Fundamental aspects of creating passivation layers for corrosion resistance in nuclear engineering applications, specifically the ability to form complete layers versus porous ones, are being explored in this study. Utilizing a laser ablation technique, 1,064 nm fire at 10 Hz with 60 pulses per shot and 0.5 mm between impact points, aluminum samples are treated in an attempt to create a fully formed passivation layer that will be tested in a LiCl-KCl eutectic salt. By placing these samples into an electrochemical environment mimicking a pyroprocessing system, corrosion rates, resistances and material characteristics are tested for one week and then compared between treated and untreated samples. In initial testing, linear sweep voltammetry indicates corrosion current density for the untreated sample at −0.038 mA·cm−2 and treated samples at −0.024 mA·cm−2 and −0.016 mA·cm−2, respectively. This correlates to a control sample corrosion rate of −0.205 mm·yr−1 and treated rates of −0.130 mm·yr−1 and −0.086 mm·yr−1 for samples 1 and 2. In addition, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy circuits show application of a longer-lasting porous passivation layer on the treated metal, compared to the naturally forming layer. However, the current technique fails to create a uniform protection layer across the sample.

Background: Kinesio taping (KT) is an intervention method used to improve early function after surgery; however, the effect of KT varies depending on the intervention method. Objectives: To investigated systematically review and quantitatively analyze the effect of KT randomized controlled trials (RCTs) applied to Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to determine the value of the treatment method for TKA patients. Design: A systemic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Studies were identified by searching multiple electronic databases from January 2023 to February 2023. We selected RCTs comparing KT or no treatment, standard physical therapy, multimodal therapeutic approaches. When possible, we pooled data using random-effects meta-analysis. The Cochrane Bias Method Group's seven-item risk of bias (RoB) assessment tool was used for RCTs. The main outcomes were pain, swelling, and ROM. Results: Three trials (290 patients) provided sufficient data and were similar enough to be pooled for meta-analysis. The standardized mean difference for a reduction of pain was SMD = -1.02, 95 % CI -1.93 to -0.12; p= 0.03; I2= 92 %. The standardized mean difference for a reduction of swelling was SMD= - 0.23, 95 % CI -0.50 to -0.05; p= 0.10; I2= 58 %. The standardized mean difference for ROM was SMD= 1.06, 95 % CI -0.08 to 2.20; p= 0.07; I2= 95 %. Conclusion: KT has a large effect on pain reduction in TKA patients and could be used as an additional treatment option, but a small effect was observed in swelling and ROM.

Background: Disuse Syndrome is defined as a significantly reduced functional state due to acute disease or surgery. Despite the many advantages to robot rehabilitation, there have been no reported cases of robot rehabilitation being applied to patients with disuse syndrome. Objectives: To investigated report cases of robot rehabilitation in patients diagnosed with disuse syndrome after severe COVID-19 infection. Design: Case report. Methods: The subject of this study was an 81-year-old male who was 161 cm tall and weighed 55.3 kg. At the time of admission to the hospital, the patient had a manual muscle testing (MMT) score of 36 points and a modified barthel index (MBI) score of 7 points. Additionally, the patient had a fall risk assessment score of 10 and a visual analogue scale of 6 for lower back pain. The patient's MMT, trunk impairment scale (TIS), and MBI were followed up. The patient received acute rehabilitation treatment for 4 weeks, followed by additional robotic rehabilitation. For 4 weeks, a standing tilt robot and a wearable robot were applied for 2 weeks each. Results: After 4 weeks of intervention, MMT, TIS, and MBI were improved in the patients. MMT improved from 36 points to 41 points. TIS improved from 0 to 13 points. MBI improved from 7 points to 29 points. Conclusion: There is a need to pay more attention to the rehabilitation of patients with disuse syndrome in recovery rehabilitation hospitals. It is speculated that robot-assisted rehabilitation can be applied to patients with disuse syndrome.

Background: Mobilization movements was applied with different forces and frequencies for different clinicians. Force transmission varies with frequency. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of frequency- specific application of grade III PA movement on muscle tone and muscle activity around the lumbar vertebrae. Design: A one group pretest-posttest design. Methods: Twenty study subjects applied grades III of PA movement exercise of 0.5 Hz and 1 Hz with a force of 13 N around the 1st and 3rd lumbar vertebrae, and muscle tone and muscle activity were measured and compared before and after. Results: This study showed that 0.5 Hz grade III PA activity exerted an effect on the decrease in muscle tone of the 1st and 3rd right and left lumbar muscles. It was found that 0.5 Hz affected the right side of L1 and 1.0 Hz affected the left side of L1 in near-activity when applying the grade III PA movement by frequency. Conclusion: In the future, it will be necessary to investigate the effect of applying frequency according to various grades of PA movement.

Background: This study attempted a comparative analysis of three splint fabrication methods currently used in clinical fields. Traditional Orthotic Fabrication Method Utilizing Thermoplastic Resin, the Methodology for creating assistive devices using 3D scanner, commercial CAD software, and 3D printing technology, and the Fabrication Method of Arm Splint Based on XR (eXtended Reality) Algorithm. Objectives: The study recruited 12 undergraduate students majoring in physical therapy and occupational therapy who had sufficient knowledge of splints, with an equal gender distribution. The study randomized the participants and conducted the experiment and overall process using a stratified approach. Design: Clinical applied technology experiment Methods: The study used QUEST 2.0 (Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology ver. 2.0) to survey standardization, weight, ease of use, safety, durability, usability, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction, and statistically analyzed all results as quantitative indicators. Results: The score of QUEST 2.0 showed different aspects in some items, and it is difficult to say that certain technologies are superior overall. Conclusion: The study attempted an intuitive interpretation of the results. Overall, it was concluded that the XR method, which allows for easy and fast fabrication, is likely to be more readily accepted in future clinical practice.

Background: Back stabilization exercises have been applied to decrease low back pain. Pilates exercise can help stabilize the low back and pelvic alignment, and uses equipment such as cadillac, reformer, chair, and barrel. Objectives: This study was conducted to confirm the effects of pilates exercise using cadillac equipment and self-exercise using back pain educational materials on pain, pelvic inclination, and single leg stance ability in adult women with back pain. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-five participants (female 25) with unspecified low back pain with lumbar hyperextension and anterior pelvic tilt were recruited. 25 adult women with back pain were randomly divided into a pilates group and a selfexercise group. Pilates exercise intervention using a cadillac was administered to the pilates group, and posture and lifestyle education materials for back pain were provided to the self-exercise group. All of the interventions were conducted 3 times a week for 4 weeks, 50 minutes per session, and the results are as follows. Results: Data analysis in each group revealed statistical differences between self-exercise and divided into a Pilates intervention. A visual analog scale (VAS)/oswestry disability index (ODI) decreased pain in both groups, Independent t-test decreased pain in both groups, but there was no significant difference. Data analysis divided into a pilates group revealed statistical differences between a VAS/ODI and pelvic tilt angle and static balance. It has been shown to increase scores or relieve pain. Conclusion: Through this study, it was confirmed that the pilates exercise using cadillac can be effectively used to reduce back pain, improve pelvic alignment, and improve single leg stance ability in adult women with low back pain.

Background: Swallowing disorder is a common disease that can cause various complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and poor quality of life, and can affect people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Swallowing disorder rehabilitation is a complex process involving various skills such as exercise, diet modification, and posture adjustment. This study implements a rehab program for swallowing disorders using the Kinesio Tapping technique. Design: Prospective pilot case study. Objectives: To improve laryngeal detachment by providing external support to the muscles involved in swallowing using kinesio taping for conventional complex swallowing disorder rehabilitation. Methods: The study included 16 participants who were diagnosed with swallowing difficulties after a stroke and admitted to a rehabilitation ward in Ulsan. The average age of the participants, consisting of 9 males and 7 females, was 69.0 years (SD=1.23) and 64.0 years (SD=1.45), respectively. The stroke types were hemorrhagic and infarction, with onset periods ranging from 6 to 12 months (SD=1.11) in all participants. Each participant received a video fluoroscopy study (VFSS) for six months using the taping method developed by the research team. Kinesio taping techniques were developed by two professional physical therapists and one occupational therapist based on anatomical movements. Results: Significant differences were observed in self-training on the bed after the rehabilitation program compared to the initial period Kinesio taping can help improve laryngeal dislocation and reduce the risk of aspiration by providing external support to the muscles involved in swallowing. However, the effectiveness and optimal application techniques of kinesio taping in the rehabilitation of swallowing disorders are not yet clear. Conclusion: The results of this study could lead to the development of a new treatment protocol that incorporates kinesio taping as a standard therapy for the rehabilitation of swallowing disorders in bedridden patients.

In this work, we report a direct preparation of a few-walled carbon nanotube (FWCNTs) and NiMgAl composites namely FWCNT-NiMgAl by pyrolysis of waste high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic at 800 °C with NiMgAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) as catalysts. The composite formation is carried out in a single step using our lab-developed pyrolysis reactor. The NiMgAl-LDH catalyst was prepared by co-precipitation method and the FWCNTs were grown on the NiMgAl-LDH catalyst with FWCNT yield of 10% and FWCNT-NiMgAl composite yield of 55% whose quality is determined by Raman ID/IG ratio of 2.57. The average outer and inner diameter of the FWCNT are found to be 5.5 nm and 2.9 nm, respectively, from TEM and 2.92 nm from the outer RBM (radial breathing mode) band, which indicates the formation of a few-walled CNTs. FWCNT-NiMgAl is used for the fabrication of flexible supercapacitor electrodes on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet which achieved a specific capacitance of 432 Fg− 1 in a wide potential range (ΔV = 2) at a scan rate of 5 mV s− 1 in 2 M KOH electrolyte with a high energy density of 240 Wh kg− 1, whereas NiMgAl displayed a capacitance of 200 Fg− 1 with an energy density of 111 Wh kg− 1. The diffusion-type charge storage mechanism (pseudocapacitance) is found to be dominant with contributions of 73.2% and 69.75% for NiMgAl and FWCNT-NiMgAl, respectively. The highest specific capacitance and energy density are obtained for NiMgAl in 2 M KCl and for FWCNT-NiMgAl in 2 M NaOH electrolytes. However, the largest potential window is observed in KOH electrolyte for both NiMgAl and FWCNT-NiMgAl with value of ΔV = 2 V. The electrode material shows good stability in acidic electrolytes and also shows good capacitive stability at high frequencies maintaining a phase angle of 70°. The present work is a novel approach to fabricate low-cost multifunctional carbon composite nanomaterials and will contribute to the research on low-cost waste-derived CNT composite preparation and its application in flexible energy storage devices.

There is an ever growing interest in the development of biochar from a large variety of agrowastes. Herein, the main objective is the conversion of pomegranate peel powder biochar and its post-functionalization by phosphoric acid treatment, followed by arylation organic reaction. The latter was conducted using in situ-generated diazonium salts of 4-aminobenzoic acid ( H2N-C6H4-COOH), sulfanilic acid ( H2N-C6H4-SO3H) and Azure A dye. The effect of diazonium nature and concentration on the arylation process was monitored using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). SEM pictures showed micrometer-sized biochar particles with tubular structure having about 10–20 μm-wide channels. SEM studies have shown that arylation did not affect the morphology upon arylation. The porous structure did not collapse and withstood the arylation organic reaction in acid medium did not collapse upon arylation. TGA and Raman indicated gradual changes in the arylation of biochar at initial concentrations 10– 5, 10– 4 and 10– 3 mol L− 1 of 4-aminobenzoic acid. The detailed Raman spectra peak fittings indicate that the D/G peak intensity ratio leveled off at 3.35 for 4-aminobenzoic acid initial concentration of 10– 4 mol L− 1, and no more change was observed, even at higher aryl group mass loading. This is in line with formation of oligoaryl grafts rather than the grafting of new aryl groups directly to the biochar surface. Interestingly, Azure A diazonium salt induced much lower extent of surface modification, likely due to steric hindrance. To the very best of our knowledge, this is the first report on diazonium modification of agrowaste-derived biochar and opens new avenues for arylated biochar and its applications.