Rate-limiting factors in hydrate decomposition through depressurization across various scales:A mini-review

Natural gas hydrate is an energy resource for methane that has a carbon quantity twice more than all traditional fossil fuels combined.However,their practical application in the field has been limited due to the challenges of long-term preparation,high costs and associated risks.Experimental studies,on the other hand,offer a safe and cost-effective means of exploring the mechanisms of hydrate dissociation and optimizing exploitation conditions.Gas hydrate decomposition is a complicated process along with intrinsic kinetics,mass transfer and heat transfer,which are the influencing factors for hydrate decomposition rate.The identification of the rate-limiting factor for hydrate dissociation during depressurization varies with the scale of the reservoir,making it challenging to extrapolate findings from laboratory experiments to the actual exploitation.This review aims to summarize current knowledge of investigations on hydrate decomposition on the subject of the research scale(core scale,middle scale,large scale and field tests)and to analyze determining factors for decomposition rate,considering the various research scales and their associated influencing factors.

A real-time performance improvement method for composite time scale

The composite time scale(CTS)provides a stable,accurate,and reliable time scale for modern society.The improvement of CTS’s real-time performance will improve its stability,which strengths related applications’performance.Aiming at this goal,a method achieved by determining the optimal calculation interval and accelerating adjustment stage is proposed in this paper.The determinants of the CTS’s calculation interval(characteristics of the clock ensemble,the measurement noise,the time and frequency synchronization system’s noise and the auxiliary output generator noise floor)are studied and the optimal calculation interval is obtained.We also investigate the effect of ensemble algorithm’s initial parameters on the CTS’s adjustment stage.A strategy to get the reasonable initial parameters of ensemble algorithm is designed.The results show that the adjustment stage can be finished rapidly or even can be shorten to zero with reasonable initial parameters.On this basis,we experimentally generate a distributed CTS with a calculation interval of 500 s and its stability outperforms those of the member clocks when the averaging time is longer than1700 s.The experimental result proves that the CTS’s real-time performance is significantly improved.

Optimal Multi-Timescale Scheduling of Integrated Energy Systems with Hybrid Energy Storage System Based on Lyapunov Optimization

The economic operation of integrated energy system(IES)faces new challenges such as multi-timescale characteristics of heterogeneous energy sources,and cooperative operation of hybrid energy storage system(HESS).To this end,this paper investigates the multi-timescale rolling opti-mization problem for IES integrated with HESS.Firstly,the architecture of IES with HESS is established,a comparative analysis is conducted to evaluate the advantages of the HESS over a single energy storage system(SESS)in stabilizing power fluctuations.Secondly,the dayahead and real-time scheduling cost functions of IES are established,the day-ahead scheduling mainly depends on operation costs of the components in IES,the real-time optimal scheduling adopts the Lya-punov optimization method to schedule the battery and hydrogen energy storage in each time slot,so as to minimize the real-time average scheduling operation cost,and the problem of day-ahead and real-time scheduling error,which caused by the uncertainty of the energy storage is solved by online optimization.Finally,the proposed model is verified to reduce the scheduling operation cost and the dispatching error by performing an arithmetic example analysis of the IES in Shanghai,which provides a reference for the safe and stable operation of the IES.

Accelerated Primal-Dual Projection Neurodynamic Approach With Time Scaling for Linear and Set Constrained Convex Optimization Problems

The Nesterov accelerated dynamical approach serves as an essential tool for addressing convex optimization problems with accelerated convergence rates.Most previous studies in this field have primarily concentrated on unconstrained smooth con-vex optimization problems.In this paper,on the basis of primal-dual dynamical approach,Nesterov accelerated dynamical approach,projection operator and directional gradient,we present two accelerated primal-dual projection neurodynamic approaches with time scaling to address convex optimization problems with smooth and nonsmooth objective functions subject to linear and set constraints,which consist of a second-order ODE(ordinary differential equation)or differential conclusion system for the primal variables and a first-order ODE for the dual vari-ables.By satisfying specific conditions for time scaling,we demonstrate that the proposed approaches have a faster conver-gence rate.This only requires assuming convexity of the objective function.We validate the effectiveness of our proposed two accel-erated primal-dual projection neurodynamic approaches through numerical experiments.

Multi-Time Scale Operation and Simulation Strategy of the Park Based on Model Predictive Control

Due to the impact of source-load prediction power errors and uncertainties,the actual operation of the park will have a wide range of fluctuations compared with the expected state,resulting in its inability to achieve the expected economy.This paper constructs an operating simulation model of the park power grid operation considering demand response and proposes a multi-time scale operating simulation method that combines day-ahead optimization and model predictive control(MPC).In the day-ahead stage,an operating simulation plan that comprehensively considers the user’s side comfort and operating costs is proposed with a long-term time scale of 15 min.In order to cope with power fluctuations of photovoltaic,wind turbine and conventional load,MPC is used to track and roll correct the day-ahead operating simulation plan in the intra-day stage to meet the actual operating operation status of the park.Finally,the validity and economy of the operating simulation strategy are verified through the analysis of arithmetic examples.

Establishment of an astronomical time scale for the Shizigou Formation in the Qaidam Basin,Inner Asia and orbital forced evolution of lakes during The Pliocene

The Qaidam Basin,as the largest inland basin within the Tibetan Plateau,has accumulated more than 10,000 m of Cenozoic continental sediments.It serves as a crucial research area for documenting Cenozoic climate changes and plateau uplift processes in the Asian interior.Additionally,the basin holds vast reserves of oil and gas resources,making high-resolution drilling data invaluable for studying paleoclimate.In this study,the longsequence lacustrine deposits of JS1 drill core across the Shizigou Formation in the Yiliping Depression at the western center of the basin were studied,aiming to establish an astronomical timescale for the Shizigou Formation and investigate the characteristics of paleoclimatic changes during the late Miocene to the Pliocene for the Asian interior.The analysis was carried out using high-resolution natural gamma ray(GR)data sequences,employing techniques such as spectral analysis,filtering,and wavelet analysis in cyclostratigraphy.The results indicated the presence of a stable Milankovitch orbital signal was perfectly recorded in the Shizigou Formation,primarily influenced by eccentricity cycles,with weaker obliquity and precession cycles.Using the stable and continuous 405 ka eccentricity cycle in astronomical tuning,a"floating"astronomical timescale with a duration of 6.1 Ma for the Yiliping depression's Shizigou Formation has been established.With reference to previously established stratigraphic age anchor points,an absolute astronomical timescale(2.5–8.6 Ma)has been ultimately provided for the Shizigou Formation.Simultaneously,a clear 100 ka short eccentricity cycle record has been identified during the Pliocene(5.3–2.5 Ma),which corresponds in time with the aridification within the basin during this Pliocene period.In addition,a comparison of the Pliocene natural gamma ray curve of the Qaidam Basin with global ice volume variations indicated that the basin's aridification was influenced by global cooling,with eccentricity-modulated precession cycles controlling solar radiation and subsequently affecting the evolution of lakes in the arid region of Inner Asia.

A Novel Color Image Watermarking Method with Adaptive Scaling Factor Using Similarity-Based Edge Region

This study aimed to deal with three challenges:robustness,imperceptibility,and capacity in the image watermarking field.To reach a high capacity,a novel similarity-based edge detection algorithm was developed that finds more edge points than traditional techniques.The colored watermark image was created by inserting a randomly generated message on the edge points detected by this algorithm.To ensure robustness and imperceptibility,watermark and cover images were combined in the high-frequency subbands using Discrete Wavelet Transform and Singular Value Decomposition.In the watermarking stage,the watermark image was weighted by the adaptive scaling factor calculated by the standard deviation of the similarity image.According to the results,the proposed edge-based color image watermarking technique has achieved high payload capacity,imperceptibility,and robustness to all attacks.In addition,the highest performance values were obtained against rotation attack,to which sufficient robustness has not been reached in the related studies.

Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Japanese Version of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale

Background: Bonding disorders affect the growth and development of infants. In Japan, the Japanese version of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS-J) is widely used for early detection of bonding disorders. Repeated use of a questionnaire has problems of reduced validity. In order to correctly detect bonding disorders at multiple time points, it is necessary to confirm the measurement invariance of the scale. Baba et al. reported that invariance of the MIBS-J factor structure could only be obtained by abridging the scale into three items. Purpose: The aim of this study was to 1) confirm the factor structure and measurement invariance of the MIBS-J between two measurement times and 2) to examine factors that can be used without being affected by measurement time in order to identify item that contribute to measure met invariance. Methods: We analysed the data of 1049 and 878 mothers with a neonate collected in two waves: 5 days (Wave 1) and 1 month postpartum (Wave 2). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on the data randomly divided into two groups in each wave. Results: The three-item model (MIBS-J items 1, 6, and 8) was most accepted. Measurement invariance and structural invariance were confirmed in the model. This was consistent with Baba et al.’s model. Conclusion: The three MIBS-J items showed measurement invariance and structural invariance in Japanese mothers during 1 month postpartum.

A step to the decentralized real-time timekeeping network

The composite time scale(CTS) provides an accurate and stable time-frequency reference for modern science and technology. Conventional CTS always features a centralized network topology, which means that the CTS is accompanied by a local master clock. This largely restricts the stability and reliability of the CTS. We simulate the restriction and analyze the influence of the master clock on the CTS. It proves that the CTS's long-term stability is also positively related to that of the master clock, until the region dominated by the frequency drift of the H-maser(averaging time longer than ~10~5s).Aiming at this restriction, a real-time clock network is utilized. Based on the network, a real-time CTS referenced by a stable remote master clock is achieved. The experiment comparing two real-time CTSs referenced by a local and a remote master clock respectively reveals that under open-loop steering, the stability of the CTS is improved by referencing to a remote and more stable master clock instead of a local and less stable master clock. In this way, with the help of the proposed scheme, the CTS can be referenced to the most stable master clock within the network in real time, no matter whether it is local or remote, making democratic polycentric timekeeping possible.

Factors affecting land dissection density in geomorphological regions of China

Land dissection density(LDD)provides morphological evidence regarding prior intense soil erosion and quantifies the distribution of land dissections.A comprehensive understanding of the potential factors influencing the spatial pattern and value of the LDD is vital in geological disasters,soil erosion,and other related domains.Land dissection phenomena in China affects large areas with different morphological,pedological,and climatic characteristics.Prior studies have focused on the potential factors influencing the LDD at a watershed scale.However,these results are insufficient to reflect the status quo of dissection development and its primary influencing factors on a national scale.LDD’s spatial patterns and the dominant factors at a regional scale in millions of square kilometers remain to be ascertained.This study used the geomorphon-based method and the geographical detector model to quantify the spatial pattern of LDD over China and identify the dominant factors affecting this pattern in China’s six first-order geomorphological regions(GR1~GR6).The results yield the following findings:(1)LDD in China ranges from 0~4.55 km/km^(2),which is larger in central and eastern regions than in other regions of China;(2)dominant factors and their dominant risk subcategories vary with each geomorphological region’s primary internal and external forces;(3)the influence of natural factors is more significant on the large regional scale in millions of square kilometers compared to anthropogenic factors;relief degree of land surface(RDLS)is dominant in GR1,GR2,and GR5;the slope is dominant in GR6,soil type is dominant in GR3 and GR4,and lithology plays a critical role in the dominant interactions of GR3,GR4,and GR6;(4)the interactions between factors on LDD’s spatial pattern have a more significant effect than individual factors.

Validity,Reliability,and Measurement Invariance of the Thai Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale

Background:In recent years,there has been increased research interest in both smartphone addiction and social media addiction as well as the development of psychometric instruments to assess these constructs.However,there is a lack of psychometric evaluation for instruments assessing smartphone addiction and social media addiction in Thailand.The present study evaluated the psychometric properties and gender measurement invariance of the Thai version of the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale(SABAS)and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale(BSMAS).Method:A total of 801 Thai university students participated in an online survey from January 2022 to July 2022 which included demographic information,SABAS,BSMAS,and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form(IGDS9-SF).Results:Confirmatory Factor Analyses(CFAs)found that both the SABAS and BSMAS had a one-factor structure.Findings demonstrated adequate psychometric properties of both instruments and also supported measurement invariance across genders.Moreover,scores on the SABAS and BSMAS were correlated with scores on the IGDS9-SF.Conclusion:The results indicated that the SABAS and BSMAS are useful psychometric instruments for assessing the risk of smartphone addiction and social media addiction among Thai young adults.

River width and depth as key factors of diurnal activity energy expenditure allocation for wintering Spot-billed Ducks in the Xin'an River Basin

Rivers are important habitats for wintering waterbirds.However,they are easily influenced by natural and human activities.An important approach for waterbirds to adapt to habitats is adjusting the activity time and energy expenditure allocation of diurnal behavior.The compensatory foraging hypothesis predicts that increased energy expenditure leads to longer foraging time,which in turn increases food intake and helps maintain a constant energy balance.However,it is unclear whether human-disturbed habitats result in increased energy expenditure related to safety or foraging.In this study,the scan sample method was used to observe the diurnal behavior of the wintering Spot-billed Duck(Anas poecilorhyncha) in two rivers in the Xin’an River Basin from October 2021 to March 2022.The allocation of time and energy expenditure for activity in both normal and disturbed environments was calculated.The results showed that foraging accounted for the highest percentage of time and energy expenditure.Additionally,foraging decreased in the disturbed environment than that in the normal environment.Resting behavior showed the opposite trend,while other behaviors were similar in both environments.The total diurnal energy expenditure of ducks in the disturbed environment was greater than that in the normal environment,with decreased foraging and resting time percentage and increased behaviors related to immediate safety(swimming and alert) and comfort.These results oppose the compensatory foraging hypothesis in favor of increased security.The optimal diurnal energy expenditure model included river width and water depth,which had a positive relationship;an increase in either of these two factors resulted in an increase in energy expenditure.This study provides a better understanding of energy allocation strategies underlying the superficial time allocation of wintering waterbirds according to environmental conditions.Exploring these changes can help understand the maximum fitness of wintering waterbirds in response to nature and human influences.

Clinical effects of nonconvulsive electrotherapy combined with mindfulness-based stress reduction and changes of serum inflammatory factors in depression

BACKGROUND Depression is a common and serious psychological condition,which seriously affects individual well-being and functional ability.Traditional treatment methods include drug therapy and psychological counseling;however,these methods have different degrees of side effects and limitations.In recent years,nonconvulsive electrotherapy(NET)has attracted increasing attention as a noninvasive treatment method.However,the clinical efficacy and potential mechanism of NET on depression are still unclear.We hypothesized that NET has a positive clinical effect in the treatment of depression,and may have a regulatory effect on serum inflammatory factors during treatment.AIM To assess the effects of NET on depression and analyze changes in serum inflammatory factors.METHODS This retrospective study enrolled 140 patients undergoing treatment for depression between May 2017 and June 2022,the observation group that received a combination of mindfulness-based stress reduction(MBSR)and NET treatment(n=70)and the control group that only received MBSR therapy(n=70).The clinical effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated by assessing various factors,including the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)-17,self-rating idea of suicide scale(SSIOS),Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),and levels of serum inflammatory factors before and after 8 wk of treatment.The quality of life scores between the two groups were compared.Comparisons were made using t and χ^(2) tests.RESULTS After 8 wk of treatment,the observation group exhibited a 91.43%overall effectiveness rate which was higher than that of the control group which was 74.29%(64 vs 52,χ^(2)=7.241;P<0.05).The HAMD,SSIOS,and PSQI scores showed a significant decrease in both groups.Moreover,the observation group had lower scores than the control group(10.37±2.04 vs 14.02±2.16,t=10.280;1.67±0.28 vs 0.87±0.12,t=21.970;5.29±1.33 vs 7.94±1.35,t=11.700;P both<0.001).Additionally,there was a notable decrease in the IL-2,IL-1β,and IL-6 in both groups after treatment.Furthermore,the observation group exhibited superior serum inflammatory factors compared to the control group(70.12±10.32 vs 102.24±20.21,t=11.840;19.35±2.46 vs 22.27±2.13,t=7.508;32.25±4.6 vs 39.42±4.23,t=9.565;P both<0.001).Moreover,the observation group exhibited significantly improved quality of life scores compared to the control group(Social function:19.25±2.76 vs 16.23±2.34;Emotions:18.54±2.83 vs 12.28±2.16;Environment:18.49±2.48 vs 16.56±3.44;Physical health:19.53±2.39 vs 16.62±3.46;P both<0.001)after treatment.CONCLUSION MBSR combined with NET effectively alleviates depression,lowers inflammation(IL-2,IL-1β,and IL-6),reduces suicidal thoughts,enhances sleep,and improves the quality of life of individuals with depression.

Vitamin D deficiency and increased inflammatory factor intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 indicate severe leukoaraiosis in northern China

Background and objective:Commonly plaguing in the frigid zone of the world,vitamin D deficiency,as indicated by low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D,exacerbated inflammatory responses and impaired endothelial function.Leukoaraiosis(LA)is a prevalent cause of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly and is potentially associated with inflammatory responses.This study aimed to investigate the impact of vitamin D on the severity of LA.Methods:Patients with LA were categorized based on 3.0 T brain MRI findings into mild(N=43),moderate(N=40),or severe groups(N=29)using the Fazekas scale(scoring 1-6).A control group consisting of 41 healthy individuals was included.Serum fibrinogen C,homocysteine,plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D,and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)levels were measured using ELISA.Results:All LA severity groups exhibited lower plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels compared to the control group,with a more pronounced decrease observed as LA severity increased.Low plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D was identified as an independent risk factor for LA(P<0.05)according to Multiple logistic regression analysis.Additionally,a negative association was observed between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and vascular inflammatory factor ICAM-1.Conclusions:Disease severity positively correlated with levels of the inflammatory marker ICAM-1,worsening as plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration decreased.Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D emerged as an independent risk factor for LA,potentially exacerbating the inflammatory response.These findings suggest 25-hydroxyvitamin D supplementation as a potential therapeutic approach for LA.

基于TimeSVD++与DPC的推荐算法研究

针对使用奇异值分解(SVD)方法时需要填充矩阵的内容较多以及K-means算法受到K值的影响且数据集形状限制等问题,提出一种将TimeSVD++与改进的密度峰值聚类结合的方法。首先在SVD++的基础上引入参数时间因子,构建TimeSVD++模型;其次,采用将相似系数引入高斯核函数的方法,对密度峰聚类算法中的局部密度公式进行修正;引入信息熵确定最优截断距离,最后在数据集MovieLens-1M和MovieLens-100k上验证,并将实验结果与其它算法进行对比。结果表明:所提出的方法在MAE,RMSE,Recall和F1值指标上均优于其它的算法。

A CNN-Based Single-Stage Occlusion Real-Time Target Detection Method

Aiming at the problem of low accuracy of traditional target detection methods for target detection in endoscopes in substation environments, a CNN-based real-time detection method for masked targets is proposed. The method adopts the overall design of backbone network, detection network and algorithmic parameter optimisation method, completes the model training on the self-constructed occlusion target dataset, and adopts the multi-scale perception method for target detection. The HNM algorithm is used to screen positive and negative samples during the training process, and the NMS algorithm is used to post-process the prediction results during the detection process to improve the detection efficiency. After experimental validation, the obtained model has the multi-class average predicted value (mAP) of the dataset. It has general advantages over traditional target detection methods. The detection time of a single target on FDDB dataset is 39 ms, which can meet the need of real-time target detection. In addition, the project team has successfully deployed the method into substations and put it into use in many places in Beijing, which is important for achieving the anomaly of occlusion target detection.

New scale factor correction scheme for CORDIC algorithm

To overcome the drawbacks such as irregular circuit construction and low system throughput that exist in conventional methods, a new factor correction scheme for coordinate rotation digital computer（ CORDIC） algorithm is proposed. Based on the relationship between the iteration formulae, a new iteration formula is introduced, which leads the correction operation to be several simple shifting and adding operations. As one key part, the effects caused by rounding error are analyzed mathematically and it is concluded that the effects can be degraded by an appropriate selection of coefficients in the iteration formula. The model is then set up in Matlab and coded in Verilog HDL language. The proposed algorithm is also synthesized and verified in field-programmable gate array （FPGA）. The results show that this new scheme requires only one additional clock cycle and there is no change in the elementary iteration for the same precision compared with the conventional algorithm. In addition, the circuit realization is regular and the change in system throughput is very minimal.

Noether symmetry and conserved quantity for dynamical system with non-standard Lagrangians on time scales

This paper focuses on studying the Noether symmetry and the conserved quantity with non-standard Lagrangians, namely exponential Lagrangians and power-law Lagrangians on time scales. Firstly, for each case, the Hamilton prin- ciple based on the action with non-standard Lagrangians on time scales is established, with which the corresponding Euler-Lagrange equation is given. Secondly, according to the invariance of the Hamilton action under the infinitesimal transformation, the Noether theorem for the dynamical system with non-standard Lagrangians on time scales is established. The proof of the theorem consists of two steps. First, it is proved under the infinitesimal transformations of a special one-parameter group without transforming time. Second, utilizing the technique of time-re-parameterization, the Noether theorem in a general form is obtained. The Noether-type conserved quantities with non-standard Lagrangians in both clas- sical and discrete cases are given. Finally, an example in Friedmann-Robertson-Walker spacetime and an example about second order Duffing equation are given to illustrate the application of the results.

Climate Change and Its Effects on Runoff of Kaidu River, Xinjiang, China:A Multiple Time-scale Analysis

This paper applied an integrated method combining grey relation analysis, wavelet analysis and statistical analysis to study climate change and its effects on runoff of the Kaidu River at multi-time scales. Major findings are as follows: 1) Climatic factors were ranked in the order of importance to annual runoff as average annual temperature, average temperature in autumn, average temperature in winter, annual precipitation, precipitation in flood season, average temperature in summer, and average temperature in spring. The average annual temperature and annual precipi- tation were selected as the two representative factors that impact the annual runoff. 2) From the 32-year time scale, the annual runoff and the average annual temperature presented a significantly rising trend, whereas the annual precipita- tion showed little increase over the period of 1957-2002. By changing the time scale from 32-year to 4-year, we ob- served nonlinear trends with increasingly obvious oscillations for annual runoff, average annual temperature, and annual precipitation. 3) The changes of the runoff and the regional climate are closely related, indicating that the runoff change is the result of the regional climate changes. With time scales ranging from 32-year, 16-year, 8-year and to 4-year, there are highly significant linear correlations between the annual runoff and the average annual temperature and the annual precipitation.

A Floating Astronomical Time Scale for the Early Late Cretaceous Continental Strata in the Songliao Basin, Northeastern China

A continuous terrestrial succession was recovered from the Songke-2(SK-2)borehole in the Songliao Basin,Northeastern China.This borehole provides a unique material for further research on the continental paleoclimate during Cretaceous greenhouse period,following a series of achievements of the Songke-1(SK-1)core.In this study,thorium(Th)logging data were chosen as a paleoclimate proxy to conduct a detailed cyclostratigraphic analysis.The Th series varies quasi-periodically;power spectra and evolutionary fast Fourier transformation(FFT)analysis reveal significant cycles in the Quantou(K2 q),Qingshankou(K2 qn),Yaojia(K2 y)and Nenjiang(K2 n)formations.The ratio of cycle wavelengths in these stratigraphic units is approximately 20:5:2:1,corresponding to long orbital eccentricity(405 kyr),short orbital eccentricity(100 kyr),obliquity(37 kyr),and precession cycles(22.5 kyr and 18.4 kyr).The durations of the K2 n,K2 y,K2 qn and K2 q are estimated as 6.97,1.83,5.30 and 4.52 Myr,respectively,based on the constructed^18.62 Myr"floating"astronomical time scale(ATS).Comparison of the durations between the SK-1 s and SK-2 boreholes exhibits a slight difference of 0.06 Myr and 0.459 Myr for K2 qn and K2 y.Nevertheless,our ATS of K2 n supports the chronostratigraphic frame constructed by the CA-ID-TIMS data of the SK-1 s borehole.This new"floating"ATS provides precise numerical ages for stratigraphic boundaries,biozones and geological events in the Songliao Basin,and can serve as a basis for correlation of strata and events between marine and terrestrial systems.