Background: The hamstring is a muscle that crosses two joints, that is the hip and knee, and its flexibility is an important indicator of physical health in its role in many activities of daily living such as sitting, walking, and running. Limited range of motion (ROM) due to hamstring tightness is strongly related to back pain and malfunction of the hip joint. High-frequency diathermy (HFD) therapy is known to be effective in relaxing the muscle and increasing ROM. Objects: To investigate the effects of HFD on active knee extension ROM and hamstring tone and stiffness in participants with hamstring tightness. Methods: Twenty-four participants with hamstring tightness were recruited, and the operational definition of hamstring tightness in this study was active knee extension ROM of below 160° at 90° hip flexion in the supine position. HFD was applied to the hamstring for 15 minutes using the WINBACK device. All participants were examined before and after the intervention, and the results were analyzed using a paired t-test. The outcome measures included knee extension ROM, the viscoelastic property of the hamstring, and peak torque for passive knee extension. Results: The active knee extension ROM significantly increased from 138.8° ± 9.9° (mean ± standard deviation) to 143.9° ± 10.4° after the intervention (p < 0.05), while viscoelastic property of the hamstring significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Also, the peak torque for knee extension significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Application of HFD for 15 minutes to tight hamstrings immediately improves the active ROM and reduces the tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the muscle. However, further experiments are required to examine the long-term effects of HFD on hamstring tightness including pain reduction, postural improvement around the pelvis and lower extremities, and enhanced functional movement.

Previous studies have reported that deep neck flexor (DNF) exercise can improve neck problems, including neck pain, forward head posture, and headache, by targeting the deep and superficial muscles of the neck. Despite the prevailing opinion across studies, the benefits of DNF can vary according to the type of neck problems and the outcome measures adopted, ranging from positive outcomes to non-significant benefits. A meta-analysis was conducted in this study to assess conclusive evidence of the impact of DNF exercise on individuals with neck problems. We used PUBMED, MEDLINE, NDSL, EMBASE, and Web of Science to search for primary studies and the key terms used in these searches were “forward head posture (FHP),” “biofeedback,” “pressure biofeedback unit,” “stabilizer,” “headache,” and “neck pain.” Twenty- four eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis and were coded according to the type of neck problems and outcome measures described, such as pain, endurance, involvement of neck muscle, craniovertebral angle (CVA), neck disability index (NDI), cervical range of motion (CROM), radiographs of the neck, posture, strength, endurance, and headache disability index. The overall effect size of the DNF exercise was 0.489. The effect sizes of the neck problems were 0.556 (neck pain), –1.278 (FHP), 0.176 (headache), and 1.850 (mix). The effect sizes of outcome measures were 1.045 (pain), 0.966 (endurance), 0.894 (deep neck flexor), 0.608 (superficial neck flexor), 0.487 (CVA), 0.409 (NDI), and 0.252 (CROM). According to the results of this study, DNF exercise can effectively reduce neck pain. Thus, DNF exercise is highly recommend as an effective exercise method for individuals suffering from neck pain.

Background: The gastrocnemius (GCM) is one of the lower extremity muscles that tend to tighten easily. GCM tightness results in limited ankle dorsi-flexion (DF), especially when the knee joint is fully extended. Joint flexibility is determined by the morphological and physiological characteristics of joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Impaired joint flexibility can be attributed to increased susceptibility to muscle injury. High-frequency diathermy is clinically used to reduce pain and muscle tightness and to improve limited range of motion. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of high-frequency therapy in subjects with GCM tightness. Methods: The study was designed as a one-group before–after trial. The subjects included 28 volunteers with GCM tightness (an active ankle DF angle of less than 12°) without any known neurological and musculoskeletal pathologies in the ankle and calf areas. WINBACK Transfer Electrode Capacitive and Resistive Therapy equipment was used to apply high-frequency therapy to the subjects’ GCMs for 10–15 minutes. The pennation angle and the fascicle length of the GCM were measured using ultrasonography. The flexibility of the ankle joint, peak torque to the passive ankle DF (Biodex), and soft tissue stiffness (MyotonPRO) were also measured. Results: The pennation angle was significantly decreased following the treatment; however, no significant difference in the fascicle length was found (p < 0.05). The flexibility was significantly increased and both the passive peak torque to passive ankle DF and the soft tissue stiffness significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusion: High-frequency therapy is immediately effective for improving the muscle’s architectural properties and functional factors in subjects with GCM tightness. Further longitudinal clinical studies are required to investigate the long-term effects of high-frequency therapy on subjects with GCM tightness from various causes.

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is an involuntary leakage of urine from the urethra when intra-abdominal pressure increases, such as from sneezing, coughing, or physical exertion. It is caused by insufficient strength of the pelvic floor and sphincter muscles, resulting from vaginal delivery, obesity, hard physical work, or aging. The pelvic floor electrical stimulator is a conservative treatment generally used to relieve the symptoms of urinary incontinence. it recommended to applied before surgery is performed. Objects: The purpose of this study was to determine if the transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TCES) would be effective for the physiological symptoms and psychological satisfaction of women with SUI for an 8-weeks intervention. Methods: Easy-K is a specially designed user-friendly TCES. Five female who were diagnosed with SUI by a gynecologist but who did not require surgical intervention were included in this study. Intervention was implemented over an 8-week period. Outcome measures included vaginal ultrasonography, Levator ani muscle (LAM) contraction strength, incontinence quality of life (I-QOL), and female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaires. Results: The bladder neck position significantly decreased across assessment time. Funneling index and urethral width significantly decreased after 8 weeks of intervention (p<.05). The bladder necksymphyseal distance and posterior rhabdosphincter thickness statistically increased and the anterior rhabdosphincter thickness showed a tendency to increase. All participants demonstrated a significant increase in the LAM contraction score across three assessment times (p<.05). Although the total score of the I-QOL did not show significant improvement, it steadily increased and among I-QOL subscales, only the “avoidance” subscale showed statistical improvements (p<.05). The total score of the FSFI statistically improved and the “desire” score significantly changed (p<.05). Conclusion: The TCES is recommended for women who want to apply conservative treatments before surgery and who have suffered from SUI in aspects of sexual function and quality of life.

Background: In previous studies, changes in postural alignment were found when the slope was changed during walking. Downhill walking straightens the trunk by shifting the line of gravity backward. Objects: This study investigated the effect of the downhill treadmill walking exercise (DTWE) on thoracic angle and thoracic erector spinae (TES) activation in subjects with thoracic kyphosis. Methods: A total of 20 subjects with thoracic kyphosis were recruited for this study. All the subjects performed the DTWE for 30 minutes. A surface EMG and 3D motion capture system were used to measure TES activation and thoracic angle before and after the DTWE. Paired t-tests were used to confirm the effect of the DTWE (p<.05). Results: Both the thoracic angle and TES activation had significantly increased after the DTWE compared to the baseline (p<.05). An increase in the thoracic angle indicates a decrease in kyphosis. Conclusion: The DTWE is effective for thoracic kyphosis patients as it decreases their kyphotic posture and increases the TES activation. Future longitudinal studies are required to investigate the long-term effects of the DTWE.

본 연구에서는 김치 제조시 철저한 재료 세척의 필요성을 확인하고, 더불어 비가열 식품인 김치의 위생 안전성 실태를 파악하여 효율적 미생물 저감화 방안을 마련하고자 국내에서 유통되는 김치 원·부재료 200건의 세척 전과 후의 비교분석과 시판 김치 100건에 대하여 미생물 분석을 실시하였다. 김치 원·부재료 및 완제품에 대하여 일반 세균수, 대장균 및 대장균군을 모니터링 하였으며, 병원성 미생물 9종(Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens 정성·정 량, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni/coli, Yersinia enterocolitica, Salmonella spp., Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Listeria monocytogenes 정성)을 분석 하였다. 모니터링 결과, 김치 원· 부재료 및 완제품에서 일반세균은 1.4~9.0 log CFU/g 수준 으로 확인되었으며, 원·부재료 중 생강에서 8.8 log CFU/g, 완제품 중 총각김치에서 9.0 log CFU/g으로 일반세균이 가장 높게 나타났다. 대장균군은 0.5~7.3 log CFU/g으로 확 인되었으며, 생강에서 7.3 log CFU/g으로 가장 높게 나타 났고, 병원성 미생물 9종의 분석결과, Bacillus cereus를 제 외한 나머지 8종의 식중독균은 모든 시료에서 검출되지 않았다. 김치 제조 시 사용되는 김치 원·부재료들의 세척 공정 후 미생물 수는 일반세균수 0.2~3.2 log CFU/g, 대장 균군 0.3~2.7 log CFU/g, Bacillus cereus 1.0~3.9 log CFU/g 감소하였다. 따라서, 김치 원·부재료의 세척 공정으로 미생물 오염도를 감소 시켰으며, 이 결과를 통하여 김치 완 제품의 위생 및 저장성 증진에 기여 할 수 있을 것으로 확인되었다.

This study investigated the effects of two types of corrective feedback (CF), recasts and metalinguistic feedback (implicit vs. explicit CF), on the development of implicit and explicit knowledge of English articles. It also examined the relationship between learners’ language aptitude, in particular language analytic ability, and their knowledge development through different types of CF. Six intact intermediate communication English classes (a total of 104 students and two English-speaking teachers) at a university participated in the present study. In CF groups, learners received recasts or metalinguistic feedback (MF) to the errors of the English articles during communicative activities, while no CF was given to the control group. The study employed a pretest-posttest-delayed posttest design, and four different tests were used to measure learner implicit and explicit knowledge. The study found both recasts and MF effective in the development of implicit knowledge and selective effects of recasts on the improvement of explicit knowledge. This suggests that both implicit and explicit CF bring about the development of implicit and explicit knowledge. In addition, language analytic ability was found to be closely related to learners’ gains through both CF and development of explicit and implicit knowledge of English articles.

Background: Scapular downward rotation syndrome (SDRS) is a common scapular alignment impairment that causes insufficient upward rotation and muscle imbalance, shortened levator scapulae (LS) and rhomboid, and lengthened serratus anterior (SA) and trapezius. A modified shrug exercise (MSE), performing a shrug exercise with the shoulders at 150° abduction, is known as an effective exercise to increase scapular stabilizer muscle activation. Previous studies revealed that scapular exercise are more effective when combined with trunk stabilization exercises in decreasing scapular winging and increasing scapular stabilizer muscle activation. Objects: The purpose of our study was to clarify the effect of MSE with or without trunk stabilization exercises in subjects with SDRS. Methods: Eighteen volunteer subjects (male=10, female=8) with SDRS were recruited for this experiment. All subjects performed MSE under 3 different conditions: (1) MSE, (2) MSE with an abdominal draw-in maneuver (ADIM), and (3) MSE with an abdominal expansion maneuver (AEM). The muscle thickness of the lower trapezius (LT) and the SA were measured using an ultrasonography in each condition. Electromyography (EMG) data were collected from the LT, LS, SA, and upper trapezius (UT) muscle activities. Data were statistically analysed using one-way repeated analysis of variance at a significance level of .05. Results: The muscle thickness of the LT and the SA were the significant different in the MSE, MSE with ADIM (MSE+ADIM) and MSE with AEM (MSE+AEM) conditions (p<.05) In both LT and SA, the order of thick muscle thickness was MSE+AEM, MSE+ADIM, and MSE alone. No significant differences were found in the EMG activities of the SA, UT, LS, and LT in all condition. Conclusion: In conclusion, MSE is more beneficial to people with SDRS when combined with trunk stabilization exercises by increased thickness of scapular stabilizer muscles.

Background: The MLA is supported by both the abductor hallucis (ABH) and the extrinsic muscles. Insufficient muscular support may lower the MLA when the body’s weight is applied to the foot. The short foot exercise (SFE) is effective in increasing the height of the MLA for people with flat feet. Most of the research related to the SFE has simply evaluated the efficiency of the exercise using enhanced ABH electromyography (EMG) activation. Since the tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PER), and ABH are all involved in supporting the MLA, a new experiment design examining the EMG of the selected muscles during SFE should be applied to clarify its effect. Objects: Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the effect of the SFE in different ankle position on the MLA angle and the activation of both the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles and to determine the optimal position. Methods: 20 healthy subjects and 12 subjects with flat feet were recruited from Yonsei University. The surface EMG and camera were used to collect muscle activation amplitude of TA, PER, and ABH and to capture the image of MLA angle during SFE. The subjects performed the SFE while sitting in three different ankle positions—neutral (N), dorsiflexion (DF) at 30 degrees, and plantar flexion (PF) at 30 degrees. Results: ABH EMG amplitudes were significantly greater in N and DF than in PF (p<.05). Muscle activation ratio of TA to ABH was the lowest in PF (p<.05). MLA angle in both groups significantly decreased in PF (p<.01). The TA and ABH was activated at the highest level in DF. However, in PF, subjects significantly activated the ABH and PER with relatively low activation of TA. Conclusion: Therefore, researchers need to discuss which SFE condition most effectively use the arch support muscle for flat foot.

Chroma key technique which composes images by separating an object from its background in specific color has restrictions on color and space. Especially, unlike general chroma key technique, image composition for stereo 3D display requires natural image composition method in 3D space. The thesis attempted to compose images in 3D space using depth keying method which uses depth information of Microsoft Kinect. Object was converted into point cloud type in 3D space after separating it from its background according to depth information. The image in which 3D virtual background and object are composed obtained and played stereo 3D images using a virtual camera. The research showed naturally composed stereo 3D images as well as the feasibility of applying stereoscopic 3D mixed reality image technology.

서론 : 본 연구는 문헌 고찰을 통해 다양한 형태의 촉각적 제시장치와 그 발달과정에 대해 연구했다. 또한 촉각적 제시장치의 사용과 연구에 있어서 유니버셜 디자인 모델의 적용을 고찰하고 제안하였다. 본론 : 촉각적 제시장치는 사람들이 보다 접근성 있는 삶을 살아갈 수 있도록 만들어주는 한 수단으로 사용되어 왔다. 그것들은 시각적, 청각적, 또는 다른 감각이 손상되었을 때 정보를 나타내 줄 수 있는 변형된 방법을 제공 한다. 촉각적 제시장치는 크게 촉각-기반의 형태와 전력-기반의 형태로 분류될 수 있다. 촉각-기반의 제시장치 는 피부에 가해지는 진동 감각에 의해 자극되는 것이고 전력-기반의 형태는 자극제로서 전기적 전류를 사용하는 것이다. 촉각적 제시장치의 복잡성은 의도된 사용에 따라 달라지는데, 현재 단일요소적, 1차원적, 2차원적, 그리고 3차원적 장비들이 사용 가능하다. 촉각적 제시장치들은 그 크기와 필요한 전력이 다양해서 별개의 적절한 수단을 사용하여 촉감을 이용한 접근성을 제공해 준다. 그것들은 초반에는 시각장애를 지닌 사람들의 접근성을 향상시키는데 기여했으나, 최근에는 그 사용이 확대되고 있다. 촉각적 제시장치의 첫 출현 이후 그 기술은 접근성과 상품성 측면에서 점점 진화되어 왔고 그래서 사람들은 더 멋있고 기능적이고 저가의 제품들을 이용할 수 있게 되었다. 촉각적 제시 및 제어장치의 사용은 지남, 조종, 그리고 의사소통에 있어서의 접근성을 촉진시킨다. 그러나 그 혜택은 아직 특정한 장애를 지닌 사람들에게 제한되어 있다. 결론 : 촉각적 제시장치의 잠재적 혜택을 모든 사람에게 최대화시키기 위해서는, 그것이 특정 질병을 보상하기 위 해서뿐만 아니라 일상의 평범한 삶을 보다 편리하게 만들기 위함으로 확장되는 것이 바람직하다. 이러한 관점에서, 다양한 인간 요소들을 연구하여 촉각적 제시장치의 발전을 보장하는 것이 중요하다. 또한 향후 촉각적 제시 장치의 발전에 있어서 특정한 적용을 위한 필요들뿐만 아니라 유니버셜 디자인까지 고려되어야 할 것이 제안된 다.

Second language (L2) research has reported a facilitative role of interaction in L2 learning. It points out that interactional corrective feedback (ICF), which naturally occurs during negotiation for meaning, is one of many benefits. Research argues that such feedback can draw learners’ attention to their nontargetlike utterances. However, many researchers question whether ICF is perceived by learners as correction to language in meaning-based classrooms since it is interwoven with an on­going conversation. In light of this, the current study aims to investigate in nine intact classrooms how learners perceive ICF. In doing so, the study pioneers in the investigation of how learners perceive ICF differently depending on whether they are direct or indirect recipients. In addition, the study examines whether the type of ICF plays a role in learner perception. The study analyzed stimulated recall interviews from 45 students to measure learner perception. The results show that learners perceived about 50% of ICF as correction and that they were generally more sensitive to the corrective function of feedback when they were direct recipients. However, when instructors use recasts, there is no significant difference in learner perception between direct recipients and indirect recipients.

To prepare weather-resistant modified silane acrylic resin coatings for an architectural purpose, tetrapolymers were synthesized by radical polymerization. 3-Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS) as a silicone monomer and n-butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and n-butyl methacrylate as acrylic monomers were used. The composition of monomers was adjusted to fix the glass transition temperature of acrylic polymer for 20℃. The composition of MPTS in the synthesized polymer were varied from 10 wt% to 30 wt%. On the basis of synthesized resin amber paints were prepared and their physical properties and effects on weatherability were examined. The presence of MPTS in modified silane acrylic resins generally resulted in low molecular weight and broad molecular weight distribution, and also lowered the viscosity of the copolymers. The coated films prepared from these resins showed good and balanced properties in general. Adhesion to the substrate was outstanding in particular. Weatherability tests were carried out in three different types such as outdoor exposure, QUV, and SWO. The test results showed that the modified silane acrylic resins containing 30 wt% of MPTS had superior weathering properties.

이 논문에서는 게이트 절연막 위에 vapor deposition polymerization(VDP)방법을 사용하여 성막한 유기 점착층을 진공 열증착하여 유기 박막 트랜지스터(OTFTs)소자를 제작할 수 있음을 증명하였다. 우리가 제작한 Staggered-inverted top-contact 구조를 사용한 유기 박막 트랜지스터는 전기적 output 특성이 포화 영역안에서는 포화곡선을, triode 영역에서는 비선형적인 subthreshold를 확실히 볼 수 있음을 발견했다. 0.2μm 두께를 가진 게이트 절연막위에 유기 점착층을 사용한 OTFTs의 장 효과 정공의 이동도와 문턱전압, 그리고 절멸비는 각각, 약 0.4cm2/Vs, -0.8V, 106 이 측정되었다. 게이트 절연막의 점착층으로써 폴리이미드의 성막을 위해, 스핀코팅 방법 대신 VDP 방법을 도입하였다. 폴리이미드 고분자막은 2,2bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane dianhydride(6FDA)와 4,4'-oxydianiline(ODA)을 고진공에서 동시에 열 증착 시킨 후, 그리고 150℃에서 1시간, 다시 200℃에서 1시간 열처리하여 고분자화된 막을 형성하였다. 그리고 점착층이 OTFTs의 전기적 특성에 주는 영향을 설명하기 위해 비교 연구하였다.

This study describes a preliminary evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of Acrosorium yendoi Yamada extracts. A. yendoi Yamada was extracted using 80% ethanol and then fractionated sequentially with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol. To screen for anti-inflammatory agents effectively, we first examined the inhibitory effect of 80% EtOH extract and solvent fractions of A. yendoi Yamada on the production of pro-inflammatory factors and cytokines stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. In addition, we examined the inhibitory effect of 80% EtOH extract and solvent fractions of A. yendoi Yamada on pro-inflammatory mediators (NO, iNOS, PGE2, and COX-2) in RAW 264.7 cells. In the sequential fractions of n-hexane and EtOAc inhibited the NO and PGE2 production and the protein level of iNOS and COX-2, and protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, and IL-6). These results suggest that A. yendoi Yamada may have significant effects on inflammatory factors and may be provided as possible anti-inflammatory therapeutic seaweed.