We present the result from a comprehensive laboratory and on-sky characterization of the commercial spectrograph system consisting of a PIXIS 1300BX charge-coupled device (CCD) camera and an IsoPlane 320A spectrograph as part of the preparation of the forthcoming all-sky spectroscopic survey of nearby galaxies (A-SPEC). In the laboratory, we have quantified readout noise, dark current, gain, and full-well capacity via bias, dark, and photon transfer curve analysis at all acquisition modes. To do that, we have developed a gradient correction technique to address row-dependent signal gradients in the image, which are caused by the shutter-less condition of our CCD camera test setup. The technique successfully reproduces the values in the manufacturer specifications. We also have measured quantum efficiency exceeding 80% from 400–800 nm and ≳ 90% between 450–750 nm, with sub-second persistence decay, making it ideal for rapid, multi-object spectroscopy. Using a set of diffraction gratings (150, 300, and 600 grmm−1), we have evaluated the spatial separability of multiple spectra and spectral resolution. We have conducted a test observation with this spectrograph system at the Seoul National University Astronomical Observatory (SAO) 1 m telescope and successfully demonstrated its capability of multi-object spectroscopy with moderate resolution of R ≈ 600–2600. We release all Python codes for the test and recipes to facilitate further instrument evaluations.

Background: In the South Korean private insurance sector, manual therapy faces increasing scrutiny, necessitating objective evidence for continued reimbursement. Traditional measurements often lack reproducibility or clinical practicality. Objectives: This study evaluated the feasibility of belt-stabilized hand-held dynamometry (HHD) as an objective tool for documenting strength changes and informing insurance coverage decisions. Design: A two-case clinical report. Methods: Two adult males undergoing post-operative knee rehabilitation with manual therapy were included: (1) ACL reconstruction with medial meniscus injury and (2) ORIF after knee trauma. With participants seated at the table edge and the trunk stabilized by gripping the table, knee flexion was set at 95°. Belt-stabilized HHD was used to measure isometric knee extension and flexion (three trials; maximum value recorded in N). A single examiner (>15 years’ experience) used a standardized protocol across sessions. Results: Case 1 improved from 44% (extension) and 42% (flexion) limb symmetry to 71.4% and 69.6% by session 20, supporting continued care and reimbursement after 30 sessions. Case 2 showed 60.2% extension symmetry at session 20, but subsequent reassessments lacked consistent improvement, contributing to discontinuation. Conclusion: Belt-stabilized HHD may provide a practical, low-cost method to quantify strength changes and support transparent clinician–patient–insurer communication; larger prospective studies are needed.

Background: Lumbar radiculopathy caused by disc herniation is frequently accompanied by pain, functional disability, and impairments in sensorimotor control, including reduced proprioception and altered motor control. Interventions that integrate neural and mechanical components may enhance rehabilitation outcomes beyond exercise alone. Objectives: To investigate the effects of manual therapy combined with neurodynamic exercise and motor control exercise (MTN) with motor control exercise alone (MCE) on lumbar proprioception, motor control, and functional disability in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. Design: Randomized, single-blind clinical trial. Methods: Thirty patients with lumbar radiculopathy due to L4–S1 disc herniation were randomly assigned to either the MTN group or the MCE group. Both groups participated in supervised interventions three times per week for six weeks. The MTN group received lumbar joint mobilization and slider-based neurodynamic mobilization integrated with motor control exercise, whereas the MCE group performed motor control exercise only. Lumbar proprioception was assessed using joint position error during trunk flexion and extension. Motor control was evaluated using pressure biofeedback–based abdominal drawing- in performance. Functional disability was assessed using the Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Index. Outcomes were measured at baseline and during follow-up. Results: Significant group-by-time effects were observed for lumbar joint position error, motor control outcomes, and functional disability. The MTN group demonstrated earlier and greater improvements across all outcome measures compared with the MCE group, whereas improvements in the MCE group were more gradual. Conclusion: Compared with motor control exercise alone, the addition of manual therapy and neurodynamic exercise resulted in superior improvements in lumbar proprioception, motor control, and functional disability. An integrated MTN approach may be an effective rehabilitation strategy for patients with lumbar radiculopathy.

Background: Emotional labor, the management of feelings to create organizationally desired emotional displays, has been consistently associated with adverse health outcomes in Western populations. However, cultural context may fundamentally alter these relationships in Asian service economies. Objectives: To examine temporal trends in emotional labor prevalence and investigate associations between emotional labor and health outcomes among Korean service workers over a 17-year period. Design: Repeated cross-sectional study. Methods: We analyzed data from seven waves of the Korean Working Conditions Survey (2006-2023), comprising 271,039 observations. Emotional labor was assessed using validated items measuring frequency of hiding feelings and managing customer emotions. Health outcomes included psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, fatigue) and physical symptoms (musculoskeletal disorders, headaches, gastrointestinal problems). We employed multivariable logistic regression, fixed-effects models, and mediation analyses, adjusting for sociodemographic and occupational factors. Results: Emotional labor exposure remained stable at approximately 3.0 (5- point scale) from 2014-2023. Health problem prevalence was consistently around 60% across all survey years. Contrary to hypotheses, emotional labor showed no significant association with health problems (OR=0.999, 95% CI: 0.993-1.005, P=0.735). These null findings persisted in fixed-effects analyses (β=-0.0003, P=0.736), gender-stratified models, and interaction tests. The Cochran-Armitage trend test revealed no temporal trends (P=0.865). Mediation analysis found no indirect effects through psychological hazards. Notably, this finding represents a paradoxical discovery that challenges Western-centric assumptions about the universality of emotional labor's health effects. Conclusion: Despite high statistical power and comprehensive methodology, we found no evidence linking emotional labor to health problems in Korean workers. These unexpected findings challenge the assumed universality of emotional labor's health effects and suggest cultural factors may fundamentally modify occupational stress pathways. Western-derived theoretical models may require substantial adaptation for Asian contexts where emotional regulation represents normative social behavior rather than occupational burden.

Background: Pressure biofeedback may facilitate selective rotator cuff activation during shoulder external rotation, but training effects and structural changes are unclear. Objectives: To examine the effects of a 4-week external rotation program with pressure biofeedback on shoulder muscle activity and rotator cuff thickness. Design: Quasi-experimental design. Methods: Thirty healthy adults were randomized to experimental (n=15) or control (n=15). Both performed seated external rotation at 30° with an elastic band (3×12 reps, 4 sessions/week, 4-week); the biofeedback group maintained 40 mmHg scapular adduction pressure. Surface EMG (%MVIC) and ultrasound muscle thickness were assessed pre/post. Paired and independent t-tests were used (α=.05). Results: In the experimental group, teres minor and infraspinatus activity increased, whereas middle and posterior deltoid activity decreased (P<.05). Post-intervention, rotator cuff activity was higher and posterior deltoid activity was lower versus control (P<.05). Muscle thickness showed no significant changes. Conclusions: A 4-week pressure biofeedback training program changed muscle activation during shoulder external rotation by increasing rotator cuff activation and decreasing compensatory deltoid activity. These findings indicate meaningful neuromuscular adaptations during the external rotation task.

Background: Palpation tenderness is a clinically relevant indicator of musculoskeletal pain, yet differences in immediate analgesic response among commonly used physiotherapeutic modalities remain unclear in real-world clinical settings. Objectives: To compare the immediate changes in pressure pain threshold (PPT) among patients who received extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), interferential current therapy (ICT), or magnetotherapy (MT) as part of routine physical therapy care. Design: Retrospective clinical data analysis using a pre–post intervention comparison. Methods: A total of 105 patient records were retrospectively reviewed. Cases were categorized into ESWT, ICT, or MT based on the device modality documented in the electronic medical records (EMR). PPT was assessed immediately before and after treatment. Within-category changes were analyzed using paired t-tests. Because changes in PPT scores violated normality assumptions, between-category comparisons were performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn–Bonferroni post-hoc procedures. Results: ESWT produced the greatest immediate improvement in pressure pain (d<1.2, P<.001), demonstrating significantly larger reductions compared with ICT (d<.8, P<.01) and MT(d<.2, P>.05). Changes in PPT after ICT and MT did not differ significantly (P>.05). Conclusion: ESWT produced the greatest immediate reduction in palpation tenderness, outperforming both ICT and MT. ICT demonstrated moderate improvement, whereas MT showed minimal change. These findings suggest that ESWT may be the most effective modality for rapid short-term pain modulation in musculoskeletal clinical practice.

Background: Despite various treatment methods, many functional ankle instability (FAI) patients continue to experience functional deficits. Objectives: To investigate the effect of additional auditory feedback on balance and ankle function in task-oriented balance training for FAI patients. Design: Randomized controlled trial design. Methods: Forty FAI patients were randomly assigned to the auditory feedback task-oriented balance training (ATBT) group (n=20) and the task-oriented balance training (TBT) group (n=20). The training program was implemented for 4 weeks, 3 days a week. Results: After training, the COG movement area, speed, and distance significantly decreased in both the ATBT and TBT groups (P<.05). Additionally, the COG movement speed and distance in the ATBT group were significantly decreased compared to the TBT group (P<.05). The 6-meter crossover hop test time decreased in both the ATBT and TBT groups (P<.05). The ATBT group exhibited a significantly decreased 6-meter crossover hop test time compared to the TBT group (P<.05). Conclusion: Both ATBT and TBT enhanced balance and ankle function in FAI patients. ATBT was more effective in improving balance and ankle function than TBT.

Background: Plank exercises are widely used for core stabilization, but the effects of applying instability to different support surfaces on trunk muscle activation remain unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of support surface instability on the electromyographic activity of trunk muscles including the rectus abdominis, internal oblique and transversus abdominis, multifidus, and longissimus during the plank exercise. Design: This study is quasi-experimental design. Methods: Thirty healthy university students performed plank exercises under four conditions: stable surface, unstable elbows, unstable feet, and unstable both. Muscle activity was measured using wireless EMG. Data were analyzed using one-way repeated measures ANOVA and Scheffé post hoc tests. Results: The rectus abdominis showed a statistically significant increase in muscle activation when both elbows and feet were placed on an unstable surface compared with the stable condition (P<.05). Conclusions: Unstable support surfaces during planks significantly enhance rectus abdominis activation, increasing global muscle recruitment for postural control. Conversely, stable surfaces may be preferable for training deep stabilizers without excessive superficial muscle dominance.

The high theoretical capacity of transition metal-based compounds makes them promising candidates for lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes. Among them, iron selenide (FeSe2) has attracted considerable interest because of its excellent electrical conductivity and superior lithium storage capacity. However, pristine FeSe2 suffers from rapid capacity fading and structural instability during repeated cycling. Thus, this study used a facile solvothermal method to synthesize a FeSe2@rGO composite with enhanced structural integrity and electrical conductivity. By incorporating reduced graphene oxide (rGO), the composite demonstrated improved charge transfer kinetics and mechanical robustness. Morphological and structural characterizations were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses (XPS), which confirmed the successful formation of the composite and its uniform distribution. Electrochemical properties were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge, long-term cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The optimized FeSe2@rGO electrode delivered a high reversible capacity of 971.95 mAhg-1 at 500 mAg-1 after 350 cycles. The underlying charge storage mechanism was investigated using scan rate-dependent CV, which revealed a dominant capacitivecontrolled contribution at higher scan rates. The study findings indicate that the FeSe2@rGO composite can serve as a high-performance anode material with excellent cycling stability and rate capability, providing a viable strategy for the development of advanced LIBs.

Incorporating nanotechnology into cement composites significantly improves mechanical properties such as strength, toughness, and durability. Graphene, with high tensile strength and large surface area, shows great promise as a nanofiller, but its hydrophobicity complicates its dispersion in cement matrices. This study used a graphene-cellulose nanofiber (G@ CNF) hybrid filler to ensure a highly uniform dispersion within the cement microstructure. The hybrid filler acts as a bridge and efficiently fills voids within the matrix. The planar structure of graphene also provides nucleation sites for hydrated products, leading to a denser microstructure. The cement composite containing 0.01 wt.% graphene exhibited a compressive strength of 72.7 MPa, representing a 47.5% improvement over the plain cement. Furthermore, the resulting cement demonstrated enhanced water resistance compared to graphene oxide-reinforced-cement. This approach offers a cost-effective and sustainable way of producing high-strength, durable cement composite.

Activated carbons with high micro-/meso-porosity derived from biomass are increasingly popular as sustainable materials. However, these carbons often struggle with low carbon content and limited structural stability. Here, we present Mongolian anthracite-based carbons synthesized via carbonization and chemical activation. Structural analysis shows that Act-MRA samples develop plate-like morphologies with reduced particle size and greater porosity as KOH content increases. The Act-MRA samples have a disordered carbon structure with small graphitic domains, even at higher KOH ratios without significant crystal defects. Notably, Act -MRA3 displays a large specific surface area and high pore volume, with welldeveloped micropores (7–20 Å) and mesopores (20–50 Å) that expand as KOH ratios rise. Electrochemical tests indicate that Act -MRA3 achieves high specific capacitance (220.6 F/g at 5 mV/s) and rate retention (~ 80% at 300 mV/s), owing to its optimized pore structure and enhanced ion transport. These findings underscore the importance of tailored pore structures and defect engineering in boosting activated carbon performance for energy storage.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to the natural abundance and low cost of sodium resources. However, the relatively large ionic radius of sodium ions hinders their intercalation into conventional graphite anodes, necessitating the development of advanced anode materials. In this study, high-performance hard carbon materials were synthesized from ZIF-8 precursors through controlled carbonization at various temperatures. Among the samples, ZIF-800, which is carbonized at 800 °C, exhibited the highest reversible capacity (156.63 mAh/g after 100 cycles at 100 mA/g) and excellent cycling stability. This superior performance is attributed to the optimized combination of high specific surface area (700.35 m2/ g), well-developed pore structure, and enhanced defect concentration, as indicated by a low IG/ ID ratio. The capacitive-dominant charge storage behavior further contributes to the improved electrochemical characteristics. These findings highlight the critical role of tuning carbonization temperature to achieve a balanced microstructure, offering valuable insights for the rational design of high-performance hard carbon anodes for SIBs.

Multimodal composites have the potential to play a crucial role in the development of theranostic agents. Systems with optical and magnetic response can be applied in medicine for both imaging and therapy; however, combining magnetic and luminescent nanoparticles in one entity is challenging. Both the morphology and architecture of the composite, as well as the influence of the magnetic components and matrix on the light-emissive component, must be paid attention. In this study, we demonstrate a design of a composite with advantageous magnetic response and luminescence in green and red regions (excited at 405 and 580 nm, respectively), where biocompatible CaCO3 microspheres were loaded and decorated with luminescent carbon dots (CDs) and magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs). We showed the absence of CDs’ toxicity by the IC50 tests and demonstrated its localization in L1 and L4 stages of C. elegans embryogenesis. We determine the optimal parameters for composite formation to achieve their improved performance and structural stability. The composites were fabricated in several steps, including loading nanoparticles and layer-by-layer application of polyelectrolytes on top of CaCO3. We demonstrated the applicability of the prepared composite microspheres for flow cytometry and showed their potential as multiplexed visualization agents, emphasizing their potential use as promising theranostic agents.

The integration of high-capacity active materials onto flexible substrates is essential for advancing flexible sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, we report a novel strategy for fabricating high-performance, flexible SIB anodes via the immobilization of molybdenum disulfide ( MoS2) nanoparticles on carbon cloth (CC) modified with metal–organic framework-derived carbon nanotubes (MOF-derived CNTs). In this method, Co-containing zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) were assembled on polyaniline-coated CC, followed by CNT growth via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and hydrothermal deposition of MoS2. The resulting MoS2@ CNT@CC electrodes achieved significantly higher MoS2 loading (15–20 wt%) compared to direct deposition on CC (< 5 wt%). Electrochemical evaluation revealed an initial discharge capacity of 231 mAh g− 1 with a Coulombic efficiency of 94.3%, outperforming MoS2@ CC (150 mAh g− 1, 77.8%) and bare CC (113 mAh g− 1, 74.3%). After 100 cycles at 50 mA g− 1, MoS2@ CNT@CC maintained a stable capacity of 133 mAh g− 1 and an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.9%. Cyclic voltammetry confirmed enhanced redox activity, while mechanical tests showed no significant degradation after 10,000 bending cycles (10 mm radius). These findings highlight the effectiveness of MOF-derived CNTs in enhancing MoS2 loading, conductivity, and mechanical resilience, offering a promising route toward robust and efficient flexible SIB anodes.

Recent advancements in 2D graphene materials highlight their versatile applications in electronics, clean energy, medicine, and other fields due to their exceptional properties and ease of fabrication. The current study investigates the preparation of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) through the thermal exfoliation of graphite oxide under an air atmosphere at varying temperatures (200–500 °C) and further examines its suitability as an anode for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The extent of reduction of functional groups, exfoliation, and other physical changes is analyzed by XRD, SEM, XPS, BET, and Raman studies, which show that the reduction of functional groups and surface area increases with increasing exfoliation temperature. The RGO electrodes are subjected to electrochemical studies, including cyclic voltammetry and charge–discharge cycling at various current densities, which demonstrate varying discharge capacities for RGO samples prepared at different temperatures. The RGO exfoliated at 400 °C delivered the maximum capacity, indicating that this temperature is optimal for the thermal preparation of RGO. This material shows potential for use as an anode in Li-ion batteries.

With the increasing demand for flexible electronic devices, smaller and lighter flexible supercapacitors have gained significant research attention. Among the various materials, self-supporting reduced graphene oxide (rGO) paper has emerged as one of the most promising electrode materials for supercapacitors due to its low cost, high chemical/thermal stability, and excellent electrical conductivity. Nevertheless, a major drawback of rGO paper is the limited ion diffusion between stacked rGO layers, hindering the effective formation of electrochemical double-layer at the electrode/electrolyte interface. In this study, we prepared the rGO paper derived from ball-milled followed-by water oxidation process for reducing the sheet size. The smaller-sized rGO sheets facilitated ion transport between graphene layers, promoting efficient electric double-layer formation. Moreover, the increased presence of edge planes in ball-milled rGO sheets achieved high capacitance, further enhancing the performance of rGO as an electrode material. Notably, the 2-BMOX rGO paper obtained from ball-milling and wet-oxidized graphite exhibited a capacitance of 117.9 F/g in cyclic voltammetry (CV) and 128.6 F/g in galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) tests, approximately twice that of conventional rGO. Additionally, the capacitance retained 91% of its initial performance after 2,000 cycles, indicating excellent cycling stability.

In this study, C.I. Pigment Blue 15:3, an organic phthalocyanine based pigment, was used as a precursor to synthesize activated carbon/copper/copper oxide composite through a carbonization and activation process. The resulting composite was investigated to evaluate the potential use as a hybrid capacitor electrode of supercapacitor and pseudo-capacitor. Precursor was pre-treated at 600 °C, followed by activation at 750 °C using alkaline activating agents (KOH and K2CO3). Neutral ZnCl2 activating agent was also used for activation at 700 °C without pre-treatment to compare the electrochemical performance. The KOH activated sample exhibited the presence of Cu, CuO, and Cu2O in XRD and XPS analysis results and it also showed a highest specific surface area of 2731 m2/ g and well-developed 0.7–2.0 nm micropores, enhancing ion adsorption in K2SO4 electrolyte. Electrochemical tests revealed that PB_KOH exhibited the highest capacitance, outperforming commercial Norit Carbon at various current densities, due to its Cu/CuO/Cu2O/activated carbon composite structure. These findings highlight its strong potential as a high-performance supercapacitor electrode material.

Water contamination caused by heavy metal pollutants from industrial activities remains a pressing environmental concern. This study reports the development of a novel carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using a mechanochemical method for the electrochemical detection of Cu(II) ions. The modified electrode was thoroughly characterized to evaluate its functional groups, morphology, crystallinity, elemental composition, and electrochemical properties. Electrochemical measurements were performed using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) under optimized conditions in 0.1 M NH₄Cl at pH 5. The EDTA/PVA/MWCNT-CPE exhibited a low detection limit (0.0457 μM), a wide linear range (0.1–2.7 μM), and excellent reproducibility (RSD = 0.51%), repeatability (RSD = 0.43%), and stability (95% retention after six days). Selectivity tests demonstrated high recovery for Cu(II) (99.7%) and Hg(II) (99.89%) with minimal interference. This simple, cost-effective sensor offers high sensitivity and selectivity, making it a promising candidate for Cu(II) detection in environmental monitoring applications.

This study aims to reinterpret the four components of fashion store Visual Merchandising Design (VMD)-Visual Presentation (VP), Point of Purchase Presentation (PP), Item Presentation (IP), and Experience Presentation (EP)-through the lens of affordance theory. It explores how phygital retail environments stimulate consumer experiences and interactions. As the boundaries between online and offline retail become increasingly fluid, VMD no longer functions merely as a visual display but as an experiential medium that integrates sensory, interactive, and emotional dimensions of fashion consumption. This study examines four flagship stores opened or renewed within the past three years - Gentle Monster House Nowhere Dosan (2025), Ader Error Seongsu Space (2024), Musinsa Standard Seongsu (2023), and Nike Gangnam (2024). Field observations were conducted to document circulation paths, display configurations, and the integration of interactive technologies. Observations were complemented by analysis of brand archives and professional media sources to understand each space's experiential intent. The collected data were coded into physical, perceptual, and social affordance categories and comparatively analyzed. The results reveal that phygital fashion stores reinforce action-oriented affordances through participatory design elements, enhance sensory immersion by combining material and digital stimuli, and expand social affordances through community-based and digitally connected spaces. These findings suggest that the VP-PP-IP-EP framework should evolve from a visually centered approach to a consumer experience-centered model. In conclusion, the study redefines VMD as an experiential medium mediated by affordances and provides strategic insights for designing immersive and interactive retail environments in the phygital era.

This study evaluated the fit of a one-piece dress using a 3D-printed dress form designed to reflect the body shape of middle-aged women and examined its potential for practical application by comparing the results with those from a 3D virtual fitting program. Therefore, a dress form was created based on the body measurements of middle-aged women using 3D body scanning and 3D printing, and an actual one-piece dress was fitted onto it. The same pattern was then simulated in a 3D virtual fitting program. A subsequent visual assessment was performed to compare and analyze the similarity between the 3D virtual fitting and actual fitting results. The analysis revealed that the 3D-printed dress form more accurately replicated the body characteristics of middle-aged women, making it advantageous for evaluating actual wearing comfort and garment fit. In contrast, the virtual fitting program demonstrated limitations in detailed expressions of elements such as wrinkles in specific body areas and fabric properties, resulting in lower consistency with real-world fitting outcomes compared to the dress form. This study confirmed that the 3D-printed dress form for middle-aged women can enhance accuracy in both fit evaluation and garment production processes. Future studies should focus on developing dress forms that accommodate diverse body types and refining virtual fitting technologies to enable more precise garment simulation and evaluation.