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.

According to the statistics of the last five years, fishing vessel accidents accounted for about 80% of collisions of all ships and has led to many casualties. To prevent collision accidents, it is important to assess the collision risk potential related to the sailing characteristics of fishing vessels. The authors represented the traffic patterns of vessels that sail around Wando waters based on Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Radio Detecting and Ranging (RADAR) data. The authors analyzed the statistical near miss data between fishing vessels and non-fishing vessels in the Wando Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) area and assessed the risk of ship collisions. From this research, the authors identified waters with a high risk of ship collisions. The analyzed results can be used as basic data to develop collision prevention strategies which aides the decision making and efficient operation of VTS officers (VTSO.)

In this study we present a mammalian cell culture model that allows to study the effect of endocrine disruptors (EDCs) on aromatase activity of aquatic amphibian, Bombina orientalis. Bombina orientalis aromatase gene was subcloned into a mammalian express

Two component polyurethane (PU) flame retardant coatings were prepared by blending trichloro modified polyesters (TCMPs) and isophorone diisocyanate isocyanurate. TCMPs were synthesized by polycondensation of trichlorobenzoic acid (TCBA), a flame retardant component, with adipic acid, 1,4 butanediol, and trimethylolpropane. The content of TCBA was varied in 10, 20, and 30 wt% for the reaction. Theses new flame retardant coatings showed various properties comparable to other non flame retardant coatings. Moreover, we carried out the combustion test and the flammability test for our flame retardant coatings. The results of vertical burning test for the coatings containing more than 20 wt% of TCBA were determined as no burn. The results of flammability test for the coatings with 20 wt% and 30 wt% of TCBA contents indicated the limiting oxygen index (LOI) values of 26% and 29% respectively, which implied relatively good flame retardancy.