuals with bilateral pronated foot. This study consisted of 16 healthy male. Subjects were divided into a pronated foot group (n = 8) and a normal foot group (n = 8). The navicular drop test on both foot and muscle tone and stiffness in tibialis anterior muscle, medial gastrocnemius muscle, and peroneus longus muscle of both lower extremities were measured before and after 30 min of walking. In this study, the measured navicular drop test before walking was significantly different between pronated foot group and a normal group(p < .05). After 30 min of walking, significantly, increased medial gastrocnemius muscle stiffness of the non-dominant leg was found in the pronated foot group (p < .05). However, there was no significant difference in medial gastrocnemius muscle stiffness between the two groups (p > .05). Based on this study, pronated foot needs to be managed to prevent the abnormally increased medial gastrocnemius muscle stiffness.

This study was conducted to examine the effects of the application of familycentered training over the 12-week period by the pediatric physiotherapist on functional balance and activities of daily living in children with cerebral palsy. Among the 26 children with cerebral palsy as the subjects were allocated to the experimental and control group. Both groups were subjected to neurodevelopmental treatment by the pediatric physiotherapist. The experimental group, participated in family-centered training program 3 times a week over a period of 12 weeks for the total of 36 sessions, functional balance and activities of daily living were verified through intergroup comparison. There was no significant difference between the outcomes prior to training and after 6 weeks of training, (p>.05) Pediatric Berg's Balance Scale(PBS) and Functional Independence Measure for children(Wee-FIM) increased significantly from those measures after 6 weeks to those after 12 weeks of training (p<.05). Therefore, these results suggest that on family-centered training on children with cerebral palsy has beneficial effects on functional movements and physical activities.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the immediate effects of negative pressure soft tissue therapy on muscle tone, muscle stiffness and balance in patients with stroke. In total, 20 patients with stroke and assigned to the negative pressure soft tissue therapy group (NPST, n=10) or, placebo-negative pressure soft tissue therapy group(Placebo-NPST, n=10). Both groups underwent NPST or placebo-NPST once a day during the experimental period. MyotonPRO was used to assess the parameters for muscle tone and stiffness. Biorescue was used to assess the parameters for balance. Each group showed improvements in muscle tone, muscle stiffness, and balance ability (p<.05). Especially, Muscle tone, muscle stiffness, and anterior length in the limit of stability were the significant improvement on NPST group (p<.05). The results of the study suggest that the NPST is effective in improving muscle tone, muscle stiffness, and balance ability in patients with stroke.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether static stretching or Thera-band stretching of hamstrings is more effective in improving the flexibility of hamstrings. A total of 40 participants performed stretching 3 times a week for 4 weeks, and a sitting trunk flexion meter was used to measure the flexibility of the hamstrings. Differences in hamstring flexibility before and after the application of static and Thera-band stretching were analyzed, and differences between the stretching methods were also analyzed. As a result, hamstring flexibility increased significantly after the static stretching program (p=.000), and also increased significantly after the Thera-band stretching program (p=.000). Although both programs were effective in improving hamstring flexibility, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=.058). Therefore, static stretching and Thera-band stretching are effective interventions to improve and maintain hamstring flexibility.

This study aimed to determine the effect of depression between the healthrelated quality of life and pain in elderly persons with physical disabilities. A total of 111 patients who were treated at hospital B (Seoul, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, and Busan) participated in the Survey. The SF-36 Health Assessment was used to determine the quality of life of subjects, the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short form to assess the level of depression, and Numeric Rating Scale to determine the level of pain. To determine the moderating effect of depression on the relationship between quality of life and pain, simple regression analysis, and the Sobel test were performed. There was a significant negative correlation between health-related quality of life and pain (r<-.3, p<.05), and a significant positive correlation between depression and pain (r=.251, p<.05). Thus, health-related quality of life had a simple regression relationship with depression and pain. Depression also showed a mediating effect between health-related quality of life and pain. The results of this study suggest that depression mediates between pain and quality of life.

The objective of this study was to investigate the dynamic neural mobilization program on the changes in muscle activity and nerve conduction velocity (NVC) in stroke patients. The participants were sampled and randomly divided into experimental group I (n=12) who underwent arm neural mobilization and experimental group II (n=13) who underwent arm dynamic neural mobilization. As the pretest, peripheral NVC of the radial, median, and ulnar nerves were measured using the Viking Quest; the biceps brachii, brachioradialis, flexor carpi radialis, and extensor carpi radialis activities were measured with sEMG. Each intervention program consisted of 10 trials per set and three sets per session. The intervention programs were performed once daily for four weeks (four days/week). Posttest measurements were taken equally as the pretest measurements. Significant differences in peripheral NVC in all sections of the radial and median nerves and wristbelow elbow and below elbow-above elbow areas of the ulnar nerve, as well as in muscle activity of all muscles except the biceps brachii. These findings indicate that dynamic neural mobilization was effective in increasing peripheral NVC and altering the muscle activity.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of kinematic taping therapy on menstrual distress, pain, and prostaglandinF2α. The experimental subject was a 24 years old woman with the pain of over 5 points on the dysmenorrhea measurement test and no unusual reactions on the taping test. The menstrual distress was measured by the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ), and the dysmenorrhea was measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after the intervention. The prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α) was measured on the first day of menstruation before the intervention and 24 hours after the taping therapy by the blood test. The intervention of kinematic taping was conducted by the instructor of the International Kinematic Taping Academy, and the taping was applied to the lower abdomen and the waist. According to the difference of menstrual distress before and after the intervention, the menstrual distress turned out to be decreased to 96 points after the intervention from the 115 points before the intervention. The dysmenorrhea also reduced 3 points on the VAS from 7 points to 4 points before and after the intervention. The PGF2α decreased from 26pg/㎖ to 20pg/㎖ before and after the intervention. Besides, the PGF2α decreased from 26pg/㎖ to 20pg/㎖ before and after the intervention. Results suggest that kinematic taping therapy could be useful to reduce the menstrual distress, pain, and PGF2α.

We perform density functional theory calculations to study the CO and O2 adsorption chemistry of Pt@X core@shell bimetallic nanoparticles (X = Pd, Rh, Ru, Au, or Ag). To prevent CO-poisoning of Pt nanoparticles, we introduce a Pt@X core-shell nanoparticle model that is composed of exposed surface sites of Pt and facets of X alloying element. We find that Pt@Pd, Pt@Rh, Pt@Ru, and Pt@Ag nanoparticles spatially bind CO and O2, separately, on Pt and X, respectively. Particularly, Pt@Ag nanoparticles show the most well-balanced CO and O2 binding energy values, which are required for facile CO oxidation. On the other hand, the O2 binding energies of Pt@Pd, Pt@Ru, and Pt@Rh nanoparticles are too strong to catalyze further CO oxidation because of the strong oxygen affinity of Pd, Ru, and Rh. The Au shell of Pt@Au nanoparticles preferentially bond CO rather than O2. From a catalysis design perspective, we believe that Pt@Ag is a better-performing Ptbased CO-tolerant CO oxidation catalyst.