Abstract: A human body modelling method and apparatus and an electronic device. The method comprises: acquiring at least one human body image; extracting an original profile of a human body from the human body image; calculating a body surface profile of the human body according to the original profile; and constructing a three dimensional human body model according to the body surface profile. The establishment of a three dimensional human body model originates from two dimensional human body images, without using a human body scanner to scan a human body, which reduces the cost of establishing the three dimensional human body model. Moreover, there is no requirement for the position and dressing of a human body object, and the process of establishing the three dimensional human body model is more convenient.

Abstract: A biofeedback system for monitoring patient-related signals of a patient having adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is disclosed. The present invention provides a personalized biofeedback to the patient based on the patient-related signals for restoring balance in muscle activities and reducing displacement of both sides of the patient's spine as a treatment for AIS. The biofeedback system comprises clothing integrated with posture monitoring sensors, and one or more computational systems comprising a sensor-based sEMG posture training subsystem for providing posture training and a posture monitoring subsystem for providing progressive training through daily activities. The sensor-based sEMG posture training subsystem comprises a posture training device coupled to a plurality of sEMG sensors, a feedback device and a calibration system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Beclin 1-UVRAG complex structure which reveals a tightly packed coiled coil assembly with Beclin 1 and UVRAG residues complementing each other to form a stable dimeric complex. This potent physical interaction is critical for UVRAG-dependent EGFR degradation but less critical for autophagy. Targeting the Beclin 1 coiled coil domain with rationally designed stapled peptides leads to enhanced autophagy activity and EGFR degradation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, suggesting translational value for these compounds.

Abstract: In the present invention there is provided an MnO2 electrode with improved electrochemical properties, and a method of preparation of an electrode, wherein there anode comprises a substrate at least partially coated with MnO2 nanosheets (MnNSs) forming additive free MnO2 thin films. The method includes providing MnO2 nanosheets (MnNSs) suspension with diameters less than 50 nm; printing the MnNSs suspension on substrates to form MnO2 thin films (MnTFs); and annealing the MnTFs at 260-320° C. for at least 100 minutes. Energy storage device comprising the MnO2 electrode such as a Na-ion cell, and a Li-ion cell are also described.

Abstract: A new electrospark deposition (ESD) method and related system are provided in the present invention based on the use of a magnetized electrode, namely magnetic-aided ESD (M-ESD). In particular, the present invention uses a magnetized electrode (either magnetized by an electro-magnet or being a permanent magnet) to attract fine coating powders at the tip thereof which acts as a soft brush to coat on intricate surface profiles. Accordingly, the method of the present invention is able to provide a soft contact between the magnetized anode and the workpiece to be coated or manipulated. The present invention is useful in various surface engineering applications in the fields of aeronautical (e.g. restoration and repair of damaged aircraft turbine blades), nuclear reactors, military engineering, and in medical industries.

Abstract: There is provided a method of sensitising a eukaryotic cell to ultrasound stimulation, said method comprising increasing the mechano-sensitivity of a transmembrane ion channel of the cell to ultrasound by introducing a plurality of entire exogenous gas vesicles proximal to the surface of the cell.

Abstract: A hinge is provided, which includes a V-shaped blade, an intermediate blade and a terminal blade. The V-shaped blade, the intermediate blade and the terminal blade are provided with holes to allow a fixed member to pass through; the V-shaped blade is hinged to one end of the intermediate blade for supporting the bending of a body; another end of the intermediate blade is hinged to the terminal blade for supporting the bending of the body; the strip-shaped grooves on the V-shaped blade, the intermediate blade and the terminal blade can be used to fix the hinge to a surface of the body using a belt or other fixed member, and to make the corrective member stably fix to one side of the body, effectively producing the lateral corrective force; the hinge design of each blade can coordinate the forward bending motion of the body, effectively introducing the corrective force.

Abstract: A photocatalyst includes a composite fiber having at least two crystalline semi-conductors that provide a heterojunction structure in the composite fiber.

Abstract: A portable electrical motor-driven exoskeleton ankle joint robot with gear transmission and control system which is intended to provide walking assistance in different speed and walking conditions to persons with disability in walking or muscle weakness or joint problem.

Abstract: In an aspect of the disclosure there is provided a vibration reducing apparatus for a percussive tool having an axis of reciprocation. The apparatus comprises, a guide frame and at least one member extending across the axis of reciprocation. An assembly extending in a direction of along the axis of reciprocation comprises at least two layers and each layer comprises four interconnected elongate members pivotally attached and rotatable with respect to each other to define a polygon; and the assembly has at least one biasing means. A handle is movably coupled to the guide frame and supported on the assembly. The apparatus provides decreasing stiffness with increasing compression of the assembly under an applied load to the handle for reducing vibration in a predetermined frequency range.

Abstract: A voltage balancing circuit is applied to a power supply system. The power supply system comprises N power storage devices. The voltage balancing circuit comprises: N switches, N capacitors and a controller; the N switches are respectively connected to the N serial power storage devices; the N switches are respectively connected to the first terminals of the N capacitors; the second terminals of the N capacitors are connected to a common neutral line; the controller is connected to the N switches through a control line to control the switching of the N switches. The voltage balancing circuit avoids power loss when balancing the voltage of a plurality of serial power storage devices, and is small in size and low-cost, and balances voltage quickly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the preparation of bulk nanostructured pure titanium at cryogenic temperatures using rolling, allowing the whole microstructures of pure titanium to be refined into the one that the mean grain size is smaller than 100 nm.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an improved method of preparing concentrated MnO2 ink with increased efficiency and cost effectiveness. The method involves mixing KMnO4 solution with highly crystalline carbon particles (HCCPs) with average diameters less than 800 nm at 30-60° C. for at least 8 hours. The present disclosure further relates to a symmetric supercapacitor device comprising MnO2 coated electrodes and a solid state ionic liquid as electrolyte, as well as an interdigital transparent SC (IT-SC) device comprising aqueous MnO2 ink.

Abstract: An interactive exoskeleton robotic knee system for assist walking and gait training. The system comprises of an exoskeleton framework to be attached to the thigh and shank of the user's leg; electric motor; mechanical lock; motion sensor assembled on the lower limb unit, and a control box. The system provides extension and flexion movement in the knee joint.

Abstract: This invention is in the preparation of bulk nanostructured pure titanium at cryogenic temperatures using equal channel angular pressing and rolling, allowing the whole microstructures of pure titanium to be refined into the one that the mean grain size is smaller than 100 nm.

Abstract: An optical transmission system comprises at least one first connection point and one second connection point arranged to transmit and receive at least one channel signal transmitted via at least one optical means connecting the first connection point and the second connection, wherein each of the at least one channel signal is reversibly configurable to be transmitted in either a first direction or a second direction between the first connection point and the second connection point. A method of transmitting at least one channel signal between a first connection point and a second connection point via at least one optical media in an optical transmission system, wherein each of the at least one channel signal is reversibly configurable to be transmitted in either a first direction or a second direction between the first and the second connection points.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of preparing polymeric photoluminescent dots in water using inexpensive non-conjugated polymers. The resulting polymeric photoluminescent dots display the following properties: excellent water dispersibility, low toxicity, high absorptivity, good photo-stability and high quantum yield. The photoluminescent properties are not influenced by aggregation-caused quenching effect. The method is amenable to scale-up and is environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A photocatalyst includes a composite fiber having at least two crystalline semi-conductors that provide a heterojunction structure in the composite fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting false twist to a staple yarn comprising a yarn guide for guiding a staple yarn along a path and a false twist device comprising a convex surface for engagement with a staple yarn so as to impart a force to the staple yarn when the staple yarn engages with and traverses the convex surface of the false twist device, and wherein the relative positioning between the yarn guide and the convex surface of the false twist device is adjustable such that, when a staple yarn is engaged with the convex surface of the false twist device and extends between the yarn guide and the false twist device, the amount of contact between the staple yarn and the convex surface of the false twist device can be controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microarray design of hybrid upconversion nanoparticles on a nanoporous anodized alumina membrane heterogeneous assay for simultaneous detection of multiple oligonucleotides, for example, oligonucleotides from different types of viruses.