Flourishing and integrative emotion regulation: an SDT perspective.

This paper presents a Self-Determination Theory (SDT) perspective on the relationship between human flourishing and emotion regulation. It argues that SDT's organismic approach to motivation, development, and wellness enables it to directly address this relationship, placing emotion regulation within comprehensive conceptions of eudaimonic functioning (i.e., flourishing) and regulation (i.e., self-determination). This is in contrast to the dominant goal-directed process model of emotion regulation, which addresses only limited aspects of well-being, ignores forms of motivation that are essential to flourishing, and blurs the line between emotion regulation and other forms of regulation.

Comparison of muscle activity of hamstrings as knee flexors and hip extensors and effect of tibial and hip rotation on the contribution of hamstrings.

BACKGROUND: Limited studies have compared the muscle activity of the medial and lateral hamstrings as knee flexors with tibial internal and external rotation and hip extensors with hip internal and external rotation. In particular, hamstring activity during hip extension with hip rotation has rarely been investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the muscle activity of the medial and lateral hamstrings as knee flexors and hip extensors and to compare the activity of these muscles according to tibial rotation during isometric knee flexion and hip rotation during isometric hip extension. METHODS: A total of 23 healthy adults participated in the study. The electromyographic (EMG) activity of the hamstrings was measured during maximal isometric knee flexion and maximal isometric hip extension. In addition, tibial rotation was applied actively during maximal isometric knee flexion, whereas hip rotation was applied actively during maximal isometric hip extension. RESULTS: EMG activity during maximal isometric knee flexion with tibial internal and external rotation was significantly higher than that during maximal isometric hip extension with hip internal and external rotation, respectively. For EMG activity according to tibial and hip rotation, there was no significant difference between tibial internal and external rotation during maximal isometric knee flexion, whereas there was a significant difference between hip internal and external rotation during maximal isometric hip extension. CONCLUSION: Hamstring activity was higher for knee flexors than for hip extensors. However, hip rotation during maximal isometric hip extension is an effective intervention for selective muscle activation of the medial and lateral hamstrings.

A Multilevel Model of Older Adults' Appropriation of ICT and Acquisition of Digital Literacy.

Digital literacy refers to a set of competencies related to the skilled use of computers and information technology. Low digital skills can be a barrier for older adults' full participation in a digital society, and COVID-19 has increased this risk of social exclusion. Older adults' digital inclusion is a complex process that consists of the interplay of structural and individual factors. The ACCESS project unwrapped the complexity of the process and developed an innovative, multilevel model that illustrates how societal, institutional, material and pedagogical aspects shape adults' appropriation of digital literacy. A holistic model describes factors contributing to older adults' digital literacy, acknowledging sociocultural contexts, environments, learning settings and instruction practices for learning digital literacy. Instead of seeing older adults' reasons for learning digital skills purely as individual choice, this model recognizes the interpersonal, institutional and societal aspects that implicitly or explicitly influence older adults' acquisition of digital literacy. The results offer a tool for stakeholders, the research community, companies, designers and other relevant stakeholders to consider digital skills and the given support. It demands diverse communication between different stakeholders about the things that should be discussed when organizing digital support in digitalized societies.

Optimal placement of the region of interest for bolus tracking on brain computed tomography angiography in Beagle dogs.

This study aimed to determine the optimal placement of the region of interest (ROI) among four anatomical sites-pulmonary artery (PA), pulmonary vein (PV), aortic arch (AA), and carotid artery (CA)-in computed tomography (CT) brain angiography with automatic bolus tracking in healthy beagle dogs. Six beagles were included, and CT brain angiography was performed four times for each dog, to cover each ROI. The scan parameters, amount, and injection rate of the contrast medium were the same. The major intracranial arteries were selected for quantitative and qualitative evaluation: caudal cerebellar artery (CcA), basilar artery (BA), rostral cerebellar artery (RcA), caudal cerebral artery (CCA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and rostral cerebral artery (RCA). Quantitative evaluation showed significantly higher CT attenuation values for the RcA, CCA, and MCA in the PA group and RcA and MCA in the PV group than in the CA group. Qualitative analysis revealed significantly higher scores for the BA, CCA, and MCA in the PA and PV groups than in the CA group. Venous contamination did not differ significantly among the ROIs, but the mean scores of the AA and CA groups were higher than those of the PA and PV groups. CT brain angiography using bolus tracking in the beagle dogs showed that the ROI should be placed at the PA or PV rather than at the CA for optimal images with strong contrast enhancement of the BA, RcA, CCA, and MCA and minimal venous contamination.

Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching at low-intensities with standing toe touch on developing and maintaining hamstring flexibility.

BACKGROUND: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching at low intensities has been rarely investigated. Previous studies have shown that hamstring flexibility after stretching is only temporary. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of low intensities (40% and 10% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction, MVIC) of PNF stretching on hamstring muscles and to assess the effect of standing toe touch on the duration of hamstring flexibility. METHODS: This was a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Sixty-four healthy adults (age, 22.67 ± 1.73 years) were selected and divided into four groups: 40% intensity PNF stretching (P40), 10% intensity PNF stretching (P10), 40% intensity PNF stretching with toe touch (P40 with TT), and 10% intensity PNF stretching with toe touch (P10 with TT). Hamstring flexibility was measured using the active knee extension test (pre-stretching, post-stretching, and 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 min after PNF stretching). RESULTS: In the P40, P40 with TT, and P10 with TT groups, significant changes were observed at all time points after stretching (p < 0.05). In the P10 group, significant changes were only observed immediately post stretching (p = 0.006) and at 3 min (p = 0.029) after stretching. In terms of maintaining the duration of flexibility, the P40 with TT and P10 with TT groups were superior to the P40 and P10 groups. CONCLUSION: PNF stretching at low intensity, approaching 40% of MVIC, led to more flexibility than 10% MVIC. Additionally, standing toe touch after PNF stretching is recommended to develop and maintain hamstring flexibility.

Immediate effects of scapular stabilizing exercise in chronic stroke patient with winging and elevated scapula: a case study.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of scapular stabilizing exercise in a stroke patient with winging and elevated scapula. [Subject and Methods] The subject was a 46-year-old female with a history of stroke. She had right side hemiplegia with winging and elevated scapula on the right side, and had compensatory motions of the neck and shoulder when using the paretic upper extremity. The subject participated in scapular stabilizing exercises for four days. This exercise program consisted of scapular protraction-retraction in an upright seated position. Scapular position was measured as distance between scapular medial border and thoracic vertebrae 3, 4. Upper extremity function was measured as time required for lifting and lowering a cup with the affected arm. [Results] After intervention, distance between scapular medial border and spinouse process of T3, 4 decreased. Time required for lifting and lowering a cup with the affected arm decreased. Compensatory motions of the neck and shoulder joint decreased. [Conclusion] Despite the short period, scapular stabilizing exercises had a positive effect on scapular position and upper extremity function.

Effects of central and unilateral posteroanterior mobilization on cervical lordosis, muscle stiffness and ROM in patient with ankylosing spondylitis: case study.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the effects of central and unilateral posteroanterior (PA) mobilization on cervical lordosis, muscle stiffness and range of motion in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). [Subject and Methods] The subject of this case study was diagnosed with AS in 1997. At baseline, variance was measured without any intervention during the first 3 days (2016.6.13-2016.6.15). Cervical PA mobilization was applied to each segment from C2-C7 from the 4th to the 11th day for 8 days. Intervention was not performed from the 12th to the 15th days for 4 days. Variances were measured a final time without intervention on the 16th day (2016.6.28). [Results] Cervical lordosis was seen to have increased. Muscle stiffness was significantly decreased after intervention and the effect of treatment lasted for five days without any additional intervention. The cervical flexion and extension angles were increased. However these increases were not statistically significant. Both the lateral flexion and left rotation angle were significantly increased and the effects of treatment lasted for five days without any additional intervention. [Conclusion] These results suggest that central and unilateral PA mobilization is effective in increasing cervical lordosis and range of motion, and decreasing muscle stiffness in patients with AS.

The effects of functional electrical stimulation on muscle tone and stiffness of stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of functional electrical stimulation on muscle tone and stiffness in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Ten patients who had suffered from stroke were recruited. The intervention was functional electrical stimulation on ankle dorsiflexor muscle (tibialis anterior). The duration of functional electrical stimulation was 30 minutes, 5 times a week for 6 weeks. The Myoton was used a measure the muscle tone and stiffness of the gastrocnemius muscle (medial and lateral part) on paretic side. [Results] In the assessment of muscle tone, medial and lateral part of gastrocnemius muscle showed differences before and after the experiment. Muscle stiffness of medial gastrocnemius muscle showed differences, and lateral gastrocnemius muscle showed differences before and after the experiment. The changes were greater in stiffness scores than muscle tone. [Conclusion] These results suggest that FES on ankle dorsiflexor muscle had a positive effect on muscle tone and stiffness of stroke patients.

Comparison of whole-body vibration exercise and plyometric exercise to improve isokinetic muscular strength, jumping performance and balance of female volleyball players.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of whole-body vibration exercise and plyometric exercise on female volleyball players. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects were randomly allocated to two exercise groups (whole-body vibration exercise group and plyometric exercise group). The exercise was conducted three times each week for 8 weeks. Isokinetic muscular strength, jumping performance, and balance were measured before starting the exercise and after finishing the 8 weeks of exercise. [Results] Measurements of isokinetic muscular strength revealed that the whole-body vibration exercise group showed significant increase after the exercise. However, the plyometric exercise group had no significant increase in lumbar flexion, extension, and knee flexion. Measurements of vertical jumping revealed that, the whole-body vibration exercise group had no significant increase after the exercise. However, the plyometric exercise group showed significant increase. Measurements of balance revealed that, the whole-body vibration exercise group showed significant increase. However, the plyometric exercise group showed no significant increase. [Conclusion] Although both whole-body vibration and plyometric exercises are effective intervention methods, the two methods have different effects on the improvement of isokinetic muscular strength, jumping performance, and balance of female volleyball players.

Effects of trunk stability exercise using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with changes in chair height on the gait of patients who had a stroke.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of trunk stability exercise using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with changes in chair heights on the gait of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 11 stroke patients. The intervention method was trunk stability exercise using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with different chair heights (50, 60, and 70 cm). These exercises were performed 5 times per week for 6 weeks. Gait velocity, cadence, stride length, gait cycle, and stance phase duration were used to measure gait function. [Results] Significant changes in gait velocity, cadence, and stride length were observed on the affected side. However, no significant changes in gait cycle and stance phase were observed on the affected side. [Conclusion] These results indicate that trunk stability exercise using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with change in chair heights were effective in improving gait velocity, cadence, and stride length on the affected side. However, in this study, no significant changes were observed in gait cycle and stance phase on the affected side. Therefore, various interventions for stroke patients should be investigated in further studies.

Perception and practice regarding allergen labeling: focus on food-related employees.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Most consumers are able to recognize allergenic foods. However, the frequency of checking such foods is reportedly low, resulting in higher prevalence of food-related allergic reactions in Korea compared to other countries. Thus, this study was performed to investigate the overall perception of allergenic food labeling and its practice level in food manufacturing company employees. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The survey was administered to food safety employees and food development teams at food companies located in metropolitan areas. A total of 399 (93.8%) valid samples were used in the final analysis. Statistical analyses, including Frequency Analysis, t-test, Anova, PCA (Principal Component Analysis), and Pearson Correlation Analysis using SPSS ver. 21.0, were performed. RESULTS: The correct answer rate in the analysis of allergy-related knowledge level ranged from 15.0% to 89.7%. Analysis of differences in allergy-related perception by knowledge level showed significant differences in introduction of a food recall system, strengthening of relevant laws and regulations, content labeling, description of substitutional food, and differentiated package by age. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that labeling of allergenic foods should be made easier and more convenient for checking by employees, developers, and consumers, and it is necessary to provide contents through the development of publicity, guidelines, or APP along with labeling.

The effect of lumbar stabilization exercise on the pulmonary function of stroke patients.

[Purpose] This study was aimed at assessing the effect of lumbar stabilization exercise on the pulmonary function of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were randomly allocated into lumbar stabilization exercise group and a general physical therapy group. The program consisted of 30-min sessions conducted 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Pulmonary function was assessed based on lung performance parameters, including forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume at 1 second, ratio of forced expiratory volume at 1 second to forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow. [Results] In the assessment of pulmonary function, the values of all the lung performance parameters were significantly increased in the lumbar stabilization exercise group but were significantly decreased in the general physical therapy group. [Conclusion] These results indicate that lumbar stabilization exercise had a more positive effect on pulmonary function than general physical therapy.

Effects of eye movement with functional electrical stimulation on balance in stroke patients with neglect syndrome.

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to determine whether eye movement in conjunction with functional electrical stimulation (FES) could improve balance ability in stroke patients with neglect syndrome. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects consisted of 15 stroke patients with neglect syndrome. The intervention was eye movement in conjunction with FES. The program was conducted 5 times per week, for 6 weeks. Static balance (eyes-open and eyes-closed) and dynamic balance were measured before and after testing. [Results] In measurement of static balance, subjects showed significant differences in sway length and sway area when examined in the eyes-open condition, but not the eyes-closed condition. In measurement of dynamic balance, the subjects showed significant differences in limit of stability (forward/backward and left/right). [Conclusion] These results indicate that eye movement in conjunction with FES had a positive effect on the static and dynamic balance in the eyes-open condition, but not in the eyes-closed condition of stroke patients with neglect syndrome. Further studies should therefore investigate various interventions in stroke patients with neglect syndrome.

Effects of oculo-motor exercise, functional electrical stimulation and proprioceptive neuromuscular stimulation on visual perception of spatial neglect patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of oculo-motor exercise, functional electrical stimulation (FES), and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the visual perception of spatial neglect patients. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were randomly allocated to 3 groups: an oculo-motor exercise (OME) group, a FES with oculo-motor exercise (FOME) group, and a PNF with oculo-motor exercise (POME) group. The line bisection test (LBT), motor free visual test (MVPT), and Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS) were used to measure visual perception. These were performed 5 times per week for 6 weeks. [Results] The OME group and POME group showed significant improvements according to the LBT and MVPT results, but the FOME group showed no significant improvement. According to the CBS, all 3 groups showed significant improvements. The OME and POME groups showed improvement over the FOME group in the LBT and MVPT. However, there was no significant difference among the three groups according to the CBS. [Conclusion] These results indicate that oculo-motor exercise and PNF with oculo-motor exercise had more positive effects than FES with oculo-motor exercise on the visual perception of spatial neglect patients.

Effect of whole-body vibration exercise in a sitting position prior to therapy on muscle tone and upper extremity function in stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of whole-body vibration exercise in a sitting position prior to therapy in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Fourteen chronic stroke patients were included in this study. Prior to occupational therapy, whole-body exercise was performed for 10 minutes, 5 times per week, for a total of 8 weeks. Muscle tone and upper extremity function were measured. The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) was used to measure muscle tone, and the Manual Function Test (MFT) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment scale (FugM) were used to measure upper extremity function. [Results] MAS score was significantly decreased, and MFT and FugM were significantly increased. [Conclusion] These results indicate that whole-body vibration exercise in a sitting position prior to therapy had a positive effect on muscle tone, and upper extremity function in stroke patients.

Effect of eye movements and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on balance and head alignment in stroke patients with neglect syndrome.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of eye movements and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on patients with neglect syndrome. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were randomly allocated to 2 groups: the eye movements (EM) group; and the PNF with eye movements (PEM) group. The program was conducted five times each week for 6 weeks. Balance (both static and dynamic) and head alignment (craniovertebral angle and cranial rotation angle) were measured before and after testing. [Results] In measurements of static balance, the EM group showed significant improvement in sway length and sway area when examined in the eyes-open condition, but not when examined in the eyes-closed condition. The PEM group showed significant improvement when examined under both conditions. In the assessment of dynamic balance, both groups showed significant improvement in measurements of sway areas. With respect to head alignment, there were no significant differences pre- and post-testing in either the craniovertebral angle or the cranial rotation angle in the EM group, but the PEM group showed significant differences in both measurements. [Conclusion] These results suggest that in stroke patients with neglect syndrome, PNF with eye movements, rather than eye movements alone, has a greater positive effect on balance and head alignment.

Effects of ankle plantar flexors stretching with closed kinetic chain on pelvic movements and gait speed in hemiplegia patients: a case study.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of ankle plantar flexors stretching with closed kinetic chain (CKC) in hemiplegia patients. [Methods] This study used a reversal design (A-B-A') for a stroke with hemiplagia. The intervention program consisted of 30 min sessions, once a day, for 15 days. The subjects were trained for 15 sessions in total. Pelvic movements (anterior ·posterior tilting, elevation, depression, forward·backward rotation) during walking and gait speed were measured in hemiplegia patients. [Results] Overall, the angle of pelvic movements was increased in Treatment and, Baseline II compared with Baseline I. The gait speed was maximally increased in Baseline II, followed by Treatment and Baseline I. [Conclusion] These results suggest that ankle plantar flexors stretching with closed kinetic chain had a positive effect on pelvic movements and gait speed in hemiplegia patients. Also, after treatment, its effect on gait of hemiplegia patients was maintained.

An analysis on muscle tone of lower limb muscles on flexible flat foot.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine differences in the muscle tone and stiffness of leg muscles according to types of flexible flat foot. [Subjects and Methods] For 30 subjects 10 in a normal foot group (NFG), 10 in group with both flexible flat feet (BFFG), and 10 in a group with flexible flat feet on one side (OFFG), myotonometry was used to measure the muscle tone and stiffness of the tibialis anterior muscle (TA), the rectus femoris muscle (RF), the medial gastrocnemius (MG), and the long head of the biceps femoris muscle (BF) of both lower extremities. [Results] In the measurement results, only the stiffness of TA and MG of the NFG and the BFFG showed significant differences. The muscle tone and stiffness were highest in the BFFG, followed by the OFFG and NFG, although the difference was insignificant. In the case of the OFFG, there was no significant difference in muscle tone and stiffness compared to that in the NGF and the BFFG. Furthermore, in the NFG, the non-dominant leg showed greater muscle tone and stiffness than the dominant leg, although the difference was insignificant. [Conclusion] During the relax condition, the flexible flat foot generally showed a greater muscle tone and stiffness of both lower extremities compared to the normal foot. The stiffness was particularly higher in the TA and MG muscles. Therefore, the muscle tone and stiffness of the lower extremity muscles must be considered in the treatment of flat foot.

Effect of joint mobilization using KEOMT and PNF on a patient with CLBP and a lumbar transitional vertebra: a case study.

[Purpose] The purpose of this case study was to identify the effects of joint mobilization using Kaltenborn-Evjenth orthopedic manual therapy (KEOMT) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques on a patient with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and a lumbar transitional vertebra. [Methods] The intervention methods were joint mobilization using KEOMT and PNF techniques. The program consisted of 40-min sessions 3 days a week for 4 weeks. The spinal motion (thoracic and lumbar vertebrae), pain, and thickness of the multifidus were measured. [Results] The angle of spinal curvature increased, and the range of motions (ROMs) flexion and extension increased in the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. The pain score as measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) score decreased. The thickness of the multifidus (L4) increased on the left and right sides. [Conclusion] These results suggest that joint mobilization using KEOMT and PNF techniques had a positive effect on the spinal motion, pain, and thickness of the multifidus of a patient with chronic low back pain and a lumbar transitional vertebra.

Emticicia sediminis sp. nov. isolated from sediment of a shallow stream.

A novel bacterial strain, designated JBR12T, was isolated from sediment of a shallow stream in Cheonan, Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain JBR12T belongs to the genus Emticicia, and indicated that its closest relatives are Emticicia oligotrophica DSM 17448T (97.8 % sequence similarity) and E. ginsengisoli Gsoil 085T (94.3%). A DNA-DNA hybridization experiment revealed < 70 % genomic relatedness between strain JBR12T and E. oligotrophica DSM 17448T. The major fatty acids (>5% of the total) were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH. The DNA G+C content of strain JBR12T was 37.7 mol%. According to data from the present polyphasic taxonomic study, strain JBR12T represents a novel species of the genus Emticicia, for which the name Emticicia sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JBR12T ( = KACC 17466T = JCM 19321T).