Background: Ankle flexibility is important for maintaining proper biomechanical function. Static stretching is used to improve flexibility with minimal risk; however, its effects are often temporary. Transfer of energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy has the potential to enhance muscle flexibility and circulation through deep heat applications. However, comparative studies evaluating the effectiveness of TECAR therapy and static stretching are lacking. Objects: This study aimed to compare the effects of static stretching therapy (ST) and combined TECAR and static stretching therapy (T-ST) in subjects with gastrocnemius muscle (GCM) tightness. Methods: Twenty-seven participants with bilateral GCM tightness were enrolled. To administer the ST and T-ST, which were each applied to both legs, the participants stood for 15 minutes on a wedge with a 0°–15° incline, with both feet on the wedge during ST and with TECAR therapy in resistive energy transfer mode applied to only one side of the GCM during T-ST. Muscle stiffness (MyotonPRO), dorsiflexion range of motion (DF-ROM), peak torque, and pennation angle (PA) of the GCM were measured before and after the intervention. Normality was confirmed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Differences between the ST and T-ST leg conditions and between pre- and post-intervention changes in the legs were analyzed using paired t-tests. Results: There were no significant differences in any of the measured variables between the legs before the intervention. ST and T-ST legs showed significant improvements in all measured variables after the intervention (p < 0.05). T-ST legs demonstrated a significantly greater increase in DF and a greater decrease in PA than ST legs (p < 0.05). Conclusion: T-ST outperformed ST in reducing PA and increasing DF-ROM by promoting deep tissue relaxation and stimulating metabolic activity. This may lead to reduced pain and greater flexibility compared to ST. Maintaining an optimal PA ensures efficient force transmission during exercise, as evidenced by the observed increase in peak torque.
Background: Aquatic exercise utilizing hot springs helps individuals with nonspecific knee pain by reducing joint stress and providing a safe environment for movement. It can improve muscle strength and balance, enhancing overall functional mobility. Objects: This study aims to examine the muscle strength of knee flexion, knee extension, dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion, as well as to investigate static and dynamic balance in middleaged females after performing hot spring aquatic exercise for 4 weeks. Methods: Twenty-two middle-aged females participated in the study. The participants performed hot spring aquatic exercise for 4 weeks. The hot spring aquatic exercise consisted of aquatic walking, aquatic stretching, aquatic side step, aquatic forward reach, aquatic squat, leg lift, and aquatic arm and leg rotation. Muscle strength was measured using microFET2, while static balance was assessed through the one-leg stance test, and dynamic balance was evaluated using the Y-balance test. This study utilized the paired t-test for statistical analysis, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: The muscle strength of bilateral knee flexion showed a significant increase in the pre- and post-comparison (p < 0.05), and the muscle strength of bilateral knee extension also improved significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant increase was observed in the muscle strength of bilateral dorsiflexion (p < 0.05). The one-leg stance test performed while supporting on the right leg showed a significant increase in the pre- and post-comparison (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the dynamic balance measurements performed while supporting on both the right and left legs demonstrated significant improvements in both legs when compared before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In individuals with nonspecific knee pain, a 4-week hot spring aquatic exercise program can contribute to the improvement of lower extremity strength, as well as static and dynamic balance ability.
토마토뿔나방(Phthorimaea absoluta)은 현재 전 세계 토마토 재배에 심각한 문제를 초래하는 해충이며 국내에서는 2023년에 처음 발견된 이후. 전국적으로 퍼져 국내 토마토 재배 농가에 많은 경제적 손실을 입히고 있다. 특히 친환경 토마토 재배 농가에 대한 피해가 크게 발생하였지만 친환경 방제 방법이 부족한 상황이다. 북아프리카와 유럽에서는 토마토뿔나방의 포식성 천적인 담배장님노린재 (Nesidiocoris tenuis)를 상업적으로 이용하고 있으며, 스페인에서 알벌류(Tricogrammatidae)를 토마토뿔 나방 방제에 활용하는 등 친환경 방제수단으로써 천적을 활용하고 있다. 국외에서의 천적을 이용한 토마토뿔나방 방제 사례를 수집하여 기존 국내 천적의 활용성을 검증하고 이를 토대로 국내 토착 천적의 탐색 및 효과 검증을 통한 종합적인 천적 활용 친환경 방제 전략 수립에 이용하고자 한다.
Gas sensors are crucial devices in various fields including industrial safety, environmental monitoring, gas infrastructure and medical diagnosis. These sensors measure specific gases in different environments, guaranteeing operational safety and efficiency through precise on-site measurements. Designed for high sensitivity, stability and reliability, gas sensors must also be cost-effective, quickly responsive and compact. To address these diverse requirements, we have developed two types of gas sensors based on the volumetric and the manometric method. These sensors operate by measuring the gas volume and the pressure changes, respectively, of the emitted gas. These sensors are capable of determining gas transport parameters such as gas uptake, solubility and diffusion coefficient for gas-charged polymers in high pressure environment. The sensors provide rapid responses within one second and can measure gas concentrations ranging from 0.01 wt ppm to 1500 wt ppm with adjustable sensitivity and measurement ranges. Performance evaluations demonstrate the sensors' reliability, adaptability to varying measurement ranges and stability under temperature and pressure fluctuations. As a result, this sensor system facilitates the real time detection and analysis of gas transport properties in pure gases including H₂, He, N₂, O₂ and Ar, making it suitable for pure gas sensing.
본 연구는 양안 완전 교정 굴절력 차이가 3.75 D인 24세 여성 부등시 환자를 대상으로 시기능 훈련의 효과를 분 석하였다. 환자는 원거리 흐림, 안정 피로 및 근거리 작업 시 불편함을 호소하였으며, 기존 안경은 저교정 상태였 다. 초기 검사에서 양성융합버전스와 폭주 근점 등 주요 시기능 지표가 기댓값보다 낮게 나타났다. 완전 교정과 사 이즈 렌즈 처방을 통해 부등상시 증상을 완화하고 시각적 선명도를 개선한 후, 약 1개월간 안경원 및 가정에서 병 행하여 시기능 훈련을 실시하였다. 훈련 결과, 원거리와 근거리에서 양성융합버전스가 정상 범위로 회복되었으며, 조절 근점과 폭주 근점 또한 유의미한 개선을 보였다. 특히 근거리 작업 시 집중력 향상과 작업 시간 증가가 관찰 되었다. 본 사례는 부등시 환자 관리에서 굴절 이상 교정과 체계적 시기능 훈련의 효과적 결합이 임상적으로 유의 미한 결과를 도출할 수 있음을 보여준다.
Background: The increasing prevalence of smartphone use has been associated with musculoskeletal pain; however, the specific roles of demographic factors, smartphone usage time, posture, contents and state of addiction on pain in the upper-body regions remain unclear. Objects: This study investigated the influence of smartphone usage characteristics, including age, occupation, visual condition, duration, content, and posture, as well as smartphone addiction, on musculoskeletal pain in upper-body regions. This study aimed to comprehensively elucidate the factors contributing to the pain associated with smartphone use. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 316 participants aged 20–59 years. Data on personal characteristics, smartphone use patterns, state of addiction (measured using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version), and musculoskeletal discomfort (Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire and Cornell Hand Discomfort Questionnaire) were collected. Binary logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors of pain in different body regions. Results: Younger age (20–30 years), being housewives or students, and vision impairment (shortsightedness) significantly increased the likelihood of neck, shoulder, and hand pain. Prolonged smartphone use (7–10 hours daily) and gaming were strongly associated with elevated pain risk, whereas moderate usage (1–4 hours daily) may be protect against lumbar pain. Non-neutral postures, especially side lying, have emerged as critical risk factors, with left-side lying linked to hand pain and right-side lying linked to upper back pain. Smartphone addiction consistently predicted pain across all regions by amplifying physical strain through prolonged engagement and poor posture. Conclusion: This study highlighted the multifactorial nature of smartphone-related musculoskeletal pain, emphasizing the roles of demographic characteristics, usage patterns, and addiction. These findings provide a foundation for developing tailored ergonomic and behavioral interventions to mitigate pain risks, particularly in high-use populations. Future research should validate these findings through longitudinal studies and objective measures.
Background: Limited ankle dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM) is associated with mechanical dysfunctions and chronic ankle instability. Uphill treadmill walking exercise (UTWE) has the potential to improve ankle mobility and function. Objects: This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of a 15° UTWE on DF ROM and torque generation in patients with limited DF. Methods: The study included 20 adults, comprising 10 males and 10 females, with a mean age 28 years and a passive DF range of 5°–12°. After baseline assessments, participants completed 30 minutes of UTWE on a 15° incline treadmill, followed by post-assessments. DF ROM was evaluated during the stance phase of gait, and in both open-kinematic-chain (OKC) and closed-kinematic-chain (CKC) conditions using a goniometer and Image J software. DF and plantar flexion (PF) peak torque were measured with a Biodex Dynamometer. Results: Post intervention, maximum DF ROM during the stance phase of gait increased significantly from a mean of 8.54° ± 3.97° to 11.03° ± 4.41°. The DF ROM in the OKC and CKC conditions increased significantly from a mean of 8.90° ± 0.62° and 21.55° ± 0.72° to 18.00° ± 1.13° and 28.20° ± 1.00°, respectively (p < 0.0001). DF peak torque increased from 16.20 ± 1.28 N/m to 21.52 ± 1.39 N/m, and PF peak torque increased from 25.26 ± 2.51 N/m to 44.22 ± 4.20 N/m (p < 0.0002). Conclusion: UTWE significantly enhanced DF ROM and ankle torque, indicating that it may be an effective intervention for improving ankle function and preventing injury in clinical and rehabilitation settings.
Background: Hallux valgus (HV) is a common foot deformity in which the great toe deviates laterally and the first metatarsal deviates medially, leading to pain, discomfort, and reduced mobility. HV severity is typically assessed using the hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA). Objects: This study aimed to explore how changes in skeletal, muscular, and functional variables correlate with HV severity and to provide evidence for more integrated treatment approaches. Methods: Sixty volunteers with mild to moderate bilateral HV (HVA 15–40 degrees) participated. The measurements included HVA and IMA via radiography, abductor hallucis muscle (AbdH) cross-sectional area (CSA) and tone using ultrasound and Myoton PRO, range of motion (ROM) of the ankle and great toe metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint with a goniometer, and plantar pressure during gait with a Zebris FDM system. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used for the statistical analysis. Results: An Increased HVA was associated with a higher IMA (r = 0.858, p < 0.05). The HVA was inversely related to the AbdH CSA (r = –0.337, p < 0.05) and muscle tone (r = –0.889, p < 0.01). With increasing HVA, dorsiflexion ROM of the ankle (r = –0.307, p < 0.01) and both flexion (r = –0.197, p < 0.05) and extension (r=-0.182, p<0.05) ROM of the great toe MTP joint decreased. Conversely, ankle plantar flexion ROM increased with the HVA (r = 0.312, p < 0.01). Additionally, plantar pressure increased in the second metatarsal areas (r = 0.457, p < 0.05) a with higher HVA. Conclusion: This study demonstrates significant correlations between HV severity and various biomechanical factors, highlighting the need for comprehensive treatment strategies. While stretching the adductor hallucis muscle and strengthening the AbdH have been widely recognized interventions for HV, our findings provide evidence that ROM exercises for the ankle and the MTP joint of the great toe are also critical components of a physical therapy program for managing HV. Longitudinal studies are required to assess the effectiveness of these approaches.
목적 : 본 연구는 DIMS(Defocus Integrated Multiple Segments) 렌즈와 HALT(High Aspureral Lenslet Target) 렌즈의 근시 진행 지연 효과를 평가하는 것이다. 방법 : 본 연구는 6세에서 16세 사이의 어린이를 대상으로 두 개의 시험군과 대조군으로 나누어 12개월 간 진 행하였다. 근시 조절을 위해 근시성 디포커스 원리를 사용하는 두 가지 유형의 안경 렌즈가 사용되었다. 효과를 평 가하기 위해 디포커스 다중 세그먼트(DIMS) 및 고도 비구면 마이크로렌즈(HALT)가 사용되었다. 대상자는 102명 (204안)이며, DIMS 그룹은 34명, HALT 그룹은 35명, SV 그룹은 33명이었다. 초기 변화를 평가하기 위해 3개월, 6개월, 12개월에 측정하였고, 등가구면굴절력(SER)과 안축장(AL) 길이의 변화를 비교 분석하였다. 결과 : 모든 그룹에서 처음 방문 검사는 조절마비 후 검사를 시행하였고, 등가구면굴절력은 평균–2.94±0.11 D, 안축장은 평균 24.73±0.06 mm였다. DIMS와 HALT 두 시험군에서 등가구면굴절력 평균은 0.30±0.02 D, 0.23± 0.02 D, 대조군(SV) 그룹에서 0.50±0.04 D였다. 평균 안축장의 변화는 DIMS와 HALT 및 SV 그룹에서 각각 0.13±0.01 mm, 0.13±0.01 mm, 0.21±0.03 mm였다. 등가구면굴절력 변화에 의한 근시 진행은 DIMS 와 HALT 그룹의 대상자가 대조군 그룹에 비해 각각 39.45%, 53.03% 더 느리게 진행되었다(P<0.05). 안축장 길 이 변화에 의한 근시 진행은 DIMS와 HALT 그룹의 대상자가 대조군 그룹에 비해 각각 39.23%, 41.01% 더 느리 게 진행되었다(P<0.05). 결론 : 1년 동안 근시진행을 비교한 결과, DIMS와 HALT 그룹 모두 SV 그룹보다 등가구면굴절력 변화와 안축 장 길이 증가를 현저히 감소시켰다. 따라서 두 가지의 광학적 방법인 DIMS 렌즈와 HALT 렌즈를 사용하는 것이 소아·청소년의 근시 조절에 효과적인 전략임을 시사한다.
Industrial activities that utilize nuclear technology can cause radioactive contamination in the ecosystems. In particular, cesium (Cs) has problems, such as neurological diseases, when it is exposed and accumulated in the bodies of animals, plants, and humans for a long time. Therefore, the development of simple and economical adsorbents for Cs removal is required. In this study, the surface of petroleum residue pitch was modified using NaClO and it was used to remove Cs from an aqueous solution. Batch experiments and characterization of the modified adsorbent were performed to determine the adsorption mechanism between the adsorbent and Cs. From these results, chemical and monolayer adsorption were found to occur at the carboxyl groups on the adsorbent surface, along with a cation exchange reaction occurred due to the sodium ions on the surface. Through this modification process, the total acidity, including phenolic, lactonic and carboxylic functional groups, was improved to 1.563 mmol/g and the maximum adsorption capacity of Cs for the modified adsorbent was 65.8 mg/g.
The purpose of this study is to analyze effect of Army Risk Assessment System(ARAS) which is used to prevent safety accident in ROK army. Based on prior research, we select 4 indicators which are related to accident prevention effect and analyze the differences before and after ARAS operation for each indicators by using Paired-Samples T-Test. Also, we analyze the correlation between degree of ARAS operation and status of safety accidents of 112 ROK Army units. We conduct an evaluation of each function within the system using IPA method. The results of this study are as follows; All 4 indicators are improved compared to before ARAS operation, and the differences are statistically significant. Also, there is negative correlation between the degree of ARAS operation and the occurrence of safety accidents. So, the operation of ARAS has a positive effect on preventing safety accidents. Finally among the 15 functions of ARAS, 4 functions require improvement. The findings of this study have implications for proposing necessity of computerized system in enforcing Risk Assessment. Also, whether or not operating ARAS is important, but it is also important to operate it well. Lastly, We propose improvement plans for each function to operate it well.
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is considered to be a significant cause of drug wastage. To mitigate clinical DILI risks, assessing drugs using human liver models is crucial since animal studies may fall short due to species-specific liver pathway variations. Cell-based preclinical hepatotoxicity testing is often pertinent. In the present study, cells from a human liver cancer line (HepG2 and HepaRG) were cultured in both formats of 2D and 3D spheroids to explore their responses to drugs. Liver-specific marker expressions across cell lines and culture formats were also examined to assess disparities in DILI marker expressions. After treating each cell with the drugs, cytotoxicity and liver injury markers aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were increased. In addition, liver specific markers albumin and urea decreased in a drug concentration-dependent manner. These findings were consistent with drug sensitivity. Additionally, mRNA expression levels of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) involved in hepatocellular drug metabolism were compared following treatment with enzyme inducers. CYP1A2 and CYP2C9 were not epxressed in HepG2 cells. HepaRG cells exhibited significantly increased expression of CYP1A2, 2C9, and 3A4 post-treatment. Notably, enzyme expression was notably higher in 3D cultures than in 2D cultures. Collectively, these findings suggest that HepaRG cells and 3D cultures hold promise for evaluating DILI during early-stage drug development.
Background: Sleep accounts for approximately one-third of a person’s lifetime. It is a relaxing activity that relieves mental and physical fatigue. Pillows of different sizes, shapes, and materials have been designed to improve sleep quality by achieving an optimal sleep posture. Objects: This study aimed to determine which pillow provides the most comfortable and supports the head and neck during sleep, which may enhance sleep quality. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy adults (19 males and 9 females) with an average age of 29 years participated in this cross-sectional study. This experiment was conducted while the participants laid down for 5 minutes in four different pillow conditions: (1) no pillow (NP), (2) neck support foam pillow (NSFP), (3) standard microfiber filled pillow (SFP), and (4) hybrid foam pillow (HFP). The head-neck peak pressure, cranio-vertebral angle in supine (CVAs), cranio-horizontal angle in supine (CHAs), chin-sternum distance (CSD), and muscle tone of sternocleidomastoid were analyzed using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: The head-neck peak pressure was the highest in the NSFP condition, followed by the NP, SFP, and HFP conditions. The CVAs, CHAs, and CSD of the SFP were lower than those of the other pillows. Muscle tone was the highest in the NP condition, followed by the of NSFP, HFP, and SFP conditions. The participants subjective comfort level in both the supine and side-lying postures was highest in the HFP condition, followed by the SFP and NSFP conditions. Conclusion: This study can be used to establish the importance of pillow selection for highquality sleep. The results of this study, suggest that a hybrid pillow with a good supportive core and appropriate fluffiness can maintain comfort and correct cervical spine alignment during sleep.
본 논문의 목적은 한국이 직면한 뉴테러리즘 양상과 위협 요인을 분석해보고, 선제적으로 대응할 수 있는 과제에 대해 제시해 봄에 있다. 현재 한국은 포괄적 안보상황 하에서 대중과 다중이용시설 대상 무차별적 공격의 사전 차단 및 대량살상 등 전방위적으로 테러위협에 대응하고 있다. 이에 이 논문에서는 테러 수단의 첨단화 및 고도화되고 있는 뉴테러리즘에 대해 선제적으로 국가 및 국민적 인식을 강화하고 취약점 보완을 위해 법률적, 제도적 대응 방안을 제시했다. 또 포괄적 안보 상황을 반영하여 국내 테러 양상을 분석하고, 테러예방시스템 구축을 위한 통합방위법 및 테러방지법의 상호 연계성과 사법집행 강화를 위한 근거를 마련해야 한다. 특히 AI 기반의 테러예방 및 대응 시스템 등 4차 산업혁명의 신기술 적용을 토대로 테러위협을 선제적 으로 차단하고 이 같은 기술을 활용하는 대테러업무 담당자를 대상 으로 교육훈련을 강화할 수 있는 방안 역시 마련해야 한다.
Abstract Purpose : The purpose of this study is to compare corneal curvature, corneal topography, and non-surgical in refraction correction surgery to determine the difference in corneal curvature and shape between the two groups. Methods : The subjects of this study were 30 persons (60 eyes) who underwent refractive surgery and 30 non-surgery persons (60 eyes) who had no systemic or eye disease over the age of 20. The research method measured refractive error and corneal curvature in two groups using an autorefractor-keratometer, measured curvature by area of the cornea using corneal topography, and compared refractive surgery eyes and non-surgery eyes. Results : In area-specific corneal curvature, the plan for refractive surgery was 8.48±1.05 mm in area A (0~1.5 mm), 8.49±1.58 mm in area B (1.5~4.5 mm), 8.19±1.87 mm in area C (4.5~7.5 mm), and 7.93±2.87 mm in area D (7.5~10.0 mm). In non-surgery procedures, the corneal curvature by area was 7.65±0.82 mm in area A, 7.77±1.56 mm in area B, 7.70±2.27 mm in area C, and 7.88±3.42 mm in area D. Conclusion : A side effect of refractive surgery, it is believed that it can be used as data to understand the shape of the cornea while using an Autorefractor-keratometer and a corneal topography as prior tests. Key words : Corneal topography, Keratometer, Refractive surgery
Changes in the microstructure and mechanical properties of as-roll-bonded AA6061/AA5052/AA1050 threelayered sheet with increasing annealing temperature were investigated in detail. The commercial AA6061, AA5052 and AA1050 sheets with 2 mm thickness were roll-bonded by multi-pass rolling at ambient temperature. The roll-bonded Al sheets were then annealed for 1 h at various temperatures from 200 to 400 °C. The specimens annealed up to 250 °C showed a typical deformation structure where the grains are elongated in the rolling direction in all regions. However, after annealing at 300 °C, while AA6061 and AA1050 regions still retained the deformation structure, but AA5052 region changed into complete recrystallization. For all the annealed materials, the fraction of high angle grain boundaries was lower than that of low angle grain boundaries. In addition, while the rolling texture of the {110}<112> and {123}<634> components strongly developed in the AA6061 and AA1050 regions, in the AA5052 region the recrystallization texture of the {100}<001> component developed. After annealing at 350 °C the recrystallization texture developed in all regions. The as-rolled material exhibited a relatively high tensile strength of 282 MPa and elongation of 18 %. However, the tensile strength decreased and the elongation increased gradually with the increase in annealing temperature. The changes in mechanical properties with increasing annealing temperature were compared with those of other three-layered Al sheets fabricated in previous studies.
꽃노랑총채벌레(Frankliniella occidentalis)는 고추를 가해하는 주요 병해충 가운데 하나이다. 유충과 성충이 긁어빠는 구기로 잎과 열매에 가해하는 직접피해는 물론이고 일명 칼라병이라 일컬어지는 토마토반점위조바 이러스를 전파하는 간접피해를 주고 있다. 다양한 바이러스 내병성 품종이 농가에서 재배되고 있으나, 칼라병의 발병은 해를 거듭하며 증가하고 있다. 놀라운 사실은 일부 내병성 품종에 대해서 총채벌레의 유인력이 감수성 품종에 비해 높다는 사실이다. 본 연구는 꽃노랑총채벌레에 대한 고추의 항객성 기작을 분석하였다. 총채벌레에 이미 피해를 받은 고추는 다른 총채벌레의 접근을 억제하는 것은 물론이고 천적인 미끌애꽃노린재를 유인하였 다. 이 고추 내부에는 자스모닉산 생합성 관여 유전자의 발현이 증가하였다. 고추가 생산하는 향기성분을 SPME 방식으로 모아 분석한 결과 Green leaf volatile과 terpene류의 증가를 보였다. 시판되는 10개의 고추 품종을 대상으 로 항객성 생물 검정과 향기성분 분석을 실시한 결과 이상의 항객성 기작을 뒷받침하였다. 또한 근권세균 가운데 일부는 고추로 하여금 이러한 항객성을 유도하였다.