Trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services in Yutian County along the Keriya River Basin,Northwest China

The Keriya River Basin is located in an extremely arid climate zone on the southern edge of the Tarim Basin of Northwest China,exhibiting typical mountain-oasis-desert distribution characteristics.In recent decades,climate change and human activities have exerted significant impacts on the service functions of watershed ecosystems.However,the trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services(ESs)have not been thoroughly examined.This study aims to reveal the spatiotemporal changes in ESs within the Keriya River Basin from 1995 to 2020 as well as the trade-offs and synergies between ESs.Leveraging the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs(InVEST)and Revised Wind Erosion Equation(RWEQ)using land use/land cover(LULC),climate,vegetation,soil,and hydrological data,we quantified the spatiotemporal changes in the five principal ESs(carbon storage,water yield,food production,wind and sand prevention,and habitat quality)of the watershed from 1995 to 2020.Spearman correlation coefficients were used to analyze the trade-offs and synergies between ES pairs.The findings reveal that water yield,carbon storage,and habitat quality exhibited relatively high levels in the upstream,while food production and wind and sand prevention dominated the midstream and downstream,respectively.Furthermore,carbon storage,food production,wind and sand prevention,and habitat quality demonstrated an increase at the watershed scale while water yield exhibited a decline from 1995 to 2020.Specifically,carbon storage,wind and sand prevention,and habitat quality presented an upward trend in the upstream but downward trend in the midstream and downstream.Food production in the midstream showed a continuously increasing trend during the study period.Trade-off relationships were identified between water yield and wind and sand prevention,water yield and carbon storage,food production and water yield,and habitat quality and wind and sand prevention.Prominent temporal and spatial synergistic relationships were observed between different ESs,notably between carbon storage and habitat quality,carbon storage and food production,food production and wind and sand prevention,and food production and habitat quality.Water resources emerged as a decisive factor for the sustainable development of the basin,thus highlighting the intricate trade-offs and synergies between water yield and the other four services,particularly the relationship with food production,which warrants further attention.This research is of great significance for the protection and sustainable development of river basins in arid areas.

Spatiotemporal variations in ecosystem services and their trade-offs and synergies against the background of the gully control and land consolidation project on the Loess Plateau,China

Studying the spatiotemporal variations in ecosystem services and their interrelationships on the Loess Plateau against the background of the gully control and land consolidation(GCLC)project has significant implications for ecological protection and quality development of the Yellow River Basin.Therefore,in this study,we took Yan'an City,Shaanxi Province of China,as the study area,selected four typical ecosystem services,including soil conservation service,water yield service,carbon storage service,and habitat quality service,and quantitatively evaluated the spatiotemporal variation characteristics and trade-offs and synergies of ecosystem services from 2010 to 2018 using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs(InVEST)model.We also analysed the relationship between the GCLC project and regional ecosystem service changes in various regions(including 1 city,2 districts,and 10 counties)of Yan'an City and proposed a coordinated development strategy between the GCLC project and the ecological environment.The results showed that,from 2010 to 2018,soil conservation service decreased by 7.76%,while the other three ecosystem services changed relatively little,with water yield service increasing by 0.56% and carbon storage service and habitat quality service decreasing by 0.16% and 0.14%,respectively.The ecological environment of Yan'an City developed in a balanced way between 2010 and 2018,and the four ecosystem services showed synergistic relationships,among which the synergistic relationships between soil conservation service and water yield service and between carbon storage service and habitat quality service were significant.The GCLC project had a negative impact on the ecosystem services of Yan'an City,and the impact on carbon storage service was more significant.This study provides a theoretical basis for the scientific evaluation of the ecological benefits of the GCLC project and the realization of a win-win situation between food security and ecological security.

Synergies and trade-offs of climate-smart agriculture(CSA)practices selected by smallholder farmers in Geshy watershed,Southwest Ethiopia

Studies on mainstreaming climate-smart agriculture(CSA)practices can increase smallholder farmers’capacity and awareness to improve food security and establish sustainable livelihoods through resilient agricultural systems,while achieving adaptation and mitigation benefits.Hence,valuable insights can be obtained from smallholder farmers in responding to present and forthcoming challenges of climate change impacts.However,there is little research work on trade-off and synergy assessments.Taking Geshy watershed in Southwest Ethiopia as a case study area,both quantitative and qualitative data analysis were undertaken in this study.The data were collected from 15 key informant interviews,6 focus group discussions,and 384 households to answer the following questions:(1)what are the top 5 preferred CSA practices for smallholder farmers in Geshy watershed when coping with the impacts of climate change?(2)What is the performance of the preferred CSA practices?And(3)which trade-offs and synergies are experienced upon the implementation of CSA practices?The study came up with the most preferred CSA practices such as the use of improved crop varieties,small-scale irrigation,improved animal husbandry,the use of efficient inorganic fertilizers,and crop rotation with legumes.The selected CSA practices showed that the productivity goal exhibit the best synergy,while the mitigation goal has trade-offs.The study also indicated that the use of improved crop varieties causes high synergies in all 3 goals of CSA practices;small-scale irrigation provides a medium synergy on productivity goal but high synergy for adaptation and mitigation goals;improved animal husbandry shows a high synergy with the adaptation goal,a relatively lower synergy with the productivity goal,and a trade-off with the mitigation goal;the use of efficient inorganic fertilizers shows maximum synergy for the productivity and adaptation goals;and crop rotation with legumes exhibits high synergy with the productivity and mitigation goals but a relatively lower synergy with the adaptation goal.These results can provide evidence to various stakeholder farmers in the value chain that the impacts of climate change can be addressed by the adoption of CSA practices.In general,CSA practices are considered indispensable.Smallholder farmers prefer CSA practices that help to increase crop productivity and household resilience to climate change impacts.The results generate a vital foundation for recommendations to smallholder farming decision-makers.It also sensitizes actions for innovative and sustainable methods that are able to upscale the preferred CSA practices in the agricultural system in Geshy watershed of Southwest Ethiopia and other regions.

Trade-offs/Synergies in Land-use Function Changes in Central China from 2000 to 2015

To solve the problems caused by irrational land-use, studying the functions of land-use, its changing characteristics, and the relationship between each land-use function will be beneficial for achieving sustainable land development. In this research, we constructed an evaluation framework of multiple land-use functions(LUFs) based on sustainable land-use theory. Specifically,, we classified the multiple LUFs into three types: agricultural production function(APF), living function(LVF), and ecological service function(ESF).We then spatialized the economic and social data, and implemented the InVEST(Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) model and RUSLE(Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model to evaluate each sub-LUF(crop production, aquatic production, woodlands production, livestock production, living space, life quality, water supply, soil conservation, climate regulation, biological conservation) in central China in 2000 and again in 2015. Moreover, by analyzing the changes to LUFs and the relationships between each LUF change, we were able to discern patterns of LUF change in central China. The results show that: (1)42.12% of total territory in the study area increased their APF from 2000 to 2015, while 43.41% of the lands increased their ESF yet only 8.98% of the lands increased their LVF;(2) in Hubei and Hunan, there was more land with an increase of APF than in Anhui or Jiangxi. The APF in Jiangxi exhibited the greatest decline over time period, the LVF increased more in the provincial capital cities than in other regions, and the ESF expanded more in Jiangxi than in the other provinces;and (3) the changes in APF were significantly and positively correlated with changes in LVF. Additionally, changes in ESF were negatively but non-significantly correlated with changes in APF and LVF.

Analysis on synergies and trade-offs in green building development:from the perspective of SDG 11

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a prospect for the future development of all countries in the world.Its core is to set up the Sustainable Development Goals for the year of 2030,and develop a series of institutional mechanisms around SDGs to promote its implementation.The SDGs include 17 goals,of which SDG 11 is to make cities and human settlements inclusive,safe,resilient and sustainable.Green building can play a positive role in the implementation of SDG 11.However,the entire process of green building development involves multiple stakeholders and various professional fields,which play different roles where may be positive synergies or negative trade-offs in the whole process.This paper uses the nexus approaches to clarify how multiple stakeholders and professions interact with each other in the green building development with the aim of promoting SDG 11.

Synergies of carbon neutrality, air pollution control, and health improvement - a case study of China Energy Interconnection scenario

Climate change and air pollution are primarily caused by the combustion and utilization of fossil fuels.Both climate change and air pollution cause health problems.Based on the development of China,it is extremely important to explore the synergies of the energy transition,CO_(2) reduction,air pollution control,and health improvement under the target of carbon peaking before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060.This study introduces the policy evolution and research progress related to energy,climate change,and the environment in China and proposes a complete energy-climate-air-health mechanism framework.Based on the MESSAGE-GLOBIOM integrated assessment model,emission inventory and chemical transport model,and exposure-response function,a comprehensive assessment method of energy-climate-air-health synergies was established and applied to quantify the impacts of Chinese Energy Interconnection Carbon Neutrality(CEICN)scenario.The results demonstrate that,by 2060,the SO_(2),NO_(x) and PM_(2.5) emissions are estimated to be reduced by 91%,85%,and 90%respectively compared to the business-as-usual(BAU)scenario.The direct health impacts brought by achieving the goal of carbon neutrality will drive the proactive implementation of more emission reduction measures and bring greater benefits to human health.

Trade-offs and synergies of climate change adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa:A systematic review

Climate change adaptation strategies provide a cushion for smallholder farmers,especially in subSaharan Africa against the risks posed by climate hazards such as droughts and floods.However,the decision-making process in climate adaptation is complex.To better understand the dynamics of the process,we strive to answer this question:what are the potential trade-offs and synergies related to decision-making and implementation of climate adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa region?A systematic literature review methodology was used through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(PRISMA)statement with the four-stage inclusion/exclusion criteria to identify the literature from selected databases(Scopus and Google Scholar).The climate adaptation strategies are organized into five broad categories(crop management,risk management,soil/land management,water management,and livestock management strategies).Evidence suggests that potential trade-offs may arise concerning added costs,additional labor requirements,and competition among objectives or available resources.The synergies,on the other hand,arise from implementing two or more adaptation strategies concurrently in respect of increased productivity,resilience,yield stability,sustainability,and environmental protection.Trade-offs and synergies may also differ among the various adaptation strategies with minimum/zero tillage,comparatively,presenting more tradeoffs.The development and promotion of low-cost adaptation strategies and complementary climate adaptation options that minimize the trade-offs and maximize the synergies are suggested.Skills and knowledge on proper implementation of climate change adaptation strategies are encouraged,especially at the local farm level.

Trade-offs and Synergies of Ecosystem Services in Karst Area of China Driven by Grain-for-Green Program

As an important means regulating the relationship between human and natural ecosystem,ecological restoration program plays a key role in restoring ecosystem functions.The Grain-for-Green Program(GFGP,One of the world’s most ambitious ecosystem conservation set-aside programs aims to transfer farmland on steep slopes to forestland or grassland to increase vegetation coverage)has been widely implemented from 1999 to 2015 and exerted significant influence on land use and ecosystem services(ESs).In this study,three ecological models(In VEST,RUSLE,and CASA)were used to accurately calculate the three key types of ESs,water yield(WY),soil conservation(SC),and net primary production(NPP)in Karst area of southwestern China from 1982 to 2015.The impact of GFGP on ESs and trade-offs was analyzed.It provides practical guidance in carrying out ecological regulation in Karst area of China under global climate change.Results showed that ESs and trade-offs had changed dramatically driven by GFGP.In detail,temporally,SC and NPP exhibited an increasing trend,while WY exhibited a decreasing trend.Spatially,SC basically decreased from west to east;NPP basically increased from north to south;WY basically increased from west to east;NPP and SC,SC and WY developed in the direction of trade-offs driven by the GFGP,while NPP and WY developed in the direction of synergy.Therefore,future ecosystem management and restoration policy-making should consider trade-offs of ESs so as to achieve sustainable provision of ESs.

Tradeoffs and synergies between ecosystem services : A comparison of the karst and non-karst area

Under the influence of various natural and human factors, the relationship between the ecosystem services provided for human beings by a karst ecosystem is becoming increasingly complex, profoundly limiting the effective and sustainable development of the social economy and ecosystem protection in karst areas. Taking Guizhou, China as an example, which includes both karst(including five different landforms) and non-karst area, the study explored and compared the tradeoff and synergy between ecosystem services in both terrain types. The results showed higher change rates of water yield and soil retention in karst areas than those in non-karst areas, with only small differences in the carbon storage and crop production change. The ecosystem service relationships in the karst area from 1995 to 2005 were consistent with the relationships in the non-karst area. However, differences were observed in most of these relationships from 2005 to 2015. The relationships between ecosystem services in different karst landforms from 1995 to 2005 remained the same, but there are differences found in the relationships of ecosystem services from 2005 to 2015. The trade-off and synergistic relationships between ecosystem services in the different landforms were closely related to the changes of climate and land use, particularly related to rainfall, rainfall erosivity, farmland, and forestland.

Conversion Synergies during Steam Co-Gasification of Ligno-Cellulosic Simulated Biomass with Coal

Lignin and cellulose chemicals were used as artificial biomass components to make-up a simulated biomass. Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metal (AAEM) as well as volatile matter contents in these chemicals were much different from each other. Co-gasification of coal with simulated biomass shows improved conversion characteristics in comparison to the average calculated from separate conversion of coal and simulated biomass. Two conversion synergetic peaks were observed whereby the first peak occurred around 400℃ while the second one occurred above 800℃. Although co-gasification of coal with lignin that has high AAEM content also shows two synergy peaks, the one at higher temperature is dominant. Co-gasification of coal with cellulose shows only a single synergy peak around 400℃ indicating that synergy at low temperature is related with interaction of volatiles. Investigation of morphology changes during gasification of lignin and coal, suggests that their low reactivity is associated with their solid shape maintained even at high temperature.

Trade-Offs and Synergie Effects of Regulating Ecosystem Services along an Climatic Gradient in Slovakia

This study aims to assess the synergies and trade-offs of regulating ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are non-linearly interconnected and changes in one service can positively or negatively affect another. We evaluated ecosystem services based on biophysical indicators using an expert scoring system that determines the corresponding soil functions and is part of the existing databases available in Slovakia. This methodological combination enabled us to provide unique mapping and assessment of ecosystem services within Slovakia. Correlation analysis between individual regulating ecosystem services and climate regions, slope, texture, and altitude confirm the statistically significant influence of climate and slope in all agricultural land, arable land, and grassland ecosystems. Statistically significant synergistic effects were established between the regulation of the water regime and the regulation of soil erosion within each climate region, apart from the very warm climate region. Only in a very warm climate region was potential of regulating ecosystem services mutually beneficial for soil erosion control and soil cleaning potential (immobilization of inorganic pollutants).

Synergies between the Belt and Road Initiative and the 2030 SDGs: from the perspective of development

The Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)has its own development logic,which draws mainly from China’s development and cooperation experiences.In addition to aid,the BRI prioritises ownership,infrastructure connectivity and comprehensive approaches to development.The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs),drawing many lessons from the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs),mark a visible shift from the past donor–recipient relationship to an equal development partnership in the international development narrative.Comparing the two initiatives,this paper identifies synergies between the BRI and the SDGs from the perspective of development and concludes that an emphasis on ownership is the basis for docking the two development visions.The docking process should begin at the stage of strategic dialogue and policy planning between China and its development partners,and infrastructure connectivity is an area of special importance when seeking synergies and developing differentiated approaches to working in different contexts.

Nitrogen‑Doped Magnetic‑Dielectric‑Carbon Aerogel for High‑Efficiency Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

Carbonbased aerogels derived from biomass chitosan are encountering a flourishing moment in electromagnetic protection on account of lightweight,controllable fabrication and versatility.Nevertheless,developing a facile construction method of component design with carbon-based aerogels for high-efficiency electromagnetic wave absorption(EWA)materials with a broad effective absorption bandwidth(EAB)and strong absorption yet hits some snags.Herein,the nitrogen-doped magnetic-dielectric-carbon aerogel was obtained via ice template method followed by carbonization treatment,homogeneous and abundant nickel(Ni)and manganese oxide(MnO)particles in situ grew on the carbon aerogels.Thanks to the optimization of impedance matching of dielectric/magnetic components to carbon aerogels,the nitrogen-doped magnetic-dielectric-carbon aerogel(Ni/MnO-CA)suggests a praiseworthy EWA performance,with an ultra-wide EAB of 7.36 GHz and a minimum reflection loss(RLmin)of−64.09 dB,while achieving a specific reflection loss of−253.32 dB mm−1.Furthermore,the aerogel reveals excellent radar stealth,infrared stealth,and thermal management capabilities.Hence,the high-performance,easy fabricated and multifunctional nickel/manganese oxide/carbon aerogels have broad application aspects for electromagnetic protection,electronic devices and aerospace.

Efficient simultaneous removal of diesel particulate matter and hydrocarbons from diesel exhaust gas at low temperatures over Cu–CeO_(2)/Al_(2)O_(3) coupling with dielectric barrier discharge plasma

Diesel particulate matter(DPM)and hydrocarbons(HCs)emitted from diesel engines have a negative affect on air quality and human health.Catalysts for oxidative removal of DPM and HCs are currently used universally but their low removal efficiency at low temperatures is a problem.In this study,Cu-doped CeO_(2) loaded on Al_(2)O_(3) coupled with plasma was used to enhance low-temperature oxidation of DPM and HCs.Removals of DPM and HCs at 200℃ using the catalyst were as high as 90%with plasma but below 30%without plasma.Operando plasma diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy coupled with mass spectrometry was conducted to reveal the functional mechanism of the oxygen species in the DPM oxidation process.It was found that Cu-CeO_(2) can promote the formation of adsorbed oxygen(M^(+)-O_(2)^(-))and terminal oxygen(M=O),which can react with DPM to form carbonates that are easily converted to gaseous CO_(2).Our results provide a practical plasma catalysis technology to obtain simultaneous removals of DPM and HCs at low temperatures.M+O-2Diesel particulate matter(DPM)and hydrocarbons(HCs)emitted from diesel engines have a negative affect on air quality and human health.Catalysts for oxidative removal of DPM and HCs are currently used universally but their low removal efficiency at low temperatures is a problem.In this study,Cu-doped CeO_(2) loaded on Al_(2)O_(3) coupled with plasma was used to enhance low-temperature oxidation of DPM and HCs.Removals of DPM and HCs at 200°C using the catalyst were as high as 90%with plasma but below 30%without plasma.Operando plasma diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy coupled with mass spectrometry was conducted to reveal the functional mechanism of the oxygen species in the DPM oxidation process.It was found that Cu–CeO_(2) can promote the formation of adsorbed oxygen(–)and terminal oxygen(M=O),which can react with DPM to form carbonates that are easily converted to gaseous CO_(2).Our results provide a practical plasma catalysis technology to obtain simultaneous removals of DPM and HCs at low temperatures.

Increased Oxygen Vacancies in CuO-ZnO Snowflake-like Composites Drive the Hydrogenation of CO_(2) to Methanol

Cu/ZnO is widely used in the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO_(2)) to methanol (CH_(3)OH) to improve the lowconversion rate and selectivity generally observed. In this work, a series of In, Zr, Co, and Ni-doped CuO-ZnO catalysts wassynthesized via a hydrothermal method. By introducing a second metal element, the activity and dispersion of the activesites can be adjusted and the synergy between the metal and the carrier can be enhanced, forming an abundance of oxygenvacancies. Oxygen vacancies not only adsorb CO_(2) but also activate the intermediates in methanol synthesis, playing a keyrole in the entire reaction. Co3O4-CuO-ZnO had the best catalytic performance (a CO_(2) conversion rate of 9.17%;a CH_(3)OHselectivity of 92.77%). This study describes a typical strategy for multi-component doping to construct a catalyst with anabundance of oxygen vacancies, allowing more effective catalysis to synthesize CH_(3)OH from CO_(2).

Emerging Trends in Damage Tolerance Assessment:A Review of Smart Materials and Self-Repairable Structures

The discipline of damage tolerance assessment has experienced significant advancements due to the emergence of smart materials and self-repairable structures.This review offers a comprehensive look into both traditional and innovative methodologies employed in damage tolerance assessment.After a detailed exploration of damage tolerance concepts and their historical progression,the review juxtaposes the proven techniques of damage assessment with the cutting-edge innovations brought about by smart materials and self-repairable structures.The subsequent sections delve into the synergistic integration of smart materials with self-repairable structures,marking a pivotal stride in damage tolerance by establishing an autonomous system for immediate damage identification and self-repair.This holistic approach broadens the applicability of these technologies across diverse sectors yet brings forth unique challenges demanding further innovation and research.Additionally,the review examines future prospects that combine advanced manufacturing processes with data-centric methodologies,amplifying the capabilities of these‘intelligent’structures.The review culminates by highlighting the transformative potential of this union between smart materials and self-repairable structures,promoting a sustainable and efficient engineering paradigm.

On the Thermal Distribution in Oncological Hyperthermia Treatments

The temperature is one of the principal controlling parameters of oncological hyperthermia. However, local heating forms a complicated thermal distribution in space and has developed over time, too. The decisional factors are the heterogeneity of the targeted volume, the electrolyte perfusions controlled by thermal homeostasis, and the spreading of the heat energy with time. A further complication is that the energy absorption sharply changes by depth, so the spatiotemporal development of the temperature distribution requires specialized methods to control. Most of the temperature imaging facilities (thermography, radiometry, electric impedance tomography, etc.) are less precise than the medical practice needs. In contrast, precise point sensing (like thermocouples, thermistors, and fluoroptical methods) is invasive and measures only a discrete point in the robustly changing thermal map. The two most precise thermal imaging methods, computer tomography, and magnetic resonance are expensive and have numerous technical complications. Our objective is to show the complexity of the temperature distribution inside the human body, and offer a relatively simple and cheap method to visualize its spatiotemporal development. A novel emerging technology, the application of ultrasound microbubble contrast agents is a promising method for solving complicated tasks of thermal distribution deep inside the living body. Noteworthy, the temperature distribution does not determine the full hyperthermia process, nonthermal effects make considerable impact, too. Additionally to the difficulties to measure the thermal heterogeneity during hyperthermia in oncology, numerous nonthermal processes, molecular and structural changes are triggered by the incoming electromagnetic energy, which presently has no spatiotemporal visualization technique. Microbubble imaging has a suitable spatiotemporal thermal resolution, and also it is sensitive to nonthermal effects. Its application for characterization of the modulated electrohyperthermia (mEHT) may open a new theranostic facility, using the synergy of the thermal and nonthermal effects of the radiofrequency delivered energy. This complex approach gives facility to follow the mEHT processes, and the proposed microbubble ultrasound imaging has a particularly promising advantage sensing and acting also nonthermally, having potential to characterize the thermally conditioned nonthermal electromagnetic effects in oncologic hyperthermia. The mEHT combined with microbubble ultrasound images could be a robust theranostic method against cancer.

医科达Synergy医用电子直线加速器故障维修六例

放射治疗是利用放射线治疗肿瘤的医疗方式[1]。医用电子直线加速器作为医院开展放射治疗的重要医疗设备,在肿瘤治疗中发挥重要作用。同时,医用电子直线加速器的技术结构复杂,组成模块、系统、零部件多,集成度高,设备具有“唯一性”、故障风险大等特点,如出现故障不能及时解决,可影响患者治疗效果,严重时甚至会造成不可逆性的重大损伤[2]。目前,医科达Synergy医用电子直线加速器的市场占有率较高,其通信模块较多、运动结构相对复杂,故障率较高。本研究以我院在用的医科达Synergy医用电子直线加速器为例,对其结构原理及6例故障维修过程进行总结分析,以供同行借鉴和参考。

Analysis of Motor Synergies Utilization for Optimal Movement Generation for a Human-like Robotic Arm

Controlling human-like robots with musculoskeletal structure has been a challenging problem in engineering. In biological studies, motor synergy hypothesis has been proposed as a solution in order to control high degree-of-freedom and complex human body. In this paper, we focus on exploring the applicability of motor synergies in generating goal-directed movements by optimal control in a human-like robotic arm. We focus on three problems： 1） Can motor synergies facilitate the solving of optimal control problem？ 2） What properties should motor synergies have in order to achieve tasks？ 3） How should motor synergies be utilized better？ For the first problem we show that goal-directed movements can be achieved by utilizing motor synergies which have properties of achieving the goals. For the second problem, we testify motor synergies which have different properties and discover that energy efficiency is an important aspect in motor synergies which can also be utilized to achieve goal-directed movements. This discovery also implies that we can obtain motor synergies by other ways rather than from goal-directed optimal control signals. For the third problem, we show that the control complexity can be further reduced by utilizing a subset of motor synergies which are effective to achieve goals.

Anthropomorphic Control of a Dexterous Artificial Hand via Task Dependent Temporally Synchronized Synergies

Despite the recent influx of increasingly dexterous prostheses, there remains a lack of sufficiently intuitive control methods to fully utilize this dexterity. As a solution to this problem, a control framework is proposed which allows the control of an arbitrary number of Degrees of Freedom （DOF） through a single electromyogram （EMG） control input. Initially, the joint motions of nine test subjects were recorded while grasping and catching a cylinder. Inherent differences emerged depending upon whether the cylinder was grasped or caught. These data were used to form a distinct synergy for each task, described as the families of parametric functions of time that share a mutual time vector. These two Temporally Synchronized Synergies （TSS） were derived to reflect the task dependent control strategies adopted by the initial participants. These synergies were then mapped to a dexterous artificial hand that was subsequently controlled by two subjects with transradial amputations. The EMG signals from these subjects were used to replace the time vector shared by the synergies, enabling the subjects to perform both tasks with a dexterous artificial hand using only a single EMG input. After a ten minute training period, the subjects learned to use the dexterous artificial hand to grasp and catch the cylinder with 100.0% and 65.0% average success rates, respectively.