Background: Using wearable passive back-support exoskeletons in workplace has attracted attention as devices that support the posture of workers, enhance their physical capabilities, and reduce physical risk factors. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a wearable passive back-support exoskeleton on the activity of the erector spinae muscles during lifting tasks at various heights. Methods: Twenty healthy adult males were selected as subjects. Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess the activity of the erector spinae muscles while performing lifting tasks at three distinct heights (30, 40, and 50 cm), with and without the application of the Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton. EMG data were gathered before and after the application of the orthosis. Results: The use of the Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton resulted in a significant decrease in muscle activity when lifting a 10 kg object from heights of 30 and 40 cm (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in muscle activity when lifting from a height of 50 cm compared with that at lower heights (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of a wearable passive back-support exoskeleton led to a decrease in the activity of the erector spinae muscles during lifting tasks, irrespective of the object's height. Our results suggest that the orthosis we tested may help decrease risk of lower back injuries during lifting.

Background: The gluteus medius (Gmed) plays a critical role in maintaining frontal plane stability of the pelvis during functional activities, such as one-leg lifting. Side-lying hip abduction (SHA) has been used as a dynamic test to evaluate Gmed function. However, the abduction force of the lower leg against the floor is not controlled during SHA. Therefore, hip abduction performance with contralateral adduction in the side-lying position (HAPCA) can be proposed as an alternative method to assess performance of hip abduction. If the number of HAPCA is related to the lateral pelvic shift distance, a new quantitative measurement for hip abductor function may be presented. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the number of successful HAPCA and the lateral pelvic shift distance during one-leg lifting. Methods: Thirty healthy participants were recruited, and lateral pelvic shift distance was measured during one-leg lifting test using two-dimensional analysis. The number of successful HAPCA was counted when participants touched both target bars at the beat of a metronome. Results: There was a negative correlation between the number of HAPCA and lateral pelvic shift distance during one-leg lifting (r = –0.630, p < 0.05). The number of HAPCA accounted for 39.7% of the variance in the lateral pelvic shift distance during one-leg lifting (F = 18.454, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The number of successful HAPCA is significantly correlated with lateral pelvic shift distance during one-leg lifting. This finding suggests that HAPCA can be proposed as a new measurement for hip abductor performance and more research is needed on its relationship with hip abductor strength.

Background: The serratus posterior inferior (SPI) muscle originates from the spinous process of T11-L2 and inserts at the lower border of the 9–12th ribs. This muscle is involved in thoracolumbar rotation and stability. Several positions can be used to improve trunk stability; the quadruped position is a good position for easily maintaining a neutral spine. In particular, during one arm lifting, various muscles act to maintain a neutral trunk position, and the SPI is one of these muscles. If trunk stability is weakened, uncontrolled trunk rotation may occur at this time. Tape can be used to increase trunk stability. There have been no studies on the effect of taping applied to the SPI muscle on thoracolumbar junction (TLJ) stability. Objects: This study compared the TLJ rotation angle between three different conditions (without taping, transverse taping, and SPI muscle direction taping). Methods: Thirty subjects were recruited to the study (18 males and 12 females). The TLJ rotation angle was measured during one arm lifting in a quadruped position (ALQP). Two taping methods (transverse and SPI muscle direction taping) were applied, and the TLJ rotation angle was measured in the same movement. Results: SPI muscle direction taping significantly reduced TLJ rotation compared to that without taping (p < 0.001) and with transverse taping (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the TLJ rotation angle between transverse taping and SPI muscle direction taping (p < 0.017). Conclusion: SPI muscle direction taping reduces the TLJ rotation angle during ALQP. Therefore, SPI muscle direction taping is one method to improve TLJ stability and reduce uncontrolled TLJ rotation during ALQP.

본 논문은 한미 미사일지침 해제의 경위·의미·과제를 분석하기 위한 것이다. 이를 위해 한미 미사일지침 관련 선행연구 및 이론적 검토, 한미 미사일지침의 변천사와 해제의 배경·의미·성과, 한미 미사일 지침 해제이 후 한국의 향후과제를 살펴본 것이다. 한미 양국은 1979년 미사일지침 합의이후 2001·2012·2017·2020년 4차례 개정에 이어 2021년 5월 21일 한미 미사일지침을 해제·종료하기로 합의했다. 미국이 한미 미사일지침 해제를 수용한 전략적 배경으로는 ①미국의 인도·태평양전략 추진에 유리하다는 판단, ②북한 핵미사일 대응 및 전시작전권 이양에 유리하다는 판단, ③한국의 비핵화 유지에 유리하다는 판단 등이 작용한 것으로 볼 수 있다. 한미 미사일 지침의 해제의 의의는 ①한국의 미사일 주권확보, ②한국의 안보능력 향상, ③산업·경제적 파급효과의 증대로, 그리고 미사 일지침 해제의 성과는 ①외교적 차원의 성과, ②군사동맹적 차원의 성과, ③우주산업적 차원의 성과로 각각 요약해 볼 수 있다. 한국은 ①주변국 들의 불필요한 오해·우려 해소, ②실질적 억제력 확보를 위한 관련기술의 개발, ③미사일전력의 운영을 위한 치밀한 준비를 통해 미사일전력 강화 는 물론 방위산업·우주산업의 발전을 함께 도모해 나갈 수 있도록 최선의 노력을 다해야 할 것이다.

The reliability of the lifting system has to be ensured so that heavy cargo is handled safely during loading and unloading. Therefore, the accelerated life test was performed on the lifting bow shackle, which is highly affected by the main failure mode, among the components of the lifting system. Besides, an efficient inspection method was suggested for the preventive maintenance of the bow shackles. The acceleration index and acceleration coefficient of the bow shackles were calculated by using the life data of them. The guaranteed life data of the bow shackle can be used to predict the useful life in industries related to lifting work.

Background: Lower trapezius muscle function is important for the prevention and treatment of shoulder injuries. However, scapular posterior tilt movement has been overlooked in lower trapezius strengthening exercise programs. Objective: To examine the effects of prone arm lifting with scapular posterior tilt (PALSPT) on trapezius muscles. Design: Crossover study Methods: 17 healthy males were recruited for participation in this study. Participants performed backward rocking diagonal arm lifting (BRDAL) and PALSPT. To train participants in scapular posterior tilt movements for PALSPT, visual biofeedback of scapular movements was provided using a motion sensor. Electromyography (EMG) activities of the middle and lower trapezius were recorded using a surface EMG system. Differences in middle and lower trapezius muscle activity between BRDAL and PALSPT exercises were analyzed. Results: Lower trapezius muscle activity was significantly greater during PALSPT than during BRDAL (p=.006). Although greater EMG activity was observed in the middle trapezius during PALSPT than during BRDAL, this difference was not significant (p=.055). Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate that scapular posterior tilt movements must be considered in lower trapezius muscle strengthening programs.

Whole body fatigue detection is an important phenomenon and the factors contributing to whole body fatigue can be controlled if a mathematical model is available for its assessment. This research study aims at developing a model that categorizes whole body exertion into fatigued and non-fatigued states based on physiological and perceived variables. For this purpose, logistic regression was used to categorize the fatigued and non-fatigued subject as dichotomous variable. Normalized mean power frequency of eight muscles from 25 subjects was taken as physiological variable along with the heart rate while Borg scale ratings were taken as perceived variables. The logit function was used to develop the logistic regression model. The coefficients of all the variables were found and significance level was checked. The detection accuracy of the model for fatigued and non-fatigues subjects was 83% and 95% respectively. It was observed that the mean power frequency of anterior deltoid and the Borg scale ratings of upper and lower extremities were significant in predicting the whole body fatigued when evaluated dichotomously (p < 0.05). The findings can help in better understanding of the importance of combined physiological and perceived exertion in designing the rest breaks for workers involved in squat lifting tasks in industrial as well as health sectors.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of abdominal hollowing with ultrasound biofeedback on multifidus and transversus abdominis/internal oblique muscle activities during lifting tasks. This study recruited 12 healthy men. All subjects received training on expiration without and with abdominal hollowing with ultrasound biofeedback. After receiving training for each condition, the thickness of transversus abdominis was measured using ultrasound, and then, electromyography activities of transversus abdominis/internal oblique and multifidus during lifting tasks were measured using a surface electromyography system. The differences in thickness of transversus abdominis and electromyography activities of transversus abdominis/ internal oblique and multifidus between the two conditions were analyzed using paired t-test. Thickness of transversus abdominis and transversus abdominis/internal oblique and multifidus activities were significantly increased during expiration with abdominal hollowing with ultrasound biofeedback compared to during expiration without abdominal hollowing (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that abdominal hollowing with ultrasound biofeedback is effective in increasing trunk stabilizer muscle activities during both static and dynamic tasks such as lifting.

Background:Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) rely on their upper limbs for body-lifting activity (BLA). While studies have examined the electromyography (EMG) and kinematics of the shoulder joints during BLA, no studies have considered foot position during BLA.Objects:This study compared the effects of different foot positions during BLA on the shoulder muscle activities, peak plantar pressure, knee flexion angle, and rating perceived exertion in individuals with SCI.Methods:The study enrolled 13 mens with motor-complete paraplegic SCI, ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) A or B. All subjects performed BLA with the feet positioned on the wheelchair footrest and on the floor independently. Surface EMG was used to collect data from the latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, serratus anterior, and triceps brachii. The peak plantar pressure was measured using pedar-X and the knee flexion angle with Image J. Borg’s rating perceived exertion scale was used to measure the physical activity intensity level. The paired t-test was used to compare the shoulder muscle activities, peak plantar pressure, knee flexion angle, and rating perceived exertion between the two feet positions during BLA.Results:The activity of the latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, serratus anterior, and triceps brachii and rating perceived exertion decreased significantly and the peak plantar pressure and knee flexion angle increased significantly when performing BLA with the feet positioned on the wheelchair footrest compared with on the floor (p<.05).Conclusion:These findings suggest that individuals with SCI may perform BLA with the feet positioned on the wheelchair footrest for weight-relief lifting to decrease the shoulder muscle activities and the rating perceived exertion and to increase the peak plantar pressure and the knee flexion angle.

2016년 중국은 2,800만 대가 넘는 자동차를 생산하고 판매하였다. 중국은 8년째 세계 제1의 자동차 생산 및 판매대국이 되었다. 지난 30년간 중국 자동차산업의 급성장은 중국정부가 추진한 합자기업 정책의 성과이다. 중국정부는 1994년에 제정된 <자동차공업 산업정책>에서 합자기업의 외자측 지분은 50%를 넘을 수 없다고 규정하였다. 이 합자지분 제한 규정은 현 재까지 중국 자동차산업의 구조와 기업간 경쟁 구도를 형성한 가장 중요한 정책 조건으로 작용해 왔다. 그런데 2013년 이후 정부의 고위관리가 여러 차례 자동차 합자지분 제한을 해제 하겠다는 발언을 하였다. 이를 둘러싸고 국유, 민영, 외국 자동차기업 등 이해당사자와 많은 전문가들이 치열한 찬반 논쟁을 벌였다. 본 논문은 이러한 중국 자동차 합자기업의 지분제한 해제 논의를 고찰하고 전망을 제시한 것이다. 이를 위해 자동차 합자기업의 지분제한 제도가 만들어진 유래, 지분제한 해제 논의의 경과와 배경, 찬반 양측의 주장과 평가, 지분제한 해제 가 미칠 영향 등을 분석하고, 전망과 시사점을 제시하였다.

러그는 선박 및 해양구조물의 블록을 이동하거나 반전에 많이 사용되는 부품이다. 선박이나 해양구조물의 제작기술이 발전함에 따라 블록이 점차 대형화되고 있어, 생산성 향상을 위해 블록을 보다 효율적으로 다루는 기술에 대한 중요성이 대두되고 있다. 러그 구조의 안전하고 경제적인 설계를 위하여 비선형 구조해석 결과를 토대로 도출한 최종강도를 기준으로 한보다 합리적인 설계과정이 필요하다. 본 연구는 조선소에서 자주 사용하는 T형 러그의 최적 구조설계를 다루고 있다. 본 연구에서의 T형 러그에 대한 최적 구조설계 결과는 충분한 구조적 안전성이 보장될 것으로 판단되고, 러그 용량별 최적 구조설계 결과의 중량 감소량에 어떤 규칙성을 발견할 수 없었는데, 이는, 현재의 설계과정에 대한 검토가 필요한 것으로 생각된다. 여기에서 제시한 비선형 구조해석에 기초한 최적 구조설계 과정은 향후 보다 다양한 경우의 러그 설계에 적용될 수 있을 것이다.

The aging of Korea is rapidly advancing in an unprecedented rate in the world. Indoor and outdoor safety accidents involving the elderly frequently occur, with elderly population increasing. Because the physical strength of elderly is decreased, it is necessary to develop devices that aid the everyday life of the elderly to prevent safety accidents. Among many activities, the motions of standing from and sitting on a chair require much physical strength from particular body parts, which causes an overload for particular body parts. To the elderly the repeating motion of standing from and sitting down on a chair is burdensome, because they do not have enough physical strength compare to young persons . As a result the elderly could be injured or falling during standing or sitting. Therefore, the development of a lift chair that considers the problems mentioned above is necessary to prevent the safety accidents of the elderly. The study designed a non-motorized lift chair that comfortably aids the standing and sitting down motion for the use of the elderly by reflecting the anthropometric data of the Korean elderly over 65 years old. Also the design was implemented to smoothly aid the standing motion by considering the knee angle of the elderly when standing. Because the regained strength to stand from a chair is depend on the knee angle. Unlike existing lift devices, this device utilizes a tilting mechanism that does not use electric power so that the product could be composed inexpensively than existing chairs released in the market.