Difficulties Facing the Arctic Council Reform and Domainal Governance

The Arctic Council celebrated its 20th birthday in 2016. During the last two decades, the Council has played a crucial role in Arctic governance. However, with the change of world situation and the increasing of global attention, defects inherent in the Council appeared one by one. Against this backdrop, more voices raise call for the reform of the Council. In response, the Council has recently implemented measures such as creating the Council Secretariat, attempting to transform itself from a “forum” into an “organization”. However, there are still immense hurdles to a comprehensive reform of the Council, due to its indefinite goal, lack of momentum and structural deficiencies. In recent years, a tendency of domainal governance emerged in the scene of Arctic governance, which gives the international community a new perspective to the devising of a strategy for building regional order. When it comes to the effectiveness of Arctic governance, a network formed by domainal governance is not necessarily worse than a comprehensive governance mechanism. In this connection, the Council may be treated as a part of the domainal governance network in the Arctic, so that the Council may join with other domainal governance mechanisms in the efforts to push Arctic governance to move in a better direction.

Interaction of major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A with the blood-brain barrier

The functional and structural integrity of the blood-brain barrier is crucial in maintaining homeostasis in the brain microenvironment;however,the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and function of the blood-brain barrier remain poorly understood.The major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A has been identified as a key regulator of blood-brain barrier function.It plays a critical role in promoting and maintaining the formation and functional stability of the blood-brain barrier,in addition to the transport of lipids,such as docosahexaenoic acid,across the blood-brain barrier.Furthermore,an increasing number of studies have suggested that major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A is involved in the molecular mechanisms of blood-brain barrier dysfunction in a variety of neurological diseases;however,little is known regarding the mechanisms by which major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A affects the blood-brain barrier.This paper provides a comprehensive and systematic review of the close relationship between major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A proteins and the blood-brain barrier,including their basic structures and functions,cross-linking between major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A and the blood-brain barrier,and the in-depth studies on lipid transport and the regulation of blood-brain barrier permeability.This comprehensive systematic review contributes to an in-depth understanding of the important role of major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A proteins in maintaining the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier and the research progress to date.This will not only help to elucidate the pathogenesis of neurological diseases,improve the accuracy of laboratory diagnosis,and optimize clinical treatment strategies,but it may also play an important role in prognostic monitoring.In addition,the effects of major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A on blood-brain barrier leakage in various diseases and the research progress on cross-blood-brain barrier drug delivery are summarized.This review may contribute to the development of new approaches for the treatment of neurological diseases.

Crosstalk among canonical Wnt and Hippo pathway members in skeletal muscle and at the neuromuscular junction

Skeletal muscles are essential for locomotion,posture,and metabolic regulation.To understand physiological processes,exercise adaptation,and muscle-related disorders,it is critical to understand the molecular pathways that underlie skeletal muscle function.The process of muscle contra ction,orchestrated by a complex interplay of molecular events,is at the core of skeletal muscle function.Muscle contraction is initiated by an action potential and neuromuscular transmission requiring a neuromuscular junction.Within muscle fibers,calcium ions play a critical role in mediating the interaction between actin and myosin filaments that generate force.Regulation of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum plays a key role in excitation-contraction coupling.The development and growth of skeletal muscle are regulated by a network of molecular pathways collectively known as myogenesis.Myogenic regulators coordinate the diffe rentiation of myoblasts into mature muscle fibers.Signaling pathways regulate muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy in response to mechanical stimuli and nutrient availability.Seve ral muscle-related diseases,including congenital myasthenic disorders,sarcopenia,muscular dystrophies,and metabolic myopathies,are underpinned by dys regulated molecular pathways in skeletal muscle.Therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving muscle mass and function,enhancing regeneration,and improving metabolic health hold promise by targeting specific molecular pathways.Other molecular signaling pathways in skeletal muscle include the canonical Wnt signaling pathway,a critical regulator of myogenesis,muscle regeneration,and metabolic function,and the Hippo signaling pathway.In recent years,more details have been uncovered about the role of these two pathways during myogenesis and in developing and adult skeletal muscle fibers,and at the neuromuscular junction.In fact,research in the last few years now suggests that these two signaling pathways are interconnected and that they jointly control physiological and pathophysiological processes in muscle fibers.In this review,we will summarize and discuss the data on these two pathways,focusing on their concerted action next to their contribution to skeletal muscle biology.However,an in-depth discussion of the noncanonical Wnt pathway,the fibro/a dipogenic precursors,or the mechanosensory aspects of these pathways is not the focus of this review.

Fiber optic monitoring of an anti-slide pile in a retrogressive landslide

Anti-slide piles are one of the most important reinforcement structures against landslides,and evalu-ating the working conditions is of great significance for landslide mitigation.The widely adopted analytical methods of pile internal forces include cantilever beam method and elastic foundation beam method.However,due to many assumptions involved in calculation,the analytical models cannot be fully applicable to complex site situations,e.g.landslides with multi-sliding surfaces and pile-soil interface separation as discussed herein.In view of this,the combination of distributed fiber optic sensing(DFOS)and strain-internal force conversion methods was proposed to evaluate the working conditions of an anti-sliding pile in a typical retrogressive landslide in the Three Gorges reservoir area,China.Brillouin optical time domain reflectometry(BOTDR)was utilized to monitor the strain distri-bution along the pile.Next,by analyzing the relative deformation between the pile and its adjacent inclinometer,the pile-soil interface separation was profiled.Finally,the internal forces of the anti-slide pile were derived based on the strain-internal force conversion method.According to the ratio of calculated internal forces to the design values,the working conditions of the anti-slide pile could be evaluated.The results demonstrated that the proposed method could reveal the deformation pattern of the anti-slide pile system,and can quantitatively evaluate its working conditions.

Association of physical activity with risk of chronic kidney disease in China:A population-based cohort study

Background:Information on the association between physical activity(PA)and the risk of chronic kidney disease(CKD)is limited.We aimed to explore the associations of total,domain-specific,and intensity-specific PA with CKD and its subtypes in China.Methods:The study included 475,376 adults from the China Kadoorie Biobank aged 30-79 years during 2004-2008 at baseline.An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the information about PA,which was quantified as metabolic equivalent of task hours per day(MET-h/day)and categorized into 4 groups based on quartiles.Cox regression was used to analyze the association between PA and CKD risk.Results:During a median follow-up of 12.1 years,5415 incident CKD cases were documented,including 1159 incident diabetic kidney disease(DKD)cases and 362 incident hypertensive nephropathy(HTN)cases.Total PA was inversely associated with CKD risk,with an adjusted hazard ratio(HR,95%confidence interval(95%CI))of 0.83(0.75-0.92)for incident CKD in the highest quartile of total PA as compared with participants in the lowest quartile.Similar results were observed for risk of DKD and HTN,and the corresponding HRs(95%CIs)were 0.75(0.58-0.97)for DKD risk and 0.56(0.37-0.85)for HTN risk.Increased nonoccupational PA,low-intensity PA,and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA were significantly associated with a decreased risk of CKD,with HRs(95%CIs)of 0.80(0.73-0.88),0.85(0.77-0.94),and 0.85(0.76-0.95)in the highest quartile,respectively.Conclusion:PA,including nonoccupational PA,low-intensity PA,and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA,was inversely associated with the risk of CKD,including DKD,HTN,and other CKD,and such associations were dose dependent.

Effects of spot size on the operation mode of Ga As photoconductive semiconductor switch employing extrinsic photoconductivity

To guide the illuminating design to improve the on-state performances of gallium arsenide(GaAs)photoconductive semiconductor switch(PCSS),the effect of spot size on the operation mode of GaAsPCSS based on a semi-insulating wafer with a thickness of 1 mm,triggered by a 1064-nm extrinsic laser beam with the rectangular spot,has been investigated experimentally.It is found that the variation of the spot size in length and width can act on the different parts of the output waveform integrating the characteristics of the linear and nonlinear modes,and then significantly boosts the PCSS toward different operation modes.On this basis,a two-channel model containing the active and passive parts is introduced to interpret the relevant influencing mechanisms.Results indicate that the increased spot length can peak the amplitude of static domains in the active part to enhance the development of the nonlinear switching,while the extended spot width can change the distribution of photogenerated carriers on both parts to facilitate the linear switching and weaken the nonlinear switching,which have been proved by comparing the domain evolutions under different spot sizes.

Discovering Cathodic Biocompatibility for Aqueous Zn–MnO_(2) Battery:An Integrating Biomass Carbon Strategy

Developing high-performance aqueous Zn-ion batteries from sustainable biomass becomes increasingly vital for large-scale energy storage in the foreseeable future.Therefore,γ-MnO_(2) uniformly loaded on N-doped carbon derived from grapefruit peel is successfully fabricated in this work,and particularly the composite cathode with carbon carrier quality percentage of 20 wt%delivers the specific capacity of 391.2 mAh g^(−1)at 0.1 A g^(−1),outstanding cyclic stability of 92.17%after 3000 cycles at 5 A g^(−1),and remarkable energy density of 553.12 Wh kg^(−1) together with superior coulombic efficiency of~100%.Additionally,the cathodic biosafety is further explored specifically through in vitro cell toxicity experiments,which verifies its tremendous potential in the application of clinical medicine.Besides,Zinc ion energy storage mechanism of the cathode is mainly discussed from the aspects of Jahn–Teller effect and Mn domains distribution combined with theoretical analysis and experimental data.Thus,a novel perspective of the conversion from biomass waste to biocompatible Mn-based cathode is successfully developed.

Identification of Fusarium wilt resistance gene SiRLK1 in Sesamum indicum L.

Sesame Fusarium wilt(SFW),caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.sesami(Fos),is one of the most devastating diseases affecting sesame cultivation.Deciphering the genetic control of SFW resistance is pivotal for effective disease management in sesame.An inheritance study on a cross between the highly resistant variety Yuzhi 11 and the highly susceptible accession Sp1 using a Fos pathogenicity group 1 isolate indicated that resistance was conferred by a single dominant allele.The target locus was located in a 1.24 Mb interval on chromosome 3 using a combination of cross-population association mapping and bulked segregant analysis.Fine genetic mapping further narrowed the interval between 21,350 and 21,401 kb.The locus Sindi_0812400 was identified as the SFW resistance gene and officially designated SiRLK1.This gene encodes a specific malectin/receptor-like protein kinase with three putative tandem kinase domains and is considered a kinase fusion protein.Sequence analysis revealed that a high proportion(49.44%)of variants within the locus was located within the kinase domainⅢ,and several of which were evidently associated with the diversity in SFW response,indicating the critical role of kinase domainⅢin expression of disease resistance.These findings provide valuable information for further functional analysis of SFW resistance genes and marker-assisted resistance breeding in sesame.

Label Recovery and Trajectory Designable Network for Transfer Fault Diagnosis of Machines With Incorrect Annotation

The success of deep transfer learning in fault diagnosis is attributed to the collection of high-quality labeled data from the source domain.However,in engineering scenarios,achieving such high-quality label annotation is difficult and expensive.The incorrect label annotation produces two negative effects:1)the complex decision boundary of diagnosis models lowers the generalization performance on the target domain,and2)the distribution of target domain samples becomes misaligned with the false-labeled samples.To overcome these negative effects,this article proposes a solution called the label recovery and trajectory designable network(LRTDN).LRTDN consists of three parts.First,a residual network with dual classifiers is to learn features from cross-domain samples.Second,an annotation check module is constructed to generate a label anomaly indicator that could modify the abnormal labels of false-labeled samples in the source domain.With the training of relabeled samples,the complexity of diagnosis model is reduced via semi-supervised learning.Third,the adaptation trajectories are designed for sample distributions across domains.This ensures that the target domain samples are only adapted with the pure-labeled samples.The LRTDN is verified by two case studies,in which the diagnosis knowledge of bearings is transferred across different working conditions as well as different yet related machines.The results show that LRTDN offers a high diagnosis accuracy even in the presence of incorrect annotation.

Weber Law Based Approach for Multi-Class Image Forgery Detection

Today’s forensic science introduces a new research area for digital image analysis formultimedia security.So,Image authentication issues have been raised due to the wide use of image manipulation software to obtain an illegitimate benefit or createmisleading publicity by using tempered images.Exiting forgery detectionmethods can classify only one of the most widely used Copy-Move and splicing forgeries.However,an image can contain one or more types of forgeries.This study has proposed a hybridmethod for classifying Copy-Move and splicing images using texture information of images in the spatial domain.Firstly,images are divided into equal blocks to get scale-invariant features.Weber law has been used for getting texture features,and finally,XGBOOST is used to classify both Copy-Move and splicing forgery.The proposed method classified three types of forgeries,i.e.,splicing,Copy-Move,and healthy.Benchmarked(CASIA 2.0,MICCF200)and RCMFD datasets are used for training and testing.On average,the proposed method achieved 97.3% accuracy on benchmarked datasets and 98.3% on RCMFD datasets by applying 10-fold cross-validation,which is far better than existing methods.

Estimation-free spatial-domain image reconstruction of structured illumination microscopy

Structured illumination microscopy(SIM)achieves super-resolution(SR)by modulating the high-frequency information of the sample into the passband of the optical system and subsequent image reconstruction.The traditional Wiener-filtering-based reconstruction algorithm operates in the Fourier domain,it requires prior knowledge of the sinusoidal illumination patterns which makes the time-consuming procedure of parameter estimation to raw datasets necessary,besides,the parameter estimation is sensitive to noise or aberration-induced pattern distortion which leads to reconstruction artifacts.Here,we propose a spatial-domain image reconstruction method that does not require parameter estimation but calculates patterns from raw datasets,and a reconstructed image can be obtained just by calculating the spatial covariance of differential calculated patterns and differential filtered datasets(the notch filtering operation is performed to the raw datasets for attenuating and compensating the optical transfer function(OTF)).Experiments on reconstructing raw datasets including nonbiological,biological,and simulated samples demonstrate that our method has SR capability,high reconstruction speed,and high robustness to aberration and noise.

3'-Deoxyadenosin alleviates methamphetamine-induced aberrant synaptic plasticity and seeking behavior by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome

Methamphetamine addiction is a brain disorder characterized by persistent drug-seeking behavior, which has been linked with aberrant synaptic plasticity. An increasing body of evidence suggests that aberrant synaptic plasticity is associated with the activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing-3(NLRP3) inflammasome. 3′-Deoxyadenosin, an active component of the Chinese fungus Cordyceps militaris, has strong anti-inflammatory effects. However, whether 3′-deoxyadenosin attenuates methamphetamine-induced aberrant synaptic plasticity via an NLRP3-mediated inflammatory mechanism remains unclear. We first observed that 3′-deoxyadenosin attenuated conditioned place preference scores in methamphetamine-treated mice and decreased the expression of c-fos in hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, we found that 3′-deoxyadenosin reduced the aberrant potentiation of glutamatergic transmission and restored the methamphetamine-induced impairment of synaptic plasticity. We also found that 3′-deoxyadenosin decreased the expression of NLRP3 and neuronal injury. Importantly, a direct NLRP3 deficiency reduced methamphetamine-induced seeking behavior, attenuated the impaired synaptic plasticity, and prevented neuronal damage. Finally, NLRP3 activation reversed the effect of 3′-deoxyadenosin on behavior and synaptic plasticity, suggesting that the anti-neuroinflammatory mechanism of 3′-deoxyadenosin on aberrant synaptic plasticity reduces methamphetamine-induced seeking behavior. Taken together, 3′-deoxyadenosin alleviates methamphetamine-induced aberrant synaptic plasticity and seeking behavior by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome.

稳定连续半格的闭包空间表示

为稳定连续半格构建合适的闭包空间表示,引入了可乘闭包空间的概念,证明了可乘闭包空间的正则闭集族在集合包含关系下构成了一个稳定连续半格,并且所有的稳定连续半格都可在序同构的意义下由此生成.进一步提出了可乘闭包空间之间逼近映射的概念,刻画了以Scott连续映射为态射的稳定连续半格范畴和以逼近映射为态射的可乘闭包空间范畴间的等价性.

The Jiao Tong University Spectroscopic Telescope Project

The Jiao Tong University Spectroscopic Telescope(JUST)is a 4.4-meter f/6.0 segmented-mirror telescope dedicated to spectroscopic observations.The JUST primary mirror is composed of 18 hexagonal segments,each with a diameter of 1.1 m.JUST provides two Nasmyth platforms for placing science instruments.One Nasmyth focus fits a field of view of 10′and the other has an extended field of view of 1.2°with correction optics.A tertiary mirror is used to switch between the two Nasmyth foci.JUST will be installed at a site at Lenghu in Qinghai Province,China,and will conduct spectroscopic observations with three types of instruments to explore the dark universe,trace the dynamic universe,and search for exoplanets:(1)a multi-fiber(2000 fibers)medium-resolution spectrometer(R=4000-5000)to spectroscopically map galaxies and large-scale structure;(2)an integral field unit(IFU)array of 500 optical fibers and/or a long-slit spectrograph dedicated to fast follow-ups of transient sources for multi-messenger astronomy;(3)a high-resolution spectrometer(R~100000)designed to identify Jupiter analogs and Earth-like planets,with the capability to characterize the atmospheres of hot exoplanets.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of a child with Sotos syndrome and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder:A case report

BACKGROUND Sotos syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder,whereas attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is a neurodevelopmental condition.This report aimed to summarize the clinical and genetic features of a pediatric case of Soros syndrome and ADHD in a child exhibiting precocious puberty.CASE SUMMARY The patient presented with accelerated growth and advanced skeletal maturation;however,she lacked any distinct facial characteristics related to specific genetic disorders.Genetic analyses revealed a paternally inherited heterozygous synonymous mutation[c.4605C>T(p.Arg1535Arg)].Functional analyses suggested that this mutation may disrupt splicing,and bioinformatics analyses predicted that this mutation was likely pathogenic.After an initial diagnosis of Sotos syndrome,the patient was diagnosed with ADHD during the follow-up period at the age of 8 years and 7 months.CONCLUSION The potential for comorbid ADHD in Sotos syndrome patients should be considered to avoid the risk of a missed diagnosis.

Jianpi Gushen Huayu decoction ameliorated diabetic nephropathy through modulating metabolites in kidney,and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 and JNK/P38 pathways

BACKGROUND Jianpi Gushen Huayu Decoction(JPGS)has been used to clinically treat diabetic nephropathy(DN)for many years.However,the protective mechanism of JPGS in treating DN remains unclear.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effects and the possible mechanism of JPGS on DN.METHODS We first evaluated the therapeutic potential of JPGS on a DN mouse model.We then investigated the effect of JPGS on the renal metabolite levels of DN mice using non-targeted metabolomics.Furthermore,we examined the effects of JPGS on c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/P38-mediated apoptosis and the inflammatory responses mediated by toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3).RESULTS The ameliorative effects of JPGS on DN mice included the alleviation of renal injury and the control of inflammation and oxidative stress.Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that JPGS altered the metabolites of the kidneys in DN mice.A total of 51 differential metabolites were screened.Pathway analysis results indicated that nine pathways significantly changed between the control and model groups,while six pathways significantly altered between the model and JPGS groups.Pathways related to cysteine and methionine metabolism;alanine,tryptophan metabolism;aspartate and glutamate metabolism;and riboflavin metabolism were identified as the key pathways through which JPGS affects DN.Further experimental validation showed that JPGS treatment reduced the expression of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways and JNK/P38 pathway-mediated apoptosis related factors.CONCLUSION JPGS could markedly treat mice with streptozotocin(STZ)-induced DN,which is possibly related to the regulation of several metabolic pathways found in kidneys.Furthermore,JPGS could improve kidney inflammatory responses and ameliorate kidney injuries in DN mice via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and inhibit JNK/P38 pathwaymediated apoptosis in DN mice.

Delineating homogeneous domains of fractured rocks using topological manifolds and deep learning

Determining homogeneous domains statistically is helpful for engineering geological modeling and rock mass stability evaluation.In this text,a technique that can integrate lithology,geotechnical and structural information is proposed to delineate homogeneous domains.This technique is then applied to a high and steep slope along a road.First,geological and geotechnical domains were described based on lithology,faults,and shear zones.Next,topological manifolds were used to eliminate the incompatibility between orientations and other parameters(i.e.trace length and roughness)so that the data concerning various properties of each discontinuity can be matched and characterized in the same Euclidean space.Thus,the influence of implicit combined effect in between parameter sequences on the homogeneous domains could be considered.Deep learning technique was employed to quantify abstract features of the characterization images of discontinuity properties,and to assess the similarity of rock mass structures.The results show that the technique can effectively distinguish structural variations and outperform conventional methods.It can handle multisource engineering geological information and multiple discontinuity parameters.This technique can also minimize the interference of human factors and delineate homogeneous domains based on orientations or multi-parameter with arbitrary distributions to satisfy different engineering requirements.

Fast measurement and prediction method for electromagnetic susceptibility of receiver

Aiming at evaluating and predicting rapidly and accurately a high sensitivity receiver’s adaptability in complex electromagnetic environments,a novel testing and prediction method based on dual-channel multi-frequency is proposed to improve the traditional two-tone test.Firstly,two signal generators are used to generate signals at the radio frequency(RF)by frequency scanning,and then a rapid measurement at the intermediate frequency(IF)output port is carried out to obtain a huge amount of sample data for the subsequent analysis.Secondly,the IF output response data are modeled and analyzed to construct the linear and nonlinear response constraint equations in the frequency domain and prediction models in the power domain,which provide the theoretical criteria for interpreting and predicting electromagnetic susceptibility(EMS)of the receiver.An experiment performed on a radar receiver confirms the reliability of the method proposed in this paper.It shows that the interference of each harmonic frequency and each order to the receiver can be identified and predicted with the sensitivity model.Based on this,fast and comprehensive evaluation and prediction of the receiver’s EMS in complex environment can be efficiently realized.

Satellite Data-based Structural Mapping Reveals Active Panjal Traps Fault(PTF)in Kashmir,NW Himalaya

Exploring the evidence for unidentified earthquake-causing faults in the orogenic zones,and primarily the interior parts(Shah,2013),has been an ongoing quest for centuries(Willis,1923;Baker et al.,1988;Yeats et al.,1992;Wesnousky et al.,1999;Malik et al.,2010;Coudurier-Curveur et al.,2020;Shah et al.,2020).These faults are potentially dangerous due to their unknown risk and deformation budget,two of the most important aspects of mapping and understanding the vulnerability and hazards associated with active faults.

A tensile wearable SHF antenna with efficient communication in defense beacon technology

The study projects a flexible and compact wearable pear-shaped Super High Frequency(SHF)antenna that can provide detailed location recognition and tracking applicable to defense beacon technology.This mini aperture with electrical dimensions of 0.12λ_(0)×0.22λ_(0)×0.01λ_(0)attains a vast bandwidth over 3.1-34.5 GHz Super High Frequency(SHF)frequency band at S_(11)≤-10 dB,peak gain of 7.14 dBi and proportionately homogeneous radiation pattern.The fractional bandwidth(%BW)acquired is 168%that envelopes diversified frequency spectrum inclusive of X band specifically targeted to all kinds of defense and military operations.The proposed antenna can be worn on a soldier's uniform and hence the Specific Absorption Rate simulation is accomplished.The Peak SAR Value over 1 g of tissue is 1.48 W/kg and for 10 g of tissue is 0.27 W/kg well under the safety standards.The flexibility is proven by analyzing the full electromagnetic simulations for various bending conditions.Time response analysis is attained with its Fidelity Factor and Group Delay.Communication excellence is determined using Link Budget Analysis and it is seen that margin at 100 Mbps is 62 m and at 200 Mbps is 59 m.Prototype is fabricated along with experimental validation.All the results show harmony in shaping the antenna to provide critical situational awareness and data sharing capabilities required in defense beacon technology for location identification.