Background: The transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TNES) is the most used non-invasive treatment method in physical therapy. As the mobile TENS (MTENS) has become popular, patients with pain have started using MTENS to reduce pain. Objectives: To evaluate pain, range of motion, and muscle strength before and after using MTNES in patients with wrist pain. Design: Quasi-experimental research. Methods: We conducted an experiment with 80 patients; 15 patients were dropped out, and 35 and 30 patients were evaluated in the experimental group (EG) and control group (CG), respectively. Before and after using MTENS for 4 weeks, patients were evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS), grip power, range of motion (ROM), and digital infrared thermography imaging (DITI). In the EG, electricity was applied for the MTENS device, while electricity was not applied in the CG. Results: A significant difference in pain reduction was observed between the EG and CG. In the EG, a significant difference in grip strength was also noticed before and after using the MTENS; patients showed significantly increased power grip and tip pinch. A significant difference was observed in pre-rest and post-test wrist ROM and DITI values. Conclusion: MTENS is an appropriate procedure for patients with wrist pain.

A spin coating process for RRAM, which is a TiN/TiO2/FTO structure based on a PTC sol solution, was developed in this laboratory, a method which enables low-temperature and eco-friendly manufacturing. The RRAM corresponds to an OxRAM that operates through the formation and extinction of conductive filaments. Heat treatment was selected as a method of controlling oxygen vacancy (VO), a major factor of the conductive filament. It was carried out at 100 oC under moisture removal conditions and at 300 oC and 500 oC for excellent phase stability. XRD analysis confirmed the anatase phase in the thin film increased as the heat treatment increased, and the Ti3+ and OH- groups were observed to decrease in the XPS analysis. In the I-V analysis, the device at 100 oC showed a low primary SET voltage of 5.1 V and a high ON/OFF ratio of 104. The double-logarithmic plot of the I-V curve confirmed the device at 100 oC required a low operating voltage. As a result, the 100 oC heat treatment conditions were suitable for the low voltage driving and high ON/OFF ratio of TiN/TiO2/FTO RRAM devices and these results suggest that the operating voltage and ON/OFF ratio required for OxRAM devices used in various fields under specific heat treatment conditions can be compromised.

This study examines the surface characteristics, electrical conductivity, electromagnetic wave blocking characteristics, infrared (IR) transmittance, stealth function, thermal characteristics, and moisture characteristics of IR thermal imaging cameras. Nylon film (NFi), nylon fabric (NFa), and 5 types of nylon mesh were selected as the base materials for aluminum sputtering, and aluminum sputtering was performed to study IR thermal imaging, color difference, temperature change, and so on, and the relationship with infrared transmittance was assessed. The electrical conductivity was measured and the aluminum-sputtered nylon film demonstrated 25.6kΩ of surface resistance and high electrical conductivity. In addition, the electromagnetic wave shielding characteristics of the sputtering-treated nylon film samples were noticeably increased as a result of aluminum sputtering treatment as measured by the electromagnetic wave blocking characteristics. When NFi and NFa samples with single-sided sputtering were placed on the human body (sputtering layer faced the outside air) and imaged using IR thermographic cameras, the sputtering layer displayed a color similar to the surroundings, showing a stealth effect. Moreover, the tighter the sample density, the better the stealth function. According to the L, a, b measurements, when the sputtering layer of NFi and NFa samples faced the outside air, the value of a was generally high, thereby demonstrating a concealing effect, and the E value was also high at 124.2 and 93.9, revealing a significant difference between the treated and untreated samples. This research may be applicable to various fields, such as the military wear, conductive sensors, electromagnetic wave shielding film, and others.

In the coastal areas of Jeju Island, composed of volcanic rocks, saltwater intrusion occurs due to excessive pumping and geological characteristics. Groundwater level and electrical conductivity (EC) in multi-depth monitoring wells in coastal areas were characterized from 2005 to 2019. During the period of the lowest monthly precipitation, from November 2017 until February 2018, groundwater level decreased by 0.32-0.91 m. During the period of the highest monthly precipitation, from September 2019 until October 2019, groundwater level increased by 0.46-2.95 m. Groundwater level fluctuation between the dry and wet seasons ranged from 0.79 to 3.73 m (average 1.82 m) in the eastern area, from 0.47 to 6.57 m (average 2.55 m) in the western area, from 0.77 to 8.59 m (average 3.53 m) in the southern area, and from 1.06 to 12.36 m (average 5.92 m) in the northern area. In 2013, when the area experienced decreased annual precipitation, at some monitoring wells in the western area, the groundwater level decreased due to excessive groundwater pumping and saltwater intrusion. Based on EC values of 10,000 μS/cm or more, saltwater intrusion from the coastline was 10.2 km in the eastern area, 4.1 km in the western area, 5.8 km in the southern area, and 5.7 km in the northern area. Autocorrelation analysis of groundwater level revealed that the arithmetic mean of delay time was 0.43 months in the eastern area, 0.87 months in the northern area, 10.93 months in the southern area, and 17.02 months in the western area. Although a few monitoring wells were strongly influenced by nearby pumping wells, the cross-correlation function of the groundwater level was the highest with precipitation in most wells. The seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model indicated that the groundwater level will decrease in most wells in the western area and decrease or increase in different wells in the eastern area.

Background: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a physical modality used to activate skeletal muscles for strengthening. While voluntary muscle contraction (VMC) follows the progressive recruitment of motor units in order of size from small to large, NMES-induced muscle contraction occurs in a nonselective and synchronous pattern. Therefore, the outcome of muscle strengthening training using NMES-induced versus voluntary contraction might be different, which might affect balance performance. Objects: We examined how the NMES training affected balance and proprioception. Methods: Forty-four young adults were randomly assigned to NMES and VMC group. All participants performed one-leg standing on a force plate and sat on the Biodex (Biodex R Corp.) to measure balance and ankle proprioception, respectively. All measures were conducted before and after a training session. In NMES group, electric pads were placed on the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles for 20 minutes. In VMC group, co-contraction of the three muscles was conducted. Outcome variables included mean distance, root mean square distance, total excursion, mean velocity, 95% confidence circle area acquired from the center of pressure data, and absolute error of dorsi/plantarflexion. Results: None of outcome variables were associated with group (p > 0.35). However, all but plantarflexion error was associated with time (p < 0.02), and the area and mean velocity were 37.0% and 18.6% lower in post than pre in NMES group, respectively, and 48.9% and 16.7% lower in post than pre in VMC group, respectively. Conclusion: Despite different physiology underlying the NMES-induced versus VMC, both training methods improved balance and ankle joint proprioception.

Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) terpolymer was compounded with short carbon fiber (CF) and carbon nanotube (CNT) using a micro-extruder followed by the injection molding process. Composite samples were fabricated with loading ratios of 20 wt.% CF and 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 wt.% of CNT. Mechanical, electrical, thermo-mechanical, thermal, melt-flow, and structural investigations of ABS-based composites were conducted by performing tensile, impact, hardness, and wear tests, conductive atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), melt flow rate test (MFR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization techniques, respectively. According to mechanical test data of resultant composites including tensile and impact test findings, CNT additions led to the remarkable increase in tensile strength and impact resistance for CF reinforced ABS composites. The formation of synergy between CNT nanoparticles and CF was confirmed by electrical conduction results. The conductive path in ABS/CF composite system was achieved by the incorporation of CNT with different loading levels. SEM micrographs of composites proved that CNT nanoparticles exhibited homogeneous dispersion into ABS matrix for lower loadings.

Background: The superimposed technique (ST) involves the application of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) during voluntary muscle action. The physiological effects attributed to each stimulus may be accumulated by the ST. Although various EMS devices for the quadriceps muscle are being marketed to the general public, there is still a lack of research on whether ST training can provide significant advantages for improving quadriceps muscle strength or thickness compared with EMS alone. Objective: To compare the effects of eight weeks of ST and EMS on the thicknesses of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus intermedius (VI) muscles and knee extension strength. Methods: Thirty healthy subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to either the ST or EMS groups. The participants underwent ST or EMS training for eight weeks. In all participants, the thicknesses of the RF and VI muscles were measured before and after the 8-week intervention by ultrasonography, and quadriceps muscle strength was measured using the Smart KEMA tension sensor (KOREATECH Co., Ltd.). Results: There were significant differences in the pre- and post-intervention thicknesses of the RF and VI muscles as well as the quadriceps muscle strength in both groups (p < 0.05). RF thickness was significantly greater in the ST group (F = 4.294, p = 0.048), but there was no significant difference in VI thickness (F = 0.234, p = 0.632) or knee extension strength (F = 0.775, p = 0.386). Conclusion: EMS can be used to improve quadriceps muscle strength and RF and VI muscle thickness, and ST can be used to improve RF thickness in the context of athletic training and fitness.

Ti3C2Tx MXene, which is a representative of the two-dimensional MXene family, is attracting considerable attention due to its remarkable physicochemical and mechanical properties. Despite its strengths, however, it is known to be vulnerable to oxidation. Many researchers have investigated the oxidation behaviors of the material, but most researches were conducted at high temperatures above 500 oC in an oxidation-retarding environment. In this research, we studied changes in the structural and electrical properties of Ti3C2Tx MXene induced by low-temperature heat treatments in ambient conditions. It was found that a number of TiO2 particles were formed on the MXene surface when it was mildly heated to 200 oC. Heating the material to higher temperatures, up to 400 oC, the phase transformation of Ti3C2Tx MXene to TiO2 was accelerated, resulting in a TiO2/ Ti3C2Tx hybrid. Consequently, the metallic nature of pure Ti3C2Tx MXene was transformed to semiconductive behavior upon heat-treating at ≥ 200 oC. The results of this research clearly demonstrate that Ti3C2Tx MXene may be easily oxidized even at low temperatures once it is exposed to air.

The electrical resistances of small-sized activated carbon fiber (ACF) fabric (specific surface area: 1244.7 m2/ g, average pore diameter: 1.92 nm) and felt (specific surface area: 1321.2 m2/ g, average pore diameter: 2.21 nm) sensors were measured in a temperature and humidity controlled gas chamber by CO2 adsorption at different surrounding CO2 concentrations (3000–10,000 ppm). The electrical resistances of ACF sensors decreased linearly as the increase of temperature and decreased exponentially as the increase of humidity in the ambient atmospheric chamber. The electrical resistances of ACF rapidly decreased within 4 s and an equilibrium state was achieved within 10 s due to the very rapid CO2 adsorption at room temperature and 40% humidity. Comparing the difference in electrical resistance values measured during injection of similar concentrations of CO2 after reaching the equilibrium value, the fabric exhibited a significant change, whereas the felt did not, even though it had a relatively larger specific surface area. The reason is that micropore volume greatly affected the amount of CO2 adsorbed, whereas the specific surface area did not affect it as much. Therefore, ACF fabric with large micropores (> 2.0 nm) can be developed and used as CO2 sensors in small rooms such as a passenger vehicles.

Molybdenum is used in electrical contacts, industrial motors, and transportation materials due to its remarkable ability to resist heat and corrosion. It is also used to flame coat other metals. This study investigated, the thermal characteristics of the molybdenum sputtered material, such as electrical conductivity, and stealth effects on infrared thermal imaging cameras. To this end, molybdenum sputtered samples were prepared by varying the density of the base sample and the type of base materials used. Thereafter, the produced samples were evaluated for their surface state, electrical conductivity, electromagnetic field characteristics, thermal characteristics, stealth effect on infrared thermal imaging cameras, and moisture characteristics. As a result of infrared thermal imaging, the molybdenum layer was directed towards the outside air, and when the sample was a film, it demonstrated a greater stealth effect than the fabric. When the molybdenum layer was directed to the outside air, all of the molybdenum sputtering-treated samples exhibited a lower surface temperature than the “untreated sample.” In addition, as a result of confirming electrical properties following the molybdenum sputtering treatment, it was determined that the film exhibited better electrical conductivity than the fabric. All samples that were subjected to molybdenum sputtering exhibited significantly reduced electromagnetic and IR transmission. As a result, the stealth effect on infrared thermal imaging cameras is considered to be a better way of interpreting heat transfer than infrared transmission. These results are expected to have future applications in high-performance smartwear, military uniforms, and medical wear.

In this paper, the effect of Ni (0, 0.5 and 1.0 wt%) additions on the microstructure, mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of cast and extruded Al-MM-Sb alloy is studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy, and a universal tensile testing machine. Molten aluminum alloy is maintained at 750 oC and then poured into a mold at 200 oC. Aluminum alloys are hot-extruded into a rod that is 12 mm in diameter with a reduction ratio of 39:1 at 550 oC. The addition of Ni results in the formation of Al11RE3, AlSb and Al3Ni intermetallic compounds; the area fraction of these intermetallic compounds increases with increasing Ni contents. As the amount of Ni increases, the average grain sizes of the extruded Al alloy decrease to 1359, 536, and 153 μm, and the high-angle grain boundary fractions increase to 8, 20, and 34 %. As the Ni content increases from 0 to 1.0 wt%, the electrical conductivity is not significantly different, with values from 57.4 to 57.1 % IACS.

Cymbidium is one of the most popular and economically important species cultivated as a commercial ornamental crop. The objectives of this study were to determine the appropriate electrical conductivity (EC) treatments of nutrient solution, which gives the highest spike production and quality. Three-year-old Cymbidium ‘Lovely Smile’ plants were grown in the environmentally controlled Information and Communication Technology (ICT) smart greenhouse at Seoul Women’s University. The EC of the nutrient solution was changed in three distinct stages: vegetative, flower initiation, and flower development. The EC treatments were 1-0-1 (dS·m-1, EC101), 1-1-1 (dS·m-1, EC111), 2-1-2 (dS·m-1, EC212), 2-2-2 (dS·m-1, EC222), 3-2-3 (dS·m-1, EC323), 3-3-3 (dS·m-1, EC333) and the pH was adjusted to 6.0–6.5. Pseudobulb diameter increased in the plants treated with EC 101 and EC111 compared to the plants treated with EC 2.0–3.0 dS·m-1 at the reproductive stage 28 weeks after nutrient solution treatment. Flower spike production per pot and pseudobulb showed the highest values in the plants treated with EC111 of 3.3 and 1.4, respectively. Flower spikes length was the highest in the plants treated with EC 1.0 dS·m-1 and stem thickness, number of flowers, and fresh weight were the largest in the plants with EC 1.0 dS·m-1 among the EC treatments. Flower spikes had the worst quality (e.g., plant growth and flowering quality) in the plants treated with EC 3.0 dS·m-1 among the EC treatments. Floral bud and flower development took place 1–2 weeks earlier in the plants treated with EC 101, 111, and 212 than the other treatments. Flower diameter showed the highest values in the plants treated with EC 1.0 dS·m-1 among the EC treatments and flower color showed higher L* and b* values and lower a* values in the plants treated with EC 3.0 dS·m-1 compared to EC 1.0 and 2.0 dS･m-1. Nutrient solution of EC 1.0 dS·m-1 (EC111) can be recommended to improve flower spike quality and advanced flower development of Cymbidium.

배전기 캐비닛은 발전소와 같은 플랜트 시설에서 전자기기 혹은 시스템 컨트롤러 등을 보관하는 역할을 한다. 전기 캐비닛이 지진과 같은 외부하중에 의해 손상될 경우 시스템 장애 혹은 운영 중단이 발생할 수 있다. 안정적이고 지속가능한 에너지 공급을 위해 외부 하중에 의한 전기 캐비닛의 안전성 평가는 매우 중요하다. 전기 캐비닛은 주로 콘크리트 슬래브에 앵커 로 지지되기 때문에 앵커의 지지력 상실로 인해 전기 캐비닛이 손상될 수 있다. 콘크리트 재료는 다양한 불확실성이 존재하며 변동성이 다른 재료에 비해 큰 편이다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 선행연구에서 개발된 전기 캐비닛-앵커 시스템의 유한요소 모델을 이용하여 콘크리트 재료의 불확실성을 고려한 지진 취약도 평가를 수행하였다. 30개의 콘크리트 재료 모델을 라틴 하이퍼큐브 샘플링을 이용하여 샘플링하였으며 울진 지역의 등재해도 스펙트럼을 만족하는 인공지진을 적용하여 시간이력 해석을 수행하였다. 앵커의 응력과 캐비닛 최상단의 변위를 한계상태로 정의하였다. 지진 취약도 분석 결과 0.2g를 초과할 때 앵커의 응력 및 캐비닛 최상단 변위가 정해진 한계상태를 초과하는 것으로 나타났으며 대부분 0.5g에서 파괴되는 것으로 나타났다. 추후 연구에서는 지진의 불확실성과 재료의 불확실성을 동시에 고려하여 지진 취약도 평가를 수행하고자 한다.

The effect of Sm2O3 doping on the microstructure and electrical properties of the ZPCCA-based varistors is comprehensively investigated. The increase of doping content of Sm2O3 results in better densification (from 5.70 to 5.82 g/cm3) and smaller mean grain size (from 7.8 to 4.1 μm). The breakdown electric field increases significantly from 2568 to 6800 V/ cm as the doping content of Sm2O3 increases. The doping of Sm2O3 remarkably improves the nonlinear properties (increasing from 23.9 to 91 in the nonlinear coefficient and decreasing from 35.2 to 0.2 μA/cm2 in the leakage current density). Meanwhile, the doping of Sm2O3 reduces the donor concentration (the range of 2.73 X 1018 to 1.18 X 1018 cm-3) of bulk grain and increases the barrier height (the range of 1.10 to 1.49 eV) at the grain boundary. The density of the interface states decreases in the range of of 5.31 X 1012 to 4.08 X 1012 cm-2 with the increase of doping content of Sm2O3. The dielectric constant decreases from 1594.8 to 507.5 with the increase of doping content of Sm2O3.

Background: Stroke patients have dosiflexor weakness. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) for motor and sensory threshold stimulation has been applied to patients with stroke. Objectives: To investigate effects of FES intervention for motor and sensory threshold on balance and gait in subacute patients with stroke. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: In all, 34 patients with subacute stroke were recruited and randomly assigned to the motor threshold (MTG, n=17) and sensory threshold group (STG, n=17). The measured variables were static balance (BioRescue), dynamic balance (BBS), and gait (TUG test). The study period was 5 weeks, twice a day, 5 days a week. Results: There was a significant difference in all variables except the speed variable (open eye Romberg test) after the intervention; MTG improved more significantly except for the speed variable of the Romberg test (open eye). BBS score increased significantly only in the MTG group after the intervention, and the increase was more significant in the MTG group than in the STG group. The TUG test significantly decreased in both groups after the intervention, and the decrease was more significant in the MTG group than in the STG group. Conclusion: FES for motor threshold applied to patients with subacute stroke appears to be more effective in improving balance and gait ability than FES for sensory threshold.

본 연구에서는 전기 근육 자극(electrical muscle stimulation, EMS)에 사용되는 기존의 하이드로겔 패드의 단 점인 사용 편의성, 쾌적성 등을 보완할 수 있는 e-textile (electronic textile)을 이용한 전기 근육 자극(electrical muscle stimulation, EMS) 패드인 EMSCT (electrical muscle stimulation conductive textile)를 연구를 하고자 하 였다. SWCNT (Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube)와   의 농도 및 함침 공정 횟수를 변수로 하여, EMSCT는 5 가지 직물(라디론, 네오프렌, 스판쿠션, 폴리100%, 베르가모)에 전도성을 부여하여 실험이 진행되었다. SWCNT (Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube)와   을 이용한 패딩 공정을 거쳤으며, 교류 측정 결과 하이드로겔 과 가장 유사한 교류를 나타내는 것은 SWCNT:   = 2:1의 베르가모 원단이라는 결과를 얻을 수 있었다. 또한, 편 의성, 사용성, 심리적 만족성에 관한 사용성 평가를 통해 기존 하이드로겔 패드에 비해 EMSCT가 좋은 사용성을 가진다는 결과를 얻을 수 있다.