Adjustment Mechanism Research Articles

Safe path planning of mobile robot based on improved particle swarm optimization

Path planning is a fundamental aspect of mobile robot navigation, playing a crucial role in enabling robots to autonomously navigate while avoiding obstacles. Nevertheless, traditional path planning algorithms face navigation challenges, including obstacle avoidance and the potential for getting stuck in local minima or deadlocks along the path. To tackle these challenges, the study proposes an enhanced path planning method based on control barrier function (CBF). This approach introduces a safety velocity adjustment mechanism based on CBF and combines it with the particle swarm optimization (PSO), adjusting the safe speed in global planning and addressing the issue of local minima. Experimental simulations are conducted to validate the flexibility and global optimization performance of the proposed path planning method across various obstacle scenarios.

Strategic priority-based course allocation

We introduce the conditional acceptance mechanism for solving the course allocation problem under priorities. This mechanism implements the set of stable allocations in both Nash equilibrium and undominated Nash equilibrium when preferences and priorities are substitutable. We model a post-allocation adjustment mechanism using a repeated version of the conditional acceptance mechanism that mitigates the inefficiencies caused by deviating from equilibrium. Both mechanisms are straightforward to implement, simplify the elicitation of students’ preferences, and share features with currently employed course allocation mechanisms.

The anti-gender movement and the populist radical right in Italy: a symbiotic relationship

The political landscape of Italy experienced a seismic shift in the September 2022 elections, marking a watershed moment. Giorgia Meloni, the leader of the populist radical right party (PRRP) Brothers of Italy, was elected as Italy’s head of government. This event highlighted a significant development in the country’s gender politics, reflecting the ascent of PRRPs across Europe, marked by their reactionary politics, emphasis on traditional values and staunch opposition to gender equality. This study focuses on the dynamics between PRRPs (Brothers of Italy and the League) and the anti-gender movement in Italy. Through a qualitative content analysis of the primary sources of political parties and movements, the research explores their symbiotic relationship, the linkage and adjustment mechanisms employed by both actors, and the political outcomes of their interactions, offering insights into the mobilization of anti-gender actors and their alliance with PRRPs. It contributes to understanding how the organized opposition to gender equality is mainstreamed within political spheres, especially in contexts where right-wing populists hold power.

The impact of health information echo chambers on older adults avoidance behavior: the mediating role of information fatigue and the moderating role of trait mindfulness.

In the digital media era, the prevalence of algorithm-driven content push has intensified the health information echo chambers phenomenon, characterized by excessive homogenization and overload of information. This phenomenon may negatively impact the older adults, a "digitally vulnerable" group, by limiting their access to diverse health information and potentially inducing health information avoidance behaviors. However, the psychological mechanisms within this impact process remain unclear, and this study aims to explore them. Additionally, current study introduces trait mindfulness as a potential intervention tool in reducing health information avoidance behavior among the older adults. This study constructs an impact model based on the Stress-Coping Theory and the Stress-Strain-Outcome (SSO) framework. It identifies health information similarity, relevance, and overload as characteristics of the echo chamber, constituting the Stress part; information fatigue as the Strain; and health information avoidance as the Outcome, with trait mindfulness serving as a moderating factor between Strain and Outcome. A cross-sectional survey of 236 older adults individuals aged 60 and above was conducted, and the collected data were analyzed using SmartPLS and SPSS. The study found that health information similarity and overload significantly increased health information fatigue among the older adults, thereby promoting avoidance behavior, but no significant correlation was found between relevance and fatigue. While there was no significant correlation between trait mindfulness and health information fatigue, it effectively moderated the avoidance behavior induced by fatigue. Current study reveals the impact of the health information echo chamber phenomenon on health information avoidance behavior among the older adults and the moderating role of trait mindfulness. It emphasizes the importance of breaking the health information echo chamber and promoting diverse information dissemination to improve the health information behavior of the older adults. Furthermore, the moderating role of trait mindfulness demonstrates positive intervention potential, providing the older adults with a psychological adjustment mechanism to accept and process health information with a more open attitude, thereby reducing unproductive avoidance behavior.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): Geographical and commodity scope in Polish imports

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a new instrument of the EU’s European Green Deal policy. It is intended to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the world. The CBAM provides for a levy (tax) to be imposed on energy-intensive imports which heavily pollute the environment. The aim of the study was to provide a quantitative assessment of the commodity and geographical coverage of the CBAM in Polish imports. Several indicators were calculated to assess the possible negative impact of CBAM. These indicators can be interpreted as rough measures of the effects of the tax. They were compared with similar indicators calculated by other authors for the whole EU. This paper is a continuation of earlier studies of other researchers who analyzed CBAM coverage and possible implications, while adopting assumptions other than those finally included in the CBAM Regulation. The key findings and main conclusions are as follows: Negative effects of the CBAM will be concentrated on several product groups: steel products, chemicals, polymers, and aluminum. These products accounted for as much as 96% of Poland’s external import subject to the levy. The scale of the final effects of the tax will depend mainly on the level of ETS allowance prices and the intensity of adjustments made by domestic companies and foreign partners. The study ends with two conclusions: First, manufacturers have several years to prepare a strategy to limit the negative effects of the levy (it will be charged as of 2026), but they should start the adjustments as soon as possible. Second, the carbon footprint of a product (as low as possible) is becoming an increasingly important factor in the manufacturers’ international competitiveness. The method of descriptive analysis as well as statistical methods were used.

Different effects of carbon pricing and border adjustment in Germany and Spain

This study examines the effects of carbon pricing in Germany, Spain, and the broader European context using the dynamic, three-region environmental multisector general equilibrium model, EMuSe. Our findings indicate that unilateral carbon pricing in Germany or Spain leads to a sustained negative output. The marginal increase in production costs outweighs modest reductions in emissions. However, when Europe collectively adopts carbon pricing, the long-term output effects become positive, although there are more significant transition costs due to close trade relations within Europe. We find evidence of carbon leakage, which is marginally mitigated by a border adjustment mechanism. However, this mechanism mainly protects domestic carbon-intensive sectors and produces inconsistent country outcomes; Germany gains, while Spain loses. Notably, Spain’s energy sector emerges as a long-term beneficiary due to its relatively lower emission intensity. The findings highlight the strategic importance for Europe to engage global partners in carbon pricing as it reduces the economic downturn phase and increases long-term gains.

Carbon border adjustment mechanism, carbon pricing, and within-sector shifts: A partial equilibrium approach to Vietnam's steel sector

Carbon pricing has recently gained further momentum from the European Union (EU)'s plan for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The CBAM aims to align the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission costs in imported products with those within the EU. CBAM will affect foreign producers in targeted sectors, incentivizing them to employ low-emission technology, and encouraging trading partners to implement carbon pricing akin to the EU's. Our study assesses the potential impact of the CBAM and Vietnam's carbon pricing on the country's steel sector, using a multi-technology, multi-trade-partner partial equilibrium model. The results suggest that the CBAM could significantly reduce Vietnam's steel exports to the EU while it is not sufficient to significantly shift production from high-emission to low-emission steel production. However, CBAM may nudge Vietnam's carbon pricing, which can drive a substantial transition from high-emission to low-emission production and accelerate the transition to clean energy, depending on the level of carbon price. Our study results provide important insights for energy and climate policy discussions in relation to carbon border adjustment mechanisms and carbon pricing.

Challenges and Controversies to the European CBAM from a Legal Perspective

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), proposed by the European Union to combat carbon leakage, presents a complex landscape of opportunities and challenges in the realm of global climate governance. This paper explores the problems and controversies surrounding CBAM, including potential WTO incompatibility, violations of UNFCCC principles, and complexities in carbon accounting. It also examines the potential impact of CBAM on developing countries and offers a range of suggested solutions. These solutions encompass designing domestic carbon markets in alignment with the European model, implementing policy and regulatory reforms, fostering China-European bilateral relations, and emphasizing international cooperation and adherence to established legal frameworks. Additionally, at the enterprise level, strategies to invest in green technologies, establish comprehensive carbon accounting systems, and adapt to the evolving low-carbon economy are proposed. By addressing these challenges and embracing these strategies, nations and businesses can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable global climate governance framework.

Research on the Optimal Trajectory Planning Method for the Dual-Attitude Adjustment Mechanism Based on an Improved Multi-Objective Salp Swarm Algorithm

In this study, an optimization method for the motion trajectory of attitude actuators was investigated in order to improve assembly efficiency in the automatic docking process of large components. The self-developed dual-attitude adjustment mechanism (2-PPPR) is used as the research object, and the structure is symmetrical. Based on the modified Denavit–Hartenberg (MDH) parameter description method, a kinematic model of the attitude mechanism is established, and its end trajectory is parametrically expressed using a five-order B-spline curve. Based on the constraints of the dynamics and kinematics of the dual-posture mechanism, the total posturing time, the degree of urgency of each joint, and the degree of difficulty of the mechanism’s posturing are selected as the optimization objectives. The Lévy flight and Cauchy variation algorithms are introduced into the salp swarm algorithm (SSA) to solve the parameters of the multi-objective trajectory optimization model. By combining the evaluation method of the multi-objective average optimal solution, the optimal trajectory of the dual-tuning mechanism and the motion trajectory of each joint are obtained. The simulation and experiment results show that the trajectory planning method proposed in this paper is effective and feasible and can ensure that the large-part dual-posture mechanism can complete the automatic docking task smoothly and efficiently.

Adjustment of segmental rotations to achieve both racket speed and accuracy at various impact heights during a two-handed backhand stroke

ABSTRACT This study investigated the influence of impact height and competitive level on racket speed and stroke accuracy by analysing segmental angular kinematics under a random ball condition. High- (HQ, n = 7) and low-quality (LQ, n = 7) groups were determined by k-means clustering of the ratio of ball landing in the target (accuracy) and racket speed decrease. HQ showed higher accuracy (48.3% vs. 32.4%), less speed decrease at lower impact heights (−4.4% vs. −10.3%) and better competitive level ranking [median (1st–3rd quartiles); 4 (2–7)] than LQ [10 (8–13)]. HQ produced greater racket speed (24.4 vs. 21.6 m/s), especially with a notable horizontal velocity (23.8 vs. 20.8 m/s) of the racket at lower impact height, which was attributed to the central role of greater angular velocity of pelvis and thorax in the hitting direction. Both groups showed similar adjustment mechanisms that due to the decrease in angular velocity of pelvis, players increased the relative rotation angle between pelvis and thorax to maintain angular velocity of thorax when transitioning from low to high impact heights. Our findings suggest that players should emphasise the coordination between pelvic and thoracic rotations according to impact heights to maintain racket speed while controlling ball landing position.

Minimum cost consensus model with variable cost for multi-criteria large-scale group decision-making considering the tolerance of decision-makers

The objective of multicriteria large-scale group decision-making (LSGDM) is to obtain a decision result that gains acceptance from the majority of decision-makers (DMs). The consensus reaching process (CRP) plays a crucial role in guiding DMs to continuously adjust their opinions through feedback adjustment mechanisms to form a widely accepted decision result. In practical decision-making, adjusting opinions incurs costs and involves limited resources. Simultaneously, DMs have tolerance for modifying their opinions. To this end, this paper proposes a minimum cost consensus model (MCCM) with variable cost to reach consensus efficiently within limited resources and DMs’ tolerance. Firstly, a method to measure the combined similarity among DMs is proposed. Then, an extended local fitness maximization (ELFM) algorithm suitable for multicriteria LSGDM problems is proposed for clustering. Furthermore, an objective method of determining the unit adjustment costs for DMs in the MCCM is provided. For the CRP that considers the tolerance of DMs, this paper introduces the MCCM with variable cost to obtain the adjustment opinions of DMs. During the selection process, we utilize the stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis (SMAA) method to evaluate alternatives and selection. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed method is verified through an illustrative example, and its advantages are emphasized through comparative analysis.

M&A contractual innovation in SME sector: the effect of valuation adjustment mechanism clause on SME growth

Identifying and effectively managing growth models for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) poses a significant challenge for entrepreneurs. Prior research has indicated that the dominant model is an acquisition-led growth strategy. Our paper introduces a novel acquisition growth model for SMEs in China, which incorporates the use of valuation adjustment mechanism (VAM) clauses in M&A contracts. We thoroughly analyze the financial implications of this innovative model on SME growth, the specific SME profiles that favor this approach, and the prevalent types of VAM clauses adopted by these SMEs. All hypotheses were rigorously tested using primary data from Chinese public SME companies. The results reveal a positive financial impact of VAM clauses in M&A contracts on SME growth. It was found that SMEs with lower equity concentration or smaller holdings are more likely to adopt the VAM Clauses Model, and the inclusion of equity payments as compensation in the VAM clause is highly common in practice. These findings hold significant implications for both theoretical research on SMEs and the practical strategies of entrepreneurs.

Illumination-adjustable photoacoustic and harmonic ultrasound for tracking magnetically driven microrobots.

The development of microrobots for biomedical applications has enabled tasks such as targeted drug delivery, minimally invasive surgeries, and precise diagnostics. However, effective in vivo navigation and control remain challenging due to their small size and complex body environment. Photoacoustic (PA) and ultrasound (US) imaging techniques, which offer high contrast, high resolution, and deep tissue penetration, are integrated to enhance microrobot visualization and tracking. Traditional imaging systems have a narrow effective illumination area, suffer from severe reflection artifacts, and are affected by strong electromagnetic fields. To address this, we present an illumination-adjustable PA and harmonic US imaging system with a customized pushrod mechanism for real-time focus adjustment. Experiments demonstrate high-resolution imaging and accurate microrobot positioning, showcasing the potential for biomedical applications, especially in minimally invasive procedures.

Dynamic trust network-driven consensus modeling with endogenous adjustment and exogenous modification under a quasi-Z-number environment

The Z-number is widely used in decision-making because of its unique dual ability to capture human knowledge and facilitate judgments on realistic issues. To improve the applicability of Z-numbers, this paper puts forward the concept of quasi-Z-number and studies the social network and consensus models with quasi-Z-information to address multi-attribute group decision-making problems. First, a dynamic trust network among decision makers (DMs) is constructed. The endogenous adjustment mechanism is presented due to the interaction among DMs. Second, a feedback mechanism for non-consensus opinions is established. In the feedback, an exogenous modification mechanism is constructed through the minimal modification consensus model to help non-consensus DMs improve their consensus level. Furthermore, a minimum tolerance increment consensus model is proposed to cope with the situation where the consensus threshold is not reached within a specified number of iterations. Third, the practicability of the proposed decision-making system is illustrated by the case of a green energy investment in which all technicalities are shown. Its comprehensive performance is exhibited in the sensitivity analysis. The validity of the information form and methodology is demonstrated in the comparative analysis.

Adjustment mechanism of Co3+ performance in Co3O4-LaOx catalyst for high-efficiency catalytic combustion of toluene

This study employed the sol–gel method to fabricate Co-La catalysts under various calcination temperatures were used to the catalytic oxidation of toluene. The investigation on the impact of calcination temperature on the Co3+ content and the resultant catalytic activity was studied. The CoLa-550 catalyst (calcined at 550 °C) exhibited the highest concentration of Co3+ and optimal catalytic performance for toluene oxidation (T90 = 195 °C). In situ DRIFTS technology confirmed the ring-opening of benzoic acid was the rate-determining step. Comprehensive analyses utilizing XPS, H2-TPR, and O2-TPD revealed the significance of optimizing Co3+ content to enhance catalytic activity. This research provided crucial theoretical and experimental support for the development of efficient non-noble metal catalysts.

The development of a novel bidirectional fine-tuning mandibular advancement device

ObjectiveTo develop a novel mandibular advancement device (MAD) with high comfort, good compliance, and bidirectional fine-tuning capability for patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the new MAD.MethodsThe MAD, featuring upper and lower dental splints with a fine-tuning mechanism for mandibular adjustment, incorporates improved design elements such as partial dental coverage, shortened baffles, and memory resin lining. The novel MAD was used to treat 30 OSAHS patients in the study, comparing pre- and post-treatment scores on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), and the lowest oxygen saturation (LSO2).ResultsThe novel MAD reduced size and side effects, enhancing comfort. All patients complied well, using it for an average of 95% over 30 days and ≥ 5 h nightly. After treatment, significant improvements were observed in ESS, AHI, and LSO2 (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis novel bidirectional adjustable MAD provides high comfort and compliance, improving treatment precision. It is an effective choice for mild to moderate OSAHS patients and an alternative for those intolerant to CPAP or averse to surgery.

Distributional consequences shape public support for the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism: evidence from four European countries

Abstract A carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) is a policy that increases the cost of carbon-intensive imports from countries with no or weak national carbon regulation. Proponents advocate that it helps avoid industrial relocation and protects jobs in the importing country; its critics say that it impedes free trade and drives up prices. Despite European Union legislation to introduce a CBAM policy, we find that citizens in our samples across four European countries---Germany (n=3,500), Hungary (n=2,512), Switzerland (n=2,500), and the United Kingdom (n=2,500)---have not formed clear opinions about the policy yet. Results from survey experiments, conducted over the course of 1.5~years, show a strong dislike for price increases associated with a carbon border tax, while the prospect of job protection does little to increase CBAM support---not even among subgroups most affected by import competition. However, employment effects become relevant when we prompt survey respondents to assess the effects of the carbon border tax for their country as a whole instead of for themselves as individuals. Consistent with exploratory findings that right-leaning voters express a much stronger opposition to the CBAM policy, our results speak to growing evidence of the politically polarizing nature of costly, green policies when citizens have not formed clear opinions about a policy yet.

A dual-level consensus model for large-scale group decision-making driven by trust relationships in social networks

In large-scale group decision-making, obtaining reasonable and reliable decision results is the research focus. To this end, a dual-level consensus model for large-scale group decision-making is constructed. In the model, we first presented a method for measuring the two-dimensional similarity between decision-makers. The method considered the opinion similarity at evaluation scales and ranking results level, which provided a more comprehensive measure of the opinion differences between decision-makers. A hierarchical clustering algorithm based on the two-dimensional similarity-trust matrix is proposed. By considering the two-dimensional similarity and trust relationships among decision-makers, the method contributed to the formation of subgroups with excellent cooperative and communicative atmospheres. Furthermore, we introduced a dual-level consensus measures method to comprehensively and accurately assess the group consensus level. To increase the efficiency of decision-making and the satisfaction of decision-makers, we proposed a personalized feedback adjustment mechanism for decision-makers. Additionally, for the subgroups that have not reached consensus, a social networks DeGroot model is constructed to adjust the opinion of subgroups. Finally, a case study of low-carbon supplier selection verified the feasibility and applicability of the model. The effectiveness and superiority of the model are demonstrated by comparative and simulation analysis. The analysis results show that the model is conducive to promoting cooperation and coordination among decision-makers and obtaining highly acceptable and quality decision results.

Beyond metacognition: The dominant role of the general factor of personality in learning adaptation

The notions of metacognition and ego-resiliency seem to commonly represent an ability to adaptively adjust self-control to fit the requirements of environments. The latter presents a general mechanism of adaptive adjustment while the former presents a specific example of learning activity. As ego-resiliency was almost fully indicated by the General Factor of Personality (GFP) as the literature suggested, the present study tested the relationship between the GFP and metacognition and then compared their influences on learning adaptation. As found, the GFP highly overlapped with overall metacognition (r = 0.69). Within the three dimensions of metacognition, metacognitive skills correlated with the GFP much higher than metacognitive knowledge and experience, suggesting that the GFP is more linked with the application of metacognition in learning. By comparison, the GFP displayed much higher correlations with metacognitive skills and experience as well as learning adaptation than any Big Five traits, showing its incremental power in correlation with those variables. More importantly, in the mediation model, the GFP was found to be the root reason for the outcomes of learning adaptation and accounted for most of the impact of metacognition on learning adaptation. With these findings, the limitations of the present study and suggestions for future studies were discussed.

Dynamic Modeling and Experimental Verification of an RPR Type Compliant Parallel Mechanism with Low Orders

Efficiency of calculating a dynamic response is an important point of the compliant mechanism for posture adjustment. Dynamic modeling with low orders of a 2R1T compliant parallel mechanism is studied in the paper. The mechanism with two out-of-plane rotational and one lifting degrees of freedom (DoFs) plays an important role in posture adjustment. Based on elastic beam theory, the stiffness matrix and mass matrix of the beam element are established where the moment of inertia is considered. To improve solving efficiency, a dynamic model with low orders of the mechanism is established based on a modified modal synthesis method. Firstly, each branch of the RPR type mechanism is divided into a substructure. Subsequently, a set of hypothetical modes of each substructure is obtained based on the C-B method. Finally, dynamic equation of the whole mechanism is established by the substructure assembly. A dynamic experiment is conducted to verify the dynamic characteristics of the compliant mechanism.