Power Assistance Research Articles

Optimizing E-Bike Controls for Human-bike Interaction to Enhance Riding Experience and Efficiency

E-bikes are now used for sports, rehabilitation, and work, not just commuting. Riders adjust power assistance and transmission to handle different conditions and reach their desired physical load. This interaction between the rider, bike, and environment can become complex due to faster speeds, shorter response times, and varying conditions, potentially leading to discomfort. A study with 21 non-athletes explored how riders manage the physical load on e-bikes during a simulated indoor riding session with 66 stages of varying slope resistance. Participants controlled the e-bike to maintain a moderate intensity, and data on latency of e-bike control, number of controls, acceptable pedaling power, heart rate, and perceived exertion were collected. On average, riders made their control adjustment 5.3 seconds after a slope change and used 2.7 control attempts to reach an acceptable pedaling power. The study found that the most acceptable pedaling power were similar across different slopes, suggesting a consistent preferred load. Participants aimed to maintain stable pedaling power despite external disturbances, targeting a moderate exercise intensity (66.9% maximal heart rate and a rate of perceived exertion of 12.1). The findings indicate that it's possible to estimate a personal preferred load, which could inform future studies on maintaining this load and improving the e-bike riding experience.

Discovering implicit role of tourists’ perceived distance and emotions in decision-making: combing grounded theory and sentiment analysis

ABSTRACT Analysing the attitudes and emotions behind tourists’ perceptions of distance provides powerful assistance for destination marketers and scholars. However, there is yet to be a universally adopted scale of tourists’ perceived distance. It is hard to effectively extract tourists’ attitudes from the distance scale toward a destination. This paper identifies the critical dimensions of perceived distance voiced by 19 Chinese tourists with grounded analysis, an inductive, comparative, and interactive method that effectively captures nuanced information. Advanced techniques for linguistic analysis provide the opportunity to extract emotional meaning from tourists’ textual data through the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithm. The results identify a set of appraisal dimensions as antecedents to perceived distance. With cognitive appraisal theory (CAT), different evaluations on these dimensions provide multiple paths to eliciting emotion change. The findings contrast with previous research in the distance decay model, which noted a single distance involving tourism demand. We also find differences based on demographic segments. Social network analysis helps further identify the relationship between dimensions. We conclude by discussing the study's implications for future studies and practice.

The Phenomenon of Difficult Enforcement in the Circuit Trial System in China from the Perspective of Power Operation

The phenomenon of "difficulty in enforcement" is prevalent in the judicial practice of China and poses similar challenges to circuit trials. This paper, based on Su Li's premise of the shifting local power dynamics in rural China, utilizes Foucault's theory of micro-power and Geertz's theory of local knowledge to explore how these misalignments in local power relationships affect the enforcement work in circuit trials in China, and provides suggestions on how to alleviate this issue. In the power relationship of enforcement within circuit trials, the relatively weaker state power struggles to support the compulsory execution of judgments, while the relatively stronger individual power resists the enforcement of judgments. This leads to a reliance on the recognition and cooperation of the judgment debtor, as well as the assistance of local power as a third party. However, the lack of local knowledge among judges makes it difficult for "legally sound but unreasonable" judgments to gain the recognition and cooperation of the parties involved, resulting in challenges to enforcement. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation with local powers and other state agencies, seeking a multi-faceted approach.

Influence of ultrasonic power modulation on the optimisation of aluminium alloy micro-arc oxidation coating properties

Conventional micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technology, due to the randomness and transient nature of arc discharge, produces coatings with numerous defects, poor abrasion resistance, and inadequate ability to effectively block the intrusion of corrosive media. In this paper, ultrasonic-assisted technology was used to study the effect of different ultrasonic power regulation on the performance optimization of MAO coating on 6061 aluminum alloy. The coating microstructure and elemental composition were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer, and its hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and other properties were tested. The results show that the prepared coating has the characteristics of high hardness, good wear resistance and excellent corrosion resistance under the assistance of ultrasonic power of 50 W. This is mainly attributed to the cavitation effect, mechanical effect and thermal effect generated by the corresponding ultrasonic power, which effectively enhances the surface quality, performance and service life of the coating. This study provides valuable insights into the interaction between ultrasound power and the resulting MAO coatings, and has important implications for optimizing ultrasound-assisted processes and improving coating properties.

Methodology of Using Large Language Models to Solve Tasks of State and Municipal Government for Intelligent Abstracting and Automatic Generation of Text Content

Large language models (LLM) are finding new areas of application in practice, including the sphere of public and municipal administration. To increase the efficiency of the practical application of large language models rules and methods of interaction with them are developed, taking into account the specifics, a wide range of their possible use and increasing accessibility. The article examines the issues of improving the efficiency of large language models with various types of content using prompt engineering techniques. An analysis of a significant number of prompts for large language models and methods for their formation is presented. The article discusses the possibilities of using large language models, trained (customizable) using creative prompting for intelligent abstracting of various content with the subsequent generation of original texts and text documents for the sphere of state and municipal administration. The proposed methodology makes it possible to effectively integrate knowledge from various sources into LLM training and turn it into a truly intelligent tool that expands the possibilities of its work. When applying this approach, the LLM acts as a powerful intelligent assistant that allows you to generate a document authored by the user of the system. The use of large language models opens up wide opportunities for employees in the field of state and municipal administration to automate the process of creating thematic texts, text reports, qualification papers, reviews and analytical notes. It also allows users to see possible new meanings, previously unnoticed associations, and even generate new ideas in the field of management in the process of analyzing the texts received during the abstract. The authors have shown that in order to improve the quality of intellectual abstracting, it is necessary to carry out the iterative use of different methods of teaching (tuning) LLM. At the same time, the initial selection of texts for training, which is made by the user based on his/her own knowledge of the subject area, is important.

Biotechnology in dermatology: present and future

One of the fastest disciplinary measures 21 century is biotechnology, which in the last decade has become a powerful tool and assistant in the diagnosis, prognosis and elimination of various diseases. The article is devoted to a description of the following sections of medical biotechnologies used in dermatology, such as gene therapy, molecular diagnostics, pharmacogenomics and genetic (tissue) engineering. The article creates the potential for the use of biotechnology in dermatology, which remains the main hope of dermatology patients and dermatologists.

Research status of lower limb exoskeleton rehabilitation robot

Lower limb exoskeleton rehabilitation robots are used to improve or restore the walking and movement ability of people with lower limb movement disorders. However, the required functions for patients differ based on various diseases. For example, patients with weak muscle strength require power assistance, patients with spinal cord injuries require motion compensation, patients with gait abnormalities require gait correction, and patients with strokes require neural rehabilitation. To design a more targeted lower limb exoskeleton rehabilitation robot for different diseases, this article summarised and compared existing lower limb exoskeleton rehabilitation robots according to their main functions and the characteristics and rehabilitation needs of various lower limb movement disorders. The correlations between the functions of existing devices and diseases were summarised to provide certain references for the development of new lower limb exoskeleton rehabilitation robots.

Modeling and Application of a Pneumatic Flexible Linear Brake for Power Assist Devices

Several power assist robots have been developed to reduce workloads, and address worker shortages and an aging workforce. Previously, the authors developed a power assist device to maintain shoulder posture using a braking mechanism; however, the device presented technical issues regarding the rigidity and weight of the mechanism. To address these issues, in this study, a flexible linear brake (FLB), a brake mechanism driven by negative pressure, was developed for power assist devices. Additionally, a braking force model for the FLB is proposed; the proposed model was verified by comparing the measured and modelled values. Finally, a shoulder assist device that uses the FLB and designed based on the proposed model is discussed in detail.

Special Issue on Robotics and Mechatronics Technology for Sports, Exercise, and Health Care (Part 1)

Robotics, mechatronics, and digital technologies are rapidly advancing in the fields of sports, exercise, and healthcare, and their applications are expanding daily. In part 1 of our special issue, we focus on the innovative contributions of cutting-edge technologies in various domains. Robotics technology is crucial in sports and exercise training as it monitors individual movements and forms, provides user feedback, and enables effective training. The development of robots to enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of sports techniques is a key element directly linked to performance improvements. Robotics and mechatronics provide new possibilities for treatment and rehabilitation in healthcare. Developing beneficial systems for medical professionals and patients contributes to increased precision in surgery and productive support in rehabilitation. Power assistance and motion augmentation are witnessing advancements that prolong individual capabilities and achieve better performance. These studies may reduce the physical burden of daily activities and specific tasks, thereby enhancing efficiency. Therefore, studies on haptics and sensory feedback are important. Efforts to improve user interfaces through virtual haptic experiences represent a promising new application of digital technology. The studies included in part 1 of this special issue present recent technological trends and practical examples of sports, exercise, and healthcare and aim to provide valuable information and inspire the readers. We hope that these studies will serve as significant steps toward future technological advancement and social implementation.

Improving OpenDevin: Boosting code generation LLM through advanced memory management

OpenDevin, a code generation AI tool, has emerged as a powerful assistant for both technical and non-technical users, offering a practical approach to coding challenges. Unlike traditional code generators that merely output code, OpenDevin excels by executing code directly in a console, allowing for immediate testing and verification. This functionality not only streamlines the coding process but also enhances learning and troubleshooting, making it accessible to a broader audience. In this project, we address several key challenges to improve OpenDevins effectiveness, especially in handling multi-round conversations and contextually relevant code generation. Our team identified and tackled two main challenges faced by OpenDevin: variety of input, and multi-step conversations. Through incorporating a series of functions to parse, summarize, and organize LLM agents memory logs, we significantly improved OpenDevin agents capabilities among a variety of tasks. The integration of efficient memory management led to a notable increase in accuracyfrom 44.4% to 88.9% in multi-round conversations, highlighting the importance of effective memory management in AI-powered coding tools. This report details our methodology, the challenges we faced, and the solutions we implemented, showcasing OpenDevins potential to revolutionize the way users from various backgrounds engage with coding tasks.

The relationship between vertebral column flexibility and power of limbs with achievement in javelin

In order to reach peak performance in any sport activity require preparations in terms of (physical, skills, plans, mentality and psychology) accordingly with the nature of the activity require scientific planning. Javelin throw is not beyond these preparations whereas power and flexibility contribute significantly in reaching peak level and advanced results. Power assists in throwing for further horizontal distance possible and flexibility in economy of performance energy. The researcher used descriptive correlational method on a sample of (15) male students of fourth grade whom intentionally selected, following test selection, experiment application, data collection and analyzing though the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) the researcher concluded the there is a significant relationship between vertebral column flexibility and speed power of limbs with javelin throw achievement.

Electrical impedance tomography provides information of brain injury during total aortic arch replacement through its correlation with relative difference of neurological biomarkers

Postoperative neurological dysfunction (PND) is one of the most common complications after a total aortic arch replacement (TAAR). Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) monitoring of cerebral hypoxia injury during TAAR is a promising technique for preventing the occurrence of PND. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) for warning of potential brain injury during total aortic arch replacement (TAAR) through building the correlation between EIT extracted parameters and variation of neurological biomarkers in serum. Patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection and requiring TAAR who were admitted between December 2021 to March 2022 were included. A 16-electrode EIT system was adopted to monitor each patient’s cerebral impedance intraoperatively. Five parameters of EIT signals regarding to the hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) period were extracted. Meanwhile, concentration of four neurological biomarkers in serum were measured regarding to time before and right after surgery, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after surgery. The correlation between EIT parameters and variation of serum biomarkers were analyzed. A total of 57 TAAR patients were recruited. The correlation between EIT parameters and variation of biomarkers were stronger for patients with postoperative neurological dysfunction (PND(+)) than those without postoperative neurological dysfunction (PND(−)) in general. Particularly, variation of S100B after surgery had significantly moderate correlation with two parameters regarding to the difference of impedance between left and right brain which were MRAIabs and TRAIabs (0.500 and 0.485 with p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, significantly strong correlations were seen between variation of S100B at 24 h and the difference of average resistivity value before and after HCA phase (ΔARVHCA), the slope of electrical impedance during HCA (kHCA) and MRAIabs (0.758, 0.758 and 0.743 with p < 0.05, respectively) for patients with abnormal S100B level before surgery. Strong correlations were seen between variation of TAU after surgery and ΔARVHCA, kHCA and the time integral of electrical impedance for half flow of perfusion (TARVHP) (0.770, 0.794 and 0.818 with p < 0.01, respectively) for patients with abnormal TAU level before surgery. Another two significantly moderate correlations were found between TRAIabs and variation of GFAP at 12 h and 24 h (0.521 and 0.521 with p < 0.05, respectively) for patients with a normal GFAP serum level before surgery. The correlations between EIT parameters and serum level of neurological biomarkers were significant in patients with PND, especially for MRAIabs and TRAIabs, indicating that EIT may become a powerful assistant for providing a real-time warning of brain injury during TAAR from physiological perspective and useful guidance for intensive care units.

Bird photos as trophies: Status signalling, reinforcement, and competition

Avitourism and avitourists are more frequently characterized by intense photography. Although discussions on wildlife photography are not new, few have explained the meanings behind photo-sharing. Drawing on the concept of photograph as trophy, we interviewed 26 Chinese avitourists across a wide specialisation spectrum. From casual to advanced avitourists, we found that the stories behind the photos, the particularity of species, and the sophistication of photography techniques are the defining qualities of trophy-like photos. Sharing such photos, like conservation photographs, indicates co-existence and amicable encounters with nature. These photos may be used to communicate high social status. The finer the photos were made, the stronger the implications that they are costly, pro-environmental, and produced with the assistance of power. Importantly, pro-environmentalism implicitly communicates a sense of altruism and cultural capital, which enables status signalling. Such photos can contribute to the reinforcement and competition of status, which thereby catalyses cheating and other deviant photography actions. Such deviance is reversely justified with the positive pro-environmental birder image. Excavating such multi-faceted meanings of bird photos may help explain bird photo-taking and sharing, and provide implications for involving birders in protected land management. Managerial implicationsStatus signalling can help manage birders communities. As deviance like baiting for photography is driven by the desire for status signalling, on-site regulations on bird photography tours are needed for the short run. In the long term, it is important to incorporate ethical guidelines in birding tour operations and promote compliance with the ethical code of conduct as a socially superior practice. Additionally, leveraging social status can be achieved by creating platforms for avitourists to showcase their photos and gain recognition. This may encourage the participation of knowledge experts who demand status signalling into anti-deviance promotion, environmental education, and protected land management.

Self-seeded quasi-continuous-wave Er:ZBLAN fiber laser

A self-seeding phenomenon is forecasted in a pulse-pumped Er:ZBLAN fiber laser. A non-zero lasing power, serving as a seeding power for subsequent output pulse, between two adjacent output pulses, will appear in a pulse-pumped Er:ZBLAN fiber laser when the average pump power is increased to a certain value. The seeding power plays an essential role for the transformation of gain-switching operation to quasi-continuous-wave (QCW) operation in a pulse-pumped Er:ZBLAN fiber laser, and is responsible for the suppression of chaotic spikes in the output QCW pulse as well. Under certain conditions, moreover, stable QCW output pulses are expected to be generated in pulse-pumped the Er:ZBLAN fiber laser with the assistance of the self-seeding power. The pulse-pumped Er:ZBLAN fiber laser, referred to as a self-seeded Er:ZBLAN fiber laser, has great potential for stable QCW pulse generating with nearly the same duration and temporal profile as those of pump pulse.

Active Power Assist with Equivalent Force on Connection for Lower Limb Exoskeleton Robots

Active power-assist lower limb exoskeleton robots aim to enhance wearer assistance while ensuring wearer comfort and simplifying the exoskeleton’s design and control. This study proposes an active assistance method known as Equivalent Force on Connection (EFOC). The EFOC method effectively addresses the limitations encountered in conventional Joint Torque Proportional Compensation (JTPC) approaches. These limitations include the necessity for exoskeleton robot configurations to align with human limb structures for parallel assistance at each lower limb joint, as well as the exoskeleton’s inability to contribute a greater proportion of assistance due to the excessive load on specific skeletal and muscular structures, resulting in wearer discomfort. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the EFOC method is evaluated and validated for assistance during both the stance and swing phases of single-leg movements. Finally, the proposed EFOC method is implemented on a hydraulic-driven lower limb exoskeleton robot to assist wearers in squatting, stepping, and jumping locomotion. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed EFOC method can effectively achieve the desired assistance effect.

User acceptance of smart e-bikes: What are the influential factors? A cross-country comparison of five European countries

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) have been promoted in many countries to replace motorised transport modes and mitigate transport externalities such as traffic congestion and emissions. However, there are also concerns about crash risks and crash severity for e-bike users. Leveraging new technologies could help improve e-bike safety, amongst other safety enhancing measures, but there is little knowledge of the users’ acceptance of such technologies. This study aims to explore the user acceptance of e-bikes (pedelec with power assistance up to 25 km/h or speed-pedelec with assistance up to 45 km/h) with active road safety assistance (in short: Smart e-bikes) to improve cycling safety by adopting the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2). A cross-country survey was administered in five European countries-Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands, each differing in population, cycling culture and e-bike market sizes. A sample of 1,589 respondents, including e-bike owners and people interested in buying an e-bike, was analysed using a structural equation model (SEM). Conclusions indicate that performance expectancy, hedonic motivation and perceived safety were the strongest constructs of behavioural intention to use Smart e-bikes in the aggregated sample. All constructs vary significantly across the five countries, which can partly be explained by socio-demographic factors. Geographical factors such as city size, low availability of cycle paths and population density do not explain differences in user acceptance.

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy of nanoadditive macroscale superlubricity: Quantitative hydration investigation and deeper insight into the solid-liquid synergistic lubrication

As a promising approach, terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDs) provides the powerful assistance for quantitatively characterizing the solid-liquid synergistic lubrication. The hydration ratio in nanoadditive solutions was calculated by terahertz dielectric spectrum, and the exact threshold for superlubricity was found as 40%. The high hydration ratio also promoted the formation of high-quality tribofilm. Besides, not all hydrogen bonds, but the solid-liquid hydrogen bond was the true answer to the nanoadditive superlubricity. Finally, a synergistic lubrication model was proposed and it gave a detailed description of the molecular states with different lubrication. This work exerts the sensitivity of THz-TDs on hydration and liquid lubrication, providing avenues for the quick assessment of superlubricity and optimal design of nanoadditive superlubricity in the future.

KULEX-Wrist: Design and Analysis of Linkage-Driven Exoskeleton for Wrist Assistance

Abstract This paper presents a wrist exoskeleton called the KIST Upper-Limb EXoskeleton (KULEX)-wrist for activities of daily living assistance of the elderly and the disabled. A novel linkage-based structure of the rotational mechanism with three degrees-of-freedom is proposed. The proposed wrist mechanism is composed of two prismatic-universal-spherical serial chains and one revolute-revolute-revolute spherical chain. Besides, a combination of a planar slider-crank and spherical four-bar linkages was employed as a drive mechanism for power transmission. Kinematic analysis was conducted to understand its working principle. Then, the dimensions of all the linkages were synthesized to meet the structural design suitable for the wearable exoskeleton and the transmission quality. In addition, motion twists and wrenches were geometrically derived. Finally, a prototype of the KULEX-wrist was designed, and then its performance of mechanical stiffness, motion capability, and power assistance was verified.

Omics-based molecular classifications empowering in precision oncology.

In the past decades, cancer enigmatical heterogeneity at distinct expression levels could interpret disparities in therapeutic response and prognosis. It built hindrances to precision medicine, a tactic to tailor customized treatment informed by the tumors' molecular profile. Single-omics analysis dissected the biological features associated with carcinogenesis to some extent but still failed to revolutionize cancer treatment as expected. Integrated omics analysis incorporated tumor biological networks from diverse layers and deciphered a holistic overview of cancer behaviors, yielding precise molecular classification to facilitate the evolution and refinement of precision medicine. This review outlined the biomarkers at multiple expression layers to tutor molecular classification and pinpoint tumor diagnosis, and explored the paradigm shift in precision therapy: from single- to multi-omics-based subtyping to optimize therapeutic regimens. Ultimately, we firmly believe that by parsing molecular characteristics, omics-based typing will be a powerful assistant for precision oncology.

Superhydrophobic and anticorrosion Ni-B/WC@MoS2 composite coatings deposited via jet electrodeposition assisted with ultrasonics

BackgroundElectrodeposited surface coatings are used as an important protective measure for metal surfaces such as bearings. Enhancing the corrosion resistance of the coating is the key to practical application. MethodsNi-B/WC@MoS2 composite coatings deposited on 45-steels were prepared by ultrasound-assisted jet electrodeposition combined with hydrothermal modification of nanoparticles. The impact of ultrasonic power on the composite coatings’ physical phase structure, micro-morphology, surface roughness, surface hydrophobicity and corrosion mechanism were evaluated. Significant FindingsUltrasound-assisted power helped to enhance the deposition of WC@MoS2 powder for the composite coatings. The coating surface prepared with the assistance of 270 W ultrasound showed a dense "cauliflower" shape with a superhydrophobic surface contact angle of 153.7° The composite coating assisted by 270 W ultrasonic power was found to have the largest corrosion potential (-218 mV) and the smallest corrosion current (6.8E-07 A/cm2) after the electrochemical corrosion test. The polarization resistance of the coating was 35,568 Ω·cm2, and the measured corrosion rate was 8.0E-3 mm/a. It was three orders of magnitude lower than that of the composite coating without ultrasonic power assistance. The Ni-B/WC@MoS2 coatings obtained with jet electrodeposition assisted by 270 W ultrasonic wave showed good corrosion resistance.