Max-plus algebra is a nonlinear system made of two operations, maximization (max) and additions (plus), that are corresponding to the addition and multiplication in the traditional algebra, in respect. This algebraic method can be applied to many types of discrete event systems showing the state transition with the maximization and addition operations. Robotic cell with predetermined cyclic schedule is one of such systems. We consider a robotic cell that consists of a single robot and several isolated processing modules. We discuss steady state analysis of such robot cell when all the parts have the processing order as a flow shop. To model timing behavior of a robotic cell, we develop a max-plus algebraic system. Given a particular robot transfer sequence, we prove the unique existence of the stationary cyclic behavior and identify the schedule. Furthermore we suggest max-plus algebraic way to develop a robust schedule which endures the outside processing variability. Finally, a monitoring and control system for such robotic cell based on the max-plus algebraic model is also proposed.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a repetitive lifting task on the level of activation and median frequency of the paraspinal muscles, and to provide basic data of the maximal acceptable duration of the lifting task to avoid muscle fatigue. Ten healthy male subjects were recruited as participants and they repetitively (12 lifts/min) lifted a box (46 ㎝ × 30 ㎝ × 30 ㎝, 15 kg) for 10 minutes. Electromyographic data (muscle activation and median frequency), heart rate, and Borg CR10 score were recorded at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 minutes after the lifting task. Electromyographic data was recorded from the elector spinalis, mutifidus, external oblique abdominis, and rectus abdominis for 1 minute. The results showed that as the repetitive lifting task progressed, the heart rate and Borg CR10 score significantly increased. In addition, activation of the muscles increased. The median frequency significantly decreased over time in the elector spinalis, mutifidus, and external oblique abdominis (right side), except for the external oblique abdominis (left side) and rectus abdominis. It is suggested that the median frequency recorded from a dynamic task is used to monitor muscle fatigue. Furthermore, the repetitive lifting task (15 kg, 12 lifts/min) should not continue for more than 3 minutes in order to avoid muscle fatigue.

Among the semiconductor If-chips, unlike memory chips, a majority of Application Specific IC(ASIC) products are produced by customer orders, and meeting the customer specified due date is a critical issue for the case. However, to the one who understands the nature of semiconductor manufacturing, it does not take much effort to realize the difficulty of meeting the given specific production due dates. Due to its multi-layered feature of products, to be completed, a semiconductor product(called device) enters into the fabrication manufacturing process(FAB) repeatedly as many times as the number of the product specified layers, and fabrication processes of individual layers are composed with similar but not identical unit processes. The unit process called photo-lithography is the only process where every layer must pass through. This re-entrant feature of FAB makes predicting and planning of due date of an ordered batch of devices difficult. Parallel machines problem in the photo process, which is bottleneck process, is solved with restricted roll out algorithm. Roll out algorithm is a method of solving the problem by embedding it within a dynamic programming framework. Restricted roll out algorithm Is roll out algorithm that restricted alternative states to decrease the solving time and improve the result. Results of simulation test in condition as same as real FAB facilities show the effectiveness of the developed algorithm.

Occupational therapists often employ multidimensional tasks. These tasks, referred with necessary exercise, yet direct the focus of attention toward another objective or outcome. The assumption is that the additional purpose will result in improved task per- formance, provided it is sufficiently distracting or meaningful to the person. The pres- ent study examined the effects of an added purpose task on performance compared with a single-purpose task, namely rote exercise, as measured by the number of repetitions, task duration, and exercise heart rate. Stoppage during the activity was also recorded. Thirty-nine elderly subjects performed both added purpose activity and rote exercise in randomly assigned order. Results indicated that the added-purpose, occupationally em- bedded exercise condition elicited significantly more exercise repetitions(p=.001), and longer task duration than did the rote exercise condition (p=.000). This study provides additional support for the traditional occupational therapy concept of embedding exer- cise within occupation.

원전 작업자 방사선량의 효과적인 저감을 위해서는 발전소 내에 축적된 작업자 피폭선량자료들을 분석하는 것이 반드시 필요하다. 자료의 분석을 통해, 발전소에서 수행되는 방사선작업들 중 반복적으로 고피폭을 유발하는 작업들을 파악하는 것이 필요하며, 본 연구에서는 이러한 반복성고피폭작업들을 도출하기 위한 방법론으로 백분위수 순위합 방법을 제안한다. 이는 비모수통계학 이론에 근거한 방법론으로, 본 연구에서는 이 방법을 이용하여 고리 3,4 호기 작업자 피폭선량 자료를 분석, 고피폭작업들을 도출하였다. 도출 결과는 통계적으로 검증되며, 그 결과 백분위수 순위합 방법의 효과 및 타당성을 입증하였다.