Lanthanum/gadolinium zirconate coatings are deposited via suspension plasma spray with suspensions fabricated by a planetary mill and compared with hot-pressed samples via solid-state reaction. With increase in processing time of the planetary mill, the mean size and BET surface area change rapidly in the case of lanthanum oxide powder. By using suspensions of planetary-milled mixture between lanthanum or gadolinium oxide and nano zirconia, dense thick coatings with fully-developed pyrochlore phases are obtained. The possibilities of these SPS-prepared coatings for TBC application are also discussed.

Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings are fabricated via suspension plasma spray (SPS) for thermal barrier applications. Three different suspension sets are prepared by using a planetary mill as well as ball mill in order to examine the effect of starting suspension on the phase evolution and the microstructure of SPS prepared coatings. In the case of planetary-milled commercial YSZ powder, a deposited thick coating turns out to have a dense, vertically-cracked microstructure. In addition, a dense YSZ coating with fully developed phase can be obtained via suspension plasma spray with suspension from planetary-milled mixture of Y2O3 and ZrO2.

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the effects of Clinical practice learning using a web-based e-book on nursing students' learning motivation, knowledge achievement and satisfaction with clinical practice. Methods: The participants in this study were 69 third-year nursing students (34 in the experimental and 35 in the control group) from a C-university in G-city, Korea, who were engaged in one-week clinical practicum in a gastroenterology ward. The data were analyzed by x²-test, Fisher's exact test, and t-test with the SPSS program 20.0. Results: After intervention, compared to the control group, the experimental group reported significant difference in Learning motivation (t=-3.61, p<.001), knowledge achievement(t=-2.92, p<.001), and satisfaction with clinical practice (t=-8.78, p<.001) in the training course using Mosby's nursing skills. Conclusion: These results identified that clinical practice learning using Mosby’s Nursing Skills was effective for the improvement of learning motivation, knowledge achievement and satisfaction with clinical practice. These results indicate that the implementation of an e-Learning needs to be continued as an effective educational tool. Also, it is needed to research more for better ways to implement e-Learning on students’ practicum.

The purpose of this study was to compare the slouched and upright sitting positions on lumbar joint reposition error (LJRE). Twenty subjects without low back pain were recruited for this study and, using a random number table, were randomly assigned to two groups; the upright sitting position group (UP group) and the slouched sitting position group (SP group). UP group was first asked to sit in an upright position and the SP group to sit in a slouched position as an intervention, and then the LJRE of both groups was measured at the neutral sitting position (lumbar flexion ). The measurement of the LJRE was repeated after one day. The sitting positions were performed for five minutes each and the LJRE was measured using an electronic goniometer. An independent t-test was used to compare the LJRE of both groups after each sitting position and after one day. The results of this study showed that the LJRE after an intervention in the UP group was lower than in the SP group (p<.05) and the LJRE after one day in the UP group was lower than in the SP group (p<.05). The findings of this study indicate that the upright sitting position can be applied to decrease LJRE, compared with the slouched sitting position. These findings also support that the upright sitting position reduces the potential for proprioceptive loss.

The purpose of this study was to compare the ring lock type knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) with newly developed 4-bar linkage KAFO on the gait characteristics of persons with poliomyelitis clinically. This 4-bar linkage is the stance control type KAFO which provide the stability during stance phase and knee flexion during swing phase. Two subjects participated in this study voluntarily. We provided the customized 4-bar linkage KAFO then asked the subjects to walk in level surface and stairs under the two different KAFO conditions. The characteristics of gait in the persons with poliomyelitis were evaluated using a 3D motion analysis system and force plate. Additionally 6 minute walk test for physiological cost index were conducted using pulse oximeter to measure the energy consumption. In the results of this study, the differences of 4-bar linkage KAFO compared with ring lock type KAFO are as follows: (1) Walking speed, stride length, and step length on level increased in subjects, (2) The gait symmetry was improved by generated knee flexion and decreased pelvic external rotation on level and stairs walking, (3) Decreased vertical excursion of center of mass and pelvic elevation during swing phase was decreased on level, (4) Knee extension moment, hip flexion moment, hip and knee internal rotation moment of non-braced limb were decreased on level walking, (5) Walking speed in 6-minute walk test was increased and physiological cost index was decreased. These findings indicate that 4-bar linkage KAFO compared with ring lock type KAFO is effective in enhancing pattern, endurance, and energy consumption in level surface and stairs walking.

With increase in operating temperature of gas turbine for higher efficiency, it is necessary to find new materials of TBC for replacement of YSZ. Among candidate materials for future TBCs, zirconate-based oxides with pyrochlore and fluorite are prevailing ones. In this study, phase structure and thermal conductivities of oxide system are investigated. system are comprised by selecting as A-site ions and as B-site ion in pyrochlore structures. With powder mixture from each oxide, oxides are fabricated via solid-state reaction at . Either pyrochlore or fluorite or mixture of both appears after heat treatment. For the developed phases along compositions, thermal conductivities are examined, with which the potential of compositions for TBC application is also discussed.

This paper reports the microstructures and thermal conductivities of -SiC composite ceramics with size and amount of SiC. We fabricated sintered bodies of -x vol.% SiC (x=10, 20, 30) with submicron and nanosized SiC densified by spark plasma sintering. Microstructure retained the initial powder size of especially SiC, except the agglomeration of nanosized SiC. For sintered bodies, thermal conductivities were examined. The observed thermal conductivity values are 40~60 W/mK, which is slightly lower than the reported values. The relation between microstructural parameter and thermal conductivity was also discussed.

The lumbar multifidus muscle, which can be separated into deep fascicles (DM) and superficial fascicles (SM), is important for lumbar segmental stability. However, no previous studies have investigated the effect of lumbar stabilization exercises on the thickness of DM and SM. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess DM thickness after three different lumbar segmental stabilization exercises. In total, 30 healthy male participants were recruited and randomly assigned to one of three exercise groups: hollowing in the quadruped position (H-Quad), contralateral arm and leg lift (CALL), and bilateral arm and leg lift (BALL). Each lumbar segmental stabilization exercise was conducted over 4 weeks. Ultrasonography was used to compare the DM and SM thickness before and after the 4 weeks of exercise. A mixed-model analysis of variance using Scheffe's post-hoc test was used for statistical analysis. The results showed a significant effect for the measurement time (before vs. after 4 weeks of exercise) in the DM (F=31.26, p<.05) and SM (F=4.56, p<.05). At the end of the 4 weeks, the DM thickness had increased significantly in the H-Quad exercise group, and the SM thickness had increased significantly in the CALL and BALL exercise groups. Also in the BALL exercise group, the SM thickness was greater compared with that in the H-Quad exercise group. These findings suggest that the thickness of the DM and SM were increased by different types of lumbar segmental stability exercise after 4 weeks.

The pelvic compression belt (PCB) contributes to improving sacroiliac joint stability, and it has been used as an additional therapeutic option for patients with sacroiliac joint pain (SIJP). This study aimed to investigate whether the muscle activation patterns of the supporting leg was different between asymptomatic subjects and subjects with SIJP during one-leg standing, and how it changes with the PCB. 15 subjects with SIJP and 10 asymptomatic subjects volunteered to participate in this study. Surface electromyography (EMG) data (reaction time [RT] and muscle activation) were collected from the internal oblique, lumbar multifidius, gluteus maximus and biceps femoris muscles during one-leg standing with and without the PCB. Without the PCB condition, in the SIJP group, the biceps femoris muscle showed the fastest RT among all muscles (p<.05), whereas in the asymptomatic group, the RT of the internal oblique muscle was the most rapid (p<.05). In condition without the PCB, the biceps femoris EMG amplitudes in the SIJP group were significantly greater than that in the asymptomatic group (p<.05). After the application of the PCB, the RT of the biceps femoris muscle was significantly increased only in the SIJP group (p<.05). Moreover, the biceps femoris EMG amplitudes significantly decreased and the gluteus maximus EMG amplitudes significant increased only in the SIJP group by applying the PCB (p<.05). However, this had no such effect on the gluteus maximus and biceps femoris EMG patterns in the asymptomatic group (p>.05). Thus, this study supports the applying the PCB to patients with SIJP can be used as a helpful option to modify the activation patterns of the gluteus maximus and biceps femoris muscle.

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of two types of stretching extensor carpi radialis on the visual analog scale (VAS), pressure-pain thresholds (PPTs), grip strength (GS), and strength of wrist extensor (SWE) in patients with lateral epicondylalgia. Sixteen patients with lateral epicondylalgia were recruited for this study and randomly assigned to two groups; the conventional stretching group (CS) and the stretching of proximal functional massage group (PFM); the VAS, PPTs, GS, and SWE were measured before and after the intervention. Over a period of stretching exercises were performed for five minutes per day, five days per week. The paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to determine the statistical differences in the VAS, PPTs, GS, and SWE (pre- and post-test). The Independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the effects of stretching exercises between the CS and PFM groups. The results of this study demonstrated that in the PFM group, the PPTs, GS, and SWE significantly increased, and the VAS decreased (p<.05). In the CS group, the VAS and GS increased significantly after the three-week intervention (p<.05). Pain was decreased and strength (GS and SWE) was increased in the PFM group, compared to the CS group (p<.05). The findings of this study indicate that PFM technique can be applied for decreasing pain and increasing the GS and SWE in patients with lateral epicondylalgia.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of contralateral hip adduction (CHA) on thickness of lumbar stabilizers during hip abduction in side-lying. Twenty healthy subjects without back pain were recruited for this study. The thickness of transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO) and quadratus lumborum (QL) were measured by ultrasonography. Pelvic lateral tilting motion was measured using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Measurements were performed at rest position (RP), preferred hip abduction (PHA) and abduction with contralateral hip adduction (CHA) in side-lying at the end of expiration. During the measurements, subjects were asked to maintain steady trunk alignment without hand support. Thickness of TrA and IO was significantly greater in CHA than in PHA and RP conditions. There was no significant difference in thickness of TrA and IO between PHA and RP conditions. Medio-lateral (M-L) thickness of QL was not significant between PHA and CHA conditions. Anterio-posterior (A-P) thickness of QL in PHA and CHA significantly decreased compared to RP condition. Angle of pelvic lateral tilting was significantly decreased in CHA compared to PHA condition. In conclusion, CHA can be recommended for increasing trunk stability without compensatory pelvic motion during hip abduction exercise in side-lying.

As operating temperatures of engines or turbines continually increase for higher efficiency, significant amounts of researches have been focused on finding new materials, which would be alternatives to conventional yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) for thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). In this study, phase evolution and thermo-physical properties of pyrochlore systems are investigated for TBC applications. systems are comprised by selecting as A-site ions and as B-site ions in pyrochlore structures. For the developed phases in compositions, thermo-physical properties such as thermal conductivity, thermal expansion coefficient are examined. The potential of these compositions for TBC application is also discussed.

Traditional culture could be a wonderful source of inspiration for creative design. Tteoksal, the stamps used for making decorative patterns on traditional rice-cakes, have been used and passed on to generations to show the emotions of our ancestors. Numerous traditional patterns found in Tteoksal can be used to better understand and transmit tradition in modern ways. The purpose of this study was to develop fashion cultural products with a modern sensibility by understanding the origin, types and characteristics of Tteoksal and its patterns. The method of this study was through considering the proceeding studies and the references published by a specialist and museums having some information about further knowledge on Tteoksal. In line with the aforementioned study, neckties, eco-friendly bags and pouches were developed as fashion goods. Among the Tteoksal's patterns selected were lotus, bats, 樂letters and complex patterns. Using a computer graphic software program such as Adobe Illustrator CS5, archetypes of patterns were traced as vector graphics, and two design motives were developed in every pattern. The patterns were developed into two types: one was a basic pattern faithful to a basic motive pattern, and the other was a varied type that was changed and applied. The fashion products were developed as two styles for basic and varied patterns for neckties, eco-friendly bags and pouch items. Twelve products were made for each pattern, which totals 48 unique products. In conclusion, the study could be a critical step to better understand the traditional culture and its influence to the patterns applied to modern fashion design.

The objective of this research was to examine the effects of lumber stabilization exercise and a general physiotherapy program for caregivers with chronic low back pain. Sixteen people participated in this study and were randomly assigned to two groups for either lumbar stabilization exercise or for general physiotherapy, respectively. The experiment was performed for eight weeks. To examine the general as well as the medical characteristics of the participants, the following measurements were used: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); Oswestry Disability Index (ODI); Back Performance Scale (BPS); Roland - Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ); and Beck Depression Index (BDI). To compare the general and medical characteristics of the participants in the two groups, an independent t test were used. During the experiment, a paired t test was conducted to determine whether there was a significant difference in the values of VAS, ODI, BPS, RMDQ, and BDI before and after the experiment. To examine the difference in the VAS, ODI, BPS, RMDQ, and BDI values in the two groups, ANCOVA was used with pre test values as a covariate. According to the test results, in the lumbar stabilization exercise group, the VAS, ODI, BPS, RMDQ, and BDI values showed a statistically significant difference before and after the test (p<.05). In comparison, in the general physiotherapy program group, only the ODI and BPS values showed a statistically significant level of improvement. Regarding the degree of improvement, participants in the lumbar stabilization exercise group showed statistically significant progress compared to those in the general physiotherapy group. In summary, lumbar stabilization exercise is regarded as more effective than general physiotherapy for treating caregivers with chronic low back pain. In future studies, it will be useful to expand the research and to examine the long term effects of lumbar stabilization exercise on workers.

The purpose of this study was to compare the anaerobic threshold (AT) between subjects with and without non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP). The patient group included 15 women with NCLBP. The normal group included 15 women without NCLBP who were age-, height-, weight-, and activity level-matched. The subjects performed a Balke treadmill protocol which was symptom-limited progressive loading test. Their heart rate (HR), ventilatory gas and metabolic equivalents (METs) were measured using the automatic breath gas analyzing system. After the test, each subjects' ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were evaluated. The visual analog scale (VAS) was assessed pre- and post-test. The independent t-test and Wilcoxon's signed-rank test were used for analysis of the data. Time, HR, the volume of oxygen consumption (), relative , and METs at the AT level of the patient group were significantly lower than those of the healthy group (p<.05). However, there were no significant differences in RPE, VAS, and breathing frequency at the AT level (p>.05). The findings of this study indicate that patients with NCLBP had a lower aerobic fitness than healthy subjects. Thus, implementation of rehabilitation program to increase aerobic fitness may be considered in patietns with NCLBP, and further studies are required to determine the etiological factors of decreased aerobic fitness.

The aim of this study was to compare electromyography activity for long and lateral heads of triceps brachii muscle according to forearm positions during different triceps strengthening exercises. The muscle activities for long and lateral head of triceps brachii were measured by surface electromyography. Fifteen healthy volunteers participated for this study and performed elbow extension in three different elbow extension exercises (elbow extension in a supine position; EES, elbow extension with shoulder abduction at 90 degrees in a prone position; EESA, and elbow extension with one arm at the side of the trunk in a prone position; EESP) and forearm positions (supination, neutral, and pronation). A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the effects of the exercise positions and forearm positions. The EMG activities of the long head of the triceps brachii increased significantly during EESP with forearm supination, whereas the activity of the lateral head of the triceps brachii increased significantly during EESA with the forearm in a neutral position (p<.05). The results of this study suggest that exercise positions and forearm positions should be considered for selectively strengthening the long and lateral heads of triceps brachii muscles.

Thermal barrier systems have been widely investigated over the past decades, in order to enhance reliability and efficiency of gas turbines at higher temperatures. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is one of the most leading materials as the thermal barriers due to its low thermal conductivity, thermodynamic stability, and thermal compatibility with metal substrates. In this work, rare-earth oxides with pyrochlore phases for thermal barrier systems were investigated. Pyrochlore phases were successfully formed via solid-state reactions started from rare-earth oxide powders. For the heat-treated samples, thermo-physical properties were examined. These rare-oxide oxides showed thermal expansion of and thermal conductivity of 1.2~2.4 W/mK, which is comparable with the thermal properties of YSZ.

This study was conducted to find the effects of scapular taping on muscle activities of the scapular rotators and upper trapezius pain in subjects with upper trapezius pain. Fifteen male subjects were recruited from Yonsei University for this study. Muscle activity of upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior was measured using surface electromyography. Visual analog scale was used for measuring upper trapezius pain. The subjects were asked to maintain shoulder flexion position with holding a 1 kg dumbbell in standing position. Scapular taping was applied over the muscle belly of the upper trapezius and attached parallel with the lower trapezius muscle fibers. For normalization, % maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) was conducted. Paired t-test was applied to compare the muscle activities of scapular rotator and upper trapezius pain before and after applying the scapular taping. The muscle activity of the upper trapezius muscle and serratus anterior decreased significantly after tape application (p<.05). However, no significant difference was observed in lower trapezius muscle. The level of pain in the upper trapezius muscle significantly decreased after tape application (p<.05). The results of this study suggest that scapular taping can be used an additional therapy for reducing muscle activity of upper trapezius, serratus anterior and upper trapezius pain during shoulder flexion in patient with upper trapezius pain.

This study investigated the relationships between Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), contributing factors, and the occupational stress of physical therapists. Self-reported questionnaires were given to 180 physical therapists in Gangwon Province. Variables examined included the prevalence of pain sites related to WMSDs; pain intensity; pain pattern; and job stress, which is thought to involve the physical environment; job demand; insufficient job control; interpersonal conflict; job insecurity; organizational system; reward system; and occupational culture. Among physical therapists, work-related musculoskeletal pain commonly affected the low back (30.1%), shoulder (29.3%), and wrist (12.2%). The sites of work-related musculoskeletal pain treated medically were the low back (22.8%), shoulder (19.8%), neck (12.7%), and wrist (12.1%). "Repeating the same work constantly" was suggested to be the major cause of the pain. The younger therapists were significantly more likely to feel high job stress due to the physical environment (p<.05), job demand (p<.05), and organizational system (p<.01). Women were more likely to feel greater job stress related to job demand, insufficient job control, the organization system, and job rewards. Men were more likely to feel greater job stress related to job insecurity. Weak positive relationships were observed between work-related musculoskeletal pain and job stress, which is thought to involve the physical environment; job demand; insufficient job control; interpersonal conflict; job insecurity; organizational system; reward system; and occupational culture. Physical therapists appear to be at higher risk of WMSDs because 80.1% of the physical therapists studied experienced work-related musculoskeletal pain. To reduce the risk, we need intervention strategies such as preventive education, ergonomically designed medical equipment, a psychosocial approach to work conditions, improved mechanical conditions related to therapeutic patterns, and an institutional infrastructure with sufficient personnel and scheduling.

based composites are candidate materials for ultra-high temperature materials (UHTMs). has become an indispensable ingredient in UHTMs, due to its high melting temperature, relatively low density, and excellent resistance to thermal shock or oxidation. powders are usually synthesized by solid state reactions such as carbothermal, borothermal, or combined carbothermal reaction. SiC is added to this system in order to enhance the oxidation resistance of . In this study, ?based composites were successfully synthesized and densified through two different processing paths. or 25 vol.%SiC was fully synthesized from oxide starting materials with reducing agents after heat treatment at 1400. Besides, ?20 vol.%SiC was fully densified with as a sintering additive after hot pressing at 1900. The synthesis mechanism and the effect of sintering additives on densification of ?SiC composites were also discussed.